Selling on Etsy can be a great way to reach a large audience and grow your business. However, as a seller, you may be wondering how many variations you can have on your listings. Variations are a way to offer customers different options for a product, such as size or color.
According to Etsy’s guidelines, sellers can have a maximum of two variant types per listing, with a maximum of 70 options between them. For example, a seller could offer variations for size and color, with up to 35 options for each. It’s important to note that each option counts towards the maximum of 70, so if a seller offers 35 colors, they can only offer 35 sizes.
While this may seem limiting, there are ways to maximize your use of variations on Etsy. By getting creative with your options and grouping similar variations together, you can offer customers a wide range of choices while staying within Etsy’s guidelines. Ultimately, offering variations can help you attract more customers and increase sales on the platform.
Understanding Etsy Variations
Etsy Variation Basics
Etsy variations allow sellers to offer different options for an item within the same listing. For example, a seller can offer different sizes, colors, or materials for a product. Each variation can have many options, but a listing can only have a maximum of 2 variant types, such as size and color.
According to Etsy Simplicity, a seller can have a maximum of 70 options between the two variant types. This means that a seller can offer 35 options for size and 35 options for color, or any other combination that adds up to 70.
Sellers can also vary on price, quantity, or SKU, and these options will appear next to the variation. To change the order of the options, the seller can click “Edit variations” and drag the option to the preferred order.
How Etsy Variations Work
When a buyer selects a variation, the product image and description will update to reflect the chosen option. The price may also change depending on the variation. For example, a larger size may cost more than a smaller size.
It’s important to note that variations are not separate listings. Instead, they are options within a single listing. This means that the seller only needs to create one listing for a product with multiple variations, and buyers can easily select the option that fits their needs.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that having too many variations can be overwhelming for buyers. It’s best to keep the options simple and easy to understand.
Overall, Etsy variations are a great way for sellers to offer different options for their products without creating multiple listings. By understanding the basics and how they work, sellers can create effective listings that meet the needs of their buyers.
Creating Etsy Variations
Etsy sellers can create variations for their listings to offer customers different options for their products. Here are some steps and tips to help sellers create effective variations.
Steps to Create Variations
- Click on the listing you want to add variations to.
- Scroll down to the “Variations” section and click on “Add Variations.”
- Choose the type of variation you want to offer, such as size, color, or material.
- Enter the different options for each variation type. Etsy allows a maximum of 2 variant types, with a maximum of 70 options between them.
- If you wish to vary the price, quantity, or SKU numbers for your variation, mark the corresponding option under your variation type.
- Click “Save” to add your variations to your listing.
Tips for Creating Effective Variations
- Keep your variations simple and easy to understand. Customers should be able to quickly and easily choose the option they want.
- Use descriptive names for your variations. For example, instead of just “color,” use “red,” “blue,” “green,” etc.
- Use high-quality photos for each variation. Customers should be able to see what each option looks like before they make a purchase.
- Consider offering a default option. This can be helpful for customers who are unsure which variation to choose.
- Test your variations before making them live. Make sure they work properly and that customers can easily select the option they want.
Creating variations can help Etsy sellers offer more options to their customers and increase their sales. By following these steps and tips, sellers can create effective variations that will help them stand out in the marketplace.
Managing Etsy Variations
When it comes to managing Etsy variations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Etsy allows for a maximum of two variant types with a maximum of 70 options between them [1]. This means that you’ll need to be strategic when creating your listings.
How to Edit Variations
If you need to edit your variations, you can do so by clicking on the “Edit” button next to the listing. From there, you can add or remove variations as needed. Keep in mind that any changes you make will affect the entire listing, so be sure to double-check everything before saving your changes.
Dealing with Out of Stock Variations
If you have a variation that is out of stock, you can either remove it or mark it as “Out of Stock.” To do this, go to the “Variations” section of your listing and click on the “Edit” button next to the variation you want to update. From there, you can select the “Out of Stock” option and save your changes.
It’s important to keep your variations up-to-date to avoid any confusion or disappointment from customers. By regularly checking and updating your variations, you can ensure that your listings are accurate and up-to-date.
Overall, managing Etsy variations can be a bit tricky, but with a little bit of planning and organization, you can create listings that are both informative and easy to navigate for your customers.
