How to Import Customers from CSV

Learn how to bulk import customers from a CSV file. This saves time when adding many customers at once and helps you migrate customer data from other systems.

Before You Begin

• You must be logged in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com
• You need permission to manage customers (typically organization owners and admins have this permission)
• A CSV file prepared with customer data
• CSV file should include: email (required), first name, last name, phone number, and other fields

Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Import

1. Log in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com/auth/login
2. From the dashboard, click CRM in the left sidebar
3. Look for Import or Tools dropdown
4. Click Import from CSV (or go to CRM → Import)

What happens next: The import interface will open.

Step 2: Download Template (Optional)

1. If available, click Download template to see the required format
2. Review the template to understand:
   • Required columns (email is typically required)
   • Optional columns (first name, last name, phone, etc.)
   • Data format expectations
3. Use the template as a guide when preparing your CSV file

Note: Using the template ensures your CSV matches the expected format.

Step 3: Prepare Your CSV File

1. Open your CSV file in a spreadsheet application (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)
2. Ensure your CSV includes:
   • Email column (required)
   • First name column (recommended)
   • Last name column (recommended)
   • Phone number column (optional)
   • Other customer fields as needed
3. Verify data quality:
   • Email addresses are valid and properly formatted
   • No duplicate email addresses
   • Required fields are filled in
   • Data matches expected formats
4. Save your CSV file

Important: Make sure email addresses are unique and valid. Invalid emails will cause import errors.

Step 4: Upload CSV File

1. In the import interface, click Upload CSV or Choose file
2. Select your CSV file from your computer
3. The file will be uploaded and processed
4. You'll see a preview of the data

What happens next: The system will analyze your CSV file and show you what will be imported.

Step 5: Review and Map Columns

1. Review the column mapping:

   • System will attempt to auto-map columns based on headers
   • Verify that columns are mapped correctly
   • Adjust mappings if needed:
     • Email → Email
     • First Name → First name
     • Last Name → Last name
     • Phone → Phone number
     • etc.

2. Check the data preview:

   • Review sample rows to ensure data looks correct
   • Verify email addresses are valid
   • Check that required fields are present

Note: Column mapping ensures your CSV data is imported into the correct fields.

Step 6: Validate the Data

1. Click Validate or similar button to check for errors
2. Review validation results:
   • Valid rows: Rows that will be imported successfully
   • Invalid rows: Rows with errors that need to be fixed
   • Error messages: Specific issues to address
3. Fix any errors:
   • Update invalid email addresses
   • Fill in missing required fields
   • Correct data format issues
4. Re-upload the corrected CSV if needed

Important: Fix all validation errors before importing to ensure successful import.

Step 7: Start Import

1. Review the import summary:
   • Number of customers to be imported
   • Number of valid rows
   • Any warnings or notes
2. Click Start import or Import customers
   • The button will show a loading state while importing
   • Import progress will be displayed
3. Wait for import to complete

What happens next: The import will process and:

• Create customer records for each valid row
• Add customers to your roster
• Show import results and any errors
• Provide a summary of successful imports

Step 8: Monitor Import Progress

1. Watch the import progress indicator
2. Review import results:
   • Successfully imported: Number of customers added
   • Failed imports: Rows that couldn't be imported
   • Error details: Specific reasons for failures
3. Address any import errors if needed

Note: Large imports may take some time. Be patient and let the process complete.

Tips

• Always validate data before importing to catch errors early
• Use the template to ensure proper formatting
• Verify email addresses are unique and valid
• Test with a small CSV file first before importing large datasets
• Keep a backup of your original CSV file
• Review import results to ensure all customers were added correctly

Troubleshooting

Problem: I don't see the Import option Solution: Make sure you have permission to manage customers. Only organization owners and admins can import customers. Contact your organization owner if you need access.

Problem: CSV format is incorrect Solution: Check that:

• CSV file is properly formatted (comma-separated values)
• Headers match expected column names
• Data is in the correct format
• Use the template to ensure proper formatting

Solution: Download the template and match your CSV format to it.

Problem: Import fails with "Email is invalid" errors Solution: Check that:

• Email addresses are properly formatted (contain @ symbol, valid domain)
• No duplicate email addresses in the CSV
• Email addresses don't contain extra spaces or characters

Solution: Clean your CSV file, remove invalid emails, and ensure proper formatting.

Problem: Required fields are missing Solution: Make sure your CSV includes:

• Email column (required)
• Other required fields as specified
• All required fields are filled in for each row

Solution: Add missing columns or fill in required fields before importing.

Problem: Import is slow or timing out Solution: For large imports:

• Break the CSV into smaller batches
• Import in chunks (e.g., 100 customers at a time)
• Ensure your internet connection is stable
• Contact support for assistance with very large imports

Problem: Some customers weren't imported Solution: Check import results for:

• Error messages explaining why rows failed
• Invalid data that needs to be fixed
• Duplicate emails that were skipped

Solution: Fix errors in your CSV and re-import the failed rows.