How to Create an 'Import' Feed to Import Data

1. Overview

Learn how to create an 'Import' Feed in BulkFlow to import new data such as products, collections, pages, menus, or orders. This feed type allows you to add new records to your store in bulk quickly and accurately.

2. Requirements

Before creating an 'Import' feed, make sure you have:

A BulkFlow account connected to your store.
Prepared data in the correct BulkFlow template format.
Access rights to create and manage feeds.

3. How to Create an 'Import' Feed

Step 1: Choose the Import Feed Type

From the BulkFlow Dashboard, go to Home in the sidebar menu.
Click directly on the Import button.

Give your feed a name in the Feed Name field.

Choose the entity you want to add (e.g., Products, Collections, Customers, Orders, Pages, Menus).

If you want to update existing products, enable the 'Update existing data in the store' option. When enabled, the system will check and detect which items from your file are already in the store and update them accordingly. When disabled, only new items that are not in the store will be processed.

Step 2: Prepare Your File

Upload your data file in one of the supported formats (XLSX, CSV UTF-8, Google Sheets, FTP/SFTP, or API).

Make sure you use the correct BulkFlow template when choosing the entity types, such as Products, Collections, Customers, Orders, Pages, Blog Posts, Menus, Companies, and Metaobjects. Using the wrong template may result in import errors.

Step 3: Configure Import

Map your file's fields to match your store's data structure. Learn More

Field mapping when you choose to use BulkFlow's template.

Field mapping when you choose to upload your own file, and the system allows you to map it to the corresponding BulkFlow fields.

Step 4: Run a Demo, Then Process Your Import Feed

Click Demo Import to run the feed on a small sample of your data and preview the result before committing to anything.
Once you're satisfied with the preview, click Full Import to process the entire feed. Your feed will begin processing in the background — you can leave the page, we'll notify you via in-app and email when the import is complete.

You can pause or cancel the feed while it's running.
After a successful upload, the system will display this. You can check which items were successfully uploaded and which were not by downloading the result.

4. Tips

Use Correct Templates: Always download the latest BulkFlow templates for your entity.
Check Your Data: Validate information before uploading.
Run a Demo First: Use Demo Import to test with a small sample before running the full import.

5. FAQs

What is an 'Import' feed?

It's a feed type that allows you to import brand new records (products, pages, menus, etc.) into your store.

Can I update existing records with this feed?

By default, no — the 'Import' feed only creates new records. However, if you enable the 'Update existing data in the store' option, it will also update items that already exist in your store.

What file formats are supported?

XLSX, CSV (UTF-8), Google Sheets, FTP/SFTP, and API.

Will I get notified if my import fails?

Yes. BulkFlow provides error messages and suggestions for fixing failed imports.

How to contact support & get help
How to create an 'Update' feed to change existing records
How to create a 'Migrate' feed to move data from another platform or store
How to create a 'Delete' feed to remove data
How to create an 'Export' feed to back up Shopify data
How to map product fields correctly

Updated on: 13/08/2026

Was this article helpful?

Thank you!