BigCommerce How to Edit All Products in a Specific Category

Managing a BigCommerce store means juggling various tasks, and when it comes to updating products in bulk, especially within a specific category, it can feel overwhelming. But don't worry; you're not alone in this. Many store owners have faced similar challenges and working with a trusted BigCommerce Development Agency can make the process easier. Let's walk through the process together, step by step, to make it as smooth as possible.

Understanding the Bulk Edit Tool in BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers a built-in Bulk Edit Tool that allows you to make changes to multiple products simultaneously. This feature is invaluable when you need to update product details across a specific category.

What You Can Edit

With the Bulk Edit Tool, you can modify:

• Categories: Add or remove products from categories.
• Prices: Adjust sale prices or regular prices.
• Stock Levels: Update inventory counts.
• Visibility: Toggle product visibility on your storefront.
• Shipping Options: Enable or disable free shipping.

However, it's important to note that certain attributes, like product descriptions, cannot be bulk edited directly through this tool support.bigcommerce.com.

Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Products in a Specific Category

1. Access the Bulk Edit Tool
   Log in to your BigCommerce admin panel. Navigate to Products > View.
2. Filter Products by Category
   Click on the Filter button. Under Category, select the specific category you wish to edit. Apply the filter to display all products within that category.
3. Select Products to Edit
   Use the checkboxes to select individual products or click the top checkbox to select all displayed products. Remember, the Bulk Edit Tool allows you to edit up to 100 products at a time.
4. Initiate Bulk Edit
   With your products selected, click on the Bulk Edit button. A spreadsheet-like interface will appear, displaying editable fields for the selected products.
5. Make Desired Changes
   Navigate to the Categories column. To add a category, click on the cell corresponding to a product and type the category name. To remove a category, delete the category name from the cell. You can also edit other fields, like prices or stock levels, in this interface.
6. Save Changes
   After making your edits, click Save to apply the changes. It's advisable to review a few products to ensure the changes were applied correctly.

Using CSV Import/Export for Bulk Edits

For more extensive changes, such as updating product descriptions or adding custom fields, the CSV Import/Export method is effective.

• Export Products
  Go to Products > Export. Choose the fields you wish to export, including categories. Download the CSV file.
• Edit the CSV File
  Open the CSV file in a spreadsheet editor like Excel or Google Sheets. Locate the Categories column. Add or remove categories as needed. Ensure you maintain the correct format to avoid import errors.
• Import the Updated CSV
  Return to Products > Import. Upload the edited CSV file. Map the fields correctly and proceed with the import.

Note: Always back up your data before performing bulk imports to prevent data loss.

Tips and Best Practices

• Test with a Small Batch: Before making widespread changes, test the process with a small group of products to ensure everything works as expected.
• Regular Backups: Regularly back up your product data, especially before bulk edits.
• Stay Updated: BigCommerce periodically updates its features. Stay informed about new tools and enhancements that can simplify your workflow.

Dropshipping on BigCommerce

If you run a dropshipping business and want to Dropship on BigCommerce, the platform can make your life easier. Instead of manually updating hundreds of products from multiple suppliers, you can:

• Use Bulk Editing: Update stock levels and prices quickly when suppliers change theirs.
• Automate Syncs: Many dropshipping apps integrate with BigCommerce to automatically sync inventory and orders.
• Simplify Product Management: CSV imports help you add or edit large product catalogs at once.

This means your store stays accurate and professional without hours of manual work.

BigCommerce vs Shopify

Many entrepreneurs ask: Which is better, BigCommerce vs Shopify? The answer depends on your needs:

• BigCommerce: Great for growing stores that need built-in features like advanced product filters, bulk editing, and flexible pricing rules. You get more functionality without relying heavily on third-party apps.
• Shopify: Excellent for beginners or smaller stores that value simplicity. The app ecosystem is vast, but many advanced features require paid add-ons.

In short:
Choose BigCommerce if you want scalability and powerful built-in tools.
Choose Shopify if you prefer simplicity and ease of setup.

Conclusion

Editing all products in a specific category on BigCommerce doesn't have to be daunting. By leveraging the Bulk Edit Tool and CSV Import/Export method, you can efficiently manage your product catalog. Remember to proceed with caution, especially when making large-scale changes, and always back up your data beforehand.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Aron Web Solutions. Happy selling!