Bulk Upload: Overwriting All Inventory Quantities

Learn how to use OneCart's Bulk Upload feature to overwrite inventory quantities for multiple SKUs at once using Excel spreadsheets.

Help Article Last updated Dec 6, 2025 4 min read

Bulk Upload: Overwriting All Inventory Quantities

Bulk Upload is OneCart’s method for completely overwriting inventory quantities using Excel spreadsheets. This powerful feature allows you to set exact stock levels for multiple SKUs at once, making it perfect for stock audits and complete inventory resets.

How Bulk Upload Works

Bulk Upload completely overwrites existing quantities with the values you provide in your Excel file.

Example:

  • Current stock in OneCart: 55 pieces
  • Excel spreadsheet shows: 10 pieces
  • Result: OneCart quantity becomes 10 pieces (completely overwrites the 55)

The system doesn’t add or subtract - it replaces the existing quantity with exactly what you specify.

When to Use Bulk Upload

Bulk Upload is ideal for:

  • Stock audits and physical counts - Set accurate quantities after counting inventory
  • Initial setup - Upload your complete starting inventory
  • Major corrections - Fix large-scale quantity discrepancies
  • Periodic resets - Establish accurate baseline quantities
  • System migrations - Transfer inventory data from other systems
  • End-of-day reconciliation - Set final accurate quantities

Prerequisites

Before using Bulk Upload, ensure you have:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Excel File

  1. Create a new Excel spreadsheet with these columns:

    • SKU (Column A): Your product SKU codes
    • Quantity (Column B): The exact final quantities you want
  2. Example format:

    SKU           | Quantity
    PROD-001      | 100
    PROD-002      | 0
    PROD-003      | 250
    
  3. Important formatting notes:

    • Use the exact SKU codes from your OneCart Item Master
    • Quantities must be whole numbers (no decimals)
    • Remove any commas or special characters from quantities
    • Remove scientific notation from Excel

Step 2: Access Bulk Upload in OneCart

For the most current navigation path and interface details, reference the existing detailed guide:

Bulk Upload Excel to Create or Edit Inventory - This article contains the exact navigation paths, screenshots, and current interface details.

Step 3: General Upload Process

The bulk upload process typically involves:

  1. Accessing the bulk upload feature in OneCart
  2. Uploading your prepared Excel/CSV file
  3. Mapping your columns to OneCart fields
  4. Reviewing and confirming the upload

Important: Since bulk upload completely overwrites existing quantities, always double-check your file before processing.

Step 6: Verify Changes

  1. Check a few SKUs in your inventory to confirm the new quantities
  2. Monitor your connected platforms to ensure quantities sync properly
  3. Download inventory tracking history to verify all changes

Important Warnings

Complete Overwrite

  • Bulk Upload replaces quantities entirely
  • There’s no “undo” function once processed
  • Double-check your Excel file before uploading

Missing SKUs

  • SKUs not included in your Excel file will not be changed
  • Only SKUs listed in your file will be updated
  • Other inventory remains at current levels

Zero Quantities

  • You can set quantities to 0 using Bulk Upload
  • This will make products out of stock on all platforms
  • Useful for discontinued items or stock-outs

Best Practices

File Preparation

  • Always backup your current inventory before bulk uploads
  • Test with a small file first (5-10 SKUs) to verify the process
  • Use exact SKU matches - no partial matches or variations
  • Double-check quantities before uploading

Timing

  • Upload during low-traffic hours to minimize customer impact
  • Allow time for platform sync after uploading (15-30 minutes)
  • Coordinate with your team to avoid conflicting updates

Verification

  • Spot-check quantities after upload completion
  • Monitor platform sync to ensure changes propagate
  • Check error reports for any failed updates

Troubleshooting

SKU Not Found Errors

  • Verify SKU codes match exactly with your Item Master
  • Check for extra spaces or hidden characters
  • Ensure SKUs exist in OneCart before uploading

Upload Failures

  • Check Excel file format (ensure it’s .xlsx or .csv)
  • Verify file size limits
  • Remove any formulas or formatting from Excel cells

Quantities Not Syncing to Platforms

  • Allow sufficient time for sync (up to 30 minutes)
  • Check that inventory sync is enabled
  • Verify platform connections are active

Alternative Methods

If Bulk Upload isn’t right for your needs:


Need help with your Excel file format? Check our guide on removing scientific notation for proper Excel formatting.