Options Attributes - discussion

[Pierre_P]

The attributes page is 8/10 complicated even for me as a seasoned user.

I can suggest going for attributes and variants handling on one page whether downloadable or physical.
Add weight, stock, image and so on per attribute.
Create a template perhaps?
Add search functionality in the admin attributes page.

On editing a product then assign attributes and variants with easy dropdowns with multiple options select.
Same for downloadable products - add filename, expires and count on the edit product page.
Getting to the attributes price, on product edit page or attributes page?
Link an actual product as an attribute option.

I am using also the master/slave (bundled product) from Gary but not sure if it will fit into attributes system as i see its not practical that way, for me a whole different way to display sub products to a main product.

So looking at possible improvements, less coding is better. Just change the handling and display of the attributes part.

[burt]

What's needed going forward is an easier and better way to display and track "variants" of a Product. I get that the options/attributes system as it stands is quite complicated - it's been this way for 25 years and it needs an overhaul to compete with other ecommerce software.

Imagine some new things, these may or may not come to be;

1. Product Types

ability to designate a product as "download". Or "normal". Or "preorder". Or "whatever".
This (eg) takes downloads out of the options/attributes area completely

2. Parent / Child Variants

Child Variants is actually a product (meaning it's easy to track qty sold, sku's, image swapping etc).

3. Current core options/attributes becomes a drop in addon

Because, although it's an old fashioned way to do things, some shopowners might like to continue as it's `what they know`.

4. QTPro standalone drop in system

Instead of bolting onto the options/attributes, QTPro becomes it's own standalone system, not needing to rely on options/attributes at all.

[frankl]

Can options attributes be in the form of radio buttons, selects, checkboxes, etc?