ReadyToShip usually imports orders directly from your online store, but you can also upload orders manually using a CSV file. This is useful when:
Your store platform isn’t supported
You want to import orders from another system or source
You prefer to manage orders in a spreadsheet
ReadyToShip also includes import tools for several popular marketplaces, including:
If you sell through one of these marketplaces, you may be able to use the dedicated import tool instead of creating a manual CSV file.
You can create your orders in any spreadsheet application, save the file in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format, and upload it into ReadyToShip.
Before importing orders, you’ll need to create a CSV store connection in ReadyToShip.
Step 1: Add a CSV Store
Go to Settings > Stores
Click Add Store
Select CSV File as the store type
Enter a name for the store
Click Save
Step 2: Configure the Store Settings
Return to Settings > Stores
Click the blue cog icon next to your CSV store
Select Settings
From here, you can configure:
Invoice and Pick List templates (optional)
Return address details
Additional store settings
These settings can be updated at any time.
For more information about configuring your CSV connection, see our related help article.
Create a CSV File for Import
Download the CSV template by right-clicking the template link and selecting “Save Link As…”.
The template includes:
Field descriptions in the first two rows
Example order and item data
The correct CSV structure for importing into ReadyToShip
CSV File Structure
Each order in the file must include:
One row beginning with
ORDEROne or more rows beginning with
ITEM
Example:
ORDER ...
ITEM ...
ITEM ...
ORDER ...
ITEM ...
...
⚠️ Important Notes
Item-level details such as SKU or product title may appear on the second or later rows. This is expected behaviour and ensures item information is linked correctly to each order.
If shipping to multiple addresses, each destination must use a unique order number.
Reusing the same order number for different addresses will cause only the first order to import.
Order Status Values
The orderStatus column controls how ReadyToShip treats the order.
Supported values are:
Value | Meaning |
| Ready to ship |
| Not ready to ship |
| Already shipped (ignored during import) |
Only orders marked as Paid will appear as ready to ship.
Save the File Correctly
When saving your spreadsheet:
Save the file as CSV
Do not save it as XLS, XLSX, or another spreadsheet format
Using the wrong file format will cause the import to fail.
If columns appear misaligned or difficult to read in Excel or Google Sheets, widen the columns to display the contents clearly.
Import the CSV File
In ReadyToShip, go to Import Orders
If you have multiple CSV stores, ensure you are clicked on the tab in the left column for the correct store.
Click Choose File
Select your CSV file
Click Resubmit
Your imported orders will appear in the Unshipped Orders tab and can be processed like normal store orders.
⚠️ Troubleshooting CSV Import Issues
If your CSV file does not import correctly, check the following:
Order details appear on the first
ORDERrowItem details appear on subsequent
ITEMrowsThe file matches the CSV template structure
Every shipping address uses a unique order number
The file is saved in CSV format
Duplicate order numbers for multiple addresses will cause ReadyToShip to import only the first occurrence.
CSV Store Update Tip
When performing the Update Store step for a CSV store:
Click the Import File link
Save the file to your device
This finalises the Update Store step and changes the S icon to green.
Once completed, you’ll be able to run the Archive Completed step.
⚠️ SKU Summary Troubleshooting
If the SKU Summary feature displays incorrect totals:
Check that every line item includes an SKU
Add or correct missing SKU values
Re-import the file if required
Missing SKUs can prevent ReadyToShip from calculating accurate totals.