Options/Attributes opinions needed

I understand how to literally configure attributes/options.
Given my newbiness to e-com in general, I'm actually looking for an opinion on best configuration.

Scenario 1: Want to sell SET of 1 x jug and 6 x mugs. But offer the option to to eg; 2 mugs and 3xjugs. Should I just divide the product into 1xjug and 1xmug and include qty box or is there a better way?

Scenario 2: Set of 4 plates. Each have a name. Want to be able to sell as a set or individually. I was thinking to offer product as set costing say...$80. Then also include drop down with... plate 1, plate 2, plate 3, plate 4, entire set. But how would I determine price? If the plates are $20 ea. is it plate 1 [-60] ?

OR....

Do I add no price to the set (product) and add +20 in the attributes controller for each of the options?

Hope that makes sense. I'm sure theres a logic solution.

Thankyou.
Herb.

For Scenario One, why not create a 'product' that is 1 jug and 6 mugs. The customer can then buy one, two, etc 'sets' of the product.

For Scenario Two, I'd create two products. One is a set of foud plates and you'll have to include an four attribures for each of the names. The second product is one plate.

hmmm, anyone else?

Personally (from a shopper's perspective)...

Scenario 1: I would rather see purchase "X" # of mugs and "X" of jugs as seperate items. On the mug page I would like to see "Also purchased with this item" and then a list of "matching" pieces - this way I could mix and match as I chose...especially if I just bought some mugs and my 2 years threw 1 on the floor...I would only want to buy 1 more mug...without "searching for a way to do it."

But on the other hand, if I didn't want to purchase piece by piece, I would also like to see a packaged item as 1 jug + 6 mugs for 1 price...no options, just let me buy it!

Scenario 2: Again...I would like to see the plate as an item, allowing me to buy as many as I want...with a suggestion that I just buy the whole set...since you're charging the same amount individually or for the set, does it really matter? And again...I would like to quickly and easily be able to purchase just one plate...my 2 year old is definitely being terrible throwing all of my dishware around like a rubber ball...

:blink:
Hope that helps!
Michelle