billiger.de

1. Registering with billiger.de

billiger.de is a German price comparison portal certified by TÜV. The platform also offers test reports and customer reviews. This website is currently only available in German. In order to set up billiger.de in PlentyONE. you have to register with billiger.de first.

2. Exporting item data

2.1. Alternative 1: Item export with catalogue formats (recommended method)

Catalogue formats provide you with a long-term and flexible way to export your item data to billiger.de.

2.1.1. Creating a catalogue

Item data is exported using a marketplace format. To export your items to a price search engine, create a catalogue in the Data » Catalogue menu. Link the data fields in the catalogue with item data saved in PlentyONE in the marketplace format afterwards.

What is a catalogue?

Catalogues are used to export data from your PlentyONE system. There are two different catalogue formats:

  • Marketplace formats are used to export item data to markets.

  • Standard formats are used to export data from your PlentyONE system into a file.

Catalogues with marketplace formats allow you to tailor your item information exactly to the needs of the market. Because here, you assign a suitable PlentyONE data field to each of the data fields of the market. When your variation data is exported to the market, the market’s data fields are then filled with the correct PlentyONE data.

Creating a catalogue:

  1. Go to Data » Catalogues.

  2. Click on Create catalogue (add).

  3. Enter a name for the catalogue.

  4. In the drop-down list Marketplace, select the option billiger.de.

  5. In the drop-down list Export type, select the option Item (new).

  6. In the drop-down list Category, select the option billiger.de.
    Tip: You can only create one catalogue for this sales channel. Thus, the only category you can select is the name of the sales channel.

  7. Save () the settings.
    → The catalogue is created.
    → The catalogue is opened for editing.

You should not change the format in the catalogue’s Format settings. To ensure that the export to the sales channel works, all required settings are already configured when you create a catalogue. If you change the settings, errors might occur during the export.

2.1.2. Mapping data fields in the catalogue

Now, map the data fields in the catalogue to the item data saved in PlentyONE.

  • The market expects product data that cannot be saved in the PlentyONE item menu? Then create a property for this data. Link this property with your variations. The actual values are saved as property values for this property. Is this your first time working with properties? Then read up on the principles of properties first.

Getting to know the catalogue menu for marketplace formats
catalogue menu colours
Availability Explanation

Navigation

When you open a catalogue, the view Mapping is shown. On the very left is the navigation.

  • Switch to other views of the catalogue.

  • Open the catalogue settings.

  • Use filters that limit the data that is exported.

  • Go back to the list of catalogues.

  • Create a new catalogue.

Toolbar

The toolbar provides actions for the catalogue. For example, save your mappings, restore an older version of the catalogue or hide or show optional marketplace data fields.

Marketplace data field

To the right of the navigation, all data fields available for the market are listed. Mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk (✱).
Tip: Show or hide optional marketplace data fields in the toolbar. To do so, click on the further actions (more_vert).

PlentyONE data fields

On the right side of the catalogue, you map the marketplace data fields to appropriate PlentyONE data fields. In the screenshot above, a few of the fields are already mapped.

Mapping catalogue fields:

  1. Go to Data » Catalogues.

  2. Click on the catalogue.
    → The Mapping tab opens.
    → In the left-hand column, the market’s data fields are listed.
    Tip: Mandatory fields are flagged with an asterisk (*).
    → In the right column, you map the PlentyONE data fields. Any PlentyONE data fields that you already mapped are also shown in this column.

  3. Map suitable PlentyONE data fields to the market data fields.
    For each marketplace data field, you have a number of mapping options. Expand the info boxes below to get more information about each of these mapping options.

    • Simple 1:1 mapping

    • Simple 1:1 mapping with properties

    • Complex 1:1 mapping

    • 1:1 mapping with fallback data fields

    • 1:n mapping

    • Own value mapping

    • Mapping with mathematical calculations

  4. Save () the catalogue.
    → The mappings are saved.

Simple 1:1 mapping: 1 marketplace data field, 1 PlentyONE data field

In a simple 1:1 mapping, you map a PlentyONE data field to the marketplace data field. If no suitable setting exists in PlentyONE. you can map a property instead.

As such, simple 1:1 mappings allow you to:

  • I want to fill this marketplace data field with the data from this PlentyONE setting.

  • If the data field is empty for a variation, no value is exported for this variation.

