Does the Bulk Loader import Turbo Lister files OK?

[Daffy]

I would like to be able to work with Turbo Lister files: ebay's bulk loader. Turbo Lister does export to CSV but I can't import it into Access, which is where I prep the data for other purposes. I was wondering if the Bulk Loader works ok with Turbo Lister files.

We use a lot of HTML code in our auction listings so maybe that's what is making it more difficult. I don't think it's a good idea to use commas to format a CSV file, they're too common. I've found it's much better to use | , but Turbo Lister doesn't give any options for the export. So if I have hundreds or thousands of files to import from TurboLister into ClassAuctions (or anything else for that matter), it means a ton of manual cleanup.

Cyndy

[Daffy]

I managed to import the TL file into Excel. Had to do some mass search and replace first to remove a few characters and that helped.

So I suppose the TL file needs to be prepped for import into the GEO Bulk Lister. Do the field names have to be exactly the same or does the import allow for field mapping as you do the import?

I guess, what I'm wondering is, how FUSSY is the Bulk Loader when it comes to doing the import?

A few months ago, I did all this using BidVille's bulk loader utility program and it was a total pain because I had to work and rework the txt files until FINALLY Bidville's Utility imported the file. It took me so long to prep the import that it was ridiculous. HOURS. Fussy fussy fussy. I stripped the code until there was almost nothing left.

I was having problems with importing/exporting with PHPMyAdmin as well, until I started using the | symbol for separations, and then it was instant success. (Don't worry, I wasn't doing this with ClassAuctions, I've been working with Zencart.)

I'm just wondering how much people *Like* the Geo Bulk Loader, on a scale of 1 to 10 what's the average opinion? If I buy the Bulk Loader it's because I need to save some time. And provide a service to customers that won't take me a lifetime to do it.

And I'm wondering if you can specify the field separators? I don't like commas very much....

Cyndy

[Matt]

The Geo bulk uploader allows for specification of both field delimeters and encapsulators. The defaults are comma and doublequote, but any character may be used.

The upload process itself is pretty flexible as far as fields used. The way it works is that before the CSV file is actually read, you're shown a page in the admin that lets you specify which fields appear and in what order. It then reads the file in that order, so there's no need to have a header row in the actual file or worry about having exactly the right labels on columns.

There are 4 simple steps to follow when bulk uploading;

1. Details about your Csv file, (separator,encapsulation - characters, does it have header row or not) ..etc.
2. Assign columns, specify what columns to use and which not to use, as well as what column belongs to what field.
3. Modify the upload, (eg. would you like to create the title of the listing with multiple fields merged together)
4. POST your upload, and you are done :)

[Daffy]

Thank you, Matt. It does sound like it's a flexible utility program then. It does the things that can make this job easier. Sounds really good. Thank you. :)

[propertyandtrades.co.nz]

ok i get the fact that a client sends the data in a csv form and the admin then uploads it -is there a way that a client can plug in and do this direct in bulk

[Matt]

ok i get the fact that a client sends the data in a csv form and the admin then uploads it -is there a way that a client can plug in and do this direct in bulk

not currently, no.

[Ivillages]

ok i get the fact that a client sends the data in a csv form and the admin then uploads it -is there a way that a client can plug in and do this direct in bulk

We've created a few custom bulk uploaders for Geo clients that let their sellers upload directly to the server to upload multiple listings in one file without admin intervention. Please contact me off-forum if you are interested in getting an estimate for your installation.

Thanks
Bob

[Keystone]

Just a thought, perhaps you could use the multi-admin add on to give power users access to the bulk uploader in the admin area? If you could restrict the access to this one area then you might be able to create a user group with admin privileges and let users in that group upload their own stuff.

I haven't tried this so please check with Geo support to see if this is a safe way to go.

Good luck,
Rich