I’m currently working on setting up a Shopify store to sell used laptops and computers. I’m trying to bulk upload products using a CSV file, but I’m running into a few issues and hoping someone can help me out. Product Descriptions: I want to include detailed product descriptions in each upload, but when I use Shopify’s default CSV template, the descriptions aren’t appearing correctly. Is there a specific way to format descriptions in the CSV, or a workaround to ensure they show up as they do when I manually add a product? Adding to Collections: I need to assign each product to specific collections, but Shopify’s CSV doesn’t seem to support direct collection assignment. I’ve heard that using tags and automated collections might be a solution, but I’d like to know if there’s an easier way to assign products to manual collections in bulk. Does anyone have experience with using an app like Matrixify or know if the Shopify API could help with this? Metafields: The products have additional details (like color, display resolution, graphics card type, etc.) that I want to add as metafields. However, these fields don’t appear in the CSV. Is there a recommended method for adding metafields in bulk? Any guidance on managing these details efficiently would be much appreciated.
Topic summary
A user is attempting to bulk upload used laptop and computer listings via CSV but encountering three main challenges:
Product Descriptions:
Descriptions aren’t displaying correctly when using Shopify’s default CSV template. One responder suggests using the Body (HTML) column with properly cleaned HTML formatting, avoiding issues with quotes and line breaks copied from word processors.
Collection Assignment:
Shopify’s native CSV doesn’t support direct assignment to manual collections. Suggested workarounds include:
- Using tags with automated collections
- Leveraging Matrixify app to assign products to collections directly from the import file
- Using the Shopify API for more complex setups
Metafields:
Additional product specifications (color, display resolution, graphics card) cannot be added through standard CSV columns. Multiple respondents recommend Matrixify for bulk metafield imports by including appropriate columns in the CSV.
Two solution providers offered template files and tutorials, while another offered hands-on assistance with CSV formatting and catalog migration. The discussion remains open with the original poster yet to confirm which approach they’ll pursue.
Hey @Arshanashok, it seems you may have added details in the wrong format. Please use this template CSV file to enter your product details, then upload the CSV file. Find the below product_template.csv
Hi @Arshanashok !
Matrixify is indeed able to help with these tasks in bulk.
- In regard to the Product descriptions. You can update a Products description using the Matrixify app but to add formatting to it, you would need to Import the Description with HTML code. We also offer a great tutorial on how you can Bulk Update Product Descriptions as well.
- Adding to Collections: Matrixify allows you to include products in collections directly from the same file. You can specify collections in your import file, which can be a more straightforward method than using tags and automated collections. Check out this tutorial on importing products and including them in collections.
- Metafields: To add metafields in bulk, you can use Matrixify to import them as part of your product data. To do so you must ensure your CSV includes the necessary columns for each metafield you want to import. Here’s a guide on managing Shopify metafields.
If you have any specific questions or you would like a bit of help setting an Import file up, please feel free to reach out to our support.
You’re asking all the right questions—these are common pain points when setting up a store with detailed product specs like used laptops and computers.
At Pelican Commerce, we’ve worked with a number of merchants on exactly this kind of setup, and here’s what we recommend based on your concerns:
1. Product Descriptions:
Shopify’s CSV does support HTML in the Body (HTML) column. Make sure your descriptions are entered there and formatted properly (especially if you’re copying from Word or Google Docs—clean HTML is key). Double quotes and line breaks inside cells can cause display issues, so watch for those.
2. Adding to Collections:
You’re right—Shopify’s native CSV doesn’t support assigning to manual collections directly. Using tags + automated collections is one workaround. But for manual collection assignments, we typically use Matrixify or the Shopify API. Both allow you to bulk assign products to collections after import.
3. Metafields:
Shopify’s default CSV doesn’t include metafield columns, but Matrixify is again a great option here—it allows you to map and import metafields in bulk. Alternatively, we also handle this using the Shopify API for more complex setups.
If you’re open to it, we’d be happy to review your CSV and help streamline your process. We’ve handled large catalog imports like this before and can help you get everything properly formatted and uploaded efficiently.
Let me know if you’d like to chat further.