1. Keep Your Data Organized
Use consistent column headers for product names, SKUs, prices, and stock levels to make updates easier.
- Group related data together (e.g., product info, inventory, pricing)
- Use separate sheets for different categories if needed
2. Maintain Consistent Formats
Ensure text, numbers, and dates are consistently formatted across sheets to avoid errors during comparison or updates.
=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(A2," ","")) // Remove extra spaces and convert to number
3. Use Unique Identifiers
Always have a unique SKU or product ID for each item to track changes and detect duplicates accurately.
4. Automate Updates Where Possible
Leverage formulas, conditional formatting, or scripts to automatically detect new, missing, or updated products.
=IFNA(IF(VLOOKUP(A2, 'PreviousList'!A:A, 1, FALSE)=A2, "Existing", "New"))
Consider using tools like Symdeslow Compare Tool for instant automation.
5. Verify Changes Before Publishing
Double-check updates, especially prices, stock levels, and product availability, to avoid errors in your live store.
- Review highlighted differences carefully
- Confirm duplicates or missing products are handled correctly