[1] Source: Etsy Simplicity
Maximizing Etsy Variations
Etsy allows sellers to add up to two variations per listing, which can feel limiting at times. However, there are ways to maximize the use of variations to improve marketing and increase sales.
Using Variations for Marketing
Variations can be used to showcase the variety of options available to customers. For example, if a seller offers handmade jewelry, they could use variations to show different color options or types of stones used. This allows customers to see the full range of options available and can entice them to make a purchase.
Another way to use variations for marketing is to highlight the unique features of a product. For instance, if a seller offers handmade soap, they could use variations to showcase different scents or ingredients used. This can help customers understand the benefits of the product and make an informed purchase.
Increasing Sales with Variations
Variations can also be used to increase sales by offering bundles or sets. For example, a seller could offer a bundle of three handmade candles with different scents. This not only allows customers to try multiple scents at once but also offers a discount for buying in bulk.
Another way to use variations to increase sales is to offer customization options. For instance, if a seller offers handmade clothing, they could use variations to allow customers to choose different sizes, colors, and fabrics. This not only gives customers the option to personalize their purchase but also increases the likelihood of a sale.
In conclusion, while Etsy does have limitations on the number of variations allowed per listing, there are ways to maximize their use for marketing and increasing sales. By showcasing the variety of options available and offering bundles or customization options, sellers can entice customers and improve their chances of making a sale.
Common Challenges with Etsy Variations
Etsy variations are a great way to offer your customers more choices when it comes to your products. However, there are some common challenges that sellers face when it comes to using variations on Etsy. In this section, we will discuss some of these challenges and provide tips on how to overcome them.
Overcoming Variation Limitations
One of the biggest challenges with Etsy variations is the limitations on the number of variations you can have. According to Etsy Simplicity, you can have a maximum of two variant types, with a maximum of 70 options between them. This means that if you offer different options for an item within the same listing, you can add those options as variations. However, you can only offer up to two types of variations for each listing.
To overcome this limitation, sellers can get creative with their variations. For example, if you sell clothing, you can offer variations based on size and color. However, you can also offer variations based on fabric type, sleeve length, or neckline. By thinking outside the box, you can offer more choices to your customers without exceeding the variation limitations.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Another challenge with Etsy variations is making mistakes when setting them up. According to Etsy Community, Etsy’s tools for variations are extremely basic compared to today’s standards. This means that mistakes can be made easily, especially if you are new to using variations on Etsy.
To avoid common mistakes, sellers should take their time when setting up variations. They should also double-check their listings to make sure that all variations are correct. Additionally, sellers should avoid using too many variations, as this can make the listing confusing for customers.
In conclusion, while there are some challenges when it comes to using variations on Etsy, sellers can overcome these challenges by being creative with their variations and avoiding common mistakes. By doing so, they can offer their customers more choices and increase their sales.
Case Studies of Successful Etsy Variations
Successful Variation Strategies
One successful strategy for Etsy variations is to offer a wide range of options for customers. For example, a seller who offers handmade jewelry may provide variations for different colors, styles, and materials. This allows customers to find the perfect piece of jewelry that fits their personal style. Another strategy is to offer variations that cater to different price points. For instance, a seller who offers handmade candles may provide variations for different sizes or packaging options, allowing customers to choose the option that fits their budget.
Another successful strategy is to bundle variations together. For instance, a seller who offers handmade soap may bundle variations for different scents or sizes together, allowing customers to purchase a variety of scents or sizes at once. This not only provides convenience for customers but also increases the seller’s sales.
Lessons from Top Sellers
Top Etsy sellers have shared their strategies for successful variations. One key lesson is to keep variations simple and easy to understand. Customers should be able to quickly and easily understand the differences between each variation. Another lesson is to use high-quality photos that accurately depict each variation. This helps customers make an informed decision and reduces the likelihood of returns or negative reviews.
Top sellers also suggest using variations to upsell customers. For example, a seller who offers handmade clothing may provide variations for different fabrics or customizations, allowing customers to create a truly unique piece of clothing. This not only increases the seller’s revenue but also provides a personalized experience for the customer.
In conclusion, successful Etsy variations require a combination of providing a wide range of options, bundling variations together, keeping variations simple and easy to understand, using high-quality photos, and upselling customers. By following these strategies and learning from top sellers, Etsy sellers can increase their sales and provide a personalized experience for their customers.