too many attributes :(

[MachaNeko]

i have a product that has about 48 models that i need to add. is there a way to be able to add all 48 at the same time instead of having to click 48 times? like a multiple file upload button that ftp sites have. something near that?

also, when trying to find the attributes, since i have soooo many i have to designate per product, is there a way to show only the most recent attribute values added, so i know which ones to add without searching through my entire list?

[fairestcape]

Unfortunately, there's no easy short-cut to your challenge.

I had a similar issue some time ago, and found that instead of trying to ADD attributes to products piece-meal. I would use COPY attributes function, then set about deleting those which did not apply to a specific product.

I found it easier and faster to DELETE than to ADD .

[MachaNeko]

i wish i could delete but all the attributes i have i use. so far over 600
and of course lucky me, all the attributes are different

[fairestcape]

If you are using so many attributes, it would seem (to me anyway) that you should probably be splitting your product sets more definitively.

In other words, use fewer attributes, and create more stand-alone products.

Let's use jewellery as an example...

You could have a category called "Jewellery" and a product called "Bracelets"

Your bracelets could be:-

Silver
Gold
Platinum
Copper
- (etc)

They could all come in different fastening styles:-

linked chain
solid band
buckle
- (etc)

They could all come in different widths:-

1mm
1.5mm
2mm
2.5mm
- (etc)

They could all come in different designs:-

ornate
plain
cross-hatch
- (etc)


Now, if I just have ONE product called "Bracelet", I would have to have LOTS of attributes attached to that product - ie: ALL of the above...

But if I SPLIT UP the bracelets into several PRODUCTS, I only need to apply fewer attributes to each of them:-

- Silver Bracelets 1mm linked chain
- Silver Bracelets 2mm linked chain
- (ect)

So, by drilling down at PRODUCT level, I need apply FEWER attributes later on.

Can you now do this with your product(s)?

[MachaNeko]

i cant do that. these are not jewelry theyre scales. the type you weigh things with. but the bigger kind for trucks and such. each product is unique and has its own model to purchase. the items are broken down as fasr as possible already so that idea wont work.

[fairestcape]

each product is unique and has its own model to purchase.

Do you mean that the scales are CUSTOMIZED by the client when they place an order?

[MachaNeko]

no but its premade like that by the company. capacity and diameter determine the model.


here is what i mean.
One product that has models. these models only exist becuase the capacity is different for them.

My Site Example

im sorry if this doesnt make much sense.

btw the attributes are at the bottom of the page

[Zinfandel]

MachaNeko,

Based on what I see from the example link, you've already simplified it to where the model number has been attributized to represent the various permutations of attributes.

I don't believe it can get any simpler than that.

The problem is that each product requires it's own set of attributes.
Unless you consider this approach:
category > subcateogry > product > no attributes needed

Digital Force Gauges > DPS Series > DPS-005> no attributes
Digital Force Gauges > DPS Series > DPS-010> no attributes
Digital Force Gauges > DPS Series > DPS-040> no attributes
Digital Force Gauges > DPS Series > DPS-011> no attributes
Digital Force Gauges > DPS Series > DPS-044> no attributes
Digital Force Gauges > DPS Series > DPS-110> no attributes
Digital Force Gauges > DPS Series > DPS-220> no attributes

The capacity for each is within the description.
All you need to do is enter one, and then copy it six times, change the model# and the capacity in the description.
Dont forget to change the price on DPS-220

BTW, if you keep it as is atleast make the attribute values as I have them above for uniformity. It'll look alot better.

[MachaNeko]

i was afraid of that. there is no easier way than copy and modify?

my new concern is how to limit how many show up when adding new attributes to new products. like if i add a new product with attributes called jrp force gauge, when i go to add the attributes id like to be able to see only the new attributes for jrp instead of my whole 600 list.

[Zinfandel]

Approach every such problem by analyzing it at its most fundamental level.

Attributes for your products are not standardized across all products.
The set of capacity ranges differs for every model scale.

Either
1) you create a product for every set of attributes and do not define attributes.
2) you create an elaborate and large set of attributes and fewer products.

Sit with a pencil and paper, choose a product and write down the variables. Then try to organize them using different approaches and see what makes the best sense for you.

In the example we used above the model number differs within the same product so it becomes a function of the attributes that are chosen. I believe every product model# should be a product unto itself. This is the only way to avoid losing your mind.