Skip to main content

How to Upload Products for Non-Shopify Using CSV

Written by Mikaela Lasig

Uploading products with CSV lets Non-Shopify merchants import a product catalog into Tolstoy without connecting a Shopify store. It helps merchants use products in shoppable Tolstoy experiences, tag media to products, and keep product data available for website widgets. This CSV import flow does not show a separate paid-plan gate or its own publish button, although any live widget that uses those products still needs the plan required for that widget type.

How to Set Up

  1. Go to Settings > Set up store.

  2. Click Set up store then click Upload your products from CSV

  3. Prepare your CSV file using these column names: id, title, descriptionHtml, url, imageUrl, images, price, compareAtPrice, currencyCode, currencySymbol, and inventory.

  4. Make sure the required columns are included: id, title, url, imageUrl, and price.

  5. Choose how you want to import the catalog: Connect URL or Upload File.

  6. Use Connect URL if your CSV is hosted online and you want Tolstoy to be able to refresh it automatically.

  7. Use Upload File if you want to import a CSV directly from your computer as a one-time upload.

  8. If you chose Connect URL, paste the CSV file URL and click Connect.

  9. If you chose Upload File, click Choose CSV file and select the file from your computer.

  10. Wait for the import status to update. Tolstoy may show messages such as Product import requested, Product import in progress, or Product import completed.

  11. If Tolstoy shows a Default currency selector after the import is set up, choose the currency you want applied.

  12. If you connected a CSV URL and want ongoing updates, enable or keep the Automatically refresh every 24 hours option turned on.

  13. Open Settings > Product Catalog and confirm the imported products appear correctly.

Troubleshooting / FAQs

Why did my CSV import fail?
The most common reasons are missing required columns, invalid column names, an unreadable CSV file, or a URL Tolstoy cannot access. Check the file structure and try again.

Which CSV columns are required?
Tolstoy requires id, title, url, imageUrl, and price. Other supported columns are optional.

What is the difference between Connect URL and Upload File?
Connect URL links Tolstoy to a hosted CSV and can refresh it automatically every 24 hours. Upload File imports a CSV from your computer as a one-time upload.

Why are my products not showing up yet?
The import may still be processing. Wait until the status shows that the import is complete, then check Product Catalog. Keep in mind that file sync once every 24 hours only so you might have to give it time before you see your missing products.

Can I use CSV product upload without Shopify?
Yes. This flow is specifically for Non-Shopify or manual website setups.

Why are the prices or currency incorrect?
Check the values in price, currencyCode, and currencySymbol, and set the Default currency in Tolstoy if needed.

How do I update products later?
If you used Connect URL, refresh or keep recurring sync enabled. If you used Upload File, upload a new CSV file when your catalog changes.

Did this answer your question?