Item Variants and Attributes

Item Variants and Attributes

Item variants allow you to manage multiple versions of the same product with different attributes (like size, color, material) as separate items while maintaining relationships between them. This guide explains how to create and manage variants in EquiBillBook.

What are Item Variants?

Variants are different versions of the same base product that differ in attributes like:

• Size (Small, Medium, Large, XL)
• Color (Red, Blue, Green)
• Material (Cotton, Polyester, Silk)
• Style (Round Neck, V Neck)
• Any combination of the above

Why Use Variants?

• Inventory Tracking: Track stock separately for each variant
• Pricing Flexibility: Different prices for different variants
• Sales Analysis: Understand which variants sell better
• Better Organization: Manage related products together

Understanding Attributes

Attributes are the characteristics that define variants:

• Attribute Type: The category (Size, Color, Material)
• Attribute Value: The specific option (Red, Large, Cotton)

Example: For a T-shirt, attributes might be:

• Size: Small, Medium, Large
• Color: Red, Blue, Green

Setting Up Attributes

Before creating variants, set up attribute types and values:

1. Navigate to Settings → Item Settings → Attributes
2. Click "Create Attribute Type"
3. Enter attribute name (e.g., "Size", "Color")
4. Add attribute values:
   • For "Size": Small, Medium, Large, XL
   • For "Color": Red, Blue, Green, Black
5. Save the attribute type

Creating Items with Variants

Method 1: Create Base Item First

1. Create the base item (e.g., "T-Shirt")
2. In item settings, enable "Has Variants" or "Variants Enabled"
3. Select the attributes (Size, Color)
4. The system will generate all variant combinations
5. Configure individual variant details (price, stock, SKU)

Method 2: Create Variants Manually

1. Create the first variant item (e.g., "T-Shirt - Small - Red")
2. Set up attributes in the item details
3. Create additional variants individually
4. Link them as variants of the same base product

Managing Variant Details

For each variant, you can configure:

• Unique SKU: Different item code for each variant
• Price: Variant-specific pricing (e.g., XL costs more)
• Stock: Independent stock tracking for each variant
• Images: Variant-specific product images
• Barcode: Unique barcode for each variant

Variant Pricing

Set different prices for variants:

• Base Price: Default price for all variants
• Variant-Specific Price: Override price for individual variants
• Example: Small = ₹500, Medium = ₹550, Large = ₹600, XL = ₹650

Stock Management for Variants

Each variant maintains separate stock:

• Track inventory independently for each variant
• Set low stock alerts per variant
• View combined stock of all variants or individual variant stock
• Stock movements are tracked separately

Using Variants in Transactions

When creating sales invoices or purchase bills:

• Select the base item or search for variants
• Choose the specific variant (e.g., "T-Shirt - Large - Blue")
• Quantity, price, and stock reflect the selected variant
• Stock is updated for that specific variant only

Variant SKUs and Codes

Generate unique codes for variants:

• Use attribute values in SKU: PROD-001-L-RED
• Or sequential: PROD-001-V1, PROD-001-V2
• Ensure each variant has a unique identifier
• This helps with inventory tracking and barcode scanning

Variant Images

Assign images to variants:

• Upload variant-specific images (e.g., red shirt image for red variant)
• Display appropriate image when variant is selected
• Improves user experience in POS and online catalog

Editing Variants

To modify variant details:

1. Navigate to the item variants list
2. Select the variant to edit
3. Update price, stock, SKU, or other details
4. Save changes

Or edit from the main item - variants are shown as sub-items.

Adding New Variants

To add variants to an existing item:

1. Edit the base item
2. Go to "Variants" section
3. Click "Add Variant"
4. Select attribute values for the new variant
5. Configure variant details
6. Save

Disabling/Deleting Variants

To stop selling a variant:

• Deactivate: Mark variant as inactive (keeps historical data)
• Delete: Remove variant (only if no transactions exist)
• Deactivating is recommended to preserve sales history

Variant Reports

Generate reports by variant:

• Sales by variant to see which combinations sell best
• Stock levels by variant
• Profit analysis by variant
• Low stock alerts per variant

Best Practices

• Plan Attributes First: Define all attributes and values before creating variants
• Consistent Naming: Use clear, consistent names for variants
• Unique SKUs: Ensure each variant has a unique identifier
• Stock Management: Monitor stock levels for each variant separately
• Price Strategy: Set variant pricing based on costs and market factors

Troubleshooting

Can't Create Variants: Ensure attributes are set up first in Settings → Item Settings → Attributes.

Variant Not Showing: Check if variant is active and attributes are correctly assigned.

Wrong Stock: Verify you're viewing the correct variant's stock; each variant has separate inventory.

Related Topics

• Creating Items
• Item Codes and SKUs
• Stock Management
• Item Pricing