Import Products: A Step-by-Step Guide for Shopkeepers

Import Products: A Step-by-Step Guide for Shopkeepers #

Welcome to Ficos! Importing products in bulk is a fantastic way to save time and streamline your inventory setup. With the Ficos web app, you can do this from any browser, with no download required. Whether you’re just starting or expanding your product range, this guide will walk you through how to import products using an Excel (.xlsx) file. By the end, your inventory will be fully updated and ready for business. Let’s dive in!

Why Import Products in Bulk? #

Bulk importing products comes with several advantages:

• Time-Saving: Quickly add multiple products instead of entering them one by one.
• Consistency: Ensure product details are uniform and free from errors.
• Scalability: Easily manage inventory updates as your product catalog grows.

By using Ficos’s import feature, you’ll have a faster and more efficient way to organize your inventory.

Step 1: Navigate to Inventory #

To begin importing products, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Inventory Section:
   • On your Ficos dashboard, scroll to the Business Manager section.
   • Click Inventory to open the inventory management screen.
2. Access the Import Feature:
   • Click the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner to open the menu.
   • Select Import Products from the dropdown options.

Step 2: Prepare Your Excel File #

Creating an Excel file with the correct format is essential for a successful import. Here’s how to set it up:

• Open an Excel-compatible application, such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or WPS Office.
• In the first row, include the following column headers:

  Code | Name | Category | Qty | Cost Price | Selling Price | Stock Type | Tax Exclusive | Low Stock | Tax | Shelf Location

• In subsequent rows, add your product details. For example:

  1001 | Red Shirt | Apparel | 10 | 50 | 70 | Variable Stock | Yes | 5 | 16 | A3

Field Explanations:

• Code: Unique identifier for each product (e.g., SKU or barcode).
• Name: The product’s name (e.g., “Red Shirt”).
• Category: The group the product belongs to (e.g., “Apparel”).
• Qty: Initial stock quantity (e.g., 10).
• Cost Price: Purchase price of the product (e.g., 50).
• Selling Price: The retail price (e.g., 70).
• Stock Type: Choose between Variable Stock (trackable inventory) and Fixed Stock (e.g., services).
• Tax Exclusive: Mark as “Yes” if the price excludes tax, otherwise “No.”
• Low Stock: Set a quantity threshold for restocking alerts (e.g., 5).
• Tax: Tax percentage applicable to the product.
• Shelf Location: The physical location of the product in your store.

Step 3: Save Your Excel File #

Once your file is ready, save it in the `.xlsx` format to ensure compatibility with the Ficos import tool. Name it something easy to recognize, such as “Product_List_Jan2025.xlsx.”

Step 4: Import Your Excel File #

Now that your Excel file is prepared, follow these steps to import it:

1. Return to the Import Products section in Ficos.
2. Click Browse and locate the Excel file on your computer.
3. Select the file and click Upload. Ficos will process the data and update your inventory.

You’ll receive a confirmation once the import is complete. If there are errors, Ficos will highlight them for correction.

Tips for a Successful Import #

Here are some pointers to make the process even smoother:

• Check Your Data: Ensure all mandatory fields are filled in and formatted correctly.
• Use Unique Codes: Avoid duplicates to prevent inventory confusion.
• Backup Your File: Save a copy of the Excel file for reference or re-importing if needed.

Conclusion #

Importing products in bulk is a powerful feature that saves you time and keeps your inventory organized. By following this guide, you can confidently manage large product catalogs and maintain an efficient store. If you run into any issues, our support team is ready to help.

What our clients say #

I have managed to track my expenses better and been able to budget and plan better

Nayebare Jenuario #

★★★★★

Business has never been managed better on a platform than with Ficos! No hardware costs, no implementation costs, the LOWEST cost of ownership and business intelligence at your finger tips! Thx Ficos team

Fort High #

★★★★★

Excellent platform. Very useful for business

Christian TABARO #

★★★★★