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Bulk Uploader FAQ
- What is the Bulk Uploader?
- How do I start using the Bulk Uploader?
- What is a CSV file?
- What are the rules for a CSV file?
- What columns should I create in my CSV file?
- How do I find the Category ID for each item?
- What are the optional headers for my item?
- How do I save my file as a CSV file?
- How do I locate and upload my CSV file?
- What are my options for managing images during bulk uploads?
- Why is my bulk upload taking so long?
- What common mistakes are made when using the Bulk Uploader?
What is the Bulk Uploader?
The Bulk Uploader is a convenient tool that allows you to upload many items at once, saving time and energy. All you need to do is create and upload a comma separated values (CSV) file to iOffer.
How do I start using the Bulk Uploader?
In order to use the Bulk Uploader, a seller account is required. To upgrade to a seller account, click on the "Upgrade to Seller" link under "My Account" in "My iOffer". You will then be asked to place a credit card on file or pre-pay $20 from your PayPal account for verification purposes.
Afterwards, you will need to create and upload a CSV file with the information for all of your items. The Bulk Uploader reads the CSV file and constructs item listings according to the information you provided in the CSV file.
What is a CSV file?
A comma separated values (CSV) file is a specially formatted plain text file used to store data. CSV files are often used to transfer a large volume of spreadsheet data, like transferring your items to iOffer. A common spreadsheet program for creating CSV files is Microsoft Excel. A typical data file contains multiple records, and each record contains multiple fields, separated by commas.
In your spreadsheet, each row (record) represents an item. Each column corresponds to a specific category (i.e. Title, Description, Price). Under each category header (field), you will provide the detailed information about that particular item.
Download a sample CSV file.
What are the rules for a CSV file?
If you're using Excel or another standard spreadsheet program, the software probably has the file formatting rules built in, and you won't need to do any manual formatting. If you're working with a text editor or some other type of software which does not automatically format, you need to follow these rules:
- All fields for each item must be separated from each other by commas.
- If you have commas within a field, you need to use double quotes at the beginning and end of that field. (Example: One,Two,"Three,Four,Five",Six)
- If you don't have any commas within a field, double quotes at the beginning and end of that field is not necessary. (Example: Coach,Chanel,Calvin Klein,Gucci)
- If there are quotes within a field, you need to put quotes around that field. An extra set of quotes for the quoted data are needed as well. (Example: A,B,"C ""Special Edition""",D)
- If you choose to leave a field blank, do not remove the "extra" comma. Leave it there as a placeholder. (Example: 1,2,,4)
- Remember, each item must have their own line.
What columns should I create in my CSV file?
You must create the following column headers for each item you upload: Category, Title, Description, Condition, and Product Type.
- category: ID that uniquely classifies this item. Note: This field must be a number. Click here to find the appropriate Category ID.
- title: Descriptive item title.
- description: Detailed description of the item (HTML supported).
- condition: The condition of the item (new, used, or refurbished).
- product_type: The product type of the item (i.e. camera, chair, pc game).
Consult the Optional Header FAQ to determine which optional but recommended headers are appropriate for your items and how to enter that information in your spreadsheet.
Note: The Bulk Uploader is case sensitive, so please ensure that all category headers are in the lower case format, and use an underscore for spaces. (Example: product_type)
How do I find the Category ID for each item?
In order for the Bulk Uploader to know where you want to list each of your items, you need to provide a Category ID which corresponds to that particular category. For example, the Category ID for Women's Clothing and Accesscories is "127000".
Search for the appropriate Category ID for your items.
What are the optional headers for my item?
| Header Name | Value |
|---|---|
| quantity | Quantity of the item (single quantity if left blank) |
| price | Asking price per item ("Make an Offer" if left blank) |
| brand | The brand of the item (i.e. Sony, Apple, Microsoft) |
| shipping | Shipping charges within United States |
| image1 | The first image URL for this item |
| image2 | The second image URL for this item |
| image3 | The third image URL for this item |
| keyword1 | The first keyword for this item (2 word maximum) |
| keyword2 | The second keyword for this item (2 word maximum) |
| keyword3 | The third keyword for this item (2 word maximum) |
| keyword4 | The fourth keyword for this item (2 word maximum) |
Note: The Bulk Uploader is case sensitive, so please ensure that all category headers are in the lower case format, and use an underscore for spaces. (Example: product_type)
How do I save my file as a CSV file?
When your spreadsheet is complete, you need to save it as a CSV file. To do this, click "File" in the toolbar, and select "Save As". In Microsoft Excel, a window opens up that looks similar to this.
From the pull-down menu, select "CSV", then click "Save".
After you click "Save", a window might pop up with a message like this: "The selected file type does not support workbooks that contain multiple spreadsheets". That is OK. Click the "OK" button.
You should be all set now! Remember where you saved the file, as you will need that information to upload the file to iOffer.
Note: To minimize the chance of errors, you may want to recheck your file prior to your upload by opening the file in a plain-text reading program such as Notepad or TextEdit. Check to make sure there are no extra quotes or commas, other than between fields. Make sure that all letterings are in the lower case format.
How do I locate and upload my CSV file?
To access the Bulk Uploader, go to the "Bulk Uploads" page of your "Selling Activity" under "My iOffer".
On the bulk upload page, click the "Browse" button to locate your CSV file. Since your file is specially formatted, you may need to search "All Files" to be able to see and select it.
After locating your CSV file, click the "Submit" button. Your bulk item upload will be processed. You can monitor its status in real time on the "Bulk Uploads" page.
What are my options for managing images during bulk uploads?
To include images in your bulk upload, images must be hosted on another web server. To add images to your item listings, you will need to add the optional image category header (Image1, Image2, Image3) to your CSV file. Then, simply add the URL where the image is hosted in each field and your images will be uploaded with the rest of your detailed item information.
Why is my bulk upload taking so long?
Depending on the number of bulk upload requests we receive each day, you may experience a delay in your bulk upload. Please be patient and we assure you that your bulk upload will be fully committed in 24-48 hours.
What common mistakes are made when using the Bulk Uploader?
- Using duplicate titles (please use different titles to describe your items). If you have more than one item use the quantity field.