Creating a simple 1:1 mapping:

  1. Next to the marketplace data field, click on + Add data field.
    → To the left, the list of available PlentyONE data fields are shown in groups.

  2. Click on the group you need.
    → The PlentyONE data fields of the group are shown.

  3. Click on the plus to the right of the PlentyONE data field you want to select.
    → The PlentyONE data field is added to the right.

  4. Click on Confirm.

Example: Sales price and RRP for Otto Market

This gif shows you how to map the marketplace data fields Sales price and RRP for Otto Market to PlentyONE data fields:

gif catalogue mapping simple en
Simple 1:1 mapping: with properties: 1 marketplace data field, no PlentyONE data field

Reminder: In a simple 1:1 mapping, you map a PlentyONE data field to the marketplace data field. However, what can you do if PlentyONE does not offer a suitable data field? Then it’s the properties' moment to shine. Properties allow you to save any kind of information in your properties.

Creating a property:

  1. Create a property with the necessary values.
    Tip: Find out how to do that here.

Creating a simple 1:1 mapping with properties:

  1. Next to the marketplace data field, click on + Add data field.
    → To the left, the list of available PlentyONE data fields are shown in groups.

  2. Expand the group Property.
    → The property groups are shown.

  3. Expand the group you need.

  4. Click on the Plus sign on the right of the property you want.

  5. From the drop-down list Language, select the language in which you send the data to the market.

  6. Click on Confirm.
    → The property is mapped to the marketplace data field.

Complex 1:1 mapping: 1 marketplace data field, 1 PlentyONE data field

Like with the simple 1:1 mappings, you map a PlentyONE setting or property to a marketplace data field. Complex mappings are necessary whenever a marketplace data field has more than one possible value. Instead of mapping data fields, for complex mappings you map individual values of these data fields. For example, you cannot simply map the PlentyONE data field Shipping profile to the marketplace data field Shipping method. Why? The market cannot know which of your shipping profiles in PlentyONE corresponds to which of their shipping methods.

Do not enter own values for complex mappings. All values that you enter must be saved for the variations, either in a setting or as a property value. This also applies if the value Comparative value is shown. You still need to enter exactly the value of the setting or property that you mapped.

In complex mappings, the value of the market is always exported. Only when you map an own value, the own value that you enter is exported.

You can recognise complex mappings from the field that is shown below the name of the marketplace data field. Click on the field to show the values available for the marketplace data field.

catalogue complex mappings

Examples for complex 1:1 mappings are:

  • Categories

  • Brands

  • Shipping setting

Important: For complex mappings, do not map own values or properties of the type None.

Creating a complex 1:1:n mapping:

  1. Click on the field for the marketplace data field.
    → A list of the available values is shown.

  2. Select the value that you want to map a PlentyONE data field to.
    → The value is mapped.

  3. Next to the marketplace data field, click on + Add data field.
    → To the left, the available PlentyONE data fields are listed in groups.

  4. Click on a group.
    → The PlentyONE data fields of the group are shown.

  5. Click on the PlentyONE data field for which you want to map values.
    Important: Do not map own values or properties of the type None.

  6. Your next steps depend on the PlentyONE data field you selected:

    • Alternative 1: The available values for the PlentyONE data value are shown on the left.

      • Next to the value you want to select, click on the plus.
        → The value is added to the field on the right.

      • Click on Confirm.

    • Alternative 2: The PlentyONE data field is inserted and the field Comparative value is shown.

      • In the field Comparative value, enter a value that is saved in the setting or the property of the mapped PlentyONE data field.

      • Click on Confirm.

    • Alternative 3: The PlentyONE data field is inserted and a drop-down list is shown.

      • Select a value from the drop-down list.

      • Click on Confirm.
        → The value of the marketplace data field is exported, not the value of the PlentyONE data field.
        Exception: Only when you map an own value, the own value that you enter is exported.

Example: Delivery time in days for Otto Market

This gif shows you how to map suitable PlentyONE values to the values of the marketplace data fields Delivery time in days for Otto Market:

gif catalogue mapping complex en
1:1 mapping with fallback data fields: 1 marketplace data field, 1 PlentyONE data field with alternative(s)

In a 1:1 mapping with one or more fallback data fields, you map a PlentyONE data field to the marketplace data field. In addition, you specify one or more fallback data fields. This ensures that the system keeps looking if the first PlentyONE data field is missing or empty.

