External Variations WooCommerce Plugin 1.0.5

In the WooCommerce ecosystem, "External Variations" generally refers to plugins that allow you to turn individual product variations into **Affiliate or External links**. 

By default, WooCommerce only allows a product to be *either* "Variable" (internal checkout) or "External/Affiliate" (link to another site). These plugins bridge that gap, letting you have one product page where some (or all) variations lead to external websites. 

Here are the most prominent options currently available: 

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### 1. WPC External Variations for WooCommerce (Highly Recommended) 

This is one of the most popular and feature-rich options. It allows you to keep the "Variable Product" type but assign unique external URLs to specific variations. 

* **Key Features:** 
* **Mixed Modes:** You can have some variations that add to your local cart and others that link to an external site. 
* **Auto-Redirect:** Automatically converts out-of-stock variations into external links (useful if you have the item on Amazon but not in your local warehouse). 
* **Custom Buttons:** Change the "Add to Cart" button text to "Buy on Amazon" or "View Deal" specifically for those variations. 
* **Compatibility:** Works well with swatches and variation tables. 



### 2. WC External Variations (Impossible Dreams) 

A lightweight, straightforward plugin often found on WordPress.org. 

* **Key Features:** Adds a simple "External URL" field to the variation settings. 
* **Status Note:** As of late 2023/2024, the developer has noted it is no longer under active development, though it still works for many users on current WordPress versions. 

### 3. External Variations WooCommerce Plugin (CodeCanyon) 

A premium option typically sold on the Envato Market. 

* **Key Features:** Best for high-volume affiliate marketers. It provides a clean interface for adding different affiliate IDs and URLs to every single attribute combination. 

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### How it Works (General Setup) 

Regardless of the specific plugin you choose, the workflow usually looks like this: 

1. **Set Product Type:** Keep the product as a **Variable Product** (not External/Affiliate). 
2. **Go to Variations:** Open the "Variations" tab in the Product Data box. 
3. **Input URL:** You will see a new field labeled **"External URL"** or **"Affiliate Link"** inside each variation's settings. 
4. **Customize Button:** (Optional) Enter specific button text for that variation (e.g., "Buy from Partner"). 
5. **Save:** When a customer selects that variation on the front end, the "Add to Cart" button dynamically changes to your external link. 

### Why Use This? 

* **Affiliate Stores:** Perfect for "Shop the Look" sites where different sizes or colors are hosted on different retail partner sites. 
* **Stock Management:** If you run out of a specific size, you can temporarily point that variation to a supplier's site so you don't lose the sale. 
* **Multi-Platform Selling:** If you sell on Etsy, Amazon, and your own site, you can direct users to the platform where that specific item is currently available. 

**Would you like me to help you find the specific download link for one of these, or do you need a code snippet to do this manually without a plugin?**