Summary
Grouping product variants in your catalog helps improve product organization and customer experience. By using the item_group_id field in Google Sheets, you can link related product variants, such as different sizes or colors, under a single product listing. This guide explains how to set up item_group_id correctly and key considerations to keep in mind.
Instructions
Steps to Group Product Variants
1. Add the item_group_id Field to Your Google Sheet
Open the Google Sheet that you use to create your catalog.
Add a new column and name it
item_group_id.
2. Assign Group IDs to Product Variants
For each product variant that belongs to the same group (e.g., different sizes or colors of the same shirt), enter the same group ID in the
item_group_idfield.Example:
A blue and a red shirt of the same design should have the same
item_group_id(e.g.,Shirt_1).Another product, such as a different style of a shirt, should have a different
item_group_id(e.g.,Shirt_2).
In this example, two groups (Shirt_1 and Shirt_2) are created, each containing multiple product variants.
Important Notes
Each variant still needs a unique
id: While multiple variants share the sameitem_group_id, each product must have its own unique ID in theidfield.
Managing Variants on Partner Platforms: If you’ve connected to a partner platform such as Shopify, make sure to manage your items directly on the platform. Any updates, including variants, will sync automatically to your catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
What is item_group_id, and why is it important?
→ item_group_id is a field used in product catalogs to group related product variants (such as different sizes or colors) under a single listing. This helps streamline the shopping experience and makes catalog management easier.
Can I use any value for item_group_id?
→ Yes, you can assign any value to item_group_id, but all variants of the same product must share the same group ID. Ensure it is unique across different product groups.
Implementation Questions
Do I need to create a unique id for each variant?
→ Yes, even though multiple variants share the same item_group_id, each individual product variant must have a unique id.
What happens if I don’t add item_group_id?
→ Without item_group_id, each product variant will be treated as a separate item in your catalog, rather than grouped under a single listing.
How do I update item_group_id if I have already uploaded my catalog?
→ You can update your Google Sheet with the correct item_group_id values and re-upload it to your catalog system.
Partner Platform Questions
What if I use Shopify or another partner platform?
→ If you're using a platform like Shopify, you should manage your product variants directly within Shopify. The item_group_id information will sync automatically with your catalog.