To create an inventory file, you need a copy of the template you plan to use. An Inventory File Template is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that contains multiple columns for describing and listing your products. It also contains tabs with definitions for each column. Some template files include macros that help to automate tasks required to populate and upload your file.
The templates you need to create product pages and listings can be downloaded from this page. For category-specific product files, also download the applicable Browse Tree Guide (BTG) to select browse paths and browse node IDs on the Amazon.ca website to complete your category product files.
For detailed instructions on how to create a category-specific inventory file using an Inventory File Template and ICG, see Build My Inventory File. For additional information about the Standard Book Loader file and Music Loader, see File Formats for BMVD. For instructions on using other matching and update templates, see Inventory Loader Instructions or Price & Quantity Updates.
There are a number of text files available for uploading your inventory to Amazon. Which file you choose will depend on your specific needs, and you may find it helpful to use different file types for different purposes.
The main distinction to make when selecting a file is whether you need to create product pages or whether you will only be matching to existing pages to create product offerings. Creating new pages requires you to provide a range of product attributes in your file. Matching can be done using only the product identifier, such as a UPC, EAN, or ISBN, and then providing listing details such as condition, item notes, price and quantity.
If you want to upload only listing information (such as price and quantity), and not product information (such as title and description), you can use the Inventory Loader. For quick updates, use the Price & Quantity File. These files offer a simple way to upload or edit your listing information for products that already exist on Amazon.ca.
File Type | Use case | File name | More info |
---|---|---|---|
Product page creation and matching |
|
Category-specific Inventory Files | Templates for each category are in the table below; UIEE files can also be used for Books |
Product matching only |
|
Inventory Loader File | |
Inventory updates | Quick updates to price or quantity only | Price & Quantity File | 3-column format |
Category-specific Inventory Files | For non-BMVD files, use the PartialUpdate feature | ||
Update listing data only | Inventory Loader, Category-specific Inventory Files | UIEE can also be used as a modify file | |
Shipping options | Update BMVD shipping service options per listing | Inventory Loader, Standard Book Loader file, Music Loader, Video Loader | UIEE files allow batch updates only |
Change shipping amounts for specific products | Shipping Override File | Shipping overrides are not available for BMVD products | |
Product data changes | Update data contributions to product pages | Category-specific Inventory Files | For single products, use "Add a Product" instead |
Delete product and catalogue contributions | Non-BMVD Inventory Files | Use "Delete" | |
Inventory Loader, Standard Book Loader file, Music Loader, Video Loader | Use "x" |
We do not recommend you open these files directly in your browser. Instead, save the file to your local computer and then open it using your spreadsheet program.
Match and Update Template | Downloadable Documents |
---|---|
Inventory Loader | Matching File Template |
Price and Quantity | Update File Template |
Product Category | Downloadable Documents | |
---|---|---|
Automotive Parts & Accessories* (See also: Tires) | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Baby | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Beauty | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Books | Inventory File Template | -- |
Camera & Photo | Inventory File Template | Use the BTG for Consumer Electronics |
Cell Phones (Wireless) | Inventory File Template | Use the BTG for Consumer Electronics |
Clothing and Accessories | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Consumer Electronics | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Grocery & Gourmet Food | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Health & Personal Care | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Home & Garden | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Industrial and Scientific | BTG | |
Jewellery* | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Large Appliances | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Lawn & Garden | Use the Home & Garden template** | BTG |
Luggage & Bags | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Music | Inventory File Template | -- |
Musical Instruments | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Office Products | Inventory File Template | Use the BTG for Consumer Electronics |
Personal Computers | Inventory File Template | Use the BTG for Consumer Electronics |
Pet Supplies | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Shoes & Handbags | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Software & Video Games | Inventory File Template |
BTG
(Software) BTG(Video Games) |
Sports & Outdoors | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Sports Collectibles* | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Tires (see also: Automotive Parts & Accessories) | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Tools & Building Supplies | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Toys & Games | Inventory File Template | BTG |
Video & DVD | Inventory File Template | -- |
Watches* | Inventory File Template | BTG |
*Sellers listing in this category must be approved by Amazon. Please see our Categories Requiring Approval page for more information.
** Select ProductType = OutdoorLiving or ProductType = SeedsAndPlants.
You can use inventory file templates to upload product data to multiple marketplaces using your North America unified account. To do so, prepare your files separately using the browse tree guide and inventory file template for each website.
Before you upload your file, check to be sure the Quantity value is greater than 0 (zero) for listings that use a global SKU. If you change the quantity to 0 in one marketplace, the listing will be removed from all Amazon North America marketplaces. If you no longer wish to list in a specific marketplace, use the delete field for your template.
When you're file is ready to upload, check the website selected in the Marketplace Switcher to make sure you upload inventory files to the correct website. For more information, see Sharing Your Available Inventory.