1. Overview

Choosing the right feed type in BulkFlow is essential to streamline your data management process. Depending on your needs—whether importing new data, updating existing records, exporting data, or removing items from your store—BulkFlow offers different feed types to handle each operation. In this guide, we'll help you understand when to use Add New, Update, Export, or Delete feeds.

2. What is BulkFlow Feed?

A Feed in BulkFlow is a step-by-step workflow that allows you to import, export, update, or delete data between different sources and your store. Whether you’re syncing products, customers, orders, or other entities, each feed defines how the data flows from a file or external system into platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and more.

3. When to Use Each Feed Type

Add New Feed

Purpose: This feed type is used when you want to add new data to your store. Ideal for adding new products, customers, or orders.

When to Use:

• When you are introducing new items (e.g., new products or customers) to your store.
• When starting fresh data imports, like creating product catalogs or uploading new customer lists.

Update Feed

Purpose: Use this feed to modify existing records in your store.

When to Use:

• When you want to update details of existing products, customers, or orders.
• If you need to change prices, inventory levels, or customer information, this feed will help you update the existing data without creating duplicates.

Export Feed

Purpose: Use this feed to export data from your store for backup, analysis, or integration with other systems.

When to Use:

• When you want to back up your data.
• When you need to transfer data between platforms or create reports (e.g., exporting Shopify product data for external use).

Delete Feed

Purpose: The Delete feed allows you to remove products, customers, or orders from your store. Best for discontinuing products or cleaning up test data.

When to Use:

• When you need to permanently remove records from your store.
• Ideal for clearing out outdated products or cleaning test data during development.

4. Key Features of Feeds

• Flexible Data Operations: Handle imports, exports, updates, or deletions effortlessly across supported entities.
• Multiple Data Sources: Work with CSV, XLSX, XML files, Google Sheets, file URLs, or FTP/SFTP connections.
• Customizable Field Mapping: Match source file fields with destination fields to ensure accurate data placement.
• Automated Scheduling: Set feeds to run automatically at fixed intervals, reducing manual work.
• Error Handling & Logs: Monitor execution logs, troubleshoot issues, and receive alerts if a feed fails.

5. How a Feed Works

Step 1: Create a Feed

• From your BulkFlow Dashboard, click Create New Feed.
• Select the Feed Type: Choose the operation you want to perform — Add New, Export, Update, or Delete.
• Choose the Entity: Pick the data type you want to work with (e.g., Products, Customers, Orders).

Step 2: Prepare Your File

Upload your file based on your selected connection type:

• File Upload
• File URL
• Google Sheets
• FTP/SFTP

Ensure the file is formatted correctly (CSV, XLSX, XML) and matches the entity selected.

Step 3: Configure Data Mapping

• BulkFlow will automatically suggest field mappings based on default templates.
• You can review, adjust, or manually map fields to match your store's data structure.

Step 4: Process and Manage Your Feed

• After clicking Next, the feed will begin processing in the background.
• You can pause, cancel, or manage feed progress through logs and alerts.

6. Tips

• Use the Right Feed Type: Always choose the correct feed type for the operation you need (Add New, Update, Delete, Export).
• Validate Data: Double-check for typos or incorrect fields before starting the import or update.
• Test with Small Batches: Run small tests to ensure the feed functions as expected before applying to large data sets.

7. FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Update and Add New feeds?

Update modifies existing records, while Add New creates new records.

2. Can I update existing records with a Delete feed?

No, a Delete feed removes items permanently. To update, use the Update Feed.

3. Can I export data to Google Sheets?

Yes, use the Export Feed to back up your data to Google Sheets or other platforms.

4. Can I import and update feed at the same time?

Yes, as long as you enable the 'Update existing data in the store' option during the feed import.

8. Related Guides

• How to create an ‘Add New’ feed to import new data
• How to create an ‘Update’ feed to change existing records
• How to create a ‘Delete’ feed to remove data
• How to create an ‘Export’ feed to back up Shopify data

Updated on: 02/08/2025