Can I set one attribute to Required and have another Optional?

[rstevenson]

Hi,

I'm trying to set up to sell large products already in their own separate part boxes. One complete product requires more than one part, and may have an optional part as well. Like this...

product: top
attribute: base (each top requires a particular base)
attribute: middle (optional)

I can't just include the base with the top as one product, because our shipping modules need to know that the top is in a separate box and the base is in a separate box. And they are too big to combine into a single box.

So... how can I set one attribute to be required? (I was looking for a simple switch in the attributes setup screens that would control this, but if it's there, I can't find it. )

Rob

[misty]

Attributes controller...at bottom of page
6 different coloured boxes...
3rd from left...coloured orange..
Default attribute to be marked selected...

[rstevenson]

Yessss, ... . But in my case, these are more than just default attributes -- they're required attributes. The product "top" is no good without the attribute "base", though it would be fine without the attribute "middle".

So if I can use the setting you suggest and make it not possible for that attribute to be de-selected, that would work.

I suppose I could apply a style of visible: none in the stylesheet to that radio button or check box (while leaving the attribute itself visible of course) so the buyer couldn't accidentally de-select it.

Rob

[misty]

Understand now.. quite a conundrum..thinking cap
on ..

[misty]

Top and base are set as required...middle is option..
So set up an option as please choose(default)..add that
option to both top and base..so customer has to choose
those two..middle option on its own..not necessarily
as default choice.

[rstevenson]

Thanks for that misty.

I think I'm going to have to set up a duplicate of the store (it's live, and disturbing its databse is likely Not a Good Thing) here on my MAMP server so I can experiment freely. Sounds like there are a lot of possibilities to consider, and I might need to use a combination of things -- like a default attribute and then hiding part of it using styles -- to make things work.

I hope there aren't too many permutations and combinations of products/attributes. This could make me crazy!

Rob

PS
In case you were wondering, the product is fountains, and most do have bases, but they may also have pumps of various kinds, lights of various kinds, reservoirs, etc., and are available in various optional finishes, and ... ... .