If this subject has been "talked to death" in the forums, then there must not be a solution to this issue of showing current stock levels for a given attribute. Or else, I believe there would be a FAQ somewhere addressing this issue. I have searched the FAQs and read forum posts. I hate coming to forums before searching for the answer myself. I have not bought the book because I need to get the store online and making money before I can afford the book. But, from what I have read, the answer is not in the book either.
(I know someone will make the argument that if I cannot afford $30 for a manual, then I should not be complaining about a feature it covers. Maybe they can afford to loan me the $30, but I really cannot afford it right now. Beside, if it were in the book, I think someone would have said something about it. I have not read all the forum posts, but I think I have read a substantial number enough to feel like I am correct.)
So, anyway, it appears that there is no way to have one listing, with one attribute name, with several values, showing the stock level of each value, to the website visitor.
For example:
Bed sheets:
Size.... - Price - InStock
King.... - $40 - 15
Queen... - $30 - 8
Standard - $20 - 10
Maybe a bingo chart is in order when there are 2 attributes.
Bedsheets InStock (Price)
Color/Size - King.... - Queen... - Standard
Red....... - 05 ($45) - 02 ($40) - 09 ($35)
Green..... - 02 ($40) - 05 ($35) - 07 ($30)
Blue...... - 10 ($35) - 10 ($30) - 10 ($25)
See how I snuck in the varying prices!
Off hand, I am not sure how more attributes would be handled, but I imagine it would get a lot more complicated.
So, for now, I suppose the only way the customer can see the instock quantity is to list each product size individually? Whew! A lot of work entering inventory!
If I am wrong, and there is a solution, please at least say something like: YES, I have seen a solution, even if you do not remember where you saw the solution of letting customers see on the website how much inventory of a particular attribute(s) is in stock. Then, at least there would be hope, and a lot more searching.
Thanks to the Zencart folks for a terrific piece of free software. I am not complaining about the lack of this feature, but am hopeful it will someday be implemented.