To start adding products through your website, you will need to activate the eCommerce module. To do this, visit the Modules page, accessible from the left-hand menu of your admin panel. Locate the eCommerce module and activate it. Once activated, you will be guided through a wizard designed to assist with the quick setup of your eCommerce platform. This wizard is optional but highly recommended, as it configures essential features for your online store. For more detailed instructions on using the eCommerce wizard, refer to the article Shop Quick Start Wizard.
Adding Products
After the eCommerce plugin is active, you can begin adding products to your store. To add a product, navigate to eCommerce > New Product. This page features an advanced form designed to streamline product creation. Below are the key sections and fields you will encounter in the product creation form:
Basic Details:
- Title: Enter the product name.
- Content: Provide a detailed description of the product.
- Description Tabs: Add multiple description tabs to organize product details into categories. For instance, you can create tabs for specifications, FAQs, or warranty information.
Product Type:
- Simple Products: Standard products without variations.
- Variable Products: Products with variations, such as size or color.
- Virtual Products: Products without physical shipping requirements, such as digital downloads or online courses.
SKU and Inventory:
- SKU Code: Assign a unique identifier for inventory management.
- Stock Status: Choose between "In Stock" or "Out of Stock."
- Stock Quantity: Set the number of items available.
- Allow Backorders: Choose whether customers can order items not currently in stock.
Pricing:
- Regular Price: The standard price for the product.
- Sale Price: Discounted price, if applicable.
- Private Pricing: Set a purchase price for internal sales tracking to monitor profitability.
- Purchase Price (Private): Specify the cost of acquiring the product.
Additional Details:
- Short Description: A brief overview of the product.
- Status: Publish, draft, or schedule the product for future publication.
- Category and Brand: Assign relevant categories and brands to improve product organization.
Product Information:
- Attributes: Add custom attributes such as size, color, or material.
- Gallery: Upload multiple images to showcase the product visually.
- Condition: Specify whether the product is new, used, or refurbished.
- Shipping and Tax: Add weight, dimensions, and applicable tax rates.
- Selling Limits: Set rules such as minimum or maximum purchase quantity or selling in pairs or odd numbers.
Variable Products
To create variable products, you need to add Attributes before configuring variations. Attributes can include options like size, color, or style. Once attributes are added, you can use the bulk actions feature to automate the creation of all possible variation combinations. Bulk actions also enable you to:
- Set prices for variations.
- Update stock status and available quantities.
- Assign shipping classes and other settings.
Virtual Products
Virtual products are ideal for selling non-physical items such as downloadable files, access links, or online courses. Here’s what you can include:
- Included File: Allow customers to download a file (e.g., JPG, PDF, ZIP) associated with the product after purchase. Multiple file formats are supported.
- Link URL: Provide a link that customers can access post-purchase.
- Course Platform: By activating the Course Platform module, you can transform your website into a course delivery system. This allows you to:
- Upload video materials (e.g., links to Vimeo or YouTube videos in unlisted mode).
- Set access levels (e.g., free sample videos or paid access content).
To learn more about the Course Platform module, visit additional-modules/coursePlatform, where you'll find detailed information about the features and possibilities this module offers.
With these tools, you can offer a comprehensive range of products tailored to your customers' needs.