What’s the best way to inform users the results of their UI selections before they make the selection?
For example if a user is going through an online request form and must choose from a long list of industries, forms, job roles, types of jams, whatever but some of the items result in a different UX path than others, what's a good way to show that in advance of them making the selection so they aren't disappointed after they make the selection if they are not able to continue with the path they want.
Another example: I want to create custom car mats for my car, I am given the "make" and "model" choices for all cars. If I choose one that I can get customize mats for, I'm on my merry way to pick out the colors. If I choose one that I cannot get customize mats for, it gives me a phone number to call the company.
Originally, I wanted to just list what they can proceed with but the business requires all types to be listed so they get the offline referrals as well.
It could apply to many situations. Another is a particular combination of location and service is not offered.
I would like to let they user know sooner if the transaction cannot be completed completely online before they make the selection while keeping it one list so its easy to find the list items within context and without having to review both lists. If they do make a selection and get the 'path 2/sorry can't do that online' message it feels like an error/bad UX. Any ideas how to remedy?