File requirements

The inventory file you create needs to meet certain requirements.

• The file must include all minimum catalog requirements. Column names must be consistent in all files and versions. Column order can vary.

• A comma delimited (.CSV) or tab delimited (.TSV) file format is preferred. If you use another delimiter (for example, a pipe '|' or tilde '~'), save the document as a text (.TXT) file.

• All files must be saved as a UTF-8 file.

• Never include the text _bad_data or test in the file name. The data is automatically rejected.

• Include a unique identifier in each file name. This can be a version number, date, or a banner name. Avoid forward slashes.

  For example:

  • [store_number]_delta_2018-03-20.csv
  • fullfile_[retailer_name]_day_364.tsv
  • [banner_name]_weekly_ad_14.txt

• When uploading a file through SFTP, use the full filename only. Avoid changing or adding extra characters in the file name.

• If you are uploading an inventory file for more than one store, you have two options:

  • Upload multiple files, one file per store location. Upload each inventory file into separate SFTP subdirectories. There must be a 1-to-1 relationship in the number of files you are sending and the number of locations that are being shopped from.
  • Upload a single file that contains data for all stores. Then, add a location_code column to the file that uniquely identifies each store. For more information, see Minimum catalog requirements.

• Before launch, create a test file containing a full inventory. This enables you to verify that the storefront contains the items, images, and discounts you expect.

• You can compress an inventory file and send it to Instacart as a zip file or a GZ file. Zip files must contain only one inventory file per zip file.

• Provide your Technical Account Manager a copy of your inventory file. They review it for accuracy and compliance with Instacart standards.