When a product is first added in the system it gets saved as a Draft. A preview feature helps you visualize how the product would look on the site. After reviewing the content and the display, with the help of a simple click, status can be updated to Active.
By default a newly created product gets saved as a Draft. It can be updated to Active, while marking active, system prompts if you want to publish it as well.
Active: This signifies the product is active and ready to be available on the website.
Published: This ensures the product is visible to the customer on the site. An active product but as unpublished won't be visible on the site.
Further depending upon the time and business need, a product can be marked as discontinued or archived.
Following is a basic checklist for products to be published on the website:
Condition | What happens if condition is NOT met |
Price MUST be populated | Product does not show up on the website at all. |
Stock is available OR Notify Me is enabled true for the product - in this case the 'Add to bag' button is replaced by 'Notify Me' OR Backorder is enabled - ability to sell without stock. | Product does not show up on the website at all |
Product must be 'Active' | Product does not show up on the website at all |
Product must either be 'Published' or Launch Date set to the expected date | Product does not show up on the website at all |
Sell Price & List Price MUST be same | If the sell price & list price are not same, then the product is flagged as 'OnSale' and does not show up in 'New In' |