Inventory Import: Add Clear Instructions, Video, & Condition-Based Warnings

Created by: Katie
Feedback from: Multiple Recently Onboarded Clients
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🐞 Problem:
New clients repeatedly make mistakes when importing inventory via CSV during onboarding. They often upload incorrect files, modify templates, or mix multiple conditions on one sheet. The process is not intuitive, and there are no strong visual warnings or clear instructions to guide them through it properly.

⚠️ Why is this a problem:
This leads to failed uploads, corrupted data, and frustration on both the client and support side. It causes unnecessary back-and-forth and delays in getting their system fully functional. Equalls major delay & extra work for the dev team.

✅ Solution:

• Add a bold, color-highlighted disclaimer in the inventory import area that clearly explains the correct steps: — Maybe a bubble of a new color!!

  1. Choose the condition (e.g., New, Scratch & Dent, Used, etc.).

  2. Download the matching template for that condition.

  3. Use that exact template — no added columns, no empty cells, and no header changes (e.g., must use “Number,” not “#”). Columns in same order, etc.

  4. Upload each condition separately because each has its own format.

• Create a short instructional video with Katie voiceover that walks users through the correct process step by step.

  • Add a small banner or pop-up saying: “🎥 Watch this 1-minute video before uploading your CSV.”

• If possible, implement a validation step before upload that checks for:

  • Mismatched column names

  • Missing required cells

  • Extra columns or empty rows

  • Wrong condition file type

• If the file is invalid, display a clear message such as:
  “Your file format does not match the required template for this condition. Please download the correct template and try again.”

🚀 Phase 1: Add UI disclaimer and video link.
🚀 Phase 2: Implement automated validation for incorrect templates.