Item Import Error. "The Item Library Requires That All Item Have Names. Please Add The Missing Names

[GeneBauer]

Hi, 

I have had no success uploading/importing an item list file. I have downloaded the (Excel) Item Template. I populated the template with four columns of data: Item Name, Description, Weight(lb) and price. I formatted the Item Name and Description columns as Text. I formatted the Weight(lb)  and Price column as Numbers. I saved the file as .xlsx.  I drag and drop the the file in the Import Items window. I select Next. In the "Match Document Columns" I select Next. "Importing Items" throws and error". 

Of course, my file has a column for Item Name. Row 309 is the final row.  I have edited Row 309 and still get an error. I have switched row 308 and 309 and still get an error. I have deleted row 309 and then I get the same error:  row 308 requires a name. I have tried to correct this problem using iOS Numbers, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets using both .xlsx and .cvs. I have downloaded the Error Report which is of little use. I have gone over this a ridiculous number of times using a number of variations with no luck. It feels like a fools errand. I really thought I knew my way around a computer.

I was really expecting that an item list would be helpful in my business. Yet I have spent an enormous number of hours trying to make it work. And I really never imagined that it would be this much trouble. There were other more important things which I should have been doing instead. So that was my rant. [=-( 

Anyway, I'm hoping there is someone in the community who has some insight into this sort of issue and might have some suggestions as to how I might proceed. Like maybe "Importing Items Into Square For Dummies".

Best,

GeneBauer

[Candlestore]

@GeneBauer ;

Gene I am sorry you're having issues here with the import.  My go to suggestion for this is take an Item from your list of 309 items, choose the one with the most filled in lines.  Enter that Item in the Square Dashboard, now I see you also use Weight (LB) for an Item or Items, enter at least 1 each of the different units you sell buy also.   So if you sell buy Unit, LB, carton etc enter 1 Item to see how Square wants this information.   After you enter 1 each in your Square Dashboard, export your newly created sample from your Actual Catalog as an excel File.  Now these items you created will have 2 columns of data that you will not enter in your Excel export.  Token and Reference Handle, these are created by Square so leave those fields empty.  I have had an issue trying to import my csv files to Square at times and find a strange character or wrong format for weight or other measurement Square is looking for.  When I export my excel Catalog from Square after creating an Item named TEST with the same values that I get an error with that is when I notice what I did wrong.  My guess is that something with the way your are appling the weight of lbs per item rates could be the issue.  Square has a few extra sheets when you export the Catalog that Square references for pricing.  So if you exported just a CSV file those additional sheets are not showing.  Also if this is a New catalog your trying to import, you have not had these additional Reference Sheets created by Square.  These sheets you do not create but need to be created by Square as Option sets or Price Reference.

For example I sell candles, so in Square Dashboard I created a Sell By reference where I get a stock of candles say 1000 candles of XYZ size, Color, Type, that has a Barcode for each Candle Stick.  Now these Candle Sticks can be sold individually for $2.00, By the dozen for $20 or by the case for $150.    Square then created one of these Sheets that only appears in Excel on a separate sheet in the Catalog Workbook.

My guess, since I do not work for Square is that the Name problem might be trying to reference the name on another sheet that is not created yet by Square.  If that makes sense.

This is a reason I recommend people create an Item in Square that has the Most data and at least 1 Each of the way they sell the items.

Would be nice if Square mentioned that you get additional sheets when you download the Excel version compared to the CSV files.

Any other question ask away here.

[GeneBauer]

Hi Keith,

I appreciate that you took the time to give me advice. I tried your suggestions. I had success with a single row. But when I trued with the full 309 rows I got the same error. I think it may be a formatting error related iOS Numbers and/or Excel. When I have the time I will try correcting the the problem in the spreadsheet and see what happens. I will keep you posted. 

Thanks Again,

Gene

[GeneBauer]

I simply can't make it work. I tried to follow your instructions but I couldn't implement them. I keep getting the same error every time. Keith, again, thank you for your advice. But where are the Square technicians when this kind of problem is common but has no clear solutions? And for that matter why is it that it's the "community" that has to help fix the problem when it should be Square's responsibility to make sure that things like this are resolved. I'm certainly not the first to be caught behind this kind of problem and facing a deadline. From what I've seen Square staff is of little to no help. I'm done dealing with this. My time is valuable.

Keith, again, thank you for your advice. And thanks for taking your time to offer your help.

Best,

Gene

[Candlestore]

You're welcome Gene, did you ever try calling Square support, the number is in my Signature line?  I agree, and think besides the community there should be a few technicians that can solve problems or give help for more technical issues.  Just sorry I could not help, and got lost when you said you use numbers since I do not have any apply computers, just my Ipads for my Square stands as a POS.