So this mapping specifies:

  • I want to fill the marketplace data field with the data from the selected PlentyONE setting.

  • If that data field is missing or empty for a variation, the first fallback data field is checked. The value of that fallback data field is exported instead.

  • If the first fallback data field is also missing or empty for the variation, the second fallback data field is checked. If a value is found, the value of the second fallback data field is exported for the variation etc.

Two separate fallback conditions are available:

Null (default)

The fallback data field is used if the data field above is mapped in the catalogue but not linked to the variation.

The condition "Null" is useful when you want to map fallback data fields for the following types of PlentyONE data fields:

  • SKU

  • Barcodes

  • Sales prices

  • Properties

Important: When you add a fallback data field, the fallback condition "null" is selected automatically. To apply the fallback condition "leer", you need to change the default setting.

Empty

The fallback data field is used if the data field above is mapped in the catalogue and linked to the variation, but is empty.

The condition "Empty" is useful when you want to map fallback data fields for the following type of PlentyONE data fields:

  • PlentyONE data fields that are available for variations by default

Important: When you add a fallback data field, the fallback condition "null" is selected automatically. To apply the fallback condition "leer", you need to change the default setting.

Note: Even if you assign one or more fallback data fields, the value of only one of those fields is exported. For each variation, the mapped PlentyONE data fields are checked in the order in which you mapped them. This means that if the first data field does not provide a value for a variation, the first fallback data field is exported etc.

Creating a 1:1 mapping with fallback data fields:

  1. Next to the marketplace data field, click on + Add data field.
    → To the left, the list of available PlentyONE data fields are shown in groups.

  2. Click on the group you need.
    → The PlentyONE data fields of the group are shown.

  3. Click on the plus to the right of the PlentyONE data field you want to select.
    → The PlentyONE data field is added to the right.

  4. In the list of PlentyONE data fields, click on the plus icon next to the PlentyONE data field that you want to map.
    → The fallback data field is added with the fallback condition "null".

  5. Alternative 1: To add the fallback data field with the fallback condition "null":

    1. Click on Confirm.
      → The fallback data field is exported if the data field above is not linked to the variation.

  6. Alternative 2: To add the fallback data field with the fallback condition "empty":

    1. To the left of the fallback data field, click on the cog ().
      → The window Data column settings is shown.

    2. For the setting Fallback condition, select the option Empty.

    3. Click on Save.
      → The fallback data field is added with the fallback condition "empty".

    4. Click on Confirm.
      → The fallback data field is exported if the data field above is empty for the variation.

Example: Fallback data field for SKU for Otto Market

This GIF shows you the mapping for the OTTO Market marketplace data field SKU. The PlentyONE data field SKU is mapped to this marketplace data field. The PlentyONE data field Variation ID is mapped as the fallback data field. The fallback condition "null" is applied automatically.

Result: The fallback data field Variation ID is exported if the data field SKU is not linked to the variation.

gif catalogue mapping fallback en
1:n mapping: 1 marketplace data field, several PlentyONE data fields

In a 1:n mapping, you map several PlentyONE data fields to the marketplace data field. You can link these data fields with a separator.

So this mapping specifies:

  • I want to combine these PlentyONE data fields during export so that the marketplace data field is filled with the data of these two or more PlentyONE settings.

Creating a 1:n mapping:

  1. Next to the marketplace data field, click on + Add data field.
    → To the left, the list of available PlentyONE data fields are shown in groups.

  2. Click on the group you need.
    → The PlentyONE data fields of the group are shown.

  3. Click on the plus to the right of the PlentyONE data field you want to select.
    → The PlentyONE data field is added to the right.

  4. Click on Confirm.

  5. To the right of the mapped PlentyONE data field, click on Add data field ().
    → To the left, the list of available PlentyONE data fields again are shown in groups.

  6. Map one or several additional PlentyONE data fields to the marketplace data field as described above.

  7. Click on Confirm.

  8. To the very right of the row, click on Settings ().

  9. Select a separator from the drop-down list Separator or add a custom separator.

  10. Click on Save.

  11. Save () the catalogue.
    → The mappings are saved.
    → During the export, the content of the PlentyONE data fields is combined and exported as one field.

