Custom product - advice on using variations please

[Former_Member]

I'm planning on setting up my first custom product but there are more variations than the variations allow for. Is it ok to split the customers options over variations and messaging me with their requirements or just stick with messages and ignore variations?
The product will be Birthstone Family Trees of Life, based on this product:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/159703036/ruby-and-pink-sapphire-birthstone?ref=shop_home_active
So the options would be for the children's stones on the tree, the parents stones at the base (both choosing from 12 birthstones) what colour findings, what type of tree (oak, conifer, twiggy, send me a photo of a special tree), colour of the tree (gold, silver, natural green) what type of scene: meadow, hill, pond, winter, etc... as you can see its too much for variations alone. So should I do some variations or just stick to conversations?

[Former_Member]

I have a similar situation with my flowers, for example, my rose. For your reference:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/116833210/custom-french-beaded-flower-long-stemmed?ref=shop_home_active

People can pick color, finish (matte, glossy, pearl, etc), transparency (opaque), color of petals vs color of stem... really, anything can be varied.

I picked ONE variation -- the color of the petals (the color of the rose) and then suggested people to put in the "notes to seller" any other specifications they have. So, I'd suggest maybe one or two variations for people to select, and then explain what else can be changed in the description.

Or, you could set up multiple listings to address one of the variations -- you could list one of each kind of tree, for example, which would not only show customers that you do variation, but also take one of the "options" away from the listing they purchase.

Of course, upon purchase, touching base with the customer to confirm options will clarify things for both of you.

[Flinta]

My suggestion would be to use multiple listings to add more variations than Etsy allows for. For example, your listings could be the kinds and color of tree (Silver Oak, Gold Conifer, Green Twiggy, etc) and use the variations for Findings and Scenery. Then they could include the stones they want in the Notes to Seller, since there would be way too many combinations to use the variations for those. (At least, the children. The parents wouldn't be too terrible.)

Of course, if you do use multiple listings, definitely put some of the links into the listing description so that people know there are more options available. Linking to them all would be impractical, but you could give a few examples and then link to the shop section where you keep them all.

I've found that people are less likely to buy if they have to use messages to clarify things. The variations and Notes to Seller can be great tools if you use them well, and your customers will appreciate it.

And by the way, that is SUCH a cool product!

[Former_Member]

Good ideas! multiple products would give me more opportunities for keywords too... Thank you, Taylor I think you've divided it up almost perfectly. And I'm glad you like the product, I think if I can promote it properly it could do well :)
@ Margie Thank you for advice too, and your french beading is beautiful - I've had a go at that in the past and I admire your patience and skill :)