Item variations no longer showing on item search bar...

[TheBurrow]

Item variations used to show up under the main item within the item search bar.

Example: We type in the main item "lollipop" and that used to show first with all the different flavor lollipops to choose from shown beneath. We click the correct flavor and it gets added to the cart.

After a recent update, the variations no longer show.

Example: We type in the main item "lollipop" and that is all that shows up. We have to add it to the cart, it defaults to the first variation, and then we have to click on the item within the cart to change and even see that other variations exist.

This is time consuming and also causes the wrong variations of items to be sold by accident.

Please help!

[Candlestore]

I agree the new update to find Items or Variations when typed in is slow and annoying.  An Item shows up and shows it has 2 variations, but no idea what those variations are unless you scroll to the bottom.  This would not be an issue if you only had one item with the same name.  But we have multiple Items with the same or similar names.  Our Names are the scent of the item.  So say I am searching for Musk, Searche results will list Vanilla Musk Insense, Votives, Pillars All different Sizes, then Jars all different sizes, Insense Cones, Backflow cones, Egyptian Musk etc..... but not list MUSK till the end even tho it is at the begining of what I type, then list similar results later.  

Now your thinking just have Items Musk, Egyptian Musk, Vanilla Musk and the list all the Variations by size or type.  This would work but I have been trying to have only a certain size Jar candle on sale that buy 12 over time get one free.  How do I select just this variation as its under Multiple Items.  So I am back to the Multiple Items of Similar names in different categories.  I usually do not have issues or have to type items in because of using SKUs but when I do it became more difficult and time consumming.  

I type in the search field  French Vanila.... then it puts French Vanilla with 2 variations ( variations are an easy to remember SKU and a Square Generated SKU) .... then French Vanilla with 2 variations and this repeats untill all the French Vanilla Items and Variation counts are complete.... Then finally it lists the variations with the SKU and price.  You gonna say you do not need 2 SKUs for that same item, but with this search it actually becomes easier to type in 28 French Vanilla then just typing in French vanilla to search.  Now if I use Musk like I did in the previous example, I never get to the Varaitions because Square put all the Items with 3 varaitaions, 18 variations..... but not the actual Varaiation to choose because too many results returned I guess.  

So yes I completly agree with the OP, that the Item as typed should show first, with the Variations then at the bottom of those results similar items that have the search word in the Variation then the Name.  At the POS we shoud not have to be guessing which Item has the Variation in it for the sale.  This use to be smoother and now after an Update (downgrade) it is slower and less efficient.

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi @TheBurrow ! 

Thank you @Candlestore for providing some insight here. 

I understand your frustration with the recent change in how variations display in the item search. This change has impacted your workflow and efficiency, especially for items like your lollipops with multiple flavors.

Current Behavior vs. Previous

Before:

Search "lollipop" →
- Lollipop (main item)
- Cherry flavor
- Grape flavor
- Orange flavor
[All variations visible]

Now:

Search "lollipop" →
- Lollipop (main item only)
[Must add first, then modify]

Immediate Workarounds

1. Quick Search Solutions

   • Add variation names to item titles
   • Use SKUs for quick searching
   • Create separate items for popular variations

2. Organization Tips

   • Use categories for better sorting
   • Create custom item lists
   • Set up Quick Access items for common variations

Best Practices Until Fixed

1. Item Naming Convention

   1. Example:
      "Lollipop - Cherry"
      "Lollipop - Grape"

• Makes variations searchable
• Reduces errors
• Speeds up checkout

• Item Organization
  • Group similar items together
  • Use clear, searchable descriptions
  • Set up favorites for common variations

You can submit a feature request to bring back the previous functionality:

1. Use the feedback option in your Dashboard
2. Explain the business impact
3. Share specific examples of efficiency loss

I'm sorry this has happened and I will pass this feedback along to our product teams as well.