Semi Static Cat or Sub Cat listing product page(s)

although presently using: v1.5.3 - will "upgrade" in the next few weeks.

Many of the products we sell are identical "except" for color (and/or finish) and weight
Some (not yet uploaded) May have as many as 800 colors (and yes, we know that some further break down is going to be needed.)

And that I may have to find a different "work around" for dealing with the different packaging/weight.
likely by some carefully thought out use of sub category.

A relatively small example is located at:
http://itsalljuststring.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_921

I know I can "easily" use Eaxy Pop to include the detail in each product listing - but that makes viewing for the consumer a much more tedious process.

And, it is not always "easy" for the consumer to return to the full listing.

What I would like,

and please forgive and correct any "mis-statement"

is a template for the Category and Sub-Category that will,
as it does now, allow for detailed a detailed description

Followed by either list or grid of the products -

BUT that are not "clickable" -

And that continues to allow "add all to order"

It would be helpful if the product listing was also able to show MSRP as well as "Our Price"

it would be nice if the consumer was able to select grid (seems to be preferred by those mostly using lap/desk top) or list (mobile users)

a "would be nice" might be ability to show larger product image - similar to what happens when one is on an individual product page.

another "would be nice" would be suggestions on how to use this type of template and the buyer be able to select weight

but again, the most helpful would be to know how to set up a template where the consumer would not be taken off to individual listings. (and yes, I understand each would still need to be entered for a number of reasons, most certainly because color and finish does effect price.

I hope I have been clear, but just in case, I know I may need to supply more detail or better explain, so "big girl panties are in use"

Thank you for any and all assistance.

Wheat

Had a quick look and you are listing way too many items and not using attributes

i.e.
Kheops Puca 6mm

Could be one item with attributes of color/finish and amount

Several other things that one could/should streamline

I'm thinking as a customer here, but I would prob shop by size first ( or weight) then by color. So if size was product and color attributes ( if you know what I meam) then you would have a simpler looking screen. I would work on my attributes first, then see what you can modify w the admin. Bi understand what you want w the grid but I have not seen that used yet, so you may have to hire someone.

You can modify your product image size using your admin configuration. Under catalog, product types select product general and you will see a bunch of things you can change. Then under configuration, you have product listing and product info where you can change more.

There is also a module that will put your items into 3 columns and not one big list.

I hope this gives you some ideas.

Linda

Unlike other hard goods like clothing - Selecting multiple variations of the same style (type or shape of bead( and hue is the norm - and how one would shop in a "local bead store"

I now this sounds like I am being stubborn, but while the goal may not be the most elegant solution, it is based on a strong background in retail craft sales, including runrning both "Local Yarn" and Local Bead shops
as well as keeping a close eye on "search" terms

It may be that I will need to seek paid help, and if that is the case, then will explore that as well

If there is an easy way to make it so that the category or subcategory description remains and a list or grid of the color and finish variations is not "clickable" that would be "what my customers are asking for"

Again, thank you for any input - It has been my experience that sometimes solutions start in very unlikely ways.

Wheat

kobra:

Had a quick look and you are listing way too many items and not using attributes

i.e.
Kheops Puca 6mm

Could be one item with attributes of color/finish and amount

Several other things that one could/should streamline

I understand - the problem is that if one uses attributes for the color/finish as one might in say an article of clothing, it is at best awkward to get back to order the same product, in additional colors -

It is nto uncommon for a project to include several dozen different colors of the same bead.

I do think, as you have suggested, that once I find the best way to handle the color selections -

Again because of the "way crafters shop" using the attributes to offer the same bead in different weights should be the next step.

thank you for your thoughts,

lruskauff:

There is also a module that will put your items into 3 columns and not one big list.

Linda

thank you for suggesting that, it reinforces something similar in my plan notes - and it may turn out to be the best way to handle the weight/volume issue -

Based on the self imposed constraints, this is what I see:

1. Responsive template: provides multiple arrangement of product in a category.
2. No attributes: allows the add all option from the category listing.
3. Disable clickthrough to product information page, effectively not having product on the site, just lists of products. (SE may have an issue with this).
4. Categories split/organized to accomodate the above selfimposed constraints.
5. IH4 installed to provide the image popup that you are talking about, though no additional image would be available.
6. Number of product per page increased or user customizable.
7. There is some new "plugin" that loads images and information to the screen somewhat on demand, this would reduce load times somewhat.
8. Display length of product description sufficient for the entire product description (as product is not clickable to see remaining product description).
9. One product to match every desired attribute.
10. Would suggest linking product across the various categories with category branching to support whatever method of "search" an individual likes to search. Ie. Color first, from there weight, size, finish, etc. each next, then under each, the option of the type(s) not yet chosen above, continuing till just product displayed. (A total nightmare in my opinion to maintain.)
11. Still can use a plugin such as EasyPopulate, but as said above, the list of product will be long as a result of the multiple links.

Of course the above is based on the understanding of what has been provided in this thread.

mc12345678:

Based on the self imposed constraints, this is what I see:

3. Disable clickthrough to product information page, effectively not having product on the site, just lists of products. (SE may have an issue with this).

Of course the above is based on the understanding of what has been provided in this thread.

Yes, you seem to have a complete understanding of what I am hoping for (and yes I agree that there is are some potential "maintenance" nightmares

However, it is No. 3 - that "not sure to how to get that to happen" or maybe more accurately- not happen.
is there a way to disable the "click thru"

Worst case, site wide

Best case, by category and/or sub-category.

Thank you again for your thoughtful input

Wheat

Hi Wheat,

I have only quickly looked through this thread and I do believe I may have done something like what you are wanting:
http://kitchenwarehouseltd.com/complete-kitchen-units/high-gloss/cream

You will see links to the information page are disabled and I am using the product listing page as effectively a purchasing page where the customer selects the products they want from a range and adds to the cart from the product listing. I am currently working with lat9 to hopefully split this listing up with headings to make it easier for customers to distinguish between certain groups.

wheat:

Yes, you seem to have a complete understanding of what I am hoping for (and yes I agree that there is are some potential "maintenance" nightmares

However, it is No. 3 - that "not sure to how to get that to happen" or maybe more accurately- not happen.
is there a way to disable the "click thru"

Worst case, site wide

Best case, by category and/or sub-category.

Thank you again for your thoughtful input

Wheat

Was a little buried in the code, but I found it.

Copy:
Includes/modules/product_listing.php to:
Includes/modules/YOUR_TEMPLATE/product_listing.php

Then there are several locations where zen_href_link is called to create a link.

Will need to comment out the applicable portions to not provide the link part, but keep other applicable html markup and if an entire assignment is to be commented out, be sure to keep at least a "blank" assignment such as two single quotes. = '';

"I have only quickly looked through this thread and I do believe I may have done something like what you are wanting:
http://kitchenwarehouseltd.com/compl...gh-gloss/cream "

Yes, it seems you have done what I hoping to accomplish
may I ask how or who "wrote' this for you ?