How to Update Inventory in Bulk on BigCommerce

Updating inventory in bulk on BigCommerce can be a frustrating task for many store owners. Without a real-time inventory connection, managing stock levels can become a time-consuming and error-prone process. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges associated with updating inventory using a CSV file, discuss the limitations of BigCommerce’s built-in product import feature, and introduce a powerful tool from Your Store Wizards that simplifies bulk inventory updates.

The Challenges of Bulk Inventory Updates

One of the challenges store owners face is the need to keep their inventory levels accurate and up-to-date. Inaccurate stock levels can lead to overselling, stockouts, and unhappy customers. For stores without a real-time inventory connection, updating inventory in bulk either manually updating quantities on items one-by-one, or using CSV files to update in bulk.

BigCommerce offers a built-in product import feature that allows store owners to update inventory in bulk using CSV files. While this feature can be helpful, it has limitations that can make the process challenging:

• BigCommerce Product ID Requirement: BigCommerce requires the unique product ID assigned by the platform for inventory updates. This becomes a problem for store owners who only have a file containing the SKU and inventory quantity. Extracting and matching product IDs to SKUs can be a tedious and time-consuming process.
• No Direct SKU Updates: BigCommerce does not allow inventory updates directly by SKU. Instead, the platform relies on product IDs, which adds another layer of complexity for store owners who maintain their inventory using SKUs.

Introducing the Inventory Updater Tool from Your Store Wizards

To help store owners overcome these challenges, we offer a simple, time-saving solution: the Inventory Updater Tool. Part of our Your Store Tools suite for BigCommerce, this tool simplifies the process of updating inventory in bulk and offers additional features that can save store owners countless hours each month.

Key Features of the Inventory Updater Tool

1. Update Inventory by SKU: Unlike BigCommerce’s built-in import feature, the Inventory Updater Tool allows store owners to update inventory directly by SKU. This eliminates the need to manually match SKUs to product IDs, streamlining the process and reducing the risk of errors.
2. Simple CSV Upload: Store owners only need to upload a CSV file containing the SKU and inventory quantity. The tool takes care of the rest, making it easy to keep inventory levels accurate and up-to-date.
3. Comprehensive Update Options: In addition to updating inventory quantity, the Inventory Updater Tool allows store owners to update other important attributes such as low stock levels, visibility, and purchasability. Store owners can also set minimum and maximum order quantities, providing greater control over their inventory management.
4. User-Friendly Interface: The tool features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for store owners to upload their CSV files and manage their inventory updates.
5. Time-Saving Automation: By automating the bulk inventory update process, the Inventory Updater Tool saves store owners time and effort. This allows them to focus on other important aspects of running their business, such as marketing and customer service.

How to Use the Inventory Updater Tool

Using the Inventory Updater Tool from Your Store Wizards is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Prepare Your CSV File: Create a CSV file containing the SKU and inventory quantity for each item you want to update. You can also include columns for low stock levels, visibility, purchasability, and min/max order quantities if needed.
2. Log In to Your Store Tools: Access the Inventory Updater Tool by logging in to your Your Store Tools account.
3. Upload Your CSV File: Use the tool’s user-friendly interface to upload your CSV file. The tool will automatically process the file and update your inventory based on the provided data.
4. Review and Confirm: Review the changes and confirm the updates. The tool will then apply the changes to your BigCommerce store, ensuring your inventory levels are accurate and up-to-date.
5. Monitor and Manage: Use the tool to regularly update your inventory as needed. The Inventory Updater Tool makes it easy to maintain accurate stock levels and manage your inventory efficiently.

Updating inventory in bulk on BigCommerce can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for store owners who do not have a real-time inventory connection. The built-in product import feature of BigCommerce requires product IDs, adding another layer of complexity for those who manage inventory using SKUs.

The Inventory Updater Tool from Your Store Wizards offers a powerful solution to these challenges. By allowing store owners to update inventory directly by SKU and providing comprehensive update options, this tool simplifies the bulk inventory update process and saves valuable time. With its user-friendly interface and time-saving automation, the Inventory Updater Tool is a true lifesaver for BigCommerce store owners.

For more information about the Inventory Updater Tool and how it can benefit your BigCommerce store, visit Your Store Tools.