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Bulk Import

Upload hundreds or thousands of books at once using CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files. Perfect for initial inventory setup or large updates.

When to Use Bulk Import​

Best For:

  • Setting up your initial inventory
  • Adding large shipments
  • Importing from existing spreadsheets
  • Regular bulk updates
  • Migrating from another system

Not Best For:

CSV File Format​

Your CSV file must follow this specific format for successful import.

Required Columns​

isbn (required)

  • ISBN-13 or ISBN-10
  • Used to identify the book
  • Must be valid and exist in BookWish database
  • Examples: 9780743273565, 0743273567

price (required)

  • Your selling price in dollars
  • Decimal format
  • Examples: 14.99, 24.50, 9.95

Optional Columns​

quantity (optional, default: 1)

  • Number of copies
  • Whole numbers only
  • Examples: 1, 5, 25

condition (optional, default: new)

  • Book condition
  • Valid values: new, like_new, very_good, good, acceptable
  • Lowercase with underscores

location (optional)

  • Where the book is stored
  • Freeform text
  • Examples: Shelf A-3, Backroom, Fiction Section

sku (optional)

  • Your internal identifier
  • Freeform text
  • Examples: BK-001234, FIC-GATSBY-001

notes (optional)

  • Special information about the copy
  • Freeform text
  • Examples: Signed by author, First edition

compare_at_price (optional)

  • Original or list price for showing discounts
  • Decimal format
  • Examples: 24.99, 29.95

Column Order​

Columns can be in any order. BookWish identifies columns by their header names.

Valid Header Variations:

  • isbn, ISBN, ISBN13, isbn13, ISBN-13
  • price, Price, PRICE
  • quantity, Quantity, qty, Qty
  • condition, Condition
  • location, Location
  • sku, SKU, Sku

Example CSV​

Here's a complete example with all fields:

isbn,price,quantity,condition,location,sku,notes,compare_at_price
9780743273565,14.99,3,new,Shelf A-1,BK-001,New arrival,19.99
9780451524935,8.99,2,very_good,Shelf B-2,BK-002,Classic edition,12.99
9780062315007,16.99,1,like_new,Display,BK-003,Bestseller,22.99
9780316769488,12.99,5,good,Backroom,BK-004,,
9780060935467,10.50,1,acceptable,Clearance,BK-005,Some wear,

Minimal Example (Required Fields Only)​

isbn,price
9780743273565,14.99
9780451524935,8.99
9780062315007,16.99
9780316769488,12.99
9780060935467,10.50

Creating Your CSV File​

From Excel or Google Sheets​

Excel:

  1. Create your spreadsheet with column headers
  2. Enter your data
  3. File → Save As
  4. Choose "CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv)"
  5. Save the file

Google Sheets:

  1. Create your spreadsheet with column headers
  2. Enter your data
  3. File → Download → Comma-separated values (.csv)
  4. Save the file

From Another System​

Many inventory systems can export to CSV:

  1. Find the export function
  2. Select CSV or Excel format
  3. Ensure ISBN, price are included
  4. Map columns to BookWish format
  5. Save the file

Text Editor​

For advanced users, you can create CSV files in any text editor:

isbn,price,quantity,condition
9780743273565,14.99,3,new
9780451524935,8.99,2,very_good

Save with .csv extension.

Importing Process​

Step 1: Access Import Page​

  1. Open the BookWish app
  2. Navigate to Shop tab
  3. Tap Inventory
  4. Tap the menu icon (three dots)
  5. Select Import CSV

This opens the Bulk Import page.

Step 2: Review Format Instructions​

The import page shows:

  • Required column format
  • Example CSV structure
  • Validation rules

Take a moment to review before uploading.

Step 3: Select Your CSV File​

Upload Area:

  • Large dashed box with cloud icon
  • "Tap to select CSV file" text

To Upload:

  1. Tap the upload area
  2. Browse your device
  3. Select your CSV file
  4. File must be .csv extension

File Validation: The app immediately validates your file:

  • Checks CSV format
  • Verifies required columns present
  • Scans for obvious errors

Step 4: Review Validation Results​

After selecting the file, you'll see validation feedback.

Success (No Errors):

  • Green checkmark
  • File name and size shown
  • "Ready to import" message
  • Import button enabled

Validation Errors:

  • Red error list appears
  • Shows what needs to be fixed
  • Examples:
    • "Missing required column: price"
    • "Row 5: Invalid ISBN format"
    • "Row 12: Price must be a number"

If You See Errors:

  1. Note the specific issues
  2. Tap Change File to remove
  3. Fix errors in your CSV
  4. Upload the corrected file

Step 5: Import the File​

Once validation passes:

  1. Review file summary
  2. Tap the Import button
  3. Progress bar shows upload status
  4. Wait for processing to complete

Do Not:

  • Close the app during import
  • Navigate away from the page
  • Upload another file simultaneously

Step 6: Review Results​

After import completes, you'll see a results summary.

