> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://docs.downpay.app/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Assigning products and variants to Downpay Purchase Options

# Assigning Products to Downpay Purchase Options

This guide explains **how product assignment to purchase options works in Downpay** and all the different ways you can assign products or variants.

If you are new to Downpay, be sure you've taken a look at the [introduction to purchase options](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/introduction-to-downpay-purchase-options-1dt4jnn/#1-what-is-a-purchase-option) first, then start from the top here. By the end of this guide, you should feel confident choosing the right assignment method for your store.

---

###### On this page

[Product selection types](#2-product-selection-types)
* [By Products](#3-by-products)
* [By Variants](#3-by-variants)
* [By Tag](#3-by-tag)
* [By Whole Store](#3-by-whole-store)
* [By Shopify Flow](#3-by-shopify-flow)
* [By API](#3-by-api)

---

## Product Selection Types

Downpay offers several ways to assign products or variants to a purchase option.

We generally recommend:

* **By Product** or **By Variant** for `small catalogs` or one-off preorder campaigns
* **By Tag**, **By Whole Store**, or our **Shopify Flow Integration** for `larger or evolving catalogs`

||| Once a purchase option is saved, the selection type cannot be changed. If you need a different selection type, delete the purchase option and create a new one.

Below are all available assignment methods and when to use each.

### By Products

Assign specific products directly to a purchase option.

**Best for**
* Small catalogs
* One-off preorder, backorder, security deposit, or made to order deposit campaigns
* Assigning only a handful of products

**Things to know**

* You can only select and display *up to 250 products**  using the `Select products` button in Downpay. 
* For larger catalogs beyond 250, tags or whole-store assignment are easier to use and manage long term
* Products can also be assigned from the Shopify product page
* Products can be assigned in bulk by navigating to the Shopify Products index page, selecting 50 products, click the `...` more actions drop down and choosing `Add to Downpay purchase Option`. [Learn more](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/bulk-add-products-to-purchase-options-1mmk4fs/).

### By Variants

Assign specific product variants to a purchase option.

**Best for**
* Products where only certain variants should support deposits
* Limited variant-specific campaigns

**Things to know**
* You can only select and display **up to 250 variants** from the in-app `Select variants` button in Downpay.
* For larger variant catalogs, Use the [Add variant to purchase option action](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/using-shopify-flow-with-downpay-u2eu3f/#2-add-variant-to-purchase-option) in Shopify Flow.
* There is no bulk variant assignment in Shopify
* More than 250 variants can also be assigned from the Shopify variant details page

### By Tag

Assign one or more product tags to a purchase option.

Downpay will automatically keep products in sync based on those tags.

**Best for**
* Growing or changing catalogs
* Ongoing deposit or preorder rules
* Merchants who want automation without technical setup

If a product gains or loses the tag, Downpay will automatically update the assignment.

### By Whole Store

Assign **all products in your store** to a purchase option.

**Best for**
* Store-wide deposit strategies
* Cart-level deposit workflows
* Advanced use cases like our Cart Deposits beta

If you are considering this option, contact us to make sure it is the right fit for your setup.

### By Shopify Flow

Use Shopify Flow to assign products or variants to purchase options automatically.

Downpay provides Flow actions such as:

* Add product to purchase option
* Add variant to purchase option

**Best for**
* Advanced automation
* Assigning based on custom logic (vendor, price, inventory, metafields, etc.)

[Learn more about using Downpay with Shopify Flow](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/using-shopify-flow-with-downpay-u2eu3f/)

### By API

For complex or fully custom workflows, Downpay offers an API on the Scale plan.

**Best for**
* Custom storefronts
* ERP or backend-driven logic
* Fully automated assignment and removal of products

[Learn more about the Downpay API](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/getting-started-with-the-downpay-api-46887k/)


If you are unsure which assignment method is best for your store, reach out to us. We are happy to help you choose the simplest option that will scale with your business.

---

[Jump to top](#6-on-this-page)