2 Quick Ways of Importing Products to Shopify (in Bulk)

Importing products to Shopify can be a daunting task, especially when you're dealing with multiple suppliers who provide product data in various CSV formats.

Shopify requires you to reformat each supplier's CSV file into its specific template before importing, which can become a repetitive and error-prone chore.

This constant need to adjust and map fields not only consumes valuable time but also diverts your focus from other critical aspects of your business.

While Shopify's native CSV import method is available, it doesn't effectively address the challenges of inconsistent file formats and frequent supplier updates.

This is where Apimio's PIM (Product Information Management) software comes into play.

Apimio automates and streamlines the product import process, allowing you to bypass the tedious task of reformatting CSV files and ensuring your product data is accurate and up-to-date.

In this blog, we'll explore two quick ways to import products to Shopify in bulk and discuss how Apimio's advanced features can help you overcome the common challenges associated with product imports.

Enhancing Shopify Product Import with Apimio's PIM Software

1. Create Import Templates for future supplier updates
2. Ensure Data Accuracy and Validation with Apimio's Product Quality Tool
3. Multiple Shopify Store Sync with Centralized Single Source of Product Truth

1. Create Import Templates for Future Supplier Updates

The Challenge:

Shopify’s native import process can be time-consuming, especially for multi-supplier businesses.

Every supplier file needs to be formatted specifically for Shopify, requiring repetitive field mapping and formatting every time new data is uploaded.

Apimio's Solution:

Apimio’s Import Template Function allows users to save field mappings and import settings as templates, simplifying the re-import process.

With saved templates, product updates from the same supplier become quick and easy, eliminating the need to reformat files repeatedly.

User Benefit:

This streamlined process saves significant time, enabling users to focus on scaling their business rather than performing repetitive data entry and formatting tasks.

2. Ensure Data Accuracy and Validation with Apimio's Product Quality Tool

The Challenge:

Accurate and complete product data is crucial, but when importing products directly into Shopify, ensuring quality and consistency can be a challenge, potentially leading to errors in product listings.

Apimio's Solution:

Apimio’s Product Quality Tool validates data and ensures completeness by highlighting areas that need attention.

This feature gives users confidence that their product data is accurate and ready for customers to view.

User Benefit:

This built-in tool reduces the risk of errors, enhances product listing quality, and helps build customer trust through accurate product information.

3. Multiple Shopify Store Sync with Centralized Single Source of Product Truth

The Challenge:

If you are a multi-store owner, managing product information across multiple Shopify stores can become complex and time-consuming, with potential inconsistencies when done manually.

Apimio's Solution:

Apimio provides a single source of truth for product data, enabling users to sync and manage product information across multiple Shopify stores with ease.

With Apimio’s centralized multi-store management, changes made to the central database are automatically reflected across all connected stores.

User Benefit:

This streamlines multi-store management, ensuring consistency across stores, reducing manual work, and ultimately saving users time and resources.

What is the fastest way to upload products to Shopify?

When managing a Shopify store, importing product data in bulk is essential for saving time and ensuring accurate inventory management.

There are two primary methods to efficiently import products to Shopify:

1. Using Shopify CSV Import to Upload Your Products
2. Import Products to Shopify using Apimio

Method # 01: Using Shopify CSV Import to Upload Your Products

The Shopify CSV import method is one of the most common ways to upload products quickly.

It’s effective but comes with its own set of challenges, such as needing to format data for each supplier.

Here’s how you can use the Shopify CSV import method step by step;

Step 1: Download the Shopify CSV Import Template

To ensure that your product data is formatted correctly, the platform offers a downloadable Shopify product CSV template.

This file contains columns for all the essential product details, such as title, description, price, SKU, inventory quantity, and more.

Using this template guarantees that your data is compatible with Shopify's system.

Step 2: Fill in Your Product Data

Once you’ve downloaded the shopify product CSV template, start entering your product details in each relevant column.

The primary fields to fill include:

• Product Title: The name of your product.
• Description: A detailed description of the product.
• Price: The price at which you're selling the product.
• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier for your product.
• Inventory Quantity: The number of units you have in stock.
• Weight: The product's weight, is important for shipping purposes.
• Product Type: The category or classification of your product.
• Vendor: The name of the supplier or brand.

Ensure that all required fields are filled and that the data is accurate because mistakes in the file can cause issues during the Shopify CSV import process.

