Import order is the process of bringing external order data into your Shopify store. It helps businesses to migrate from another platform, bulk import orders or sync external sales channels.
Shopify has built-in import options, third-party apps, and API integration that make the process easy, accurate and efficient. Instead of entering each order manually, businesses use bulk import methods to save time and reduce errors.
Choosing the right method depends on order volume and data complexity. CSV imports are good for bulk uploads, while third-party apps provide flexibility with advanced filters. API integration is best for businesses that need to sync seamlessly with external platforms. This helps merchants to manage order smoothly and minimize manual errors.
What are the Methods to Import Orders into Shopify?
Shopify supports import orders from other platforms through built in tools and third-party apps. Each method offers different levels of transfer flexibility, depending on your business requirement.
- Manual Order Import
- Upload CSV File
- Shopify Order Import App
1. Manual Order Import
The manual order import is a straightforward method that want to add orders one by one via Shopify admin. This is good for businesses with a small number of orders to import, and has full control over each order without requiring technical knowledge. It is useful for handling individual orders that need to be adjusted before adding them to the store.
- Log into your Shopify admin within store credentials.
- Navigate to Orders in the left-hand menu.
- Click Create order.
- Add customer details, products, pricing, and payment method.
- Specify shipping rates and address information.
- Review order details and click Create Order.
2. Upload CSV File
CSV file (Comma-Separated Values ) file allows you to store and organize a large volume of order data. This imports multiple orders at once, reduce manual data entry. Shopify has a specific format for order import, so the file must be structured correctly to avoid errors.
Export CSV file of product data with order details like customer information, product SKUs, quantities, pricing, order status, and other fields.
- Access your admin dashboard.
- Go to Orders > Import Orders.
- Shopify will prompt you to upload the CSV file containing the order data.
- Click Upload file and select your CSV file.
- Make sure your CSV file is correctly formatted to avoid any errors.
- Click Import to process the orders.
3. Shopify Order Import Apps
Shopify App Store offers various apps to import and manage orders like EZ Importer, Matrixify, and EasyCSV. These apps have additional features like order mapping, automated inventory syncing, and error handling. If you deal with complex data, then these apps streamline the import process.
How to Set Up Automatic Order Import?
Set up automatic order import streamline order processing by fetching orders data from other platforms into Shopify. This reduces manual data entry and process orders in real-time.
- In the Shopify admin dashboard, click Apps and search for Marketplace Connect.
- Install and open the app. Click on setting and add your external marketplace account.
Configure order import settings like listing, sync frequency, and mapping rules. This will auto import orders from the selected marketplace to your Shopify admin. If you need to manage auto import order from multiple marketplaces, repeat these steps for each one.
How to Troubleshoot Common Shopify Order Import Errors?
Shopify order import errors occur due to incorrect data format, missing required field, invalid field value, and duplicate order numbers. These errors delay the order processing and affect inventory management. Below are the common issues and resolving steps for smooth import.
CSV File Format
Incorrect CSV file format leads to data misinterpretation and import failures.
Double check CSV file format matches with Shopify official template. This ensures that data is organized correctly, valid data types, and removes empty rows that cause errors.
Duplicate Order
When an order with the same order number is imported more than once, it creates confusion and inventory discrepancies.
Before importing, check if the order was previously imported or not.
Missing Required Field
Shopify requires some mandatory fields for successful import. Missing values result for import failures.
Verify that required fields are included and properly format before importing. Recheck and fill missing information before trying again. Double check for empty fields, incorrect data types or format issues to avoid repeated failures.
Order Import Delay
Large file size or too much data slows down the import process.
Split large CSV files into smaller batches. Remove unnecessary columns and compress images or file size to minimize data load.
Order Status
Wrong order status causes miscommunication with customers, affects user experience and trust.
Make sure the correct imported status matches with Shopify order status to prevent errors and maintain workflow accuracy. Review status mapping which helps avoid inconsistencies and smooth order management.
Mismatched Product SKU
The SKU in the import file does not match the products in the Shopify catalog, which cause inventory discrepancies and fulfillment issues. This mismatch prevents Shopify from correctly linking the product in the order.
Double-check that the SKU in the import file matches the Shopify product listing exactly, including formatting, spacing, and capitalization.
