Setting up options is one of the most common support questions we get, so this guide walks through exactly how to do it in the new portal.
You’ll learn:
When to use Variation vs Modifier
How to configure option rules correctly
Common option group setups chefs use every week
How to fix the most common setup issues
Where to set up options
Go to Items.
Open the item you want to edit.
Click Option groups.
Click + Create option group.
Variation vs Modifier (most important decision)
Use this type | Best for | Shows on Prep? |
Variation (most common) | Flavors, sizes, quantities, or any choice you need to count while producing | Yes |
Modifier (least common) | Ticket-level customizations you only need on individual order tickets | No |
Rule of thumb: if your kitchen needs to tally it, make it a Variation.
How to configure an option group correctly
Choose Variation (most common) or Modifier.
Name the group clearly (example: Flavor, Size, Dipping sauce).
Add each option and any price adjustment.
Option price is always added to base item price.
You can use a negative amount if needed.
Set rules:
Require at least one selection when a choice is mandatory.
Allow for multiple selections ONLY when customers should pick more than one option.
Enable inventory for this group if options need separate option-level inventory caps.
Common option group setups
A) Flavor (single choice)
Type: Variation
Rules: Require at least one = ON, Multiple selections = OFF
Example: Chocolate, Vanilla
B) Pick N flavors for a pack/box
Type: Variation
Rules: Require at least one = ON, Multiple selections = ON
Use case: “Pick 2 bagel flavors” or “Choose 4 cookie flavors”
Example: you want customers to pick 12 bagels
Require at least 12 selections
Customers can make up to 12 selections
Allow multiple selections of the same option = ON (so that customer can get multiple of the same flavor)
C) Size or pack count
Type: Variation
Rules: Require at least one = ON, Multiple selections = OFF
Example: 3-pack, 6-pack, 12-pack with price differences
D) Ticket-only customization
Type: Modifier
Example: “Extra sweet”, “Extra toasted”, “No garnish”
Note: these are NOT broken out on your Prep list.
Most common issues (and fixes)
Issue: “My customer wasn’t charged the right amount.”
This is usually a pricing or rules setup issue in option groups. Check these first:
What did you set the base price to?
What did you set the Option prices to?
When you add the Option price to the base price, is that the correct price for that selection?
Is Allow for multiple selections on when it should be OFF?
Customers may be selecting multiple options, when instead, they should be selecting only one
Issue: “My customers can’t pick multiple options.”
Turn Allow for multiple selections ON in that option group. Also make sure your required selection rules match what you intend.
Issue: “My options are on tickets but not on Prep.”
Those options are likely set as Modifier. Use Variation for anything that must appear in Prep totals.
Issue: “Build-your-own bundles make Prep hard to read.”
This is common with complex assortments. For heavy bundle workflows, use simpler option sets or contact support about Items within Items setup.
Issue: “Bundle orders should auto-deduct each component inventory.”
Component-level auto-linking is not fully self-serve yet. Plan inventory accordingly and set inventory separately for the bundle and individual item(s).
Issue: “My customers are getting confused.”
Too many choices hurt conversion. We consistently see better checkout conversion when option sets are simpler. Fewer choices = faster checkout and fewer abandoned carts.
Pro tips from support patterns
Use options sparingly - the best droppers on Hotplate don't use any and keep their menus very simple. Too many choices overwhelms customers and makes production more difficult for you.
Keep option names consistent across items (especially flavors) to keep prep workflows cleaner.
If an option is operationally important for production, always treat it as a Variation.
For assortments or bundles, reach out to us a few days before your drop so we have time to set up Items within Items for you.