Own value mapping: 1 marketplace data field, the same value for all variations

You are sure that you want to export the same value for all variations of a catalogue for a marketplace data field? Then specify an own value. This own value is then exported for all variations.

So this mapping specifies:

  • For this marketplace data field, I want to export the value that I entered in the field Own value for all variations of this catalogue. The value you enter is always exported. The value overwrites the market value also in complex mappings where usually the value of the market is exported. As such, make sure you enter an own value that the market accepts for this marketplace data field.

Creating an own value mapping:

  1. Next to the marketplace data field, click on + Add data field.
    → To the left, the list of available PlentyONE data fields are shown in groups.

  2. Click on the plus next to Own value at the top of the list.
    → The field for the own value is added to the view.

  3. Enter a value into the input field.
    → This value is exported for all variations.

Example: Diameter information

You want to export diameter information for some of your variations. The diameter is saved in centimetres for all your variations. Instead of creating a property for the unit and linking this property to the variations, you can enter the own value cm.

This is an example of how you can map an own value for the diameter unit:

gif catalogue own value en
Mapping with mathematical calculations: 1 Marketplace data field, the PlentyONE value is recalculated using the formula during export

Mathematical calculations allow you to change numerical values automatically during the export.

  • This function only works for data fields that contain numerical values.

  • This functionality is new and not available for all catalogue formats.

So this mapping specifies:

  • I want the numerical value of a PlentyONE data field to be recalculated during the export. Basic arithmetic operations are available for the formulas.

Recalculating numerical values:

  1. Next to the marketplace data field, click on + Add data field.
    → To the left, the list of available PlentyONE data fields are shown in groups.

  2. At the very top of the list, click on the plus icon next to Formula (calculate).
    → The data field Formula is added to the field on the right.

  3. Click into the data field.
    → The window Modify value is shown.

  4. Enter a numerical value or select a PlentyONE data field at the bottom right of the window to add it to the calculation (add).
    Tip: Use the search function. This helps you to find data fields quickly.

  5. Optional: If the symbol more_vert is shown in the data field, select the correct assignment for the data field.
    Tip: A number tells you how many assignments are necessary for the data field.

    1. Click on the icon more_vert.

    2. In the window shown, select the assignments from the drop-down list.

    3. Save the settings.

  6. Enter numbers and mathematical operators with the on-screen calculator or the keyboard.

  7. Save the settings.
    → The entered formula is displayed in the overview.
    → The calculation will be carried out in the next export.

To help you with mapping your data fields for the catalogue, we have created a list of recommended data field mappings. Note that these mappings are recommendations only. Depending on how you manage your item data, other mappings may be more appropriate than the recommendation given here.

  • Need more information about the PlentyONE data fields? All data fields are described on the manual page for the standard format Item (new).

List of recommended data field mappings

2.1.4. Optional: Exporting specific items

Add filters to only export specific items. You can find the filters in the side navigation of the Data » Catalogues » [Open catalogue] » Filters menu.

For catalogues with marketplace formats, both template filters and user-defined filters are available. Template filters are applied automatically and cannot be deselected. User-defined filters can be set as needed to only export specific items.

Adding a filter:

  1. Go to Data » Catalogues.
    → The catalogue overview opens.

  2. Select the catalogue.
    → The overview opens.

  3. On the left in the side navigation, click on the Filters (filter_alt) tab.
    → The filter overview opens.

  4. Select a filter from the Select filter drop-down list.

  5. Click on Add filter (add) on the right.
    → The filter is added.
    → Depending on the filter, either a drop-down list or an input field is displayed.

  6. Select a value from the drop-down list.
    Or: Enter the desired value in the field of the filter you added.

  7. Save (save) the settings.
    → The filter is saved.

  8. Add additional filters as necessary.
    → Only records that meet all filter criteria is exported.
    Tip: The number next to the word Filter shows how many filters you have set. The template filters are not included in this number.

Available catalogue filters

For billiger.de, the filters explained in Table 1 are available.

Table 1. Available catalogue filters
User-defined filters

Has a SKU

Add the filter and select the Account ID, Order referrer and Status.
Only variations for which an SKU was saved in the SKU section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Availability menu are exported.

Item IDs

Enter one or more item IDs. Separate multiple IDs using commas. Only variations with these item IDs are exported.

Variation is active

Add the filter and select Active or Inactive.

