Troubleshooting Product Import Issues in Shopify

When importing products into Shopify using Stock Sync, several issues may occur that prevent products, variants, or specific fields from importing correctly. Below are common problems and how to resolve them.

1. Misaligned or Incorrect Column Mapping

If values from your feed file are imported into the wrong Shopify fields, this is often caused by incorrect column alignment or mapping.

Common symptoms:

• SKU, barcode, or vendor values appear in the wrong fields.
• Filters do not match because the expected column contains incorrect data.

How to fix:

• Review the feed file and ensure each value is under the correct column.
• Verify the mapping under the Mapping section of the feed.
• Adjust column mapping so all fields match the structure of the source file.

2. Filters Not Matching the Feed File

Incorrect filters can block products from importing or cause products to be imported incorrectly.

Symptoms:

• No new products imported.
• Products that should be excluded are added.

How to fix:

• Compare the feed file values with the filters used in Stock Sync.
• Update filters to match current column names and values.

3. Description Not Importing

If product descriptions do not appear after import, the cause may be incorrect description mapping.

Symptoms:

• Description field is empty after sync.

How to fix:

• Ensure Description is mapped to "Description (HTML)" or "Description (EN, HTML)" depending on the feed.
• Check for missing format elements, such as commas in the field name.

4. Variant Options Missing or Incorrectly Grouped

If products import but variants do not appear, or variants import as separate products, the issue is usually incorrect variant grouping or inconsistent values in the feed.

Symptoms:

• Only one variant imported when multiple exist.
• Variants import as separate products instead of under one parent.
• Option values appear combined (e.g., "Bej-39" instead of separate Colour and Size).

How to fix:

• Ensure each variant shares a common identifier in a single column (Variant Group).
• Verify variant option columns contain only the intended values (e.g., only Colour in Option 1, only Size in Option 2).
• Update the feed file if variant group or option values are inconsistent.
• Set the Option Name under Smart Settings if missing.

5. Test Import Works but Full Import Is Incorrect

Sometimes a test import shows correct results but a full import misbehaves.

Possible causes:

• Filters applied only during full import.
• Incorrect mapping for full run but correct mapping for test preview.
• Misaligned rows in the live file.

How to fix:

• Check that the same mapping and filters apply to both test and full import.
• Re‑review the entire feed file for accidental missing columns or shifts.

6. Store-to-Store Product Import Requirements

When importing from another Shopify store:

• The source store must install Stock Sync.
• You must request a public token from the supplier.
• Use Shopify Store connection via an Add Feed.

7. SFTP/FTP Import Connection Issues

When using SFTP:

• Ensure connection type is SFTP, not FTP.
• Enter hostname and port correctly.
• Verify file path matches the server directory.
• Whitelist the Stock Sync IP if required.

Updated on: 03/06/2026