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. 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:
- Go to the Inventory Section:
- On your Ficos dashboard, scroll to the Business Manager section.
- Tap Inventory to open the inventory management screen.
- Access the Import Feature:
- Tap 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:
- Return to the Import Products section in Ficos.
- Tap Browse and locate the Excel file on your device.
- Select the file and tap 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,
Frequently Asked Questions #
What happens if my Excel file contains errors during the import process? #
If your Excel file has errors, Ficos will provide a detailed error log highlighting the problematic rows and fields. You can correct the errors and re-upload the file.
Can I update existing products using the import feature? #
Yes, you can update existing product details by including the same product codes (SKUs) in the import file. Ensure the product codes match exactly to avoid creating duplicates. Learn more about product updates in the Editing Product Details Guide.
Is there a limit to the number of products I can import at once? #
Ficos supports importing up to 1,000 products in a single file. For larger inventories, consider breaking your list into smaller files for easier processing.
Can I include images for my products in the import file? #
Currently, the import tool doesn’t support adding images through the Excel file. You can upload images manually after importing the products. Refer to the Editing Product Details Guide for more information.
How can I ensure my product categories are correctly set up before importing? #
Before importing, set up your product categories in the Ficos app. Categories must match the names used in your Excel file. Visit the Manage Product Categories Guide for detailed instructions.
Does the import feature support multi-location inventory? #
Yes, you can use the “Shelf Location” column in your Excel file to specify the storage location for each product. This is especially useful for managing multi-location inventories.
Can I import tax settings specific to my region? #
Absolutely! Use the “Tax” column in your Excel file to enter the tax percentage for each product. Ensure the tax values comply with your local regulations. For more on tax settings, check out the Detailed Tax Report Guide.
What file formats are supported for importing products? #
Ficos supports Excel files in the `.xlsx` format only. Other formats like `.csv` or `.xls` are not compatible. Ensure your file is correctly saved as `.xlsx` before uploading.
Can I preview my products before completing the import? #
Yes, Ficos provides a preview option to review your data before finalizing the import. This allows you to verify product details and correct any errors.
How do I handle discontinued products in my inventory? #
To manage discontinued products, you can disable them in the Ficos app rather than deleting them. This ensures your sales records remain intact. Learn more in the Disabling a Product Guide.
Efficient inventory management is essential for a thriving business. The Import Products Feature in Ficos simplifies bulk product setup, saving you time and ensuring your inventory is accurate and well-organized. With the ability to import product details in bulk using an Excel file, you can streamline operations, avoid manual errors, and focus on growing your business. Let Ficos empower you to achieve inventory excellence!
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 an app than with Ficos! No hardware costs, no implementation costs, the LOWEST cost of ownership and business intelligence at your finger tips! Thx Ficos team
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★★★★★Excellent app Very useful for business
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★★★★★How it Works #
Step 2: Setup your Store #
Complete your store profile, setup your products and start selling.
Step 3: Thrive & Excel #
Enjoy smoother operations, reduced costs, and increased profits for effortless success.