  • Active = Only variations which are activated in the Availability section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Settings menu are exported.

  • Inactive = Only inactive variations are exported.

Visible for at least one market

Add the filter and select one or multiple markets.
Only variations for which one of the selected markets was added in the Markets section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Availability menu are exported.

Has tags

Add the filter and select one or multiple tags.
Only variations which are linked to all selected tags in the Tags section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Settings menu are exported.

Linked to at least one property selection value

Add the filter and enter one or multiple values of a selection property.
Note: Enter the IDs of the selection values.
Only variations which are linked to at least one of the selected properties in the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Properties menu are exported.

At least one availability

Add the filter and select one or multiple availabilities.
Only variations which are activated for the selected availabilities in the Availability section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Settings menu are exported.

Has flag 1

Add the filter and select one or multiple flags.
Only variations of items which have the selected flags are exported.

Has flag 2

Add the filter and select one or multiple flags.
Only variations of items which have the selected flags are exported.

Item created at

Add the filter, select a value and enter a date or time span if needed.

  • Today = Only items which were created today are exported.

  • Last = Enter a number to only export items which were created during the last days.

  • Time period = Enter a time span to only export items which were created during this time span.

  • = = Enter a date to only export items which were created on this day.

  • != = Enter a date to only export items which were not created on this day.

  • > = Enter a date to only export items which were created after this day.

  • >= = Enter a date to only export items which were created on and after this day.

  • < = Enter a date to only export items which were created before this day.

  • ⇐ = Enter a date to only export items which were created before and on this day.

Item updated at

Add the filter, select a value and enter a date or time span if needed.

  • Today = Only items which were updated today are exported.

  • Last = Enter a number to only export items which were updated during the last days.

  • Time period = Enter a time span to only export items which were updated during this time span.

  • = = Enter a date to only export items which were updated on this day.

  • != = Enter a date to only export items which were not updated on this day.

  • > = Enter a date to only export items which were updated after this day.

  • >= = Enter a date to only export items which were updated on and after this day.

  • < = Enter a date to only export items which were updated before this day.

  • ⇐ = Enter a date to only export items which were updated before and on this day.

Variation created at

Add the filter, select a value and enter a date or time span if needed.

  • Today = Only variations which were created today are exported.

  • Last = Enter a number to only export variations which were created during the last days.

  • Time period = Enter a time span to only export variations which were created during this time span.

  • = = Enter a date to only export variations which were created on this day.

  • != = Enter a date to only export variations which were not created on this day.

  • > = Enter a date to only export variations which were created after this day.

  • >= = Enter a date to only export variations which were created on and after this day.

  • < = Enter a date to only export variations which were created before this day.

  • ⇐ = Enter a date to only export variations which were created before and on this day.

Variation updated at

Add the filter, select a value and enter a date or time span if needed.

  • Today = Only variations which were updated today are exported.

  • Last = Enter a number to only export variations which were updated during the last days.

  • Time period = Enter a time span to only export variations which were updated during this time span.

  • = = Enter a date to only export variations which were updated on this day.

  • != = Enter a date to only export variations which were not updated on this day.

  • > = Enter a date to only export variations which were updated after this day.

  • >= = Enter a date to only export variations which were updated on and after this day.

  • < = Enter a date to only export variations which were updated before this day.

  • ⇐ = Enter a date to only export variations which were updated before and on this day.

Belongs to at least one Amazon product category

Add the filter and select one or multiple Amazon product categories.
Only variations which are mapped with the selected Amazon product categories in the Amazon section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » Tab: Multi-Channel menu are exported.

Item type

Add the filter and select Default, Set, or Multi-Pack.
Only variations of items with the selected item type are exported.

Variation is main variation

  • Is main variation = Only main variations are exported.

  • Is not main variation = Only variations which are no main variations are exported.

Variation has an image

  • Has an image = Only variations with images are exported.

  • Does not have an image = Only variations without images are exported.

Variation is in categories

Add the filter and select one or multiple categories. Note: Enter the category IDs.
Only variations which are linked to all selected categories in the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Categories menu are exported.

Variation is in one of these categories

Add the filter and select one or multiple categories. Note: Enter the category IDs.
Only variations which are linked to one or more of the selected categories in the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Categories menu are exported.

