Attribute Templates
Marketplace operators can organize sets of attributes using two types of templates: product type templates and custom field templates. These templates standardize data entry, ensuring consistency across your marketplace.
The template determines what fields are available during data entry. Your ability to add attributes outside of templates is determined by the attribute template strategy you choose for your marketplace.
Template types
Use attribute templates to create a standard set of attributes across objects in your marketplace. There are two types of attribute templates:
| Template type | Usage |
|---|---|
| Product type | Product types define product and variant attributes. For example, a product type for books might have product attributes like "Author," "ISBN," and "Number of Pages." The same product type might have a variant attribute of "Format," with the values of "Hardcover" and "Softcover." |
| Custom field template | Custom field templates assign attributes as custom fields, enhancing your marketplace with more data or custom workflows. For example, a custom field template for users might include "Preferred Genres" for a book marketplace. |
Attribute template strategy
Your attribute template strategy defines how you assign attributes to various entities like products, variants, users, categories, and collections. This strategy can be set to either strict or flexible, impacting whether sellers can use attributes outside of those assigned through a template.
You can modify your attribute template strategy within your marketplace configuration settings, or contact your Nautical Program Manager to make the necessary configuration changes.
Strict
In strict mode, the marketplace operator defines exactly which attributes are available to sellers using templates for standardized and consistent usage. Strict mode is best for marketplaces that require consistent and comparable attributes or want to control the characteristics that define their PIM tightly.
This mode requires that operators add any necessary attributes to product type templates before they're available to products and variants. Likewise, for custom fields on products, variants, users, categories, or collections, operators must first add attributes to the relevant custom field template.
Strict mode use cases
Electronics marketplace. In a marketplace selling electronic items like smartphones, laptops, and TVs, strict mode ensures that all listings include essential attributes like screen size, memory, processor type, and so on. This standardization helps customers easily compare products and make informed decisions.
Automotive parts marketplace. For a marketplace dealing in automotive parts, strict mode can ensure that each part listed includes critical information like part numbers, compatibility, make, model, and year. This consistency helps buyers find the correct parts for their vehicles.
Real estate marketplace. In a real estate platform, ensuring that all listings include standardized attributes like square footage, number of bedrooms, location, and property type helps potential buyers or renters to compare and filter properties efficiently.
Flexible
Flexible mode offers more autonomy to sellers, allowing them to add individual attributes directly to entities, in addition to using the predefined templates. This mode is best for marketplaces that cater to a wide variety of products or services, especially those that are unique or customizable.
In this mode, while the operator provides a basic structure through templates, sellers have the liberty to add specific attributes that highlight the uniqueness of their offerings.
Even in flexible mode, an attribute must be configured, along with the input type, before you can add it to a product.
Flexible mode use cases
Handmade crafts marketplace. Sellers of handmade items often have unique attributes specific to their products. For example, a seller might want to highlight that their jewelry is made with ethically sourced gemstones or that their ceramics are dishwasher safe. Flexible mode allows for these unique attributes to be showcased.
Art marketplace. Artists selling paintings, sculptures, or other artworks can benefit from flexible mode by adding attributes that describe the medium, style, theme, or inspiration behind their work, which might not fit into a standard template.
Vintage and antiques marketplace. Sellers in a marketplace for vintage items or antiques might require the ability to add specific attributes related to the item's era, provenance, or unique condition notes, which are crucial for buyers in making purchasing decisions.
