Which eCommerce engine? Bulk upload ability, with multiple variants & SKU per product

StaticNoise · 11-07-2014 10:27AM #1

Hi Boardsies,

I am used to web development and coding, but I'm new to the eCommerce business. I'm doing a project for a friend of the family and their company, but I can't quite figure out where I need to be.

It is a catalogue (which may become a full store down the line) that sells thousands of products from the motor industry. They have reference codes/SKUs and some items.

I need to be able to:

Upload the products (in batches, or whatever) via CSV or something
Add photos to the above products, and most of all
Allow multiple SKUs (essentially, product variants) in bulk

For example:

Product: Car Bolt DIN 242

Size 1 - 10 x 6: SKU 1234
Size 2 - 12 x 6: SKU 1235
Size 3 - 14 x 6: SKU 1236

I have tried to do this in WooCommerce, but it lags it down and is very challenging for a bulk upload, it would appear. I'm giving Magento a go at the moment, but I'l having problems doing the multiple SKU per product and variant issue.

I hope that I can be given some advice.

Many thanks,
Static.

neil_hosey · 11-07-2014 10:40AM

You could use magento, it can handle large numbers of products (millions i think)

and its free..

Also, install magmi and use its datapump for doing fast bulk imports of products and attributes.

StaticNoise · 11-07-2014 10:53AM

Thanks. So what I'm looking for is easily doable?

I'll show you an example of what I mean:

https://shop.berner.eu/berner/export/productgroup/891901/DIN+and+standard+parts/Metric+and+inch+screws/DIN+931+hexagon+head+screw+Stainless+Steel+A2+M+16+M+36&autoForward=true;jsessionid=DC90042B27895E6FF6BFC0469DD71CEF?conversationContext=1

They would be not individual products, but one product encompassing many.

neil_hosey · 11-07-2014 11:41AM

you can do bundled products in magento. best thing would be to do a quick install and try it. It might require a plugin im i cant remember, but its definately possible..

Not sure about multiple SKUs in the same bundle though, youd have to check that (post on magento forum youd get a quick answer)

StaticNoise · 11-07-2014 11:46AM

You're a legend, thanks.

I've put bundles products up: 3 of them, with ~100 associated, however they don't appear if you make them hidden in search.

I'll check it out. Thank you!

neil_hosey · 11-07-2014 12:17PM

you can disable the child products i think so only the bundle is visible.. if youve hassle let me know i can check.

Graham · 11-07-2014 02:24PM

Have you checked the hosting arrangements? It never ceases to amaze me the number of companies/people who try to run a CMS and an e-commerce solution on a $20 per year shared hosting account.

neil_hosey · 11-07-2014 08:08PM

id recommend AWS with a bitnami setup.. the value isnt too bad but the management of it is great, the elastic memory and drive space is great.

daymobrew · 12-07-2014 08:59AM

I like OpenCart. It has a great Import/Export module that imports Excel spreadsheets. I maintain a site using this.

I only use product 'Options' (to allow customers specify the custom text on the product) but it could be used to choose a colour (or a product size in your case). This is easy to use in the Import/Export spreadsheet. The different options/sizes can be different prices (+ or - of the base item cost).

OpenCart has a very cool module called 'VQMod' that allows you virtually modify files using xml files. You can change core modules without editing the actual files. IMO it's a game changer.

Which eCommerce engine? Bulk upload ability, with multiple variants & SKU per product

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