Troubleshoot a product CSV import

1. Check the file itself

Compare headings with Shopify’s current product CSV table; save as comma-separated UTF-8 and look for stray quotes or mismatched cells. Shopify’s issue guide also describes a heading-mapping window, so a checker heading finding is a reason to review the import mapping, not proof of the final result. Shopify format guide and common import issues (both accessed 2026-10-08).

2. Match Shopify’s actual message

If Shopify reports duplicate options, check every option value combination under that handle. If it reports an image download or product-reference failure, verify the image’s public URL or the referenced product in your store; the checker cannot test either. Blank price and inventory quantity messages also depend on the import context. Shopify common import issues (accessed 2026-10-08).

3. Verify changes in your store

Export a backup before overwriting, review Shopify’s import details before confirming, and compare the affected products and variants afterward. Included blank columns can clear saved values; omitted non-required columns leave them in place. Changing option values can create new variant IDs. Shopify import and overwrite guidance (accessed 2026-10-08).

The checker cannot verify actual Shopify import outcomes or store-dependent behavior. A clear local report does not establish that Shopify accepted the file or preserved existing data. Shopify’s common import issues page (accessed 2026-10-08) lists other failures to investigate if the file still fails.