How to Create an "Update" feed to Change Existing Records
1. Overview
Learn how to create an 'Update' Feed in BulkFlow to modify existing records in your store — such as products, customers, blog posts, pages, or more — without creating duplicates. Instead of overwriting all data, you only update the fields you include in your file.
2. Requirements
Before creating an 'Update' feed, make sure you have:
- A BulkFlow account connected to your store.
- A file that includes at least one unique identifier for the entity you're updating (e.g., SKU or Handle for Products, Email for Customers).
- Access rights to create and manage feeds.
3. How to Create an 'Update' Feed
Step 1: Choose the Update Feed Type
- From the BulkFlow Dashboard, click directly on the Update button.
- Select Entity: Choose what you want to update (e.g., Products, Collections, Customers, Orders, Pages, Blogs, Menus, Discounts, Companies, Metaobjects).
- Select Connection Type: Choose how you'll provide your data — upload file, Google Sheet, file URL, FTP/SFTP, or API.
✅ Required: Your file must include at least one unique identifier (varies by entity, e.g., SKU for Products, Email for Customers).
Step 2: Prepare Your File
Your file should:
- Be in .CSV, .XLSX format
- Contain only the fields you want to update
- Include at least one ID column for matching:
Entity | Required Identifier(s) |
|---|---|
Products | SKU, Handle, ID, Product ID, Barcode |
Customers | Email, Customer ID, Phone |
Orders | Order ID, Order Name/Number |
Pages | Handle, Page ID |
Blogs | Handle, Blog ID |
Collections | Handle, Collection ID |
Companies | Company Name |
NOTE: You don't need to include all columns — only the fields you want to update.
Step 3: Configure Field Mapping
BulkFlow will try to match columns in your file with your store's fields.
- Auto-mapping is applied for default fields and correctly named metafields.
- AI-powered field mapping is also available to help match your fields more precisely.
- You can manually adjust mappings for custom fields or metafields.
To auto-detect metafields, name your column:
- Metafield: namespace.key (for Products, Customers, etc.)
- Variant Metafield: namespace.key (for Product Variants)
Step 4: Run a Demo, Then Process Your Update 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 — or enable automation if you'd like the feed to run regularly (daily, hourly, etc.)
- Check Logs to see:
- Which records were successfully updated
- Any rows with errors or missing identifiers
4. Tips
- Always test with a small file before mass updates — use Demo Import.
- Avoid removing required identifier columns mid-update.
- Use the correct format for metafield columns.
- BulkFlow does not delete existing media unless you explicitly overwrite them.
5. FAQs
- What's the difference between Update and Import feeds?
Update modifies existing records using an identifier to match them, while Import creates new records.
- Will BulkFlow create duplicate records if I run an Update feed?
No. Update feeds match records using the identifier you provide (e.g., SKU, Email) and only update existing records — they don't create new ones.
- Do I need to include every column in my file?
No. Only include the columns you want to update. Fields you leave out won't be changed.
- What happens if a row has an invalid or missing identifier?
That row will fail and be flagged in the Logs, so you can review and fix it.
Updated on: 14/08/2026
Thank you!