How to prepare the Product Template?
About Product Template
The product template is a spreadsheet where you add all your product information — from name, price, SKU to images and custom fields — before importing to Shopify via BulkFlow.
This guide walks you through how to fill in the product file correctly so your products upload smoothly and display as expected on your store.
Requirements
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Downloaded the Product Template from BulkFlow
- Product data ready (Excel or CSV format)
- Connected your Shopify store to BulkFlow
How to fill the Product Template
Step 1: Download the product template
From your BulkFlow Dashboard, go to Dashboard > Click on the Download Template button > Choose Products Template to download it
Step 2: Fill in Required Fields
To create new feed, these fields are mandatory:
Column | Description | Accepted Value | Example |
SKU | Unique code per product or variant. Every row must include a unique SKU. | String | red-skirt-m |
Quantity | Available inventory for sale. | Numeric | 10 |
Price | Selling price of the product. Numbers only, no symbols. | Numeric | 120 |
Name | Product name/title. | Text | Red Skirt |
To update existing products, you must include at least one of the following:
Column | Description | Accepted Value | Example |
Barcode | Product's Barcode | Numeric | 7182673182895 |
Product ID | Custom ID (defined by you) | Text | TSHIRT-101 |
Handle | Shopify URL-friendly slug | String | red-skirt-classic |
SKU | Existing SKU | String | red-skirt-m |
NOTE: If these are missing during an update, BulkFlow cannot match the product and the row will fail.
Step 3: Other field
Basic Product Info
Column | Description | Accepted Value | Example |
Description | Full product description | Text | 00% Cotton, breathable |
Brand | Brand name | Text | Nike |
Tags | Add extra attributes or "properties" to your product | Comma-separated text | Cotton, Casual, Summer |
Condition | New / Used / Refurbished | Text | New |
Condition note | Further explanation of product condition | Text | Open box item |
Mrsp | Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | Numeric | 49.99 |
Cost | Cost of goods sold | Numeric | 18.50 |
Manufacturer | Name of producer | Text | Nike Vietnam |
Seo_url | SEO-friendly URL slug | Alphanumeric text with hyphens | classic-red-skirt |
Categories | Organizes products into groups based on characteristics such as type, style, or target audience. | Comma-separated text | Clothing, Women, Skirts |
Status | Visibility in store | Text | Published |
Product Type | Simple or Configurable |
| Configurable |
Handle | Unique slug required for every row | String | red-skirt-classic |
Meta Title | Short title shown in search results and browser tabs. Keep it under 60 characters with main keywords. | Text | Samsung Galaxy S24 – 256GB Smartphone |
Meta Description | Brief summary shown below the title in search results. Use 120–160 characters to attract clicks. | Text | Discover the Samsung Galaxy S24 with 256GB storage, sleek design, and powerful performance. Shop now for fast shipping at LitProductTest! |
NOTE:
- Handle is required for every row (parent + variants)
- Product Type must be filled only for parent of configurable product
- Leave Product Type blank for child variants
Variants & Configurable Products
To build product variants (e.g. size, color):
Column | Description | Example |
Parent-SKU | SKU of the main (parent) product | red-skirt |
Handle | If you don't use SKU, then you must fill the Handle column (the varaints must have the same Handle with the parent product) | red-skirt-classic |
variation_1 / 2/ 3 | Option name/value (e.g. Color, Size) | Color, Red |
attributes | Must match variations in this format: Color: Red; Size: M This is for the main (parent) product | Color: Red; Size: M |
Quantity | Available inventory for sale. | 10 |
Price | Selling price of the product. Numbers only, no symbols. | 120 |
Name | Product name/title. | Red Skirt |
NOTE:
- Required for all variant rows
- Product ID should be filled for both parent and children, if you fill Product ID, you must also fill Product Type column
- Only fill variation name on parent row; values on variant rows
Inventory & Dimensions
Column | Description | Example |
height / length / width | Dimensions | 30, 20, 10 |
dimension_units | cm, inch, etc. | cm |
weight | Mass of product | 0.5 |
weight_units | kg, g, oz, etc. | kg |
manage_stock | Inventory tracking flag | Yes / No |
Product Images
Column | Description | Example |
product_image_1–5 | Product images (URLs only) |
NOTE:
- Use ; to list multiple images in one field
- Existing images on store will not be replaced — only new ones are added
Custom Identifiers (for sync with marketplaces or internal tools)
Column | Description | Example |
mpn | Manufacturer part number | SKU-NIKE-001 |
upc | Universal Product Code | 12345678905 |
ean | European Article Number | 4006381333931 |
isbn | Book identifier | 9783161484100 |
gtin | Global Trade Item Number | 9506000134324 |
asin | Amazon Standard ID | B08N5WRWNW |
epid | eBay Product ID | 123456789012 |
gcid | Amazon GCID for brand sellers | XH29D8KJLQ45 |
NOTE:
- These fields are optional but useful for Amazon/eBay sync
- Must be numeric where required
Metafields & Variant Metafields
Column | Description | Example |
Metafield: namespace.key | Custom product field | Metafield: custom.scent → Lavender |
Variant Metafield: namespace.key | Custom variant field | Variant Metafield: custom.material → Cotton |
NOTE:
- Use format Metafield: namespace.key or Variant Metafield: namespace.key
- BulkFlow auto-detects them in the Field Mapping step
- If the metafield definition doesn’t exist, it will be imported as unstructured
- You may also name these columns freely and map them manually
Tips
- Product Type should only be used on parent rows of configurable products — leave it blank for child variants.
- Attributes field must be present and correctly formatted on all variant rows.
- Use consistent option names in variation_1, variation_2, etc. — spelling/case must match across rows.
Frequently asked Questions
- Why is my metafield not recognized during import?
Make sure your metafield column uses the format Metafield: namespace.key. Also, ensure the metafield definition exists in your store or it will be treated as “unstructured”.
- What happens if I don’t include SKU or ID when updating a product?
BulkFlow won't be able to match the product in Shopify, and the row will fail. Always include at least one unique identifier (ID, Product ID, SKU, or Handle).
- Should I fill in Parent-SKU for the parent product?
No. Leave Parent-SKU blank for parent products. Only child (variant) rows should have this field, and it must point to the parent's SKU.
Updated on: 02/10/2025
Thank you!