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# How to Set Up Stock Sync Using a CSV File

This guide explains the different ways you can set up a stock (inventory) sync in Stock Sync using a CSV file, based on common customer scenarios.

## 1. Upload a CSV File Manually
Use this option if:
* You receive a CSV by email
* You want to upload the file yourself daily or whenever it updates

Steps:
1. Go to **Create New Feed** → **Add Feed**.
2. Select **Upload File** as the connection method.
3. Upload your CSV file.
4. In **Step 2: Mapping**, map:
* **Product Identifier** → SKU column in your CSV
* **Store Product Field** → Inventory Quantity (map to your quantity column)
5. Save and run the feed.

Stock Sync will update only the stock—it will not recreate existing products.

## 2. Sync Automatically Using a URL (CSV Link)
Use this method if your supplier or system provides a direct URL to the CSV.

Supported examples:
* Direct download links
* Public CSV URLs
* Supplier-generated URLs
* Dropbox shared links (must be a direct file link)

Steps:
1. Go to **Create New Feed** → **Add Feed**.
2. Select **Import from URL**.
3. Paste the direct CSV link.
4. Map SKU and Quantity.
5. Enable **Schedule** and choose Daily, Hourly, or preferred interval.

Notes:
* Some URLs containing redirects or expiring tokens may fail. If the link expires, request a non-expiring link from your supplier.
* Dropbox links must point to the file, not a folder.

## 3. Connecting via Dropbox CSV
For Dropbox-hosted files:
* Ensure the link is a file link, not a folder link.
* The share settings must allow public access.
* Use the **Dropbox** connection method if needed.

Steps:
1. Go to **Create New Feed** → **Add Feed**.
2. Choose **Dropbox**.
3. Insert the public file link.
4. Map SKU and Quantity.
5. Enable scheduling if you want automatic updates.

## 4. Ensuring Automatic Sync Works
To automate stock updates:
* The feed must include a valid URL or connected cloud source
* The feed must be **enabled**
* Scheduling must be activated (Daily/Hourly)
* Your plan must support scheduled syncs

You can confirm automation under **Feed Details → Sync Schedule**.

## 5. Common Issues
* **Unmatched variants**: SKUs in your CSV do not match your Shopify product SKUs.
* **Password‑protected or expiring URLs**: These cannot be used for automated fetches.
* **Missing quantity mapping**: Ensure the quantity column is selected.
* **File is a folder**: Ensure your supplier shares a direct file.
* **Header row included in data**: If the first row contains a filename or labels instead of actual data, enable the "Skip first row" option to prevent incorrect variant/quantity updates.
* **Incorrect product identifier**: When working with Shopify CSVs, always map Variant SKU as the Product Identifier to ensure variant‑level quantity updates work correctly.

## 6. Additional Features
* **Merge variants**: If a product receives new variants, Stock Sync can merge them.
* Each variant has a **unique Product Identifier** (SKU recommended)
* The CSV includes a quantity column for every variant
* The feed mapping uses **Variant SKU** → Product Identifier
* No variant grouping field is required when you only update quantities

If your CSV includes a filename or metadata in the first row, enable **Skip First Row** in the feed settings.

## 7. Additional Features
* **Merge variants**: If a product receives new variants, Stock Sync can merge them. Enable this in Add Feed → Matching Columns → Product options → Variant group → Smart Settings → "Merge variants into existing products".
* **Skip existing products**: Add feeds automatically skip SKUs that already exist by comparing the SKU in your CSV with the one in your Shopify store.
* **Overwrite stock**: Recommended setting for inventory feeds.

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By using any of these methods—Upload File, URL import, or Dropbox—you can keep your store inventory synchronized automatically or manually depending on your workflow.