Combos generally follow the same import and export process as other types of menu items. However, when importing, there are some nuances to how you enter the details of your combos in the spreadsheet import file.
If you have existing combos, it is advised that you export a copy of your existing items before attempting to import anything. This export is your back-up in case of errors.
Guidelines for import files
Understanding the requirements for your import file is crucial to ensure a successful import. Your file must be formatted correctly, with mandatory columns filled in and optional columns added as needed.
Overview
To successfully import combos, you must organize them into a spreadsheet that follows our formatting guidelines. Here are a few important things to note about the requirements for your import file:
- It must be a CSV (comma-separated value) or Excel spreadsheet.
- Mandatory columns must be filled in, all column data must follow the right format, and optional columns must be added correctly.
- Leave cells blank if you're missing optional information for a specific combo.
- If an entire optional column is not in use, delete the empty column.
- You can include items and combos in the same import file or import them separately.
- If you import combos separately, all items must be created before their associated combos can be imported.
Required structure for combos
Each combo requires multiple rows in your import file: one row for the combo itself to define its details, and additional rows for each item or item group that belongs in the combo.
Combo row - Details
In the row representing the combo:
- Enter the combo's SKU in the SKU column.
- In the Type column, enter combo.
- Add other details as needed, such as Accounting group, Name, and Default price.
Item rows - Combo components
For each item or item group in the combo, add an additional row. In these rows:
- Enter the SKU for an item or item group in the SKU column.
- In the Parent SKU column, enter the combo's SKU to link it to the item you've entered.
Required columns for combos
SKU: The SKU is a unique identifier assigned to each item and combo. All imports require a SKU column to succeed. Combos require both their own SKU and SKUs for the items they contain.
- In the combo details row:
- When importing new combos, enter a unique SKU that isn't associated with an existing item or combo in your inventory.
- To update combos already created in your account, enter the combo's existing SKU. This is used as a key to identify which combo to modify.
- In the item rows:
- Enter the SKU for each item or item group to include in the combo.
- For items or groups being imported in the same file, use the SKU entered earlier in the import file.
- For existing items or groups, use the SKU from your Back Office.
- Enter the SKU for each item or item group to include in the combo.
Parent SKU: For each row containing an item in your combo, enter the combo's SKU to link the item to it.
Accounting group: Accounting groups are categories that apply shared settings, such as taxes and production centers, to items. Enter the name of a new or existing accounting group. All imports require an accounting group column in order to succeed.
Type: Enter Combo. Other supported values include Item, Sub-item, and Group.
Optional columns for combos
Name: Name or title of the combo. Names must be unique amongst items in your inventory.
Default price: The base price of the combo. Its final price is determined by adding the prices of any included items. Leave blank to set the price at the POS, requiring manual entry each time the combo is sold.
There are additional optional columns you can use when importing combos, such as Menu/Screen, Cost price, and Course. To learn about these and more, visit our Importing and exporting items in bulk article.
Downloading an import template
You can download a pre-built import template from our Importing and exporting items in bulk article. After filling in your information, save the spreadsheet as a CSV or XLSX file to prepare it for import.
Performing an import or export
The process to import and export combos is the same as other types of menu items. Once you have your import file or are ready to export, visit our Importing and exporting items in bulk article for the steps to do so.
What's next?
Importing and exporting items
Learn how to import and export all types of menu items.
About importing and exporting items