By Artem Korsakov ·
A bouquet catalog for a website is conveniently prepared starting with several fully completed cards. These are used to verify photos, variants, names and sales rules. Mass uploading before agreeing on a sample often transfers scattered information from spreadsheets and correspondence to the site. Fixing them after publication has to be done together with incoming orders.
Determine what counts as a separate product
The same bouquet can be sold in several sizes. You need to decide whether they are variants of one card or separate items. The choice affects photos, prices, availability and order processing. If sizes differ only by name, it is difficult for the buyer to understand the difference.
In a hypothetical catalog there is a composition in three volumes. For each, specify verified parameters and an image or clearly explain which variant is shown. It is not allowed to use a photo of the largest version for all prices without an appropriate caption.
Separately define custom orders. If a composition is assembled to fit a budget, the card may describe a selection service and lead to agreement. It should not be formatted as an exactly available product with a final price, if this does not correspond to the store's workflow.
Collect a unified set of data
The following are needed for a card:
- stable internal designation (article number);
- clear name;
- category;
- price;
- description of the variant.
Additional fields may include sizes, composition, availability, photos and related add-ons. The set of fields is chosen based on actual sales, even if the platform allows more.
The internal article number helps distinguish similar items during upload and order transfer. The name for the buyer can be simpler at the same time. An employee must understand which record corresponds to the ordered bouquet, even if the advertising name changes later.
Prepare data in one agreed source. It is not recommended to store prices in a spreadsheet, final composition in personal correspondence, and availability only in the florist's memory. A contractor can help organize fields, but the reliability of the original assortment remains with the store.
Agree on photos and substitution rules
Images are useful to bring to compatible proportions and quality. This facilitates catalog viewing, but does not mean a requirement to shoot everything identically. It is more important that the photos correspond to the offer, do not hide the scale and have a clear execution option.
Substitutions must be described through the store's actual rule. What can change, who agrees to it and at what stage? A general phrase about possible differences does not help an employee make a decision if a significant component of the composition is unavailable.
In a hypothetical example, a bouquet is shown with a seasonal flower. The store can temporarily hide the item, offer agreement or prepare an approved alternative. Whichever option is chosen, the site must reflect it consistently. The text in the card, order processing and manager actions must not contradict each other.
Categories and filters are built based on filled data
Start with clear groups of the assortment. Then check which characteristics actually help in selection: price range, format or available delivery options. If a feature is filled only for some products, the filter may hide suitable items.
There is no need to create dozens of almost identical sections for future search pages. First, there needs to be a meaningful difference in the assortment and the ability to maintain each selection. Empty categories and identical descriptions do not help visitors understand the offer.
Organize updates after launch
Assign a person responsible for changes and show them the workflow. They must be able to:
- change prices;
- add an image;
- hide a product;
- check the result on a phone.
If loading is done via a file, determine what happens to items missing from the new file.
Before mass filling, upload samples and process a hypothetical order. Compare the card, total amount and information with the manager. After full transfer, check for missing images, duplicate article numbers, empty variants and accidentally published drafts. How to then verify order processing is discussed in the article «Flower Delivery Checkout».
To discuss the trike_dev floral solution it is sufficient to bring several real cards and describe the source of the remaining data. This allows you to evaluate content separately from website development.
Частые вопросы ### Can I start with a small catalog?
Yes, if the items are relevant and cover the selected sales scenario. It is better to agree on a limited line for launch than to show a large list with unknown availability and outdated prices.
Should I hand over the catalog to a contractor fully ready?
No, preparation can be included in the project with clear responsibilities.