The Ultimate Guide to Bulk Importing Products to Wix With a CSV Spreadsheet

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the complexities of bulk importing products to Wix using a CSV file? Well...You're not alone! Most business owners, website managers and digital designers find themselves navigating through a maze of formatting issues, data inconsistencies and other common hurdles that can make this process seem impossible. But don't worry - this blog post is your beacon of clarity.

We understand the intricacies involved in successfully updating and uploading CSV files to Wix. Whether you're encountering errors in your current approach or just starting and unsure where to begin with this tool, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you through each step of the process.

From fine-tuning your CSV file to troubleshooting typical issues, these insights are designed to turn your struggles into success.

We recognise that sometimes, the best solution is to let the experts handle the complexities. If you have spent hour upon hour trying to get your CSV to upload without errors, then why not hire us to do it? We’ve spent years clicking those pesky CSV cells and perfecting the art of creating error-free data, especially with the Wix system.

If you’ve just had enough of trying to understand this spreadsheet from hell, we offer comprehensive assistance in creating and importing CSV files to Wix stores. Our service is perfect for businesses of any size - handling collections from as few as 10 to several thousand. With competitive rates, we ensure quality and affordability go hand-in-hand. Click here to get in touch, let's connect and get your CSV upload finished once and for all!

Ready to tackle those errors head-on or have us handle them for you? Choose between our online coaching for hands-on learning or our done-for-you service for swift resolution. Choose your service – same-day and urgent options are available!

As you embark on this journey to streamline your uploads, remember that the solutions and support you need are right here. Let's dive into these transformative tips and explore how you can simplify your path to eCommerce success.

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Quick Links:

• Setting up the Wix product import CSV file

• Understanding handleId and fieldType

• Defining the difference between Product and Variant

• Adding the product name and description

• Adding images to your Wix CSV

• Organising products in a collection

• Setting the price for Products and Variants

• Setting up options for your Variants

• Adding additional information to your product listing

• Quick reference guide for all columns

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Setting up your Wix product import CSV file

When it comes to uploading multiple products to your Wix store using a CSV file, the initial setup is crucial for a smooth and successful process.

A common mistake many make is attempting to create a new CSV file from scratch. While this might seem like a proactive approach, it can lead to unnecessary complications, especially if the column titles don't align perfectly with Wix's system requirements.

The most effective and error-proof method is to start with the "Blank Wix CSV Template". This template is designed to be fully compatible with the Wix platform, featuring all the correct column headings required for a seamless upload. It's important to understand that these column titles are not just labels or headings; they are integral keys that must match Wix's database fields precisely. Any deviation, even slight, can result in upload errors or data misalignment.

By using the "Blank Wix CSV Template", you eliminate the guesswork and reduce the risk of potential issues. The template comes pre-formatted with all the necessary headings, ensuring that your product data aligns perfectly with the system. Remember, you must not alter any of these headings. Keeping them intact is essential for the system to recognise and correctly process your data.

In the following video, you can see the simple process of downloading the "Blank Wix CSV Template". This step is the foundation of your journey towards a successful product upload.

Top tip: don't forget to hit SAVE! regularly! It's better to save too many times than not enough... don't rely on the autosave or version histories. One wrong click and you could lose it all!

Understanding handleId and fieldType

In the realm of managing your Wix store's product catalogue via CSV, two critical fields demand your attention and understanding: Column 1 - handleId and column 2 - fieldType. These fields play a pivotal role in how your products are organised and recognised within the Wix system.

Side note: If the words were separated and capitalised they would read ‘Handle ID’. The way they are written is in a programming style called camel case. This means the first word starts with a lowercase letter, there are no spaces between words, and each new word after the first one begins with a capital letter. This method is an industry standard and must not be changed, or your CSV upload won’t work!

The Significance of 'handleId'

The handleId is the unique identifier for each of your products on the Wix platform. Think of it as a digital fingerprint for your items - it distinguishes one product from another. The beauty of handleId is its flexibility; you can assign any alphanumeric value that makes sense for your inventory management.

For instance, you could use simple identifiers like ABC for one product and 123 for another. If your product already has an SKU, either created by you or because you are importing it from another supplier, you should use that in the handleId field.

However, the key element to remember about `handleId` is its uniqueness. Each 'Product' must have a unique `handleId`. This distinction is crucial because it prevents mix-ups in your inventory and ensures each product is correctly listed and tracked in your store. Duplicate handleId can lead to significant errors preventing you from uploading your CSV.

It can be difficult to understand the complexities of the handleId, but when we get into the next section about Products vs. Variants, the role of the handleId will become much clearer.

