What's the best way to list products with multiple size options?

[nks2012]

For some of my suppliers, there may be a Model A, Model B, and Model C. Within each model, the height and the width may be the same, but there might be 10 variants of length.

Is is better to just list the 3 models on 3 separate product pages and have the various lengths as an option in a drop-down menu on each page, or should I actually create 30 different product pages?

Just listing 3 would seem to be better from a usability perspective, but having 30 might lead to more pages being indexed.

I believe that I'll have 30 different entries in my Google/Bing Product Search feeds, but what is the recommended practice for actual sites?

Thanks

[pbrennan]

What about in the case where putting the MPN (manufacturer part number) might be advantageous? Would you have the main product page, and use many MPN's in the Title, or H1 tags, or product name?

Lots of people, when searching, use "Manufacturer MPN" as their search when they're in buying mode. I could see how having separate pages for each would be useful in this case, increasing conversions & rankings because of the MPN-specific content.

Love to hear your thoughts.

[kennyrowe]

Keeping it simple for the customer is always better. I'd go with 3 models on 3 separate product pages where they can choose the length. You want the customer to be able to find exactly what they want in the simplest way possible with the least amount of effort.