Item has manufacturers

Add the filter and select one or multiple manufacturers.
Only variations of items which have one of the selected manufacturers saved in the Basic settings section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » Tab: Global menu are exported.

Visible for markets

Add the filter and select one or multiple markets.
Only variations for which all of the selected markets were added in the Markets section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Availability menu are exported.

Bundle type

Add the filter and select the bundle type.

  • Not part of a bundle = Only variations of items which are neither the main variation nor part of a bundle are exported.

  • Bundle = Only items which are the main variation of a bundle are exported.

  • Part of a bundle = Only items which are part of a bundle are exported.

Visible for a client

Add the filter and select one or multiple clients.
Only variations which are visible for one or more of the selected clients are exported.

Visible for clients

Add the filter and select one or multiple clients.
Only variations which are visible for all of the selected clients are exported.

Linked to property selection values

Add the filter and enter one or multiple values of a selection property.
Note: Enter the IDs of the selection values.
Only variations which are linked to all of the selected properties in the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Properties menu are exported.

Has at least one tag

Add the filter and select one or multiple tags.
Only variations which are linked to at least one of the selected tags in the Tags section of the Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Variation tab: Settings menu are exported.

Variation has child variations

  • Has child variations = Only items with multiple variations are exported.

  • Does not have child variations = Only variations which do not have any variations except for the main variation are exported.

2.1.5. Setting up catalogue export

Setting up catalogue export:

  1. Go to Data » Catalogues.
    → The catalogue overview opens.

  2. Click on the catalogue for billiger.de.
    → The catalogue opens.

  3. In the navigation on the left, open the tab Settings (settings).

  4. Carry out the settings described in Table 2.

  5. Save the settings.

Table 2. Setting up catalogue export
Setting Explanation

Basic settings

Catalogue name;
Template type;
Export type;
Template Name

These settings are saved automatically when you create the catalogue.

Format settings

File name

Enter a name for the file.

Format

Select the option CSV or the option TXT.

Field separator

Select the option expected by billiger.de.

Text delimiter

Select the option expected by billiger.de.

Line break

Select the option expected by billiger.de.

Header is included

This setting is not required for price search engines.

Decimal separator

Select the option expected by billiger.de.

Export settings

Limit

Enter a number in order to determine a maximum number of lines for the export.

Provisioning

This setting is not required for price search engines.

Transfer

For market exports and price search engines, select the interval Every 20 minutes. This is to ensure that the export is always up-to-date.

Download settings

Shop URL

Select the client to be used for creating the URL.

Receive notifications

This setting is not required for price search engines.

Options for admin link

Use hash

If you activate this option, the public link is updated every time you make changes to the catalogue. As such, you need to save the new URL in the billiger.de back end.

Options for public link

Activate options

Activate the option to generate a public link.

Use hash

If you activate this option, the public link is updated every time you make changes to the catalogue. As such, you need to save the new URL in the billiger.de back end.

Use token

Activate the option to add a token to the download URL. The file is then only accessible if the token is known.

Security token

Click on the symbol on the right () to generate a new token.
Tip: The token is added to the URL of the public link. When you save the public link in the billiger.de back end, you also save the token. If you generate a new token, you need to save the new URL in the billiger.de back end.

2.1.6. Activating the catalogue

You have set up billiger.de in PlentyONE and created a catalogue for exporting your item data? Then start the export of your item data. To do so, activate the catalogues which should be exported to billiger.de in the Data » Catalogues menu.

Activating the catalogue export to billiger.de:

  1. Go to Data » Catalogues.
    → The catalogues are listed.

  2. Scroll to the billiger.de catalogue.

  3. In the Active column, move the toggle button to the right ().
    → The catalogue is active.
    Tip: Go to Data » Catalogue export status for information about the status of the export.

2.1.7. Exporting catalogue data to billiger.de

billiger.de retrieves item data via an URL. The data that is available with the URL is updated every 24 hours.

Copying URL for download:

  1. Go to Data » Catalogues.
    → The catalogue overview opens.

  2. Click on the catalogue for billiger.de.
    → The catalogue opens.

  3. In the navigation on the left, open the tab Settings (settings).

  4. Click on the area Download settings.
    → The settings for generating the URL are displayed.

  5. Next to the option Public link, click on the symbol to the right (content_copy).
    → The URL is copied to the clipboard.

