The Ultimate BigCommerce Import Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding BigCommerce Import Process
  3. Detailed Import Processes
  4. Enhanced Import Capabilities with Third-Party Apps
  5. Conclusion
  6. BigCommerce Import FAQ

Introduction

Imagine running a bustling online store, with orders flying in and inventory needing constant updates. It can feel overwhelming, but what if you could streamline the whole management process with a few clicks? BigCommerce promises this ease through its import and export functionalities. This article aims to guide you through the intricacies of BigCommerce import processes, showing not only how to leverage the platform’s built-in tools but also how third-party apps can amplify your capabilities.

Whether you're looking to update product catalogs, manage inventories, or import customer data, this guide will walk you through the essential steps and best practices. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to efficiently manage your BigCommerce store using import functionalities.

Understanding BigCommerce Import Process

Default Capabilities

BigCommerce offers default tools that support data import using CSV files. The system allows you to transfer products, customers, and other related entities like product options and images. This manual process requires you to map CSV column headers with BigCommerce attributes to ensure a smooth import. However, for more complex data imports like orders or customer reviews, third-party applications are necessary.

File Format and Constraints

The only file format supported by BigCommerce for importing data is CSV. When dealing with third-party CSV files, you have to ensure that the column headings align with those in BigCommerce. This can be done either manually in a spreadsheet editor or within the BigCommerce admin interface. If the data to be imported is substantial, it is recommended to upload the file via the server rather than the control panel for a more stable process.

Using Third-Party Apps

While BigCommerce offers some default import capabilities, third-party applications can significantly extend these functionalities. These apps often provide more user-friendly interfaces and additional features like automatic backups, larger file imports without WebDAV, and the ability to import additional entities like orders and categories.

Detailed Import Processes

Importing Products

Guidelines to Avoid Errors

  1. Backup Existing Data: Always backup your catalog before starting the import process.

  2. CSV Formatting: Ensure that your CSV file columns align with BigCommerce’s requirements. Fields such as Product Name and Category are mandatory.

  3. Avoiding Data Loss: Be cautious with options like Delete existing images or Delete existing downloads as this will permanently remove those files.

Steps to Import Products

  1. Prepare CSV File: Create a CSV file with necessary columns like Product Name, SKU, and Price.

  2. Upload File: Navigate to the Products section in your BigCommerce admin panel and select the import option.

  3. Match Fields: Align the columns in your CSV file with BigCommerce attributes.

  4. Import Data: Click on Start Import to transfer your data.

Automate Column Matching

For complex data from distributors, use third-party apps to automate column header matching. These applications can automatically align the distributor's CSV columns with BigCommerce’s requirements, minimizing manual work and errors.

Importing Product Images

Methods to Import Images

  1. Via URL: If images are hosted online, include their URLs in the CSV file.

  2. Using WebDAV: Upload images from local storage via WebDAV, then import them through a CSV file containing the image file names.

Image Requirements

  • Format: JPEG, GIF, and PNG files are supported.
  • Maximum Dimensions and Size: Should fit within BigCommerce’s specifications to ensure quick import and optimal performance.

Steps to Import Images

  1. Prepare CSV: Include columns such as Product Image File – 1, specifying the full URL of each image.

  2. Upload via WebDAV: If using local files, upload images to the product_images/import folder in WebDAV.

  3. Import CSV: Proceed with your typical product import, ensuring the image paths are correctly mapped.

Importing Product Options

Creating Variant Options

To add options like size or color variants, you’ll need to include sub-product SKUs and associated attributes in your CSV file. Create rules to manage prices, weights, and other attributes.

Steps to Add Options

  1. Export Base Products: First, export the product data using the Bulk Edit template.

  2. Edit CSV: Add rows for each variant and include necessary attributes.

  3. Upload File: Import the updated CSV back into BigCommerce.

Formatting Options and Rules

Ensure that the columns are correctly formatted. For example, separate multiple options for a single SKU using commas and include URLs for swatch options.

Importing Customers

Customer data import is straightforward but requires careful handling of sensitive information like passwords.

Steps to Import Customers

  1. Backup and Prepare Data: Download a sample CSV template to prepare your customer data.

  2. Upload CSV: Navigate to the Customers section in BigCommerce and choose Import.

  3. Match Fields: Align CSV columns with BigCommerce attributes.

  4. Start Import: Proceed to upload and finalize the process.

Importing Customer Passwords

While you cannot export passwords, it is possible to import them. Add a Password column in your CSV file and match it during the import process.

Importing Tracking Numbers

For efficient order fulfillment, import tracking numbers via CSV.

Steps to Import Tracking Numbers

  1. Prepare CSV: Include columns like order_number, tracking_number, and tracking_carrier.

  2. Upload File: Use BigCommerce’s order section to import the CSV file.

  3. Map Fields: Ensure to map the columns correctly before initiating the import.

Importing 301 Redirects

Although you can’t update existing 301 redirects via import, you can create new ones.

Steps to Import 301 Redirects

  1. Prepare CSV: Include two columns: Old URL and New URL.

  2. Upload and Map Fields: Go to the 301 redirects section and import the CSV file.

Enhanced Import Capabilities with Third-Party Apps

The default import functionalities in BigCommerce can be significantly enhanced using third-party apps like the Firebear Import & Export Tool for BigCommerce. These tools provide advanced capabilities including:

  • Support for Complex Data Types: Import categories, orders, and reviews.
  • Large File Handling: Import large data files without size limitations.
  • Flexible Formats: Support for Excel, JSON, and XML files.
  • API Integration: Seamless data import via APIs and Google Sheets.

Conclusion

By leveraging both the default and third-party tools, the BigCommerce import process becomes a powerful ally in managing an e-commerce store. Whether you’re adding new products, updating customer databases, or managing orders and categories, understanding and utilizing these import capabilities can significantly ease your administrative load and enhance operational efficiency.

BigCommerce Import FAQ

1. How to import a CSV file into BigCommerce?

  • Navigate to the relevant section (products, customers, etc.).
  • Choose the import option.
  • Upload the CSV file.
  • Match the column headers.
  • Start the import process.

2. How to import product options into BigCommerce?

  • Export existing products.
  • Edit the CSV to add options.
  • Upload the CSV back to BigCommerce.

3. How to import customers into BigCommerce?

  • Go to Customers -> Import.
  • Upload the CSV.
  • Match the fields and start the import.

4. How to import product images into BigCommerce?

  • Include image URLs in your CSV file or upload images via WebDAV.
  • Start the import, ensuring image paths are correctly mapped.

5. How to import tracking numbers into BigCommerce?

  • Prepare a CSV with columns for order_number, tracking_number, and tracking_carrier.
  • Import it via the order section in BigCommerce, mapping fields as necessary.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can manage all aspects of your BigCommerce store through efficient data imports, ensuring a smooth operation and a well-maintained eCommerce platform.