csv product export does not contain inventory or variant image

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

Main issue: Using Shopify’s CSV bulk import/export led to missing inventory counts and loss of variant-to-image links after a bulk update.

  • The original poster reports that inventory numbers did not export with the product CSV and that variant images were no longer assigned after re-importing. Support could not help revert to the previously exported catalog, resulting in substantial lost work. The poster cautions against relying on bulk import/export without accepting the risk of data loss or having backups.
  • Latest update: A later participant experienced the same problem across ~800 listings and asked if a non-manual solution was found.

Status and outcomes:

  • No solution, workaround, or official guidance is shared in the thread.
  • Open questions remain on how to preserve inventory quantities and variant-to-image mappings during CSV workflows or restore them after loss.

Notes: “Variant image” refers to linking specific product variants to their corresponding photos.

Summarized with AI on December 26. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Just want to quickly rant/ share about Shopify bulk import. I have lost an incredible amount of work trying to update my listings in bulk in the past day or so. I’ve talked to multiple support staff, and I can’t even revert back to what I had before (with the initial exported catalog.)

My inventory numbers are now missing(doesn’t export with product export, apparently), product variations aren’t assigned to photos (no idea how /why this data was lost) , and this whole process has lost me hours of work that I still haven’t restored yet. Just wanted to share and warn w big red letters: do NOT trust shopify bulk import/export unless you’re very, very okay with losing whatever is in your store.

2

Hi, I know this post was posted long time ago, however I am having exactly the same issue and desperately trying to fix withoiut manualy going true over 800 listings. Did you manage to find solution?

Best Regards

Oleg