Characteristics
This page explains the matching and mapping fields that you can use while importing characteristics and characteristic groups. This page serves purely as a reference and it assumes that you already have a basic understanding of the import tool.
1. Matching fields
Table 1 explains the fields that are available for matching characteristic data. During the import, plentymarkets checks if the imported data record already exists based on the matching field.
| Setting | Explanation |
|---|---|
Characteristic ID |
Which column of your CSV file lists the characteristic IDs? Choose this column here. This option is useful if you want to update existing characteristics. Background info: Every new characteristic automatically receives an ID, which can not be changed. The ID is used to uniquely identify the characteristic. Because the ID is unique, it’s a good way to check whether the imported data record already exists in plentymarkets. |
Characteristic group ID |
Which column of your CSV file lists the group IDs? Choose this column here. This option is useful if you want to update existing characteristic groups. Background info: Every new characteristic group automatically receives an ID, which can not be changed. The ID is used to uniquely identify the group. Because the ID is unique, it’s a good way to check whether the imported data record already exists in plentymarkets. |
Characteristic name |
Which column of your CSV file contains the characteristic name? Choose this column here. This option is useful if you want to create new characteristics. |
Characteristic group name |
Which column of your CSV file contains the characteristic group name? Choose this column here. This option is useful if you want to create new characteristic groups. |
2. Mapping fields
This chapter explains the fields that are available for mapping characteristic data. Use these fields to specify which column of your file corresponds to which data field in your system.
Basic procedure:
-
In your CSV file: Enter a valid import value into a column.
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In plentymarkets: Assign this column to the appropriate mapping field.
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After the import: Check the result in the back end.
|
No mapping field? Default value applies!
If you don’t include a certain piece of information in your CSV file, i.e. if you don’t use a certain mapping field, then your characteristic will be given the default value. |
2.1. Characteristic
2.1.1. Position
Which characteristic should be displayed first, second, third, etc? Enter a position number in the CSV file. If an item has multiple characteristics, then the characteristics will be displayed in the store in ascending order according to their position number.
Default value: 0
Permitted import values: Numeric
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Entry field: Position
2.1.2. Characteristic Group ID
Should this characteristic be sorted into a particular group? If so, then enter the group’s ID in the CSV file. Any existing group will be overwritten, since the characteristic can only belong to one group at a time.
Default value: No default value
Permitted import values: Numeric (internal group ID)
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Drop-down list: Characteristic group
2.1.3. Unit
Is the characteristic something like a weight or a length, e.g. HDMI cables that are longer than 10m? If so, then specify the appropriate unit. Specifically, enter the unit’s ISO code into your CSV file.
Default value: No default value
Permitted import values: ISO code
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Drop-down list: Unit
2.1.4. Name (internal)
Required field for creating new characteristics
Enter an internal name for the characteristic into your CSV file. This name is only visible in the plentymarkets back end.
Default value: No default value
Permitted import values: Alpha-numeric
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Entry field: Name (internal)
2.1.5. Searchable (Yes/No)
This option relates to the old Shopware connector. It is no longer relevant in most cases. Should the characteristic be found through the old Shopware connector?
Enter your choice into the CSV file.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
No. Check mark is not placed. |
|
Yes. Check mark is placed. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Check box: Searchable
2.1.6. Order characteristic
Should customers be allowed to personalise their orders?
Enter your choice into the CSV file.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
No. Check mark is not placed. |
|
Yes. Check mark is placed. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Check box: Order characteristic
2.1.7. Show on the item’s page in the online store
Should the characteristic and its surcharge (assuming one exists) be displayed on the item’s page in the online store?
Enter your choice into the CSV file.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
No. Check mark is not placed. |
|
Yes. Check mark is placed. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Check box: Show » Show on the item’s page in the online store
2.1.8. Show in the item listing in the online store
Should the characteristic and its surcharge (assuming one exists) be displayed in the item listing in the online store?