  6. Save the URL in the billiger.de back end.

2.2. Alternative 2: Item export with the Elastic Export (old method)

No new features are planned for the Elastic Export and the export formats. As such, we recommend that you create catalogues instead.

2.2.1. Downloading and installing the plugins

To export item data to billiger.de using the Elastic Export, you need the following plugins:

You can download the plugins in the plentyMarketplace.

Elastic Export: Adding and installing the plugin

Adding plugin to the system:

  1. Go to Plugins » plentyMarketplace.
    → The marketplace opens in a new tab.

  2. Navigate to the plugin Elastic Export.
    Tip: Either use the search function or open the category Plugins » Sales » Marketplaces.

  3. Open the detail view of the plugin.

  4. In the column to the right, click on Go to checkout.
    → The Checkout window opens.

  5. Read and accept the General Terms and Conditions.

  6. Click on Order now.
    → Wait a few minutes before installing the plugin.

Installing plugins:

  1. Go to Plugins » Plugin set overview.

  2. Click on the plugin set in which you want to install the plugin.
    → The plugin set opens.

  3. Click on Add plugin.

  4. Select Elastic Export from the plugin list.

  5. Click on Install.
    → The plugin is installed.
    → The plugin set is shown.

  6. Switch the plugin to active ().

  7. Save () the plugin set.
    Tip: Problems saving the plugin set? Click on Open details to show additional information.

billiger.de: Adding and installing the plugin

Adding plugin to the system:

  1. Go to Plugins » plentyMarketplace.
    → The marketplace opens in a new tab.

  2. Navigate to the plugin billiger.de.
    Tip: Either use the search function or open the category Plugins » Sales » Marketplaces.

  3. Open the detail view of the plugin.

  4. In the column to the right, click on Go to checkout.
    → The Checkout window opens.

  5. Read and accept the General Terms and Conditions.

  6. Click on Order now.
    → Wait a few minutes before installing the plugin.

Installing plugins:

  1. Go to Plugins » Plugin set overview.

  2. Click on the plugin set in which you want to install the plugin.
    → The plugin set opens.

  3. Click on Add plugin.

  4. Select billiger.de from the plugin list.

  5. Click on Install.
    → The plugin is installed.
    → The plugin set is shown.

  6. Switch the plugin to active ().

  7. Save () the plugin set.
    Tip: Problems saving the plugin set? Click on Open details to show additional information.

2.2.2. Setting up the data format BilligerDE-Plugin in PlentyONE

By installing this plugin you will receive the export format BilligerDE-Plugin. Use this format to exchange data between PlentyONE and billiger.de using the elastic export. You need to install the plugin Elastic export from the plentyMarketplace before you can use the format in PlentyONE.

Once both plugins are installed in your PlentyONE system, you can create the export format BilligerDE-Plugin. For more information on export formats, see the elastic export page.

billiger.de retrieves item data via an URL. To make sure that your item data can be exported to billiger.de, you have to save the URL at billiger.de.

Creating an export format:

  1. Go to Data » Elastic export.

  2. Click on New export.
    → The New export tab opens.

  3. Carry out the desired settings. Pay attention to the explanations given in Table 3.
    Note: There are no item filters set by default. If you do not add any item filters, all items are exported.

  4. Save () the settings.
    → The export format BilligerDE-Plugin is given an ID.
    → The export format is shown in the Exports overview.

  5. Save the URL displayed in the URL field at billiger.de.

Table 3 lists details for settings, format settings and recommended item filters for the format BilligerDE-Plugin.

Table 3. Format settings and recommended item filters for the format BilligerDE-Plugin
Setting Explanation

Settings

Name

Enter a name for the export. This is an internal name, i.e. it is not visible to customers. The export format is listed under this name in the overview.

Type

Select the type item from the drop-down list.

Format

Select BilligerDE-Plugin.

Limit

Enter a number. This number determines how many items are exported at maximum.

Note: Do you want to transmit more than 9999 items?

  • Then the output file will only be generated every 24 hours. This is to save resources.

  • Then also select the option Generate cache file further below.

Generate cache file

Select this option () if you want to transmit more than 9999 items.
Note: We recommend that you do not activate this option for more than 20 export formats. This is to ensure a high performance of the elastic export.

Provisioning

Select URL. This option allows external access to the file. Third parties access the file with a URL and an authentication token.

