To make inserting new information quick and simple Linnworks has various import types that allow managing large amounts of data more efficiently. You can add, delete or modify entire groups of items, orders, properties and more using only a single spreadsheet. There are extensive imports that can add a wide range of details in one go. Linnworks allows importing files from your computer, Dropbox, FTP/SFTP or HTTP.
Import Types:
Inventory-related Imports
The Inventory Import brings information into Linnworks to create or update stock items. This is used to build the Linnworks inventory with information about the item, available levels, images, prices, suppliers, other listing information, etc.
This import allows you to update or combine Linnworks SKUs that make up a Linnworks Composite Item. Composite Item is a "virtual" item that is a collection of multiple SKUs. This could either be a set of the same SKU or a bundle consisting of multiple different SKUs.
This import allows you to change the item number (SKU) for an existing Linnworks inventory item. All existing links to listings will be maintained. When changing SKUs in the system, please keep in mind that this can lead to many inconsistencies outlined here.
While it is possible to update stock level using an Inventory Import, it may be more convenient to update stock level with the specific stock level import - because this import type will not create stock items if they do not exist in Linnworks, it will only update stock levels for the existing ones.
This import routine lets you import stock levels for newly created batched inventory items or overwrite the existing stock level for items that are using the batching feature.
This import allows you to specify inventory linking information for each selling channel (Source/SubSource). It is possible to link more than one listing per channel to a single item in the Linnworks Inventory. This is done by including multiple rows for the Linnworks SKU, Source and SubSource, but with a different linked channel SKU / Custom Label.
Items linked via the Stock Linking import will also be linked in orders that are downloaded.
Working with orders
The Open Order Import can be used to add orders to Linnworks in bulk, for example from a sales channel or a source that is unavailable through a direct Channel Integration.
This import allows you to mark open orders in Linnworks as processed in bulk and to update their tracking numbers. This can also be used when historical orders have been downloaded from a newly integrated selling channel mistakenly to 'tidy up' the Open Orders screen.
Delete Import
This import has several sub-types that allow you to delete various records in bulk. Deleted inventory items will still be reflected in some historical reports covering the period prior to deletion.
Fulfilment Centre
Fulfilment centres are warehouses operated by a 3rd party where your stock is despatched on your behalf. Below are imports required for fulfilment centres:
This import can only be created using fulfilment centre automation functionality. It can also be configured and deleted from the Import Data screen.
This import can only be created using the fulfilment centre automation functionality. However, it can also be configured and deleted from the Import Data screen. It is used to import the status of orders that have been assigned to a fulfilment centre.
Suppliers
Linnworks allows you to keep a register of supplier data and it is possible to have multiple suppliers for the same inventory item. There are 2 imports that allow you to update information related to suppliers.
When you use the Linnworks Purchase Order functionality, it's good to be able to assess the cost of a recommended order. As such, this import allows you to import supplier pricing against Linnworks inventory items. And because it's relative to a particular supplier, this feature allows you to compare the relative cost of an item between suppliers.
Not all sellers will use the same SKU as their suppliers. As such, when using the Linnworks Purchase Order functionality and importing information on stock levels from their suppliers, a useful option is for the ability to use the Supplier Code instead of the SKU.
Keep in mind that this is a stock level import which reflects stock held by your supplier, so the import needs to specify the correct location to not overwrite the local/default stock for the seller.
eBay Imports
This import tells the system to stop updating inventory for a specific listing on eBay. Once a listing has been stricken off using this method, Linnworks will not make any attempts to pass information to the listing or update it - however orders for this listing will still download correctly.
Linnworks integrates with eBay's K-Type functionality, allowing sellers to show which makes and models of a car a specific automotive accessory is compatible with. This import requires the SKU of the inventory item and a K-Type value, also known as MVL (Master Vehicle List) codes. You can also include or exclude specific years from the make and model covered by that K-Type value. Where multiple K-Types are associated with the same SKU, multiple rows will be needed in the file.
This import can be also used as a Delete Import for K-Types. If the delete column is included in the file, specifying a YES for a given SKU and K-Type value - it will be removed from the SKU.
Linnworks integrates with eBay's Motorcycle parts compatibility functionality, allowing sellers to show which makes and models of motorcycle a given automotive accessory is compatible with. This import requires the SKU of the inventory item and an ePID code from the MML (Master Motorcycle List) file provided by eBay. Where multiple ePID are associated with the same Linnworks SKU, multiple rows will be needed in the file.
This import can be also used as a Delete Import for ePid. If the delete column is included in the file, specifying a YES for a given SKU and ePID value - it will be removed from the SKU.
Customers database
This import allows you to import customer details. These customers will then be available for lookup when creating new direct orders.
Articles that might be useful:
Data Import - using the same column more than once
Data Import - complex expressions
Data Import - direct links to files on Dropbox, Google Drive or a Private FTP Server
Data Import - importing a file from your computer
Data Import - setting a default location for an import