Decide between simple and variable products

Two ways to list the same thing

A simple product is one listing with one price and one stock level, like "Classic Tee Black". A variable product is one listing with options the shopper picks from, like "Classic Tee" with a Color menu. Each option is a variation with its own SKU, price, stock and image.

When one listing is better

Use a variable product when the items are the same product in different colors, sizes or scents. Shoppers see one page instead of a row of near duplicates, reviews collect in one place, and you edit the description once.

When separate listings are better

Keep separate products when each one needs its own page, photos and description, when you want each one to show up on its own in search and category pages, or when a marketplace or feed you sell through expects one product per item.

Why this often needs fixing

Stores imported from a supplier feed or another platform often arrive with one simple product per color or size. Rebuilding them by hand means re-entering every SKU, price, stock level and image. The next steps use a free plugin that does it for you and can undo it.