CSV Import

Managing product imports with a CSV file

Using a CSV file

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.

CSV import template

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.

Steps to download CSV import template:

Step 1Open the merchant console.

Step 2Choose Products from the side menu, then Import products, and select from CSV file.

Step 3After 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.

Understanding the columns

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 table below covers each column in detail:

For the downloadable version of this table click here.

Data for certain columns must be formatted as specified in the guidelines below.

For the downloadable version of this table click here.

Creating and updating a standalone product

Standalone products can be added 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, and Offer Prime. You can also add optional attributes like 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.

Creating and updating a product with variations

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.

Products with variations can be updated through the CSV import feature, but you must include values for all required columns even if those fields aren't being updated. Include the parent product row and variation rows with all required columns as well as any optional columns you want to update. Be sure to use the same column headers as in the template and check the Override existing products option during import.

Adding a new variation to an existing variation product

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).

See chart below

The rows for (1) and (2) above 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. 

Updating the SKU, Price, or Offer Prime fields for existing products in Buy with Prime catalog

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. Be sure to use the same column headers as in the template and check the Override existing products option during import.

Adding images to a product

Images are optional for all products and included by adding new URLs in the template, we support up to 25 images for a single product. The optional column position number of the image (i.e. Image URL 1 or Image URL 14) determines the order of image display within Buy with Prime. The image in position 1 is used for checkout and post-order email generation.

Uploading the CSV file

To import your products using a CSV file:

Step 1Enter your product details in the downloaded CSV import template and save your CSV import file.

Step 2Upload 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.

Step 3Note: 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.

Step 4After 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.

CSV Import History Page

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.

For the downloadable version of this table click here.

To view your CSV history results, follow these steps:

Step 1Open the merchant console.

Step 2Choose Products from the side menu.

Step 3Click the CSV history link.

Step 4Select the CSV import file name to review the line-by-line guidance provided for any errors.

Import confirmation email

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 from the import confirmation email, follow these steps:

Step 1Click the View import results link in the confirmation email.

Step 2Notice that the View import results link directs you to the CSV history page within the merchant console.

Step 3Select 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.

Troubleshooting

Below are the possible error types, error descriptions, and our tips to resolve issues you may have importing product details using your CSV import file. If you're still experiencing issues, contact Merchant Support for assistance.

1. Global errors
   a. Missing required attribute - Missing required column for <attribute 1>, <attribute 2>. Example: Missing required column for SKU, Amazon SKU.
   Corrective steps – Ensure you are using the downloadable CSV import template and do not delete any required column. After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, add the details for the missing column, save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   b. Duplicate column - Duplicate column found for <attribute 1>, <attribute 2>. Example: Duplicate column found for SKU, Amazon SKU.
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the file by removing the duplicate column, save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   c. File is not a CSV - Import failed due to unsupported file format. Example: File format wasn’t a comma separated value (.csv) file.
   Corrective steps - Download the CSV import template, enter your product details in the template, save the CSV import file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   
2.  Inline errors
   a. Missing value for a required attribute for standalone product - For a scenario where 1 attribute(s) is missing. Example: Product is missing input for the required column(s) <insert attribute 1>. Note: Missing input for a required attribute(s) for a product.Required attributes are: Title, Price, SKU, Amazon SKU, and Fulfilled by
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the file by providing the required attribute(s), save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   b. Missing value for a required attribute column for parent product - Important: This error can have different scenarios, read the following scenarios carefully. Note: Missing input for a required attribute(s) for a parent product. Required attributes are: Title and one variation option in the parent row, and one variation row should be present under it.
   - For a scenario where the title is missing. Example: Parent product of variations are missing input for the required column <Title>.
   - For a scenario where variation option is missing. Example: Parent product of variations is missing input for the required column <Variation Option 1> and <Variation Option 1 value>.
   - For a scenario where 1 variation row is missing below. Example: Product was not imported because variation was not found in the next row.
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the file by providing the required attribute(s), save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   c. Missing value for a required attribute column for product variation - Important: This error can have different scenarios, read the following scenarios carefully. Note: Missing input for a required attribute(s) for a product variation. Required attributes are: Title, Price, SKU, Amazon SKU, Fulfilled by, the same Variation Option as the parent row, and one Variation Option Value.
   - For a scenario where attribute(s) is missing. Example: Product variation is missing input for the required column(s) <insert attribute 1>, <insert attribute 2>.
   - For a scenario where Variation Options (i.e., dimensions) don't match the parent product. Example: The Variation Option for the product variation doesn’t match the Variation Option in the parent row.
   - For a scenario where Variation Option is present but missing Variation Option Values (i.e., Red for Color option). Example: Variation Option is missing Variation Option Value (e.g. Red for Color) for Variation Option <insert option name>.
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the file by providing the required attribute(s), save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   d. Data input does not meet schema validation - Product has validation error(s). Example: Product input for <attribute 1> does not meet following condition: <title cannot be greater than 250>.
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the initial input provided, save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   e. Data input does not meet schema validation for parent product - Parent product has validation error(s) that caused error(s) with the product variations. Example: Product input for <attribute 1> does not meet following condition: <e.g. price greater than or equal to 0>.
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the initial input provided, save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   f. Product image extension error - Product image <Image - x URL> is missing the required image type (extension). Example: Successful image uploads require a .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif file extension.
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the file by replacing the unsuccessful image files with the required image file formats, save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   g. Variation error - Important: This error can have different scenarios, read the following scenarios carefully.
   - For a scenario where the error is across both the parent and product variations, the error will show next to both parent and product variation rows. Example: The number of Variation Options exceeds the maximum limit of 5.
   - For a scenario where the error is only across the product variation rows, the error will show next to that row. 
   Corrective steps - After downloading the CSV import file from the CSV history page, edit the file so that the Variation Option is the same for the parent and product variation rows and the inputs are formatted according to the Entry Guidelines above. Once complete, save the file and complete the steps for import again.
   
   h. Product has invalid Updated SKU – If the Override existing products option was not checked during import, this import was considered an attempt to add a new product. Since the row contains a value for the Updated SKU as well, the import for this product will fail due to invalid input.
   Corrective steps – Confirm whether you wanted to update an existing product or add a new product. To update an existing product, check the Override existing products option and try to import again. To add a new product, delete the value in the Updated SKU column in the CSV file, save the file, and complete the steps to import again.
   
   i. Cannot identify item type. Please see Help Content – This error is shown when it is not clear whether the row corresponds to a parent product, standalone product, or product variation.
   Corrective steps – Follow the instructions above to edit the file to create a standalone product.