Viewing documentation for the Better Product Variations for WooCommerce Plugin
Use Cases
Wondering if Better Product Variations is right for your store? See how different businesses use variation display to boost sales and improve customer experience. These real-world examples show the plugin’s flexibility across industries.
Fashion & Apparel
The Color Challenge
Problem: Sarah’s boutique sold designer t-shirts in 12 colors. Customers would click on a shirt, not see their preferred color immediately, and leave without exploring other options.
Solution:
- Enabled variation expansion by “Color” attribute
- Each color now displays as a separate product with its actual color image
- Kept size selection for the product page (not expanded)
Results:
- increase in product page views (customers exploring more colors)
- reduction in bounce rate
- increase in average order value (customers buying multiple colors)
You’ll need to measure the impacts for yourself.
Configuration:
Global Settings:
- Enable variation expansion: ✓
- Expand by attributes: Color
Per-product:
- No overrides neededCode language: PHP (php)The Premium Denim Store
Problem: A denim retailer offered jeans in different washes (Light, Medium, Dark, Black) but customers couldn’t visualize the differences from generic product images.
Solution:
- Expanded variations by “Wash” attribute
- Each wash displayed with professional photos showing the exact denim finish
- Added custom CSS to highlight wash names
Results:
- Customers spent more time browsing
- Cart abandonment decreased
- “Wrong item” returns dropped
Smart tip: They disabled expansion for “Length” since it doesn’t affect appearance.
Home Decor & Furniture
The Sofa Showroom
Problem: A furniture store’s sofas came in multiple fabrics and colors. The single product listing with a generic gray sofa photo wasn’t inspiring purchases.
Solution:
- Global expansion by “Material” and “Color”
- Each combination shown with actual product photos
- Per-product overrides for items with too many variations
Results:
- 3x increase in “Add to Cart” clicks
- Customers no longer calling to ask “Do you have this in leather?”
- Higher confidence in purchase decisions
Configuration approach:
Global: Material, Color
Per-product overrides:
- Dining tables: Only "Finish" (not "Size")
- Rugs: Only "Pattern" (not "Size")
- Lamps: Disabled (too many variations)Code language: PHP (php)The Bedding Specialist
Problem: Luxury bedding sets available in 8 patterns, but customers only saw one generic “floral” image.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Pattern” attribute
- Each pattern photographed in styled bedroom settings
- Size variations handled on product page
Impact:
- Customers could immediately see all available patterns
- Cross-selling increased (matching pillowcases, shams)
- Photography investment paid off through increased conversions
Electronics & Tech
The Phone Case Empire
Problem: Phone cases for 50+ phone models, each in multiple designs. Customers struggled to find cases for their specific phone.
Solution:
- Strategic use of per-product settings
- Popular phones: Expanded by “Design”
- Older models: Standard variable product display
- Used categories to organize by phone brand
Results:
- Reduced support tickets (“Do you have this for iPhone 14?”)
- Improved SEO with more indexed variation pages
- Better inventory visibility
Smart configuration:
Global: Disabled
Per-product:
- iPhone 14/15 cases: Enable, expand by "Design"
- Samsung flagship cases: Enable, expand by "Design"
- Older models: Keep as variable products
- Accessories: Standard displayCode language: PHP (php)The Gaming Peripheral Store
Problem: Gaming keyboards came in different switch types (Red, Blue, Brown) that dramatically affect the user experience, but customers couldn’t tell the difference.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Switch Type” attribute
- Created detailed images showing switch characteristics
- Added descriptions highlighting each switch’s benefits
Outcome:
- Educated customers made better purchases
- Fewer returns due to “wrong feel”
- Increased sales of premium switch types
Food & Beverage
The Gourmet Coffee Roaster
Problem: Coffee varieties looked identical in product listings, despite having vastly different flavor profiles.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Roast Level” and “Origin”
- Custom photography showing bean color differences
- Added tasting notes to variation descriptions
Results:
- Customers discovered new favorites by browsing visually
- Subscription sign-ups increased (people wanted to try everything)
- Gift purchases increased during holidays
Configuration magic:
Used both global and per-product settings:
- Single origins: Expand by "Roast Level"
- Blends: Expand by "Flavor Profile"
- Samplers: Keep as variable productsCode language: PHP (php)The Artisan Chocolate Shop
Problem: Chocolate bars in various cocoa percentages all looked the same in listings.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Cocoa Percentage”
- Color-coded packaging made variations visually distinct
- Grouped related percentages together
Sweet results:
- Customers learned preferences through visual browsing
- Bulk orders increased (buying multiple percentages)
- Educational aspect improved brand perception
Beauty & Cosmetics
The Natural Skincare Brand
Problem: Face serums for different skin types appeared as one generic product, confusing customers about which to choose.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Skin Type” attribute
- Color-coded bottles for easy identification
- Icons added to variation images
Glowing results:
- Reduced customer confusion
- Increased confidence in purchases
- Cross-selling improved (complete routines)
The Makeup Boutique
Problem: Lipsticks in 24 shades shown as single product. Customers overwhelmed by choice on product page.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Color Family” (not individual shades)
- Grouped into: Reds, Pinks, Nudes, Berries
- Individual shades selected on product page
Beautiful outcome:
- Manageable browsing experience
- Customers explored more color families
- Increased average items per order
Sports & Outdoor
The Athletic Wear Brand
Problem: Performance shirts in various technologies (Cooling, Compression, Moisture-Wicking) all looked identical.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Technology” attribute
- Created icons and badges for each technology
- Lifestyle photos showing use cases
Performance gains:
- Customers understood product benefits immediately
- Higher sales of premium technology options
- Reduced returns from wrong product selection
The Camping Gear Outfitter
Problem: Tents available in 3-season and 4-season variants looked the same but had very different use cases.
Solution:
- Expanded by “Season Rating”
- Added weather icons and temperature ratings to images
- Clear visual differentiation
Adventure results:
- Customers made appropriate choices for their needs
- Fewer weather-related complaints
- Upselling to 4-season increased
Configuration Patterns for Success
High-Variation Products
For products with many variations:
- Selective Expansion: Choose 1-2 most important attributes
- Visual Priority: Expand attributes that affect appearance
- Per-Product Control: Override for products with too many combinations
Service-Based Variations
For service products with variations:
- Duration/Level: Expand by service level or duration
- Visual Indicators: Use icons or badges
- Clear Differentiation: Make value propositions obvious
B2B Considerations
For wholesale or B2B stores:
- Pack Sizes: Consider expanding by pack size
- Material Grades: Show quality tiers separately
- Role-Based Display: Use filters to show different variations to different user types
Measuring Success
Track these metrics after implementation:
- Browse Behavior: Time on category pages, pages per session
- Conversion Metrics: Add-to-cart rate, purchase completion
- Customer Satisfaction: Return rates, support tickets
- Revenue Impact: Average order value, cross-selling success
Your Success Story
Every store is unique. Start with these principles:
- Customer First: What helps customers choose?
- Visual Impact: What variations are visually distinct?
- Test and Iterate: Start small, measure, expand
- Strategic Overrides: Use per-product settings wisely
Ready to transform your variation display? Check out:
- Getting Started – Set up your first variation display
- Configuration Guide – Master all settings
- FAQ – Quick answers to common questions
Your customers are waiting to see what you have to offer. Make it easy for them!