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This article provides step-by-step instructions for updating product data using Cahoot's Import/Export functionality. To update existing products in Cahoot, you'll export your current product data, make changes to the exported CSV file, and then re-import the updated file. This process ensures data integrity and prevents accidental data loss.

Important: Always export your existing product data before making updates to ensure you have a complete baseline and prevent accidental data loss. To create new products, follow these steps.

Always export your existing product data before making updates to ensure you have a complete baseline.

Critical: Save a backup of the exported CSV before making any updates in case you need to revert the changes.

1Navigate to Products → Export Products

2Leave the top filter fields blank to export your entire product catalog

3Click Download to export the CSV file

Export Products page
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Open the exported CSV file and make your desired changes.

Critical Guidelines for CSV Editing

Data Integrity Requirements:

  • Do not modify column headers - Any changes to headers will cause import errors
  • Maintain complete data integrity - Fill out all existing columns with current data. Empty cells will overwrite existing product information with blank values
  • Each product on its own line - Ensure data doesn't spill into other rows

Excel-Specific Issues:

  • Scientific notation: SKU/Barcode values may display as 8.10099E+11 instead of 810098572774. Convert these back to original format before importing
  • Leading zeros: Excel removes leading zeros (0123456789 becomes 123456789). Format barcode columns as "Text" before entering data
  • Format cells correctly: Select cells → Right-click → Format Cells → Text → OK, then enter data

Set Action Column Values

In the last column of the file, set the correct action:

Action Column Values:

  • U (capital letter "u" like "Update") = Update existing products in the database
  • I (capital letter "i" like "Insert") = Insert new products that don't exist in the system

1Navigate to Products → Import Products

2Select your updated CSV file

3Click Submit to begin the import process

Import Products interface
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Tip: You can view the Import Fields and Template to review required fields (marked with red asterisks).

Once the import begins, Cahoot will process your file and update the product data. This process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the size of your catalog.

Import processing status
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An alert icon will appear if there were any errors in the file. Click Download Report to find out what caused the error.

Import error reporting
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Error Handling: If issues occur, the row numbers in the error report correspond to your CSV file rows. Fix the identified problems and re-import the corrected file.
  • Always backup your original export file before making changes
  • Test updates with a small batch of products first
  • Double-check formatting for SKUs and barcodes before importing
  • Verify required fields (marked with asterisks in Legend) are properly filled
  • Keep template structure intact - don't add or remove columns

If you encounter import errors, common causes include:

  • Modified column headers - Headers must remain exactly as exported
  • Scientific notation in SKU/barcode fields - Convert back to original numbers
  • Missing required field data - Check Legend for required fields (marked with *)
  • Incorrect Action column values - Must be exactly I or U
  • Empty cells overwriting data - Ensure all existing data is preserved
📋 Import Template
Download Template & Legend:

Right-click and "Save As" if the file opens in your browser instead of downloading.

* denotes a required field

Field Name Type Description Supported Values
SKU* Text Seller SKU for the Channel Name below Any value excluding special characters
Channel Name* Text Channel Name for the SKU above Acenda, Amazon, B2B, BigCommerce, ChannelAdvisor, Custom, eBay, eBay US, Flxpoint, GeekSeller, Google Shopping, Inventory Transfer, Linnworks, Macys, Magento, MagentoV2, Nordstrom, Pulse Commerce, Sellercloud, Shopify, Walmart, Woocommerce, Zentail
Item Name* Text Name of the item Any alpha numeric value (max 2000 characters)
Weight Unit Text Enter unit of weight (required if adding weight) lbs, oz
Barcode Text Enter product barcode Any value excluding special characters
Preferred Packaging Text Select preferred packaging for the product Poly bag, Bubble mailer, Box, Ready to ship as is
Harmonized Code Text Harmonized code for international shipping Any value excluding special characters
Country of Origin Text Enter country of origin for product Any valid two-character country code
Action* Text Enter I to insert new product, Enter U to update existing product I (Insert), U (Update)

 

 

 

 

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