Keeping your store data updated should not require downloading files, uploading spreadsheets, setting reminders, and crossing your fingers that someone remembers to import those sale prices before your big email blast.
That is why we are excited to introduce a new Your Store Tools feature that makes importing data even easier: Google Sheets import support.
With this new feature, you can now import data directly from a Google Sheet instead of uploading a file from your local computer. This support is available across imports such as inventory updates, pricing updates, product updates, and more. Available tools vary by platform, but the idea is the same: your data can live in Google Sheets, and Your Store Tools can pull it in when you are ready to run an import.
Even better, when combined with scheduled imports, this becomes a powerful way to automate routine store updates with little to no manual work. Scheduling is available as part of our premium subscription package.
From Manual Uploads to Automated Updates
Traditionally, importing store data means creating a spreadsheet, saving it to your computer, logging in, selecting the file, uploading it, mapping your fields, and running the update.
That works just fine.
But what if your data is already being updated somewhere else?
What if your warehouse management system, accounting system, ERP, supplier feed, or internal team is already publishing the latest information to a Google Sheet?
Now, instead of downloading that sheet and manually uploading it, Your Store Tools can pull the data directly from Google Sheets.
That means fewer steps, fewer chances for errors, and a much smoother workflow for store owners and teams who rely on frequent data updates.
A Real-World Example: Nearly Real-Time Inventory Updates
One of our users who participated in the beta test for this feature used Google Sheets imports to automate inventory updates for their store.
Their internal warehouse management system publishes inventory data four times a day to a Google Sheet. The sheet includes two key pieces of information: SKU and quantity on hand.
Using the Your Store Tools Inventory Updater, they configured the tool to pull that Google Sheet four times a day on a recurring schedule, every day.
Now, instead of someone manually exporting inventory data, saving a file, uploading it, and running the import, the process happens automatically.
Their warehouse system updates the Google Sheet. Your Store Tools pulls the data on schedule. Inventory quantities are processed and updated in the store.
The result is a nearly real-time inventory count with almost no intervention on their end beyond the few minutes it took to set up the Google Sheet and schedule the recurring import.
That is the kind of boring automation we love. The kind that quietly does its job in the background while you get back to running your business.
Perfect for Scheduled Imports
Google Sheets imports are useful for one-time updates, but they become even more powerful when paired with scheduled imports.
With scheduling, available as part of our premium subscription package, you can set Your Store Tools to automatically run an import on a recurring basis.
That could mean updating inventory several times a day, adjusting prices on a regular schedule, refreshing product data weekly, or automating any other supported import that makes sense for your store.
The goal is simple: reduce repetitive work and keep your store data current without requiring someone to manually upload files every time.
How to Set Up a Google Sheets Import
Using a Google Sheet as your import source is simple.
First, create your Google Sheet. Your sheet can include a single tab or multiple tabs, depending on how your data is organized.
Next, make sure the sheet is shareable. In Google Sheets, open the sharing settings and select the option that allows anyone with the link to access the sheet.
Then, when you are inside Your Store Tools and reach the step where you normally select your import file, choose the Google Sheet option instead.
Paste in the URL of the specific sheet tab you want to pull data from, continue through the import process, and map your fields.
That is it.
No local file upload required.
Watch the Walkthrough
The video below walks you through the entire process, from setting up your Google Sheet to selecting it inside Your Store Tools and mapping your import fields.
Google Sheets import support is a simple but powerful addition to Your Store Tools. Whether you are running one-time updates or automating recurring imports on a schedule, it gives you a more flexible way to keep your store data updated.
If your team already works in Google Sheets, or if another system can publish data to a sheet, this feature can help you save time, reduce manual steps, and keep your store running more smoothly.
Scott Sanfilippo began his eCommerce journey in 1994 by co-founding one of the Internet’s first online retailers, TheFerretStore.com, which was acquired by PetCo in 2006. In 2001, he co-founded the eCommerce design and marketing firm Solid Cactus, which was acquired by web.com in 2009. Today, Scott is the General Manager of Your Store Wizards and lives in Delray Beach, FL. Scott can be contacted at scott@yourstorewizards.com.