Combining Variants into a Bundle without being a separate product

[DebraJM]

Hope I can explain what I need correctly.  I have a product in 2 colors that sells as 2 variants for this product and not as 2 separate products. What I would like to do is add a third variant listing under this product that combines the 2 color variants into a third choice which combines 1 each of the existing variants. Using the Bundle feature doesn't work as it adds a new separate product which I don't want. I need this 3rd variant choice to pull from the inventory of the existing variants so it doesn't oversell. Can it be done? 

[DebraJM]

Exactly what I need it to do automatically. What do I need to do to make it do that? Thanks!

[Ellie-BOGOS]

HI @DebraJM  😊 I recommend handling this using the advanced Mix & Match feature (which you can find in the BOGOS app) instead of creating a new variant for MORE SALES, BETTER CONVERSION RATE.

🎯 What you can achieve:

✔️Uses your actual variant inventory (so you won’t oversell)

✔️Doesn’t create a new product or SKU

✔️Keeps everything under the same product experience

🎯How it works:

You can create a Mix & Match widget under your product page that

• Display 2 variants as 2 products
• Make the combo set look more appealing with a custom widget — this often performs better than just adding as a third variant -> MORE SALES for you

• You can offer a discount for the combo (optional) to encourage more people to choose it

• Add both to cart in one click

How to set it up in BOGOS app:

Simply see the image below

--> If you wanna test it first, here's to try it for 7 free days. Let me know if you’d like help setting it up 😊 

[DebraJM]

Thanks for this answer. It looks amazing, however, I only have a few products I want to create a combo sale for currently. I think this may be a little more than what I would need. Thank you so much for the info though.  I will bookmark it for possible future needs!

[Ellie-BOGOS]

Thank you so much @DebraJM 😍 ! Really means a lot that you took the time to explore it. Best of luck with your current setup!!!!

[DebraJM]

Say I have 10 of each color, I can subtract 5 from each and create 5 for the combo, but that just limits the availability for all 3 choices. I was hoping there was a way to have the 3rd variant combo pull what was needed from the other two varients. Thanks  

[CodingFifty]

Hey! @DebraJM,

Yes, it can be done, but not with Shopify's default variant system alone. What you need is a custom solution where the third variant (a bundle of 1 of each color) pulls inventory from the two existing variants. Since Shopify doesn’t allow variants to depend on other variants' inventory, you can use a third-party app like Bundle Products & Variants by FreshlyCommerce or Connected Inventory apps. These apps let you create a virtual bundle that tracks inventory from the individual items. This way, the third variant appears as part of the same product and adjusts the stock of the two original colors when it sells, preventing overselling.

[DebraJM]

Thank you I will check it

[DebraJM]

"Since Shopify doesn’t allow variants to depend on other variants' inventory, you can use a third-party app"

Thank you for this explanation. I'm never sure when I can't do what I want to do, if it's just me not knowing how to do it, or something such as this where I will need something extra as an app to do it for me.  

[Easify-Jolie]

Hi @DebraJM 

Yes, this can be done using the Easify Inventory Sync app. It lets you create a variant like “Red + Blue Set” and link it to your existing Red and Blue variants. That way, when someone buys the combo, inventory is automatically deducted from both original variants — all while keeping everything under the same product. No need for separate products or manual tracking. Here's how it works:

1. Create your variants: Red, Blue and Red+Blue

2. Set Up Bundle Groups: Use the app to create Bundle groups that connect your set with your individual variants. Here’s how to set up a bundle group for your product:

• Master Product: Red+Blue variant
• Component Product: Red variant with the Quantity per Bundle set to 1
• Component Product: Blue variant with the Quantity per Bundle set to 1

3. How It Works:

• The inventory for your red+blue variant will be automatically calculated based on the individual product’s inventory.
• When 1 red+blue variant is purchased, the inventory of red and blue variant will be reduced automatically by 1, total is 2. The app will then recalculate the available quantities for your red+blue variants based on the updated red and blue inventory, ensuring accurate inventory tracking.

This app is straightforward, and I believe it will work well for you. Reach out to Easify if you need any assistance! 🤗

[DebraJM]

Thank you for replying. This may be exactly what I'm looking for at this time. I will definitely check it out.

[DebraJM]

I tried your product but unfortunately it doesn't do what I need it to. The products I want to create the 3rd variant combo set with, cannot be restocked, so not overselling is important with declining inventory. I appreciate Violet responding and letting me know why the inventory failed to sync before the actual checkout is completed. I guess there is no way around creating bundles rather than a 3rd variant since the available inventory needs to be calculated during checkout and not after the order is completed. Thank you for trying to offer a solution.