Products can be organized and categorized in a structured and systematic manner, allowing for efficient retrieval and understanding of product information.
The following product classification methods are supported:
- Taxonomy
- Attributes
- Tags
Product classification enables Smart Filtering (a component of MC commerce) using dynamic facets that work in tandem with search. Smart Filters are a type of search filter that customers can use to narrow down their search results quickly. It dynamically changes with each search and filter applied, it shows how many results are there under each facet, and its guaranteed not to allow selections that don't given any results.
These three classification elements (taxonomy, attributes, tags) are defined in the MainCross schema framework, which automatically creates the Smart Filters. The schema framework is meant to be customized by the Operator for each Network's purpose, and is extensible and future proof.
Smart Filters are not enabled if none of the product classification elements are defined in the schema.
The three methods of product classification can be used separately or in tandem. As an example see the MainCross Demo 1 Marketplace, which uses all three:
Taxonomy#
Taxonomy is very important for marketplaces offering diverse products and lots of products - it helps customers find what they’re looking for quickly and easily while online shopping; it is crucial and impacts conversion; and hence directly affects the success of the store.
The following taxonomy is supported:
- Category
- Sub-category
- With upto 5 attributes per sub-category *
Any number of categories can be defined, but it is important to define only a few categories so as not to overwhelm the visitor.
Each category can have multiple sub-categories. It is important to define only a few sub-categories per category so as not to overwhelm the visitor.
* Planned for the future for complex marketplaces. Let us know if you need this feature.
Attributes#
If one is running a marketplace with similar products, then taxonomy may be overkill. Instead one may opt for a simpler product classification via product attributes.
Upto 5 attributes can be defined for the marketplace. Some examples of product attributes are Color, Size, Material, Pattern, Style, Season, Occasion, Gender, Age Group, Discount Percentage, Rating, Reviews, Warranty, Country of Origin, Dimensions (Length, Width, Height), Weight, Packaging Type, etc.
Tags#
The simplest method of product classification is to use tags.
- Seller and manufacturer tags are automatically applied based on entered data
- Upto 8 unique freeform hashtags can be applied per product
Category, sub-category, attributes, seller and manufacturer fields are meant to be formalized and applied to products, ie values for these fields are meant to be selected from a pre-defined and rigid set of values per class of products, eg:
Category = Electronics
Sub-category = Mobiles
Attributes = Screen size, memory, storage, OS, processor
Hashtags on the other hand are meant to be informal, and changing based on need. Its an extendible system - one can use the hashtags for any purpose beyond filtering, eg they can be used to create an adhoc collection of "latest" or "on sale" or curate a set of products or anything really, without having to touch the formal fields.