Success Metrics:

  • Total Rows - Number of rows in your CSV
  • Imported - Books successfully added (green)
  • Skipped - Books already in inventory (yellow)
  • Errors - Failed imports (red)

Understanding Results:

Imported: ✅

  • New inventory items created successfully
  • These books are now in your inventory
  • Ready for sale immediately

Skipped: ⚠️

  • Book already exists in your inventory
  • No duplicate created
  • Existing item unchanged
  • Not an error - just informational

Errors: ❌

  • Failed to import
  • Reason provided for each error
  • Common reasons:
    • ISBN not found in BookWish database
    • Invalid price format
    • Missing required field
    • Duplicate ISBN in CSV file

Step 7: Handle Errors (If Any)​

If errors occurred:

Error Details Show:

  • Row number with the problem
  • Specific error message
  • Example: "Row 15: ISBN 9781234567890 not found in database"

To Fix Errors:

  1. Note the error details
  2. Tap Import Another File
  3. Fix errors in your CSV
  4. Remove successfully imported rows (optional)
  5. Re-import the corrected file

Common Fixes:

  • Double-check ISBN accuracy
  • Verify price format (use decimal: 14.99)
  • Confirm required columns are present
  • Remove duplicate ISBNs within the file

Step 8: Complete Import​

After reviewing results:

Import Another File:

  • Tap Import Another File to add more books
  • Previous imports are not affected

Done:

  • Tap Done to return to Inventory page
  • Your new books are now visible
  • Pull to refresh if needed

Validation Rules​

ISBN Validation​

  • Must be 10 or 13 digits
  • Hyphens are automatically removed
  • Must exist in BookWish database
  • Examples: Valid: 9780743273565, Invalid: 123

Price Validation​

  • Must be a positive number
  • Decimal format: 14.99
  • No currency symbols
  • Maximum: $9999.99

Quantity Validation​

  • Whole numbers only
  • Must be at least 1
  • Maximum: 9999

Condition Validation​

  • Must be one of: new, like_new, very_good, good, acceptable
  • Case-insensitive
  • Use underscores, not spaces

Tips for Successful Imports​

Prepare Your File​

  • Double-check ISBN accuracy before uploading
  • Verify prices are in decimal format
  • Remove any currency symbols or special characters
  • Test with a small file first (10-20 books)

Handle Large Files​

  • Files with 1000+ books may take several minutes
  • Don't close the app during processing
  • Split very large imports (5000+) into multiple files
  • Import during off-hours to avoid interruptions

Avoid Duplicates​

  • BookWish skips books already in inventory
  • You won't create duplicates
  • To update existing items, edit them individually
  • Use import only for new additions

Track Your Imports​

  • Keep a backup of your CSV files
  • Note which files have been imported
  • Document any errors for future reference
  • Save error details for troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions​

"ISBN not found"​

Problem: The ISBN doesn't exist in BookWish's database.

Solutions:

  • Verify the ISBN is correct
  • Check for typos
  • Try the alternate ISBN (13 vs 10)
  • Very obscure books may not be in the database

"Invalid price format"​

Problem: Price isn't in correct format.

Solutions:

  • Use decimal format: 14.99 not $14.99
  • Remove currency symbols
  • Use period for decimal, not comma
  • Verify no extra spaces

"Missing required column"​

Problem: CSV doesn't have required headers.

Solutions:

  • Add isbn column header
  • Add price column header
  • Check spelling of column names
  • Ensure header row is first row

"Invalid condition"​

Problem: Condition value not recognized.

Solutions:

  • Use: new, like_new, very_good, good, acceptable
  • Use underscores: like_new not like new
  • Check for typos
  • Keep lowercase

Import Takes Too Long​

Problem: Large file stuck processing.

Solutions:

  • Wait patiently (large files take time)
  • Split into smaller files (500 books each)
  • Check internet connection
  • Try again during off-peak hours

After Importing​

Verify Your Inventory​

  1. Navigate to Inventory page
  2. Pull to refresh
  3. Search for some imported books
  4. Verify details are correct

Edit if Needed​

  • Tap any item to edit
  • Adjust prices, quantities, or conditions
  • Updates take effect immediately

Continue Building Inventory​

  • Import more files as needed
  • Mix with manual entry
  • Connect Square for ongoing sync

Exporting Your Inventory​

You can also export your current inventory to CSV.

To Export:

  1. Navigate to Inventory page
  2. Tap the menu icon (three dots)
  3. Select Export CSV
  4. Save the file to your device

Use Cases:

  • Backup your inventory
  • Work offline in spreadsheets
  • Share with accountants
  • Analyze your stock

Next Steps​

After bulk importing:

Need Help?​

Questions about bulk import?