Step 3: Upload the CSV File to Shopify

Once your CSV file is complete, you can import it into your Shopify store. Here’s how:

• Go to your Shopify admin panel.
• Click on Products in the left-hand menu.
• At the top of the product page, click on Import.
• A window will pop up asking you to upload your CSV file. Click Add File and choose your completed CSV file.

After uploading the file, Shopify will process the data, and the products listed in the file will appear in your store’s inventory.

Step 4: Review the Shopify CSV Import Summary

Before completing the import, Shopify will show you an import summary.

This summary allows you to check for any errors or inconsistencies in the data before finalizing the process.

Step 5: Complete the Import

Once you’re satisfied with the summary and have confirmed that all the details are correct, click Import Products.

Shopify will begin processing your file, and your products will be live in your store.

Depending on the number of products, this process might take a few moments.

Method # 02: How to Import Products to Shopify Using Apimio

With Apimio PIM, you can automate and simplify the Shopify product import process, saving time and eliminating manual errors.

Apimio offers advanced features, such as the Import Template Function, Product Quality Tool, and Multi-Store Sync, to help you import products easily.

Follow these steps to sync your products efficiently:

Step 1: Add Products to Apimio

Start by adding your products to Apimio. This can be done manually by entering product details or by uploading a CSV file.

Once your products are uploaded, navigate to the “Products” section in the left-hand menu to access your product list.

Step 2: Access the Stores Section

In the submenu under Products, select “Stores”.

This will take you to the page where your connected stores are displayed.

Step 3: Select Your Shopify Store

Find the name of your Shopify store (e.g., "ABC") from the list and click on it.

This will open the store-specific page where you can manage the product syncing process.

Step 4: Choose the Products to Sync

On the store page, select the products you want to sync by checking the boxes next to their names.

You can sync as many products as needed.

Note: The sync-back and export options are locked for free trial users. To access these features, an upgraded plan is required.

Step 5: Initiate the Sync

After selecting the products, click on the “Sync All” button.

This will start the process of transferring the selected product data to your Shopify store.

Step 6: Monitor the Sync Process

As the syncing begins, the status of the selected products will change to “In Process”.

This lets you know that the products are currently being updated in Shopify.

Step 7: Receive Completion Notification

Once the sync is complete, you will receive a notification in the notifications tab.

Additionally, the status of each synced product will be updated to “Synced”, confirming that the process was successful.

Shopify CSV Import vs. Apimio Sync: A Quick Comparison

Conclusion

Choosing the right import method for your Shopify store can save you time and ensure your product information is accurate.

While Shopify’s CSV import method works, it often falls short when dealing with multiple suppliers and frequent updates.

Apimio PIM offers a more efficient and automated approach with features like the Import Template Function, Product Quality Tool, and Multi-Store Syncing.

By leveraging these tools, you can streamline your product import process, reduce errors, and focus more on growing your business.

What to Do Next?

• Also Read: 8 Bulk Import Issues and Their Solutions
• Learn more about Apimio’s Shopify PIM integration.
• Import your products to Shopify in Bulk with Apimio for Retailers and Vendors.
• Check other Product Information-related Blogs here.
• Look into our Main page to understand other details and things you can do with the app.
• Did you know you can update fields after importing your products in Bulk in our Vendors Portal?
• Contact our support if you have any questions or issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I import a product to my Shopify store?

You can import products to your Shopify store using a CSV file or through third-party apps. For the CSV method, download Shopify's template, enter your product details, and upload it in the Products section of your Shopify admin. For a more automated solution, use Apimio, which streamlines bulk imports directly to your store, saving time and ensuring data accuracy.

2. What is the fastest way to upload products to Shopify?

The fastest way to upload products to Shopify is by using the CSV import feature, which allows you to add multiple products at once. Alternatively, you can use a PIM tool like Apimio, which allows for automated, bulk syncing to Shopify, saving time and reducing manual data entry.

3. What apps to import products to Shopify?

Several apps can help you efficiently import products to Shopify:Apimio PIM: Automates bulk imports directly to your store and syncs product data seamlessly.Oberlo: Ideal for importing dropshipping products directly to ShopifyImportify: Allows importing products from multiple online sources.

4. Can I import products to Shopify?

Yes, you can easily import products to Shopify using the CSV file method or by syncing product data from a compatible app like Apimio PIM for bulk imports.