The Role of 'fieldType'

The fieldType field is equally important in your CSV file. It indicates the nature of the item you are uploading, which can be either Product or Variant. The distinction is vital because it tells the Wix system whether you're listing a standalone product or a product with multiple variations (such as different sizes or colours).

When inputting data into the fieldType column, precision is key. Ensure that these inputs are spelled exactly as Product or Variant with no deviations. Even minor errors, such as unintentional spaces after the words, can throw up an error and disrupt the upload process.

The Wix system is designed to recognise these exact terms, so accuracy in spelling and formatting is non-negotiable for a successful upload.

Learn more about successfully using handleId and fieldType in this article: What is handleId and fieldType in Wix CSV Uploads: A Guide for Beginners

Defining the difference between Product and Variant

Understanding the distinction between Product and Variant in your Wix CSV file is crucial for accurately presenting your inventory. This differentiation determines how your items are displayed and organised in your online store, ensuring a clear and user-friendly shopping experience for your customers.

If you have one product that is available in 3 different colours, would you want to have 3 separate product listings or 1 product listing with 3 colour options (variants)? The friendliest user experience (UX) will be the latter, 1 product listing with 3 variants. It's what your site visitors will expect, and familiarity in the UX plays a major role in their choice to stay on your site and make a purchase.

When to Use 'Product'

Use the term Product in your CSV file when you are listing an item that does not have any variations. This is typically the case for products that come in only one type, size or colour.

For instance, consider an Oak table that you're selling - it's available in only one size and one colour, so it will be listed as a Product on your CSV. Here, Product represents a unique, standalone item without any variations

Each Product you create must have a unique handleId as discussed in the previous section.

In this screenshot, you can see that example1 is the Oak Table, with no variants, therefore it only occupies 1 row.

When to Use 'Variant'

The term Variant, on the other hand, is used for products that have multiple options, such as size, colour or material.

Let's take the example of a mug that we want to offer in three different colours. In this case, we will first create a Product row for the mug itself, establishing it as the parent product. Following this, we create three additional Variant rows, each representing a different colour of mug. These Variant rows become the children of the Product and therefore MUST have the identical handleId as the parent Product.

Each Variant is linked to the parent Product by the handleId, and specifies the unique options that differentiate it from other versions of the same Product. This structure helps to neatly organise products that have multiple options, ultimately making it easier for customers to navigate and select their preferences on your Wix store.

In this screenshot, you can see that example2 is the mug, with 3 variants. Therefore it occupies 4 rows.

The whole purpose of the CSV is to communicate with your website database to tell it how to organise your products. If we were to translate the data in the screenshot above into a sentence that any human could understand in conversation, it would be "Hey! This is the product called example2, it's a mug, but it comes in three colours which are variant 1, variant 2 and variant 3."

For a deeper dive into understanding the crucial differences between Products and Variants in your CSV uploads, check out our detailed follow-up post: Defining Products and Variants in Wix CSV Uploads.

Adding the product name and description

When you create your Wix shop CSV, two important fields are the product name and description. These are customer facing fields, and play a significant role in how they perceive and understand your products.

The Flexibility of Text Fields

Both the product name and description are text fields. They appear as the product information section of your product page. This means you have the flexibility to input any text that best describes and names your product. The product name should be concise and descriptive, effectively capturing the essence of the product, while the description provides more detailed information, highlighting key features and benefits of the product.

Consistency Across Products and Variants

For every product row in your CSV file, you must include both the product name and description. These fields are vital in helping customers identify and learn about the product. When it comes to variants, the approach is the same!

In the case of variants, you leave the name and description fields blank. This is because variants are essentially extensions of the parent product and the product page will only ever display the main product name and description. Even if you add text into the variant name and description fields, it won’t appear on your product page, so there’s no need to waste your time doing it.

Notice that the Product row has a name and description and the Variant row is left blank. This is because the Variant inherits the name and description from the product row.

It's important to remember that while the name and description fields offer great flexibility, they also require thoughtful consideration. The text you input here directly impacts how customers interact with and perceive your products, so be sure to use clear, engaging and informative descriptions.

Adding images to your Wix CSV when uploading products

One of the most visually impactful elements of your online store is the images that showcase your products. When it comes to adding images to your Wix store with a CSV, understanding the correct method is key. Unlike a standard document, a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file cannot handle direct image uploads or drag-and-drop image imports.

Using URLs for Images

The only way to include images in your CSV file is by using URLs. Each product image needs to be accessible via a web link. When you input the URLs into your CSV file, Wix uses them to fetch and display the images in your store. It's crucial to remember that the first URL you list for a product becomes the main image for that product. Any subsequent URLs will be displayed as additional images, in the order they are listed in the CSV.

