StoreRobo Import Export Suite is an advanced product import/export tool to migrate, update and manage product data for Shopify stores. However, even the most robust tools can encounter unexpected hitches that interrupt the app’s seamless performance momentarily. This is a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you address and resolve common import-export-related issues.
1. WooCommerce API connection failed
This case can occur under the scenario of importing data via WooCommerce API. Both the consumer key and secret credentials will be correct but the connection won’t be established successfully.
Solution
- From the WordPress admin panel, navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
- Select the Permalink structure as the Post name.
- Save the changes.
- Once the permalinks are updated, establish the connection.
2. FTP connection failed
This error mainly occurs due to 2 reasons.
Case 1: Wrong FTP credentials
Entering any of these credentials wrongly can cause failed FTP connection:
- FTP server host/IP
- FTP username
- FTP password
- FTP port number
Solution
To upload an FTP file without failure:
- Double-check the FTP credentials before establishment.
- Ensure the exact import path is entered.
- This will avoid connection not successful scenarios and will upload the FTP file successfully.
- You can also check the credential’s integrity in FTP client applications, such as: FileZilla. On successful connection, the folder path will be listed under Remote site as shown below:
Case2: Connection refused by the server
In certain scenarios, all the FTP credentials will be correct, yet the connection will still fail. This situation occurs because of restrictions or blocks imposed by the hosting providers on the server side.
- In this case, FTP connection will be unsuccessful in client application like FileZilla.
- The blocking or restrictions are usually from hosting providers. The restrictions can occur due to blacklisting of IP address or due to restrictions on country codes.
Solution
- Reach out to the hosting provider and inquire about the cause of the restriction.
- Also, activities such as whitelisting of IP can avoid this error and result in successful FTP connection.
3. Invalid Rules Details Error When Importing Smart Collections
Overview
When importing smart collections into Shopify using StoreRobo Import Export Suite by WebToffee, you might encounter an Invalid rules details error. This error typically occurs due to incorrect or incomplete data in the rules section of your CSV file.
When does the error occur?
The error occurs if:
- Mandatory columns are missing: Ensure that columns like
Rule: Product Column
,Rule: Relation
, andRule: Condition
are correctly populated. - Invalid data entries: Entries in the rules section don’t match the expected values. For example, using a non-supported relation type or an empty condition value.
Solution
- Verify required columns:
- Ensure the presence of
Rule: Product Column
,Rule: Relation
, andRule: Condition
. - Populate the
Must match
column correctly with values likeall conditions
orany condition
.
- Ensure the presence of
- Check Data Validity:
- Ensure that
Rule: Product Column
contains valid values (e.g.,Title
,Vendor
,Tag
). - Verify that
Rule: Relation
includes valid relations (e.g.,Equals
,Contains
). - Ensure
Rule: Condition
is not empty and contains valid values relevant to the selected product column.
- Ensure that
- Validate CSV Format:
- Ensure the uploaded file is in CSV format.
- Use the sample CSV files provided to cross-check your file.
Example
If importing a smart collection to include products where the tag is “Plants”:
Must match
=all conditions
Rule: Product Column
=Tag
Rule: Relation
=Equals
Rule: Condition
=Plants
4. Metafields not visible on product pages after product imports
Overview
When you import products into your Shopify store, Metafields are also imported. However, the Metafields may not be visible on the storefront due to the following reasons:
- Case 1: The product data in the import file is missing Metafield columns or the columns are not named correctly.
- Case 2: The Metafields are imported but remain unstructured because Metafield definitions are missing.
Solution
Case 1: Missing Metafield Columns in the Import File
- Issue: The Metafields are not imported because they are not included in the CSV file or are incorrectly formatted.
- Fix:
- Check your CSV file before importing to ensure all desired Metafields are included and formatted correctly.
- Ensure each Metafield has a valid type and meta tag to define it as a Metafield.
- Re-import the product data with the corrected Metafields.
Case 2
- Issue: Even if Metafields are imported, they will remain unstructured if Metafield definitions are missing, making them invisible in the store.
- FIx: Follow the given steps to structure you imported Metafield data.
- Open the Shopify Admin and navigate to Settings > Custom Data.
- Select the data type (e.g., Products, Variants) where the Metafields need to be added.
- To view the unstructured Metafields, click on View unstructured Metafields.
- A list of all unstructured Metafields will appear. Locate the Metafields you want to make visible and click Add definition next to each one.
- Fill in the Metafield definition details, including:
- Name: A meaningful name for the Metafield.
- Description: Optional, but recommended for clarity.
- Type: Select the appropriate type for the Metafield (e.g., text, number, URL).
- Save the settings to create a structured definition for the Metafield.
After adding the necessary Metafield definitions, the previously unstructured Metafields will become structured. They will now appear on product pages and be usable in themes or storefront features.
Your issue is not on the list..?
If you continue to experience difficulties, feel free to contact our support team. Provide them with the error details to receive additional help and guidance.