Expand Your Product Options: Overcoming the Shopify Variant Limit

Expand Your Product Options: Overcoming the Shopify Variant Limit

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the 99 Variant Limit Problem in Shopify
3. Solution 1: Custom Coding 3.1 Editing the Options 3.2 Setting up the Variant Products 3.3 Adjusting the Theme 3.4 Adding HTML Code 3.5 Adding JavaScript Code
4. Solution 2: Using the Bold Commerce App 4.1 Overview of the Bold Commerce App 4.2 Features and Benefits 4.3 Installation and Configuration
5. Pros and Cons of Custom Coding and Using the Bold Commerce App
6. Conclusion

How to Get Around the 99 Variant Limit Problem in Shopify

Introduction

Shopify is a popular platform for building e-commerce stores, but it has a limitation when it comes to the number of variants a product can have. This 99 variant limit can be problematic for businesses that need to offer a wide range of options to their customers. Fortunately, there are two solutions available to overcome this problem: custom coding and using a third-party app like Bold Commerce. In this article, we will explore both solutions and guide you through the process of implementing them.

Understanding the 99 Variant Limit Problem in Shopify

When you first start building your business on Shopify, you may have a few products with a limited number of variants. However, as your business grows, you might need to add more variants to accommodate customer preferences. This is where the 99 variant limit problem arises. Once you reach this limit, you won't be able to add any more variants to a product, which can hinder your ability to offer a diverse range of options.

Solution 1: Custom Coding

Custom coding is a cost-effective solution that allows you to bypass the 99 variant limit without relying on third-party apps. The process involves editing the options, setting up variant products, adjusting the theme, adding HTML code, and incorporating JavaScript code. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to implement this solution:

1. Editing the Options: To simplify the structure of your store and prevent future problems, it's recommended to focus on essential options only, such as size and color. Remove any additional options like materials.

2. Setting up the Variant Products: Create individual products for each variant category, such as cotton and polyester. Ensure that the titles of these products are the same, with the only difference being the material handle at the end.

3. Adjusting the Theme: Access the theme editor and locate the snippet for the product. Look for the product variant form, which is responsible for switching the selected variants. Add a dropdown menu with hardcoded options for material.

4. Adding HTML Code: Insert the necessary HTML code to create the dropdown menu. Provide options for selecting materials, such as cotton and polyester, with their respective handles.

5. Adding JavaScript Code: Use jQuery to add JavaScript code that redirects the page when a dropdown option is changed. This code will append the selected material to the product URL, ensuring the user is redirected to the corresponding product page.

Solution 2: Using the Bold Commerce App

If you prefer a more user-friendly and customizable solution, you can consider using the Bold Commerce app designed specifically to overcome the 99 variant limit. Priced at $10 per month, this app offers several features and benefits, including a graphical user interface (GUI) for easy modifications. Follow these steps to utilize the app:

1. Overview of the Bold Commerce App: Understand the functionalities provided by the Bold Commerce app, such as the ability to create unlimited variants, rearrange options, and manage product pages effectively.

2. Features and Benefits: Explore the advantages of using the Bold Commerce app, such as enhanced customization options, improved user experience, and increased scalability.

3. Installation and Configuration: Visit the Shopify app store and install the Bold Commerce app. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up and configure the app according to your specific requirements.

Pros and Cons of Custom Coding and Using the Bold Commerce App

Both solutions have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a quick overview:

Custom Coding:

• Pros: Cost-effective, no recurring fees, complete control over the customization process.
• Cons: Requires technical knowledge or assistance, time-consuming, potential for errors during implementation.

Bold Commerce App:

• Pros: User-friendly interface, enhanced features and customization options, ongoing support from the app developers.
• Cons: Recurring monthly fee, limited control over customization, reliance on a third-party app provider.

Conclusion

Overcoming the 99 variant limit problem in Shopify is crucial for businesses that want to offer a large number of options to their customers. Whether you choose to custom code the solution or utilize the Bold Commerce app, both methods can effectively address this limitation. Consider your budget, technical expertise, and desired level of control before deciding on the best approach for your business. By implementing the right solution, you can ensure a seamless shopping experience for your customers and unlock the potential for unlimited product variants.