Variations basics - product-based VS field-based variations

Valigara manages product variations in 2 ways:

1. Product-based variations are created by combining the information from different products of the same model. 

• This type of variation is used when each variation has its own characteristics/data. For example, different images, weights, pricing, or any other parameter.
• Product-based variations can be posted to channels separately. F.i. if the necklace exists in White gold, Yellow gold, and Rose gold, and all three products need to be posted to a website/marketplace separately. The variations are created as individual products in the Valigara catalog, and the 3 products can be combined into one listing with variations, on channels, or posted to the channels as 3 separate listings. 

2. Field-based variations are created using the “Select Variation” fields of the product. 

• They allow to display the product variations on channels without creating separate products in Valigara. All information is taken from the same product, and the only difference between the variations of the resulting marketplace listing is the value of the variation. Each variation has its own SKU, which appears in the Variations tab of the product. 
• The Filed-based variations are useful for the channels which require individual SKU for each variation (Amazon, Walmart, etc.), or for the proper order management - each version of the product is easily identified by its SKU. 
• Examples: “Ring size” with variation values 5, 6, 7;  or “strap color” with variation values Blue, Green, Red, and Black. In this case ring sizes 5 6 7 have exactly the same information. Different variations do not influence images, don’t have separate stock or other details; and cannot be posted to channels separately. 
• Create as many fields of the “Select Variation” type in the product. This is done in the Additional fields interface. 

The model-based and field-based variation counters appear below the product thumbnail. 

• Click on the model-based count displays all products built on the same models
• Click on the field-based count displays the variations tab in the specific product

See how to create listings with the variations and channel-specific varations requirements During the post, the values of Field-based field can be used for Product-based variation creation. In this case the main value of the field will be taken. Example: Pendant A (Yellow gold, "Chain length" variations: 14, 16, 18 in.)  and Pendant B (Rose gold, Sizes variations: 16, 18, 24 in.) are based on the same model. Pendants are posted to Amazon with variation "Chain length". In this case, the pendants will appear with  Chain length 14 and 16.