Runbook: Add a New Product
Account: VITAG (Vitagen Labs)
Navigation: Items → Add Item
When to Use This Runbook
Use when launching a new supplement SKU, adding a bundle, or creating a new product variant (e.g., a new flavor or size of an existing formula). Covers everything from initial item creation to storefront visibility and auto order enrollment.
Who can do this: Owner or anyone with Items — Edit permission.
Time estimate: 15–30 minutes for a standard supplement SKU with auto order enabled.
Before You Start
Have ready:
-
[ ] Product name and description (marketing copy)
-
[ ] SKU / item ID (your internal product code)
-
[ ] Pricing: regular price, subscription price (if different)
-
[ ] Product weight (in ounces or pounds) — required for shipping rates
-
[ ] Package dimensions (L × W × H in inches) — required for accurate carrier rates
-
[ ] Product images (minimum: 1 main image at 800×800px or larger)
-
[ ] Ingredient list / supplement facts panel (for knowledge base and listing)
-
[ ] Subscription frequency (e.g., every 30 days, 60 days, 90 days)
Step 1: Create the Item
-
Go to Items in the left nav
-
Click Add Item
-
On the General tab, fill in:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Merchant Item ID | Your SKU (e.g., VL-COLLAGEN-60CT). Once saved, this cannot be changed easily — choose carefully. |
| Description | Full product name (e.g., "Vitagen Collagen Peptides — 60 Capsules") |
| Price | Regular retail price (e.g., $49.99) |
| Cost | Your cost of goods (internal only; used for profit reporting) |
| Field | Notes |
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Auto Order Enabled | ✅ Yes |
| Schedule | Select frequency: Every 30 days (most common for supplements) |
| Auto Order Price | Enter the subscription price (e.g., $44.99 — typically 10% off retail) |
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong weight entered | Shipping rates under-charged; VITAG loses money | Weigh the actual packaged product on a postal scale before entry |
| Auto order not enabled | Customers can only one-time purchase; no subscription revenue | Check the Auto Order tab before publishing |
| No inventory tracking | Overselling stock you don't have | Enable inventory from day one |
| Medical claims in description | FDA compliance risk | Review copy against FDA supplement marketing guidelines |
| Merchant Item ID with spaces or special characters | Import/export and API issues | Use hyphens only: VL-PRODUCT-SIZE format |