Articles on: Getting Started

What is Matching Column (Step 2) ?

The Matching Column step connects the columns in your supplier feed file (such as CSV, XLSX, or Google Sheets) directly to the corresponding product fields in your store. Correct mapping ensures that your supplier product data seamlessly and accurately updates or creates the right store items.

How to Set Up Matching Columns

Go to App → Feed Settings → Step 2: Matching Column

Locate Store Product Field: Find the store attribute you want to populate or update (e.g., Price, Quantity, or SKU).
Select Feed Column: Choose the corresponding column header or column index from your supplier feed file.
Save and Proceed: Confirm the mappings and proceed to review your sync configuration.

You can match fields using either the column name header or the zero-based/one-based column index depending on your feed configuration.

Matching Column Smart Settings

1. Store Product Fields

Store product fields represent the catalog attributes available in your store platform (such as Shopify) that can be created, updated, or exported.

Store Product Fields

Store product fields define where the incoming supplier data will be stored in your catalog.

2. Feed File Columns

Feed file columns represent the data columns provided in your supplier or dropshipper source file. These values can be identified either by column name or numerical index.

Feed File Columns

Align each feed column header or index with the intended store product field to ensure data integrity during synchronization.

3. Mapping Example in Action

Below is an example mapping a Google Sheets feed file directly to store product fields using Stock Sync:

Matching in Action

Feed Column (Source)	Store Field (Destination)	Function / Purpose
`Product ID`	`SKU`	Maps the primary identifier used for product matching
`Stock`	`Quantity`	Updates inventory levels in the store
`RRP`	`Price`	Updates standard product retail price
`Description_desc_1`	`Description`	Populates and updates product body HTML / description

Key Rules & Technical Details

Format Exceptions: Standard column matching applies to spreadsheet formats (CSV, XLSX, TSV, Google Sheets). Hierarchical formats require specialized node/path mapping:
- For JSON mapping instructions, see JSON File Format.
- For XML mapping instructions, see XML File Format.
Field Alignment: Ensure data types match between source and destination (e.g., numeric quantities mapped to inventory, URLs mapped to image fields).

Critical rule: If your supplier changes the column header names or column orders in the feed file, you must update the field mappings in Step 2 to avoid sync errors.

Troubleshooting Steps

Issue: Feed data is populating the wrong product field → Solution: Go to Feed Settings → Step 2: Matching Column and verify that each store field is paired with the exact feed column header or index.
Issue: Columns not showing in dropdown menus → Solution: Confirm that your source file has valid header rows and is accessible, then re-load the feed schema in Step 1: Setup Feed.

Good Articles to Continue

Matching Column (Step 2) Overview → Comprehensive guide to advanced settings and individual field options.
JSON File Format Setup → Step-by-step instructions for parsing and mapping nested JSON feeds.
XML File Format Setup → How to configure XPath and node selectors for XML feeds.

Updated on: 03/11/2026

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