When managing an online store, especially one that relies on dropshipping platforms, customization is key to creating a seamless shopping experience. Oberlo, a popular app for importing products from suppliers directly into your Shopify store, offers a wide range of features for store owners.
However, one common question that arises among merchants is whether it’s possible to change variation names in Oberlo to better suit their branding or improve customer clarity. Variation names, such as color, size, or style, are crucial because they help customers select the exact product they want.
Understanding how Oberlo handles product variations can help you optimize your product listings and ensure they resonate well with your target audience. While Oberlo imports product details from suppliers, including variations, it’s important to know the extent to which you can modify these details within your Shopify store.
Customizing variation names can enhance your store’s professionalism and provide a more personalized shopping experience. Let’s explore the possibilities and limitations when it comes to changing variation names in Oberlo, and how you can work around them to maintain control over your product offerings.
How Oberlo Handles Product Variations
Oberlo imports products from various suppliers, primarily AliExpress, and along with the products, it brings in the associated variations. These variations include different sizes, colors, or other attributes that customers can select on your product page.
However, the way Oberlo handles these variations can sometimes restrict direct editing.
When you import products using Oberlo, the variation names are pulled directly from the supplier’s listing. This means that the variation options you see in Oberlo reflect exactly what the supplier has provided.
Unfortunately, Oberlo does not provide a native feature within its dashboard to edit or rename these variation options before importing them into Shopify.
Key points to understand:
- Variation names come directly from supplier listings on AliExpress.
- Oberlo imports these names as-is, which may not always match your branding style.
- Direct editing of variation names within Oberlo is not supported.
“Oberlo acts as a conduit for product data, preserving the original variation names to ensure accuracy and consistency between supplier and store.”
Editing Variation Names After Importing to Shopify
While Oberlo restricts editing variation names within its platform, Shopify offers more flexibility once the products are imported. This is where you can make changes to variation names to better fit your store’s identity and appeal to your customers.
After importing a product, you can navigate to the Shopify admin dashboard and access the product variants. Here, you can rename options such as “Color” or “Size,” and also change the values associated with each variant.
For example, you might want to change a supplier’s generic color name like “Blueish” to a more appealing or accurate term like “Ocean Blue.”
To edit variation names on Shopify:
- Go to the Products section in Shopify admin.
- Select the product you want to edit.
- Scroll down to the Variants section.
- Click on a variant to edit its details, including option names and values.
Benefits of Editing Variations in Shopify
Editing variation names within Shopify allows you to:
- Align variations with your brand voice and style.
- Enhance clarity for customers, reducing confusion.
- Fix any spelling or formatting issues imported from suppliers.
However, it’s essential to remember that changes made in Shopify do not sync back to Oberlo or the supplier’s listings.
Limitations and Challenges of Variation Name Changes
Despite the ability to edit variation names in Shopify, there are some limitations and challenges you should be aware of. These can impact how smoothly your store operates and how orders are fulfilled.
One major limitation is that when you place an order through Oberlo, the order details sent to the supplier reflect the original variation names from the supplier’s product page, not the custom names you set in Shopify.
This can sometimes cause confusion if your edited variation names differ significantly from the supplier’s catalog.
Additionally, syncing updates between Oberlo and Shopify can overwrite your custom changes if you re-import or update products from Oberlo. This means you need to be cautious about how you update product information to avoid losing your personalized variation names.
| Aspect | Oberlo Variation Names | Shopify Variation Names |
| Editing Capability | Not supported | Fully supported |
| Effect on Supplier Orders | Directly used | Does not affect supplier orders |
| Syncing Impact | Overrides Shopify changes | Can be overwritten by Oberlo updates |
Workarounds to Customize Variation Names Effectively
Given the restrictions, many store owners look for workarounds to customize variation names while maintaining smooth operations. One effective method is to keep the supplier variation names intact for order fulfillment but use descriptive labels or metafields on your product pages to display customer-friendly terms.