How to Obtain Image URLs

If you don’t already have URLs for your images, the simplest method is to upload the images to your Wix media library. Once uploaded, you can right-click on each image and copy its URL. This process ensures that your images are hosted on Wix and are ready to be linked to your store.

You can use this method with Google Drive, iCloud, DropBox or Microsoft365, just make sure to double check your access settings and allow external sources to access your images. There’s nothing more frustrating than uploading your CSV then finding out none of the images were fetched! (Unfortunately, I'm talking from experience here!)

Formatting Image URLs in a CSV

In your CSV file, all image URLs for a single product will be added in only 1 cell in that product row, which is titled productImageUrl. To list multiple images for a single product, separate each URL with a semicolon.

For example, the format would look like this: `https://imageurl1.jpg;https://imageurl2.jpg;...` and so on. This method allows you to include several images for one product, providing a richer visual experience for your customers.

Remember, high-quality images can significantly enhance the appeal of your products, so it’s worth investing time in getting this step right.

It is important to correctly order your image URLs so the main image appears first. Don’t use spaces, and separate each URL with a semicolon and no spaces

Adding products to a collection

Organising your products into collections or categories is important in managing your Wix store, especially when dealing with a diverse range of products. The CSV file provides a straightforward method to assign products to specific collections, either by linking them to existing categories or by creating new ones.

A brief explanation of categories vs. collections: They are the same thing! On the Wix dashboard under your store products you will find the label “Categories”. This used to be called collections and it hasn’t changed on the CSV, so when we refer to categories or collections you can be sure that they mean the same thing.

Setting up categories is optional, if you don’t want to categorise your products you can leave this field empty.

Categories allow your products to be filtered and searched in your online store, so if you have a large number of products, it is in your best interests to develop a well-organised structure.

Matching Existing Category Names

If your Wix store already has categories set up, you must use the exact name of the existing category when you add it to your CSV. Accuracy is key here. Any discrepancy, even a minor one like an additional space or a spelling mistake, can lead to unintended results.

For instance, if you have a category named "Summer Essentials", you must replicate this name exactly in your CSV file for each product you wish to include in this category.

Creating New Categories

Creating new categories via your CSV is also possible and can be particularly useful if you're launching a new line of products or revamping your store's organisation. When you input a category name in your CSV that doesn’t already exist in your Wix store, a new category will be created when you upload the file.

Consistency in naming is crucial here too. Make sure that you use the exact same category name for each product you want to group together. Any variation in the name, no matter how small, will be interpreted as a different category.

TIP: When I am compiling store data with many different collections, I usually create a 2nd page of the spreadsheet as a reference tool and list all of the categories there. Then, when I need a collection name, I simply copy and paste it from the reference page into the collection field, ensuring it is identical everywhere it is added.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

A common pitfall to watch out for is accidental typos and formatting errors. For example, if you intend to assign products to a category named "Autumn Wears" but for some products, you accidentally write "Autumn Wears ", this will result in two separate categories - one with the correct spelling and one with the extra space at the end.

Did you notice that extra space? some errors can be virtually invisible and as simple as an extra space, the only difference in this example is the extra space after the word, but your CSV will treat them as 2 different collections.

Such errors can fragment your product collections and lead to a confusing shopping experience for your customers. Copy and Paste is your friend here! Don’t be afraid to use it, it is the preferred choice when dealing with CSVs!

Adding a single product to multiple categories

You may want to add one product to multiple categories, and that is easily achieved. Following the same formatting structure as we did for the the image URLs, add all of your category names, with no spaces, separated by a semi-colon.

For example: Tables;Furniture;Solid Oak

In this example, the product will be added to 3 different categories, Tables, Furniture and Solid Oak.

Categories are found on your Wix dashboard and are ordered alphabetically

Setting the price for Products and Variants

You may be wondering, “How do I set a different price for variants?” Well, pricing your products correctly in your Wix store CSV file is a step that requires careful consideration, especially when dealing with products that have variants. Understanding how to set base prices and adjust for variants is key to ensuring that your products are priced accurately on your website.

Base Price for Products

The price you set in the 'Product' row of your CSV file is considered the base price for that product. If your product does not have any variants, this will be the final price displayed on your website.

The process is straightforward for single, standalone products: simply enter the selling price in the 'Price' column of the 'Product' row. There's no need to add a currency symbol as the product listing will adopt the currency you set in your website settings.

