CSV File Import Error

[ARTIS-OFFICINA]

Hi All, Happy Easter 😊

I have come across an interesting mystery I do not seem able to solve...

I exported all my products to an Excel CSV file, which I selected as my preferred option in the dialogue box. I previously checked my Windows settings to make sure the Regional settings were set to comma-separated values, but this is not the problem.

I received the link by email as usual, downloaded the ZIP file, extracted the file. Then, to test, I tried the import process, no errors:

 So, I edited the file in Excel. Basically, I needed to change prices in bulk. This is necessary because each fabric pattern can sell in 15 different fabrics and with patterns from Large-Medium-Small, so the price structure is a little complicated. I ran the header filter to isolate the specific areas I need to change the price and entered the new price. When I was done, I removed the header filters and saved the file to the same CSV format.

When I tested the import, I got an advisory error message about the categories, even though I did not touch the categories at all. So if the first test import did not cause an error with the categories and I didn't touch the categories in the file, how come I got this error?

 What am I missing?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[tim · Accepted solution]

Excel sometimes breaks CSV files.

Google Sheets were usually better in my experience in this regard.

Also, if you do it frequently, you may consider trying Matrixify app which simplifies many import/export tasks.

[ARTIS-OFFICINA]

Dear Tim,

Thank you for your assistance. I will try the options you proposed and report back soon, either today or tomorrow.

[tim]

Matrixify does not need as much columns if only need to update product prices, so much tidier and less chance to break format...

And faster to import/export.

https://matrixify.app/tutorials/shopify-product-price-bulk-update/ 

[ARTIS-OFFICINA]

Hi @tim and @Ieva , thank you both for the very useful help given.

I experimented a little and opted to use Google Sheets. The original export in the Shopify native CSV format opened in Google Sheets, I was able to apply the filters I needed to select and enter the correct prices and dragging along the price through the rows selected by the filters does parse the price across the correct lines. Easy to do. When done, I removed the filters to return the data to its natural state and File/downloaded/saved to CSV in my local drive via the Google Sheeps app menu.

In Shopify, I imported the CSV file into the Shop and this time it gave me no errors whatsoever.

Finally I sample-checked the products and could confirm the prices are now correct.

Conclusion:

@tim is absolutely correct that somehow Excel must do something to the CSV file when saving it to CSV format, which the Shopify IMPORT routine does not like.

I think I will try Matrixify at some point, if and when I need some more complex tasks.