For instance, you can rename the variant internally in Shopify for backend purposes but display the variation names differently using custom code or Shopify apps. This way, the order details sent to suppliers remain accurate, but your customers see a more polished and branded presentation.
Using Shopify Apps and Customizations
Several Shopify apps allow you to customize product options and display names without altering the backend variant data. These apps can:
- Enable custom labels for variants visible to customers only.
- Provide dropdown menus or swatches with custom names and colors.
- Maintain synchronization with Oberlo for order processing.
By employing these tools, you strike a balance between operational accuracy and customer experience.
“Customizing variation names on the storefront while preserving backend data integrity is the ideal approach for dropshipping success.”
Impact on Customer Experience and Branding
Variation names are more than just attributes; they contribute significantly to the customer’s perception of your brand. Clear, attractive, and consistent variation names can improve the shopping experience by making product choices straightforward and engaging.
When customers encounter confusing or inconsistent variation names, it may lead to hesitation or abandoned carts. Therefore, investing time in customizing these names within Shopify or through additional apps can boost conversions and reduce customer service inquiries.
Consider the following benefits of well-managed variation names:
- Improved product discoverability: Clear names help customers find what they want quickly.
- Enhanced brand personality: Custom names reflect your store’s voice.
- Reduced errors in ordering: Customers are less likely to select incorrect variants.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Changing Variation Names
While customizing variation names, it’s easy to fall into pitfalls that may disrupt order processing or confuse your team. Being aware of these common mistakes can save you time and frustration.
One common error is changing variation names in Shopify but forgetting that Oberlo and the supplier still use the original names. This mismatch can lead to incorrect orders being placed or delays in fulfillment.
To avoid this, always keep track of the supplier’s original variation names.
Another mistake is applying updates directly in Oberlo without considering the impact on your Shopify store customizations. Syncing Oberlo updates can overwrite your changes, so it’s best to finalize your variation names after you complete product imports and limit re-imports.
Here are some tips to avoid these mistakes:
- Keep a record of original and custom variation names.
- Use Shopify’s variant editing after product import, not before.
- Consider using apps that help manage variation labels without overwriting data.
Alternatives to Oberlo for More Variation Control
If you find Oberlo’s limitations frustrating, exploring alternative dropshipping apps might be worthwhile. Certain platforms provide more flexibility in managing product variations, including the ability to rename options before importing.
Apps such as Spocket, DSers, or Modalyst often have advanced product customization features that integrate well with Shopify. These alternatives can give you more control over variation names and product details, reducing the need for workarounds.
| App | Variation Name Editing | Integration with Shopify |
| Oberlo | No (post-import only) | Seamless |
| Spocket | Yes (pre-import) | Seamless |
| DSers | Partial (some editing features) | Seamless |
| Modalyst | Yes (pre-import) | Seamless |
Choosing the right app depends on your store’s needs and the level of customization you require. If changing variation names is a priority, you might want to investigate these options further.
Final Thoughts on Managing Variation Names in Oberlo
Although Oberlo does not allow changing variation names directly within its platform, you still have options to customize these important details through Shopify’s product management tools or by using third-party apps.
Understanding the distinction between supplier data and your store’s presentation is crucial for smooth dropshipping operations.
Remember, while customizing variation names can enhance branding and customer experience, it’s essential to maintain alignment with supplier data to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly. By carefully managing variation names after import and leveraging Shopify’s flexibility, you can create a polished and user-friendly store without disrupting your supply chain.
Exploring alternatives to Oberlo may also be beneficial if you need deeper control over your product variations. Meanwhile, focusing on customer experience and clarity in your product listings will always pay dividends in building a successful online business.
For more insights on naming and identity, you might enjoy reading about how to choose the perfect dog’s name or creative ideas for YouTube channel names. These resources can inspire you to think creatively about naming conventions, whether for products or personal projects.
