Updating Products in Bulk
This article walks you through updating product data in bulk using Cahoot's Import/Export functionality. You'll export your current product data, edit the CSV file, and re-import it with your changes.
Step 1: Export Your Current Product Data
Start by exporting your existing product catalog so you have an accurate baseline to work from.
1Navigate to Products → Export Products
2Leave the top filter fields blank to export your entire product catalog
3Click Download to export the CSV file
Step 2: Edit the Exported CSV File
Open the exported CSV file and make your desired changes.
Data Integrity Requirements
Important: Follow these rules to avoid import errors and data loss:
- Do not modify column headers — any changes to headers will cause import errors
- Fill out all existing columns — empty cells will overwrite existing product information with blank values
- Keep each product on its own row — make sure data doesn't spill into other rows
Avoid Common Excel Formatting Issues
Excel Users: Be aware of these common formatting problems:
- Scientific notation: SKU and barcode values may display as 8.10099E+11 instead of the actual number. Convert these back to the original format before importing
- Leading zeros: Excel strips leading zeros (0123456789 becomes 123456789). Format barcode columns as "Text" before entering data
- How to fix: Select cells → Right-click → Format Cells → Text → OK, then enter your data
Set Action Column Values
In the last column of the CSV file, set the correct action for each row:
Action Column Values:
-
U(capital letter "U" for Update) — update an existing product in the database -
I(capital letter "I" for Insert) — insert a new product that doesn't exist in the system yet
Step 3: Import the Updated CSV File
1Navigate to Products → Import Products
2Click Select files... and choose your updated CSV file
3Click Submit to begin the import process
Download the Import Template and Legend
The Import Products page provides two reference files you can download at any time. Always download these directly from the system to ensure you have the most current version.
- Download Template — a blank CSV file with the correct column headers, ready to fill in
- Download Legend — a reference document listing every import field, its data type, supported values, and whether it's required
You'll find both links at the top of the Import Products page, as shown below.
Step 4: Monitor the Import Process
Once the import begins, Cahoot processes your file and updates the product data. This can take up to 30 minutes depending on the size of your catalog. The import history table on the same page shows the status of each batch.
If an alert icon appears next to the status, the import encountered errors. Click Download Report to see what caused the issue.
Best Practices and Troubleshooting
Follow these practices to avoid common issues:
- Always back up your original export before making changes
- Test with a small batch first — update a few products before doing a full catalog update
- Double-check SKU and barcode formatting to catch scientific notation or missing leading zeros
- Verify required fields are filled in — download the Legend from the Import Products page to see which fields are required (marked with *)
- Don't add or remove columns — keep the template structure intact
Common Import Errors
If you encounter import errors, check for these common causes:
- Modified column headers — headers must remain exactly as exported or as shown in the template
- Scientific notation in SKU/barcode fields — convert back to original values
- Missing required field data — check the Legend for required fields
-
Incorrect Action column values — must be exactly
IorU - Empty cells overwriting data — make sure all existing data columns are preserved in your file