2024-08-18 · 12 min read
Amazon Flat File Listings: How to Upload in Bulk
How to create and update Amazon listings in bulk using inventory file templates, avoiding the common errors that cause uploads to fail.
Flat file uploads let you create, update, or delete hundreds of Amazon listings at once using a spreadsheet. Once you understand the template structure, bulk uploads save enormous time compared to editing listings one by one in Seller Central.
Downloading the right template
Go to Seller Central > Catalog > Add Products via Upload > Download an inventory file. Select your product category from the dropdown. Amazon provides different templates for different categories because required and optional attributes vary.
Open the template. It has multiple tabs: Instructions (read this), Images, Example, Data Definitions (attribute descriptions), and the main data tab where you enter your products.
Understanding the template columns
Required columns are marked with an asterisk (*) in the header. You must fill these in for every row. Common required fields: item_sku, item_name (title), product_description, bullet_point1-5, main_image_url, quantity, standard_price, currency, fulfillment_channel_code.
Optional columns add detail. Fill in as many as are relevant — more complete listings rank better and convert higher.
Common upload errors
"Invalid value for attribute": The value you entered does not match the accepted values for that field. Check the Data Definitions tab for the list of valid values. For example, the color field might require "Red" but you entered "red" (case-sensitive in some templates).
"Image URL not accessible": Amazon cannot fetch the image at the URL you provided. Use a direct image URL (ending in .jpg or .png), not a URL that redirects. The image must be publicly accessible without login.
"Duplicate SKU": You have two rows with the same item_sku value. Each product needs a unique SKU.
"Missing required attribute": A required field is blank. The error message tells you which attribute is missing. Fill it in and re-upload.
"Price too high/low": Amazon's price validation failed. Verify you used the correct currency code (USD, GBP, EUR) and that the price is within Amazon's acceptable range for the category.
Partial uploads
If a flat file upload has errors on some rows but not others, Amazon processes the valid rows and skips the errored ones. After upload, check the Processing Report to see which rows failed and why.
Download the Processing Report from the same Add Products via Upload page. The report shows each row's status and error messages for failed rows.
Updating existing listings
Use the flat file to update listings in bulk. You only need to include the item_sku and the columns you want to change — leave all other columns blank. Upload with the update template (not the create template).
Some attributes cannot be changed via flat file after the ASIN is created (like category or variation theme). For those, contact Seller Support or create a new ASIN.