1. Introduction to Flat File
Flat File is a way to upload products. Flat File is also called Comma-Valued File (CSV) and can be generated by ERP system or spreadsheet software such as Excel.
(1) What can be done with Flat File
Using Flat File, sellers can upload, update, and delete inventory (SKU) in batches, download orders, and update delivery status and tracking information in batches. If the seller has a large number of the same SKU, I recommend using Flat File; however, since Flat File is not synchronized in real time, sellers should update inventory frequently to avoid out-of-stock and affect the seller’s reputation. Therefore, I recommend that sellers use third-party cross-border e-commerce ERP software to connect to the platform through API to facilitate sellers to upload, update, and delete product information.
(2) Flat File Requirements
New sellers often do not have their own ERP software and usually use Flat File to upload products, but the system often prompts that the upload cannot be made. Therefore, it is particularly important to be familiar with the platform’s requirements for Flat File.
① File upload requirements
File size: no more than 7MB.
Number of worksheets in each table: no more than 10.
File format: CSV, delimiter is “,”.
File encoding: UTF-8.
② File download requirements
Maximum number of order file downloads per day: 99.
Maximum number of inventory downloads per day: 12.
Download request output is a compressed CSV file.
2.Upload Files
In the “Upload Files” column, click “File Type”, which includes “Add SKUs”, “Update SKUs”, “Delete SKUs”, and “Add Shipment”. Sellers can choose the file type to upload according to actual conditions.
3. Download Files
In the “Download Files” column, click “File Type”, which includes “Orders”, “Inventory-Price & Quantity”, and “Inventory-Full Data”. Sellers can choose the file type they want to download based on the actual situation.
(1) Orders: Sellers can choose from four types, namely “Today’s Orders”, “Orders in the Last 7 Days”, “Orders in the Last 30 Days”, and “Orders in the Last 3 Months”.
(2) Inventory-Price & Quantity: Sellers can choose “Active” (products currently on sale), “Out of Stock” (products out of stock), and “All Products”. Usually, when sellers need to replenish or change product prices, they often choose “Inventory-Price & Quantity”, which allows sellers to quickly update inventory and prices.
(3) Inventory-Full Data: Sellers can choose “Active” (products currently on sale), “Out of Stock” (products out of stock), and “All” (all products). After selling for a period of time, if the seller wants to analyze the current products, selecting “Inventory-Full Data” (full data management) can more intuitively understand the current product sales status. The sales data can provide a reference for future product selection and stocking.