CSV Import

A CSV file is a plain text file that contains a formatted list of rows and columns and is viewable in software that allows for viewing spreadsheets. A CSV file is different from most spreadsheet files, though, because no formatting, formulas, highlights, or anything besides text will be kept when the CSV file is saved.

Note: Use our downloadable CSV import template, which is available on the Products page, to follow the required format for upload. You can import a CSV file with up to 15,000 products or 50MB of data at a time, whichever is less.

You can download the CSV import template from the Products page in the merchant console. The template contains all the required and optional attributes for a product as individual columns where you can input product details you want to input to your Buy with Prime catalog. Note: If you add new columns to this template, that data will not be imported - the import will look for the pre-defined columns in the template and import that data only.

To download a CSV import template:

1. Open the merchant console.
2. On the side menu, choose Products, then Add products, and select Import from CSV.
   

   

3. After the Import from CSV window opens, follow the prompts to download the CSV import template. Note: We recommend using our downloadable template so that special formatting like formulas will not be saved in your CSV file.
   

   

There are two types of columns in the template, required and optional. Certain columns are required based on whether you are importing a standalone product (without variations), a parent product to a group of variations, or a product variation.

Important: If your CSV file is missing one of the required columns for a product, your import will fail for the entire file. Optional columns are used for several purposes: they may not be required when you are updating a product, can be used to add certain additional information for products, and must be used for products with variations. The following table covers each column in detail:

Data for certain columns must be formatted as specified in the following guidelines:

You can add standalone products to your Buy with Prime catalog through the CSV import feature by including a row with the following columns:

• SKU
• Title
• Fulfilled By
• Amazon_SKU
• Price
• Offer Prime

You can also add optional attributes such as Image URL and Product detail page URL.

Standalone products can be updated through the CSV import feature by including a row with the existing SKU value in the SKU column and updated values in any columns you want to update. Be sure to use the same column headers in the template and check the Override existing products option during import.

Products with variations can be added and updated through the CSV import feature. It is important to understand how rows and optional columns are used to import products with variations because the values in these rows and columns indicate what product row in your file is the ‘parent’ product and what rows are the product variations of that parent.

The CSV import template groups product variations in the rows under the relevant parent row. The Title and Variation option columns for a parent product with variations define the product title and the variation options (e.g. Color) for the variation. The next rows contain the product variations that define the following fields by row: SKU, Fulfilled By, Price, Amazon_SKU, Offer Prime and Variation Option Value (e.g. Red). Images are also imported at the product variation level. You can create up to five variation options and 100 total product variations under a single parent product. For example, if you’re selling shoes you could create variation options for ‘size’, ‘width’, ‘color’, ‘tread’, and ‘shoelace type’. However, you could not import a sixth variation option of ‘waterproof’ and if this data is added the product import will fail for the affected products. You have complete control to create variation options for your products; there are no pre-defined options specified.

You can update products with variations using the CSV import feature:

• To update a specific variation: Include a row and add the existing SKU value in the SKU column. Then, input values in any other columns you want to update. You don’t need to include the parent or any other variations. Use the standard column headers from the template, and choose Override existing products during import.
  

  

• To update a parent product: Include a row for the parent product with variation options that match the existing parent product. Then, input values in any other column you want to update. Ensure that the parent product row is immediately followed by a row of one of its existing child variations. This child variation row should have SKU variation options that match the parent product and variation option values. Use the standard column headers from the template, and choose Override existing products during import.
  

  

The CSV import feature supports adding new variations (e.g. new color) to an existing product with variations. To add new Variation Option Values through the CSV import feature, the file must contain the following rows:

1. The existing parent product with column inputs matching your Buy with Prime catalog for Title and Variation Option(s);
2. One existing product variation for that parent with column inputs matching your Buy with Prime catalog for SKU, Fulfilled By, Amazon_SKU, Price, and Offer Prime, Variation Option(s) and Variation Option Value(s); and
3. Each new product variation with new column inputs for SKU, Fulfilled By, Amazon_SKU, Price, and Offer Prime, Variation Option(s) and Variation Option Value(s).
   

   

The rows for (1) and (2) in the table are required to look up and match with the existing product with variations in your Buy with Prime catalog. If these rows are not included, a new product with variations will be created.

The CSV import feature also supports updating the SKU, Price, and Offer Prime fields for existing products in your Buy with Prime catalog. To update the SKU, include a row with the existing SKU value in the SKU column and the updated SKU value in the Updated SKU column. Similarly, to update Price or Offer Prime, include a row with the existing SKU value in the SKU column and an updated value in the Price or Offer Prime columns. Use the same column headers as in the template, and select the Override existing products option during import.

To import your products using a CSV file:

1. Enter your product details in the downloaded CSV import template and save your CSV import file.
2. Upload your CSV import file by choosing the Upload file button (checkbox directly below the Upload File field) to browse your computer files Note: Only one CSV import file can be uploaded at a time.
3. If you plan to update existing products in your Buy with Prime catalog using product details from the CSV import file, then check Overwrite existing products. Use SKU in the CSV file to find the existing products to update. If you do not want to update your current Buy with Prime catalog with the product details in your CSV import file, then leave Overwrite existing products unchecked. Skip existing SKUs and only add new products to your Buy with Prime catalog.
4. After your CSV import file uploads successfully, choose Import.

After you start the import, a banner message will display on the Products page indicating the import is in process. Depending on the size of your CSV import file, the import may take a few hours. You will receive an email after the import is complete telling you how many products were updated successfully in your Buy with Prime catalog. The banner message will also update when the import process is complete. If your CSV import file is small, try refreshing the page after a few minutes and wait for the updated banner message to appear. You can also visit the CSV history page, which will have a record of the last 30 days of CSV import file uploads.

The CSV history page is where we keep a record of your last 30 days of CSV import file uploads. The page contains helpful information so you can understand the status and resolve any issues.

To view your CSV history results, follow these steps:

1. Open the merchant console.
2. Choose Products from the side menu.
3. Choose CSV history.
4. Select the CSV import file name to review the line-by-line guidance provided for any errors.

Once an import is complete, the Owner role will receive an email with a summary of the high-level results: what was imported, what was unsuccessful. From that email you may also navigate to the CSV history page. To access your CSV history results:

1. In the confirmation email, choose View import results to be redirected to the CSV history page within the merchant console.
2. Select the CSV import file name to review the line-by-line guidance provided for any errors.

Note: See the following Troubleshooting tips for detailed guidance to resolve certain errors. If the Troubleshooting tips don’t help you resolve all of your errors, contact merchant support with the appropriate Import ID, which is available on the CSV history page.

Use the following troubleshooting information to identify and address some issues that can occur while importing product details using your CSV import file. If you’re still experiencing issues, contact merchant support.

Global errors

Inline errors

Get answers to common questions about importing the CSV file.

For other questions, go to FAQ library.