How to Import and Update Sellers in Bulk with a CSV File

BidWrangler lets you create new seller records or update existing ones in bulk through a Sellers import, using a CSV file built from the current seller import template. The system uses each seller's email address as the unique identifier, so a row with an email that already exists updates that seller's record, and a row with a new email creates a new seller. This makes the Sellers import the fastest way to set up or refresh seller data outside of adding sellers one at a time in the Admin Portal.

A Sellers import is the right tool when you need to add or update more than a handful of seller records at once, for example when onboarding a new client roster, migrating sellers from another system, or correcting information (like an address or commission structure) across many sellers in one pass. For a single seller, or to assign a seller while cataloging, sellers can also be created on the fly from any lot creation or editing screen, or added individually from the Administer Sellers page.

• File format: The import requires a .csv file. Files in Excel format (.xlsx) or other spreadsheet formats will not import; save or export your working file as CSV before uploading.

• Required columns: At minimum, every row needs First Name, Last Name, and Email. Rows missing any of these three will not import successfully.

• Email is the unique identifier: Because BidWrangler matches on email address, double check that each seller's email is accurate and that you are not intentionally reusing one email address for multiple seller records, since that will cause rows to overwrite each other.

• Address fields: If you include any address information (Street Address, City, State, Postal Code, County {optional}), also include a value in the Country column. Leaving Country blank while filling in other address fields is a common reason an address does not populate on the seller record.

• Commission, tax, and expense fields: The Commission ID, Tax Rate ID, and Expense ID columns reference commission structures, tax rates, and expense records that already exist in your account. If you need a new commission structure or tax rate created before your import, set that up first ( so you have the correct ID to reference.

Download a seller import template here.

1. Open your BidWrangler Admin Portal.

2. Go to the Imports section and select Sellers import.

3. Click Create to start a new import.

4. Click Choose File and select your completed sellers CSV file.

5. Review the column mapping screen. Most columns from the seller import template auto-associate with the matching field; manually map any that don't.

6. Click Save to run the import.

7. Check the Sellers import page for any error messages. Rows with issues (a missing required field, an invalid ID reference, and similar) are flagged there for you to correct and re-upload.

If you're new to BidWrangler or haven't run a sellers import before, it's worth reaching out to your Customer Success representative before your first import so we can double check your file.

Does a Sellers import create new sellers, update existing ones, or both? Both. BidWrangler matches each row to a seller by email address. If the email already exists on a seller record, that row updates the existing seller and overwrites the current information in the matched fields. If the email doesn't match any existing seller, a new seller record is created.

What file format does the Sellers import accept? Only .csv files. Uploading a file saved as .xlsx or another spreadsheet format will return a format error, so export or save your working file as CSV before uploading.

Why didn't my seller's address show up after importing? This usually happens when the Country column is left blank. If you're including any address fields (Street Address, City, State, Postal Code, County), make sure Country is filled in too, or the address won't populate on the seller record.

Can I remove or delete seller records through a CSV import? No. Seller record removal is restricted to the BidWrangler team to help prevent accidental data loss. If you need seller records removed, reassign any items still linked to those sellers first, then contact helpdesk@bidwrangler.com with the seller numbers to remove.

What do the Commission ID, Tax Rate ID, and Expense ID columns reference? These columns point to commission structures, tax rates, and expense records already configured in your BidWrangler account, not raw rates or dollar amounts typed directly into the CSV. Set up the commission structure, tax rate, or expense in your account first, then reference its ID in the import file.

Is there a sandbox or test environment to try a Sellers import before running it on live data? No, BidWrangler does not offer a sandbox or test account. We recommend reviewing your file carefully against the template and, especially for a first import, checking in with your Customer Success representative before uploading.

Where do I get the current seller import template? The seller import template is available here. If you'd like a copy sent directly, or have questions about mapping your data to it, reach out to helpdesk@bidwrangler.com.

Is a Sellers import available on all plans, or does it require additional licensing? Sellers import is available to all BidWrangler customers at no additional cost or licensing requirement.

• How to Import and Export Bidders

• Managing Sellers, Commissions, and Seller Settlements in BidWrangler

• Item Imports: Import an Auction Catalog in Bulk with a CSV File

• How to create and manage seller permissions for seller-managed auctions

Have questions about your sellers import, or need a hand mapping your data? Reach out to us at helpdesk@bidwrangler.com and we're happy to help.