When moving from another platform to shopify, is it possible to just export customer details, products and past orders to CSV and then upload them to shopify directly instead of using 3 rd party app?
The reason i ask is because migration apps although they’re probably great - they don’t style out the store for you? You would still have to use a shopify theme and customise the store so isn’t it therefore better to just export and import the data yourself? I’m saying this from the point of view of having a small- medium store.
If i wanted to use this approach - is there a tutorial i could follow for exporting and importing data between platforms? Is it going to be more difficult than just using an app?
Also, you’re right, none of the migration apps will style your store for you. You will need to choose a theme & style it yourself. When choosing a theme, make sure you go for one of the new ‘OS 2.0’ themes - Dawn is the best/only free one at the moment but there are plenty of paid ones.
Yes, it is possible to export customer details, products, and past orders from your previous platform to CSV files and then import them directly into Shopify. This method allows you to manually manage the data migration without using a third-party app. However, it’s essential to consider the complexity and volume of your data when deciding between using a migration app or doing a manual migration.
Pros of Manual CSV Migration:
Simplicity for Smaller Stores: For small to medium-sized stores with relatively simple data structures, manually exporting and importing CSV files can be straightforward and manageable.
Customization Control: You have complete control over how the data is imported into your Shopify store, allowing you to customize the process according to your specific requirements.
Cons of Manual CSV Migration:
Time-Consuming: For larger stores with a significant amount of data, manual migration can be time-consuming and prone to human error.
Data Mapping: You need to ensure that the data in the CSV files is accurately mapped to the corresponding fields in Shopify to avoid issues with data integrity.
Using a migration app like Cart2Cart can be advantageous, especially for larger stores with complex data structures. The app automates the migration process, significantly reducing the time and effort required for data transfer. Additionally, Cart2Cart offers data mapping and data validation, ensuring that your data is migrated accurately and without errors.
If you decide to proceed with a manual CSV migration, Shopify provides detailed documentation and tutorials on how to import data into your store. You can find step-by-step guides on importing customers, products, and orders using CSV files in the Shopify Help Center.
Ultimately, the choice between manual migration and using a migration app depends on your store’s size, data complexity, and your comfort level with handling data exports and imports. For a smoother and more automated migration process, Cart2Cart can be a valuable tool, especially for larger stores. However, for smaller stores with simple data structures, a manual CSV migration might be a viable option.
Remember to always back up your data before attempting any migration to ensure data safety and integrity. If you have specific concerns or questions during the migration process, Shopify’s support team and community forums are also excellent resources to seek assistance.