Amazon flat file upload errors can disrupt your product listings and sales. These errors often stem from data formatting issues, missing information, file structure problems, or brand approval challenges. Here’s how to fix them:
- Error 8016: Ensure correct data formats (e.g., prices, dates, dimensions).
- Error 8560: Fill in all required fields like product IDs, titles, and images.
- Error 90122: Use the right template and maintain proper file structure.
- Error 6024: Resolve brand registry or category approval issues.
To fix errors, download the error report in Seller Central, identify the problem, correct your file, and re-upload. Tools like FlatFilePro can help streamline this process and prevent future issues.
Key takeaway: Accurate data, proper templates, and error-checking tools are essential for smooth uploads and maintaining your Amazon listings.
How To Solve Amazon Flatfile Error? Amazon Excel File Not …
4 Common Upload Errors and Their Root Causes
Here’s a breakdown of four common flat file errors on Amazon and what causes them.
Error 8016: Data Format Problems
This error happens when your data doesn’t align with Amazon’s required formats. Common culprits include:
- Incorrect price formatting
- Dates not in MM/DD/YYYY format
- Product dimensions missing proper units (e.g., inches, pounds)
- UPC/EAN codes containing dashes or spaces
For instance, entering dimensions as "5x3x2" instead of "5 inches x 3 inches x 2 inches" or using commas in prices (like "19,99" instead of "19.99") will trigger Error 8016.
Error 8560: Missing Required Fields
Error 8560 pops up when key product details are left out. These include:
- Product identifiers like UPC, EAN, or ISBN
- Brand name and manufacturer info
- Product title and description
- Main product images
- Attributes specific to certain categories
Double-check these fields before uploading to avoid this issue.
Error 90122: File Structure Problems
This error points to issues with how your flat file is organized. Here’s a quick look at common problems:
| Issue | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Incorrect column headers | Template validation fails |
| Mismatched data types | Product data gets rejected |
| Outdated template version | Upload process fails completely |
| Corrupted file formatting | Errors during processing |
Pay close attention to your file’s structure to prevent these errors.
Error 6024: Brand Approval Problems
This error arises when there are issues with brand authorization. It typically happens when:
- Listing products from restricted brands
- Selling in gated categories without approval
- Lacking brand registry documentation
- Failing to complete brand verification
To fix Error 6024:
- Register your brand through Amazon’s Brand Registry
- Gather necessary documentation from brand owners
- Confirm you’re authorized to sell the products
- Update seller permissions for gated categories
Tools like FlatFilePro can help by checking your data against Amazon’s requirements, flagging brand-related issues before you submit your file.
4 Steps to Fix Upload Errors
Finding Errors in Seller Central
Go to the Inventory tab in Seller Central and open the Add Products via Upload section. Once you submit a flat file, Amazon processes it and creates an error report. Here’s how to get the report:
- Click View Upload Status
- Locate your recent upload in the list
- Click the Download Error Report button
- Save the report to your computer
Understanding Error Messages
Amazon’s error messages are structured to help you identify what went wrong. Each error includes:
- Error Code: A unique number (e.g., 8016 or 90122)
- Description: A clear explanation of the issue
- Affected Row: The specific product entry with the problem
- Column Reference: The field causing the error
For example: "Error 8016: Invalid date format in row 127, column start-date"
Correcting File Data
Before making changes, always save a backup of the original file. Then, ensure your data follows these formatting rules:
| Data Type | Correct Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | MM/DD/YYYY | 04/10/2025 |
| Prices | Numbers only, no symbols | 19.99 |
| Dimensions | Number + unit | 5 inches |
| SKUs | No spaces or special characters | ABC123-XL |
Once edited, validate your file using tools like FlatFilePro to ensure accuracy.
Submitting Fixed Files
- Go back to the Add Products via Upload section in Seller Central
- Choose the correct template category
- Upload your corrected file
- Check the processing status to confirm success
For a smoother process, use FlatFilePro to sync data, check for errors, and upload files with ease. To avoid future issues, maintain accurate and consistent data practices.