Enter your choice into the CSV file.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
No. Check mark is not placed. |
|
Yes. Check mark is placed. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Check box: Show » Show in the item listing in the online store
2.1.9. Display in order process
Should the characteristic and its surcharge (assuming one exists) be displayed in the order process?
Enter your choice into the CSV file.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
No. Check mark is not placed. |
|
Yes. Check mark is placed. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Check box: Show » Display in order process
2.1.10. Show in PDF documents
Should the characteristic and its surcharge (assuming one exists) be displayed on PDF documents?
Enter your choice into the CSV file.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
No. Check mark is not placed. |
|
Yes. Check mark is placed. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Check box: Show » Show in PDF documents
2.1.11. Display as additional costs
Should VAT be calculated for the surcharge that was entered?
Enter your choice into the CSV file.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
VAT will be calculated. |
|
VAT will not be calculated. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Check box: Surcharge » Display as additional costs
Example of use: One possible application is e.g. displaying bottle deposits, which are added to the item price without VAT. Characteristics that have this option selected will be displayed as separate items on invoices etc. These items will be displayed with the ID -2.
2.1.12. Surcharge
Do you want to offer this characteristic for an additional fee? Then enter the surcharge’s value into the CSV file. Surcharges will automatically be added to the item price in the detailed view of an item and in the order process.
Default value: 0,00 (no surcharge will be calculated)
Permitted import values: Numeric (use a comma to separate the cent amount)
Correct example: |
|
Incorrect example: |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Entry field: Surcharge
2.1.13. Characteristic type
What sort of characteristic do you want to create? Enter the characteristic type into the CSV file.
Default value: Kein
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Options in the drop-down list in the back end |
|---|---|
|
No |
|
whole number |
|
Decimal number |
|
Selection |
|
Text |
|
File |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Drop-down list: Characteristic type
2.1.14. Delete characteristic
Do you want to delete the characteristic?
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
Characteristic will not be deleted |
|
Characteristic will be deleted |
2.2. Characteristic Name
2.2.1. Name
Enter the characteristic’s external name into the CSV file. This is the name that’s displayed in the online store.
Default value: If you don’t enter an external name, then the internal name will be used instead.
Permitted import values: Alpha-numeric
| Also use the drop-down list to select the language. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Entry field: Webshop » Name
2.2.2. Description
Enter a description of the characteristic into the CSV file. The description will be displayed in the online store if you place the cursor on the characteristic.
Default value: No default value
Permitted import values: Alpha-numeric
| Also use the drop-down list to select the language. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristics » Open characteristic » Text field: Webshop » Description
2.3. Characteristic group
2.3.1. Name (internal)
Required field for creating new characteristic groups
Enter an internal name for the characteristic group into your CSV file. This name is only visible in the plentymarkets back end.
Default value: No default value
Permitted import values: Alpha-numeric
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristic groups » Open characteristic group » Entry field: Name (internal)
2.3.2. Percental Surcharge
Do you plan on offering extra services or options for an additional fee? If so, then decide whether the surcharge should be treated as a percentage or as a fixed price, e.g. 5% or 5 EUR.
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Options in the drop-down list in the back end |
|---|---|
|
flat rate |
|
in percent |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristic groups » Open characteristic group » Drop-down list: Surcharges
2.3.3. Delete characteristic group
Do you want to delete the characteristic group?
Default value: 0
| Permitted import values in CSV file | Result in the back end |
|---|---|
|
Characteristic group will not be deleted |
|
Characteristic group will be deleted |
2.4. Characteristic group name
2.4.1. Name
Enter the characteristic group’s external name into the CSV file. This is the name that’s displayed in the online store.
Default value: No default value
Permitted import values: Alpha-numeric
| Also use the drop-down list to select the language. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristic groups » Open characteristic group » Entry field: Language » Name
2.4.2. Description
Enter a description of the characteristic group into the CSV file.
Default value: No default value
Permitted import values: Alpha-numeric
| Also use the drop-down list to select the language. |
You can find the result of the import in the back end menu: Setup » Item » Characteristics » Tab: Characteristic groups » Open characteristic group » Entry field: Language » Description