Pricing Strategy for Variants

When it comes to products with variants, the pricing strategy becomes a bit more nuanced. In this case, you should set the lowest price of all the variants in the 'price' column of the 'Product' row. This price acts as the starting point or the base price for the product and its variants.

For variants that are priced higher than the base price, you will use the 'surcharge' row to indicate the additional cost. The surcharge is an incremental amount that, when added to the base price, determines the final price of the variant.

Example for Clarity

Imagine you are selling a mug with three colour options.

The first variant (Option 1) is priced at £15.99. This is the lowest price among the variants, so you set £15.99 as the base price in the 'Product' row.

The first variant's 'surcharge' cell in the CSV will be left empty, as the surcharge will be 0.

However, the second and third variants (Options 2 and 3) are priced at £17.99.

To reflect this in the CSV, you add a surcharge of 2 in the 'Surcharge' cell for each of these variants.

The amount in the surcharge column automatically adds on to the base price of £15.99, bringing the total cost of these variants to the intended £17.99.

A surcharge of £2 has been added to the 2nd and 3rd variants, meaning that the first variant will be £15.99 and the 2nd and 3rd variants will be £17.99.

Setting up options for your Variants

Setting up options for product variants in Wix stores is easily where the most common errors occur, it is a complicated part of the CSV, but once you start to understand it, it actually becomes quite simple.

This is an important step to ensure your customers have a clear and easy way to select the options for the product they want. This could be based on different attributes like colour, size or any other distinguishing feature.

The process involves filling out specific fields in your CSV file to define these options.

This is how the different options will appear on your product page

Essential Fields for Variant Options

Three fields need to be filled out for variants: `productOptionName`, `productOptionType`, and `productOptionDescription`.

1. productOptionName: This is the title that will appear on your website, indicating the type of choice available. It’s a text field and can be anything that best describes the option, such as "Mug Colour" or "Shirt Size". This field needs to be filled in the 'Product' row only and the Variant rows will be left empty.
   

2. productOptionType: This field defines the format in which the options will be displayed on your site. The only two acceptable values here are `DROP_DOWN` or `COLOR`. `DROP_DOWN` creates a list of choices for the customer to select from, whereas `COLOR` displays a row of coloured buttons. Note that for the colour option, the American spelling "COLOR" is used, again this is industry standard when dealing with data, and should be used to avoid errors. Like `productOptionName`, this field is only required in the 'Product' row with the Variant rows being left empty.
   

3. productOptionDescription: This field is where you specify the available options. For a `DROP_DOWN` type, this will be a list such as White;Blue;Red (follow the same formatting with no spaces and separate the options with a semicolon) For a `COLOR` type, you need to provide the colour HEX codes followed by the colour name, such as #ffffff:White;#5271FF:Blue;#FF3131:Red (notice that the hex code and colour name are separated with a colon : and a semicolon marks the end of the option). The `productOptionDescription` for each variant must match exactly with only one of the list options you defined in the product row, for example, White or #ffffff:White for the first variant, and so on. Essentially, the product row defines all of the options and the variant rows define which option belongs to which variant.

Notice the difference in formatting between the DROP_DOWN option and the COLOR option.

Adding Multiple Options

If you have multiple options like colour and size, you can use additional sets of columns designated by numbers, such as:

`productOptionName1`

`productOptionType1`

`productOptionDescription1`

followed by:

`productOptionName2`

`productOptionType2`

`productOptionDescription2`

and so on. This allows you to specify various attributes for your products, making your store more dynamic and user-friendly. The Blank Wix CSV template comes with these additional options numbered up to 6. Always start in option 1 and work your way along from there.

Adding additional information to your product listing

Enhancing your product listings with additional information can significantly improve customer experience by providing them with more context and details about your products.

In your Wix store, this can be achieved easily through your CSV file by using the `additionalInfoTitle` and `additionalInfoDescription` fields. These are optional, so you can leave them empty.

Adding additional information, such as care and washing instructions, sizes or shipping policies can help convert your site visitor into a customer.

The Role of Additional Info Fields

1. additionalInfoTitle: This field is used to label the additional information section on your product page. It's a text field where you can enter a concise title that gives customers an idea of what kind of extra information they can expect. For instance, you might use titles like "Care Instructions," "Material Details," or "Special Features." This title acts as a headline for the additional information you want to provide.
   

2. additionalInfoDescription: Complementing the title, this field is where you detail the additional information. It can contain anything from care instructions, material composition, special features, manufacturer details or any other relevant information that enhances the product's description. This text appears as an info box on the product page, positioned either beside or below the main description, depending on your website's layout design.