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3 Ways to Prevent Upload Errors
Use Amazon’s Latest Templates
To avoid upload errors, start by downloading Amazon’s most up-to-date templates:
- Access the templates directly from Seller Central.
- Double-check the version numbers and "Last Modified" dates to ensure you’re using the most recent version.
- Save templates with clear version labels for easy reference.
- Keep formatting consistent by:
- Leaving required fields unchanged.
- Keeping column headers and their order intact.
- Using the correct file formats (.txt or .xls).
Verify Your Data Before Uploading
Checking your data beforehand can help catch errors early. Use this quick reference to spot common problems:
| Data Element | Validation Check | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Product IDs | Correct format | Missing leading zeros, incorrect lengths |
| Prices | Proper decimals | Too many decimal places, misplaced currency symbols |
| Dates | MM/DD/YYYY | Wrong separators or non-US formats |
| Dimensions | Number + unit | Missing units or incorrect separators |
| Images | Valid URLs | Broken links or unsupported file extensions |
A final review of your file ensures a smoother upload process.
Leverage Error Prevention Tools
For an even smoother experience, consider using advanced tools to minimize errors. FlatFilePro, for instance, offers powerful features to simplify uploads.
"Nifty bit of kit. Love that it saves all the changes my team makes across listings", says Keith Mander, Founder of Yuca Brands and Bagels.io.
Some standout features include automatic error detection, version control for easy rollbacks, access controls to limit editing, and bulk validation to maintain consistency across listings.
FlatFilePro’s Reflection Engine also tracks listing changes, helping sellers identify and fix errors before they impact sales. This is especially helpful for managing large product catalogs across multiple marketplaces.
FlatFilePro‘s Key Features for Error Management
Mass Edit and Error Check
FlatFilePro simplifies error handling with its bulk editing tools. Its Reflection Engine actively spots and prevents listing problems, focusing on stopping errors before they occur.
"This is the tool that powers our ops and analytics teams. We used to do everything manually, such a pain! Now we don’t have to think about anything and our listings update like magic!" – Jack Haldrup, Founder, Dr. Squatch
| Feature | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Automated Error Detection & Access Controls | Cuts down upload rejections and reduces mistakes with role-based permissions |
Variation Management Tools
FlatFilePro also enhances variation management with a drag-and-drop interface. It automatically checks variation relationships, avoiding common issues like mismatched attributes or incorrect hierarchies. This user-friendly setup saves time by reducing the effort needed to fix errors.
File History and Market Control
FlatFilePro’s version control features add an extra layer of protection:
-
Complete Listing History
Easily review past changes to pinpoint error sources and avoid repeating them. -
Global Marketplace Management
Handle multiple marketplaces from one dashboard, keeping listings consistent and avoiding regional mistakes. -
Smart Backup System
Automatic backups make it easy to undo changes when needed.
"Nifty bit of kit. Love that it saves all the changes my team makes across listings." – Keith Mander, Founder of Yuca Brands and Bagels.io
Conclusion: Simplifying File Management
Make uploading Amazon flat files smoother by focusing on preventing errors before they happen. These methods work seamlessly with FlatFilePro’s tools to make the process easier.
Preventing errors upfront is crucial for managing your catalog efficiently. Using automation, error detection, and role-based access helps sellers save time, cut down on manual work, and keep listings consistent across multiple marketplaces – all from one dashboard.
Features like bulk editing, automated error detection, version control, and role-based access provide strong safeguards against upload mistakes. These tools also help protect listings from unwanted changes while ensuring accuracy.
"Nifty bit of kit. Love that it saves all the changes my team makes across listings." – Keith Mander, Founder of Yuca Brands and Bagels.io
The next step in managing Amazon catalogs is automation combined with smart error prevention. Tools like the Reflection Engine and drag-and-drop variation management let sellers focus on growing their business instead of fixing listing problems. Use automation to keep your listings accurate and your business moving forward.
