.png)
Protool Ltd are an independent precision tool supplier based in the United Kingdom. They have been running since 2009 and serve customers mainly in the UK & Ireland, but also worldwide.
Selling precision tooling, most of their customers are established businesses running CNC Workshops, mainly in the industries of automotive, F1, and aerospace. They also sell these tools, and other equipment like safety gloves, to DIYers or hobbyists. This meant their new website we was building them, had to cater for both b2b and b2c customers.
One of the most significant challenges we faced while building Protool Ltd’s website on Shopify was overcoming the three product options limitation.
Shopify restricts products to just three options, such as size, colour, and material. However, Protool Ltd’s extensive range of precision tools typically required five or more specification options to properly differentiate between products. For example, tools often needed to include options like:
Cutting Diameter
Shank Diameter
Flute Length
Overall Length
Corner Radius
Drill Depth
These are essential details for engineers and tradespeople who require absolute precision when selecting tools, so leaving out any specifications was simply not an option.
The Problem with Shopify’s Three Options
When the product data was initially imported into Shopify, all products came with no options, making it impossible to differentiate between variants. Customers couldn’t filter or compare tools based on their unique specifications, which would have made navigating the site a frustrating experience.
We knew this limitation would require a creative, custom-coded solution that maintained both functionality and usability for Protool Ltd’s customers.
How We Overcame the Limitation
To solve this, we used product metafields—a flexible Shopify feature that allows for additional data to be added to products. This allowed us to display all the specifications required without being restricted by Shopify’s standard options. Here’s how we did it:
1. Adding a 'Specification Options' Metafield
We introduced a metafield named ‘Specification Options’, which allowed us to store and display product specifications as JSON-formatted string data.
For example, a product metafield might look like this:
{"Cutter Diameter":"6", "Number of Flutes":"4", "Flute Length":"7", "Overall Length":"70", "Shank Diameter":"6", "Reach":"33", "Neck Diameter":"5.8"}Each product was assigned a unique set of specification data, which gave us the flexibility to define as many attributes as needed—well beyond Shopify’s three-option limit.
2. Customising the Parent Page Collection Table
Once the metafield data was in place, we enhanced the parent page collection table we had created earlier (used to display product ranges and variants).
We coded additional columns into the table to display the specification options dynamically.
Each column heading represented a specific specification (e.g., Cutter Diameter, Flute Length, Shank Diameter).
The values for each product were pulled directly from the metafield data and displayed in their respective rows.
This upgrade meant that the table not only showed the product name, SKU, price, and stock levels but also provided all the detailed specifications for each variant—making it easy for customers to compare tools at a glance.
3. Displaying Specifications on Individual Product Pages
To ensure clarity and consistency, we further customised the individual product pages.
The specification data from the metafield was pulled and displayed as a neatly formatted table within the product description.
This allowed customers to view all the technical details directly on the product page, ensuring they could confirm they were selecting the exact tool they needed.
For instance, a product page for an end mill would clearly show:
Cutter Diameter: 6mm
Number of Flutes: 4
Flute Length: 7mm
Shank Diameter: 6mm
And more...
This solution added significant value to the shopping experience by giving customers all the information they needed in an accessible format.
The Results
By leveraging Shopify’s metafields and custom coding, we were able to create a dynamic, data-driven solution for Protool Ltd that:
Surpassed Shopify’s 3-product option limit by allowing unlimited specification options.
Made it easier for customers to browse and compare tools with precision.
Maintained a clean, user-friendly interface, even for Protool’s vast and complex product catalogue.
Boosted customer confidence by providing detailed product information at every stage of their shopping journey.
Why This Matters for Protool Ltd’s Customers
For Protool Ltd’s customers, precision is everything. Whether they’re selecting a drill, end mill, or reamer, every specification matters when it comes to completing a job accurately and efficiently. By providing detailed product data and a seamless browsing experience, we’ve ensured that Protool’s customers can find the exact tools they need, hassle-free.
Need Help with Shopify Limitations?
At Welch Marketing, we specialise in overcoming Shopify’s limitations with custom solutions tailored to your business. If you’re struggling with product options, variant limits, or any other e-commerce challenges, we can help.
Let’s turn your challenges into opportunities and create an online store that works as hard as you do! Want help with a custom online store like this one? Get in touch with us today!
Comments