Attributes on Sub-Level categories

[Yizit]

Hi,

I'm wondering if it's possible to have a Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox (with image) to choose an attribute in a Sub-Level or must I use Sub-Sub-Levels?

For example, I'll use the "Top Level Cat" Category from the Demo in version 1.3.8a. In the Top-Level, we have the Category "Cats". Under that let's say I have:
Sub-Level 2A - Domestic Cats all at $10 each
Sub-Level 2B - Imported Cats all at $20 each, and
Sub-Level 2C - Cloned Cats all at $30 each

So far, no problem.

However, under each of those Sub-Levels, the customer has a choice of 6 different colors. Must I create Sub-Sub-Levels for each of the colors (2A1 through 2A6, 2B1 through 2B6, etc.) or can I use a Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox (with image) to choose the color?

If so, can someone explain how to do that? I seem not to be having any luck with the things I've tried so it may be because I'm not totally clear on the use of attributes or maybe it just can't be done.

Thanks.

[fairestcape]

Attributes are applied to products, not categories or subcategories.

(Not sure what you are trying to achieve here).

Could we have a link to your site to see how it's structured? Then we may have a better idea of what advice to offer...

[Yizit]

Hello fairestcape,

Well, I guess that's a big part of my problem. I was under the impression that Attributes defined the Category and all the Products thereunder.

The link to my test cart is at http://popslittleshop.com/test/

For the most part, I have been playing around with the version 1.3.8a Demo files. However, what I did just now in order to illustrate my question is to create a Category called Jewelry and under that is a Sub-Level Category called Necklaces and one product, 18" Gold Chain Necklaces.

Assuming there were 12 different styles of this necklace, is it possible to have a Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox (with associated image) under this from which the customer could chose the style(s) he/she wanted? Or would I have to create 12 different products, one for each style?

I hope this makes more sense than my original post.

[fairestcape]

The best way to determine the point at which you describe your products by ATTRIBUTES rather than CATEGORIES, is to make an intelligent assessment of how your product sets are grouped and then how specific products in each GROUP are DEFINED.

Take clothing:

TOP category level...

Men's Clothing
Women's Clothing
Children's Clothng

Then, for example, under Men's Clothing, Second-level SUB categories:-

Men's Clothing
|- Shirts
|- Trousers
|- Jackets
|- Underwear

Then, for example under Men's Clothing>>>Shirts Third-level SUB categories:-

Men's Clothing
|- Shirts
.. |- T-Shirts
.. |- Formal Shirts
.. |- Sports Shirts


Now, you've split your product set up into logical SECTIONS. In the example above, the categories tree is 3 levels deep (which is a good number from a shopper-friendliness point of view).

Now, you'll need to further differentiate the PRODUCTS using ATTRIBUTES.

Let's say I have products under:-

Men's Clothing
|- Shirts
.. |- T-Shirts

I have LARGE, MEDIUM and SMALL t-shirts, and they also come in RED, GREEN and YELLOW.

I would make the SIZE and COLOR elements my "attributes", so that when a customer drills down to an example t-shirt (at individual product level) they then select their size and color from the ATTRIBUTES options I have set for that product.

The same principle will apply to your jewellry. Apply a logical structure to the product categories, then when you've grouped very similar products, the attributes come into play.

For example, if you have a gold chain that is one shape and style, but different LENGTHS, you would create attribute options for the different LENGTHS of chain.

[Yizit]

Hello fairestcape,

Great explanation, great detail! Thanks! I think I've got it.

If I understand you correctly, would it be accurate to say one should use Attributes only on the lowest Sub-Level?

Another question would be, using your example, could I use a Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox (with associated image) to choose the color of the T Shirt and another Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox (without an associated image) to choose the size?

Also, if I could impose on you once more, how would you handle this:

Chain Neclaces, in Gold and Silver, each with 12 identical designs

Could I do this:

Jewelry
| - Necklaces
... | - Chain

and at this point, have Attributes of Gold and Siver as well as Attributes of designs 1 through 12 and have a Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox (with associated image) to choose either Gold or Silver and another Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox (with associated image) to choose the design?

Or would I have to resort to doing something like [Gold - Design 1], [Silver - Design 1], [Gold - Design 2], [Silver - Design 2], etc.?

I sincerely appreciate all your help!

[fairestcape]

If I understand you correctly, would it be accurate to say one should use Attributes only on the lowest Sub-Level?

Just to remind you... Attributes are applied to products, so the category structure is immaterial.

The way attributes work is basically this. (ignore both "products" AND "categories" for the time being...)

Lets use the example of LENGTH as an attribute...

You have a large number of 9ct gold chains in your product mix.

Some have chunky links, others have fine links, and all come in various LENGTHS.

So, you need to set up an attribute with an OPTION NAME = "Length".

(As I said, ignore actual products at this stage).

To set up an attribute, you go to:-

ADMIN PANEL>>>CATALOG>>>OPTION NAME MANAGER



Now, you have an OPTION NAME "Length", that you can later apply to any product you wish:-



BUT you need to add OPTION VALUES (what are the actual lengths you have)



Then, you keep adding VALUES as needed. You can add MORE VALUES to any NAME whenever you like.

[Yizit]

I guess I had my brain wrapped around "attributes --> categories" for so long that it was going to take Electroconvulsive Therapy to wipe it out of my mind!

However, as an alternative, I found your explanations and the associated images you provided to be absolutely more effective without inflicting any associated discomfort.

In all seriousness, fairestcape, I appreciate your patience with me on this which allowed me to finally understand the association of attributes to products.

I am in hopes that one of the mods runs across this post and sees fit to put your images up as a sticky. By what I've seen, many others are confused about this matter, and I'm sure those images would be as helpful to others as they were to me.

Thank you again for your assistance, fairestcape, and may I offer you my sincerest best regards.

[fairestcape]

When you're making a million bucks a day on your webshop, PM me, and I'll send you my bank account details!

Good luck with your store.

If you need advice in linking your new attributes to the PRODUCTS THEMSELVES, just send me a PM...