Enhancing Product Pages with Additional Info

Adding information to these fields means you can create a more comprehensive and informative product page. This not only helps in providing your customers with the information they need to make an informed purchase but also adds a professional touch to your product listings. It’s an opportunity to go beyond the basic details and showcase the unique aspects of your products.

Remember, the information you add here should be relevant and beneficial to your customer's decision-making process. Well-crafted additional information can significantly contribute to the overall appeal and effectiveness of your product listings in your Wix store.

The additional information fields are also numbered 1 through 6, so you are free to add as much additional info as you feel you need to. Remember to always start from additionalInfoTitle1, the same goes for productOptionName1, always start from 1 and work your way along from there.

Congratulations on making it through this comprehensive guide to uploading products to your Wix store using a CSV file! By now, you should feel more confident and empowered in managing your online store's inventory. Remember, the journey to mastering e-commerce is a continuous learning process, and you're already making significant strides.

When you are finished creating your CSV document, don't forget to save it as a .csv file before you upload it. When you start to edit a CSV it will automatically save it as a regular spreadsheet with numbers on Mac or excel for windows. Exporting and saving it as a CSV is the essential final step in the process.

As you apply these tips and tricks, keep in mind that perfection comes with practice. Don't be discouraged by initial challenges; they are stepping stones to your success. With each product upload, you'll gain more insight and expertise, making the process smoother and more intuitive.

However, we understand that sometimes, the demands of running a business leave little room for the intricate task of managing product uploads. If you find yourself needing more time to focus on other aspects of your business, or if you prefer to have experts handle the technicalities, NX Digital is here to assist.

At NX Digital, we offer a professional CSV upload service tailored to your specific needs. Whether you have a handful of products or a catalog spanning thousands, our competitive rates and expert handling make us a perfect choice. Starting at just £45 for 10 products, with rates becoming even more attractive for larger batches, our service ensures that your store is populated with your products accurately and efficiently. Get in touch if you think we can help you! Click on the email, phone or WhatsApp links in the menu, we're always ready to chat!

So, whether you choose to DIY or to enlist our help, know that you're not alone in this journey. We're here to support you every step of the way. Here’s to the success of your Wix store and the exciting growth of your business!

Ready to tackle those errors head-on or have us handle them for you? Choose between our online coaching for hands-on learning or our done-for-you service for swift resolution. Choose your service – same-day and urgent options are available!

A quick reference guide for the columns that have not been mentioned in detail

There are a the remaining columns that I don’t need to go into great detail about, but for your complete understanding, I will list them here with a quick explanation of each function:

1. sku - optional - this is a unique identifying code that could be the same as your handleId.
   

2. ribbon - optional - this is a text field, that will appear as a ribbon on your product listing. It could be something like “New”, “10% Off” or “Last few remaining”.
   

3. visible - this is a boolean field, and therefore can only be given the value True or False. True will make your product visible in your store and False will make it hidden.
   

4. discountMode - optional - can only have the values of ‘PERCENT’ or ‘AMOUNT’ and will apply a discount mode to the product
   

5. discountValue - optional - this should state the amount of the discount you want to offer, the discountMode must be set for this to be active on your shop. There is no need to include a currency or percentage symbol as that will be defined by the discountMode value.
   

6. inventory - optional - enter the number of items you have in stock if you would like to track the inventory, leaving this blank will simply mark the product as “In Stock”. To track the inventory of a product with no variants you will add the inventory level in the product row. To track the inventory of products with variants, leave the product row blank and add the inventory level of each variant in the relevant rows.
   

7. weight - optional - it is essential to add a weight in this field if you want to set up shipping by weight. Otherwise, leave it blank
   

8. cost - optional - you can add the cost you paid for the product here. This will enable you to track profit in the dashboard (price - cost = profit)
   

9. customTextField1 - optional - if you offer product personalisation you can add instructions for your customer here, let them know "Add an engraving" or "Write a message for your gift card".
   

10. customTextCharLimit1 - optional - you can set the character limit for personalisation. If you emboss initials on wallets, you would probably want to limit it to 4 or 5 characters, however if you write personalised messages in gift cards you might set a more generous limit of 400 to 500. Remember, this is characters, which counts each letter, including spaces and punctuation.
    

11. customTextMandatory1 - optional - can be set as a value of TRUE or FALSE - True will make the custom text field mandatory while false will make it optional.
    

12. brand - optional - if you sell multiple brands you can add the brand of the product here, this is useful for setting shipping rules, defining automations and tracking sales with reports and analytics, this field won’t categorise the brands in your store, you will need to use collections for that.