RC Add Product

AR Guide posted this on Dec 21, 2024

Admin Dashboard > Catalog > Add Product

Purpose of the Feature

The Add Product section in the Admin Dashboard allows rental companies to create new product listings for their inventory, covering both rental and sale items. This tool is essential for maintaining an up-to-date product catalog, enabling businesses to offer accurate product information, pricing, and availability.


What It Is Used For

Primary Uses:

  1. Adding New Products:

    • Create entries for new rental or sale items.
    • Define product types, attributes, and pricing.
  2. Customizing Product Listings:

    • Tailor product details, images, and specifications to improve customer experience.
  3. SEO and Online Visibility:

    • Add metadata and descriptive URLs to enhance search engine rankings and customer discoverability.

How to Use the Add Product Section

Accessing the Section

  1. Log in to the Admin Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Catalog > Products > Add Product.
    1. Alternatively you can also access Add Product from Catalog > Manage Products page.
  3. Select the desired product type to begin the creation process. Here are the two types available:
  • Simple Product: Designed for individual items. Examples include a single piece of equipment or a standalone product available for sale or rental.
  • Grouped Product: Intended for bundling multiple related products that can be rented together. For instance, a camera kit that includes a camera body, lens, and accessories, each listed as separate items but grouped for easy purchase or rental.

Choose the product type that best fits the item you wish to add.


Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Product

1. Select Product Type

Choose the appropriate product type from the options available:

  • Simple Product: For individual rental or sale items.
  • Grouped Product: A collection of related products rented together.

2. Define Basic Product Information

Fill out the required fields:

  • Product Name: The name of the product as displayed to customers.
  • SKU: A unique identifier for inventory tracking.
  • Status: Set to Enabled or Disabled to control visibility.
  • Visibility: Define where the product appears (e.g., catalog, search, or both).

3. Set Pricing Information

  • Price: Enter the base price of the product.
  • Special Price: Add a discounted price if applicable.
  • Tier Pricing: Offer volume-based pricing discounts.
  • Group Pricing: Set different prices for specific customer groups.

4. Manage Inventory

  • Stock Status: Indicate whether the product is in stock or out of stock.
  • Quantity: Enter the current stock level.
  • Backorders: Allow or disallow backorders.
  • Minimum and Maximum Quantity: Set purchase limits for customers.

5. Assign Categories

  • Select one or more categories to organize the product within the catalog.
  • If you need to create a new category for the current product, you can Save your progress, create the new category as required, then return to finish adding or editing the product.

6. Add Images and Media

  • Upload high-quality product images and videos.
  • Define labels and alt text for accessibility and SEO.

7. Complete Product Descriptions

  • Short Description: A brief overview of the product.
  • Full Description: Detailed information, including features, specifications, and usage instructions.

8. SEO Optimization

  • Meta Title: The title displayed on search engines.
  • Meta Description: A brief summary for search engine listings.
  • URL Key: Create a clean, descriptive URL for the product page. If you do not enter a URL Key, one will be automatically generated for the item upon Saving.

9. Define Product Attributes

  • Assign attributes from the selected attribute set.
  • Create custom attributes if required to better describe the product.

10. Configure Advanced Settings

  • Related Products: Suggest similar items to customers.
  • Upsells: Encourage customers to purchase higher-value alternatives.
  • Cross-Sells: Display related items during the checkout process.

11. Save and Review

  • Click Save or Save and Continue to review and refine the product entry.
  • Preview the product on your website frontend to ensure all details are accurate.

Data Fields Available

General Information:

  • Product Name: The name of the product, which is visible to customers.
  • SKU: Unique Stock Keeping Unit for internal tracking.
  • Status: Enables or disables the product on the website.
  • Visibility: Specifies where the product will appear (Catalog, Search, or both).

Pricing:

  • Price: Base price of the product.
  • Special Price: A temporary or promotional price.
  • Tier Pricing: Quantity-based discounts.
  • Group Pricing: Different pricing for specific customer groups.

Inventory:

  • Stock Status: Indicates if the product is in stock or out of stock.
  • Quantity: Current stock level for the product.
  • Backorders: Option to allow backorders when stock is unavailable.
  • Minimum and Maximum Quantity: Sets purchase quantity limits.

Pre-Defined Rental Periods:

  • Specify fixed rental durations (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly).
  • Assign pricing for each predefined period.

Flexible Rental Periods:

  • Allow customers to select custom rental durations.
  • Configure pricing rules based on the rental length.

Media:

  • Images: Upload high-resolution product images.
  • Videos: Add video demonstrations or overviews.
  • Labels: Assign labels to media assets for easy identification.
  • Alt Text: Improve accessibility and SEO.

Descriptions:

  • Short Description: A concise summary of the product.
  • Full Description: Detailed information including features, specifications, and benefits.

SEO:

  • Meta Title: The page title displayed in search engine results.
  • Meta Description: A brief description for search listings.
  • URL Key: A clean, descriptive URL slug.

Rental Information:

  • Rental Terms: Add details about rental agreements and conditions.
  • Damage Waiver: Specify if additional insurance or waivers are required.

Product Brand:

  • Brand Name: Indicate the manufacturer or brand.
  • Logo: Upload the brand logo if applicable.

Warehouse Information:

  • Location: Assign the warehouse where the product is stored.
  • Stock Levels by Location: View or update stock levels at specific warehouses.

Files Upload:

  • Attach relevant files, such as manuals, warranty information, or certifications.

Insurance / Damage Waiver:

  • Coverage Details: Define the insurance coverage provided.
  • Optional Waiver: Allow customers to opt for additional protection.

Inventory - Sale Items Only:

  • Stock Keeping: Track stock levels for items sold outright.
  • Restock Notifications: Enable alerts for low stock.

Categories:

  • Organize products into logical categories for easier navigation.

Related Products:

  • Suggest complementary items to customers.

Up-sells:

  • Encourage customers to consider higher-value alternatives.

Cross-Sells / Group Product Assignment:

  • Display related items during checkout.

History of Changes:

  • View and track changes made to the product details over time.

Features and Benefits

Key Features

  • Comprehensive customization of product listings.
  • Advanced inventory and pricing controls.
  • Integrated SEO tools to enhance online visibility.
  • Media management for high-quality product visuals.

Benefits

  • Streamlines product catalog management.
  • Improves customer experience with detailed and accurate listings.
  • Enhances sales and rental conversions through strategic product display