Additional settings:

  1. Click on Generate token ().
    The token and URL will be entered automatically.

File name

The file name must have the ending .csv for billiger.de to be able to import the file successfully.

Item filters

Add item filters

Select the items you wish to export. To do so, select one or more item filters from the drop-down list and click on Add. There are no filters set by default. You can add all item filters listed below from the drop-down list.

  • Variations = Select the variations to be transferred.

    • Transfer all = All variations are transferred.

    • Only transfer main variations = Only main variations are transferred.

    • Do not transfer main variations = Only the item’s sub-variations are transferred. Main variations are not transferred.
      Tip: Use this filter option if the main variations are virtual and not for sale.

    • Only transfer single variations = Only those main variations of items are transferred that only have a main variation and no other variations.

  • Markets = Select one or more order referrers. The selected order referrer has to be active at the variation for the item to be exported.

  • Currency = Select a currency.

  • Category = Activate to transfer the item with its category link. Only items belonging to this category are exported.

  • Image = Activate to transfer the item with its image. Only items with images are transferred.

  • Client = Select a client.

  • Stock = Select which stocks should be exported.

  • Flag 1-2 = Select a flag.

  • Manufacturer = Select one, several or ALL manufacturers.

  • Active = Activate if you only want to export active variations.

Format settings

Product URL

Choose the URL that you wish to transfer to the interface. You can choose between the item’s URL and the variation’s URL.

Client

Select a client. This setting is used for the URL structure.

URL parameter

Enter a suffix for the product URL if this is required for the export.
→ This character string is added to the product URL if you have activated the transfer option for the product URL further up.

Order referrer

Select the order referrer that should be assigned during the order import from the drop-down list.
→ The selected referrer is added to the product URL so that sales can be analysed later.

Marketplace account

Select the marketplace account from the drop-down list.

Language

Select the language from the drop-down list.

Item name

Select Name 1, Name 2 or Name 3. The names are saved in the Texts tab of the item. Enter a number into the Maximum number of characters (def. text) field if desired. This specifies how many characters are exported for the item name.

Preview text

Select the text that you want to transfer as preview text. Enter a number into the Maximum number of characters (def. text) field if desired. This specifies how many characters are exported for the preview text.
Activate the Remove HTML tags option if you want HTML tags to be removed during the export.
If you only want to allow specific HTML tags to be exported, then enter these tags into the * Permitted HTML tags, separated by comma (def. text)* field. Use commas to separate multiple tags.

Description

Select the text that you want to transfer as description. Enter a number into the Maximum number of characters (def. text) field if desired. This specifies how many characters are exported for the description. Activate the option Remove HTML tags if you want HTML tags to be removed during the export. If you only want to allow specific HTML tags to be exported, then enter these tags into the field * Permitted HTML tags, separated by comma (def. text)* field. Use commas to separate multiple tags.

Target country

Select the target country from the drop-down list.

Barcode

Select the ASIN, ISBN or a GTIN from the drop-down list.
Note: The barcode has to be linked to the order referrer selected above. Otherwise, the barcode will not be exported.

Image

Select First image.

Image position of the energy label

Enter the position of the energy label. Every image that should be transferred as an energy label has to have this position.

Stock buffer

The stock buffer for variations with limitation to the net stock.

Stock for variations without stock limitation

The stock for variations without stock limitation.

Stock for variations with no stock administration

The stock for variations without stock administration.

Live currency conversion

Activate this option to convert the price into the currency of the selected country of delivery. The price has to be released for the corresponding currency.

Sales price

Select gross price or net price from the drop-down list.

Offer price

This option does not affect this format.

RRP

Activate to transfer the RRP.

Shipping costs

Activate this option if you want to use the shipping costs that are saved in a configuration. If this option is activated, then you are able to select the configuration and the payment method from the drop-down lists. Activate the option Transfer flat rate shipping charge if you want to use a flat rate shipping charge. If this option is activated, a value has to be entered in the line underneath.

VAT note

This option does not affect this format.

Item availability

Activate the overwrite option and enter item availabilities into the fields 1 to 10. The fields represent the IDs of the availabilities. This overwrites the item availabilities that are saved in the Setup » Item » Availability menu.

2.2.3. Available columns for the export file

Open the export format BilligerDE-Plugin in the Data » Elastic export menu to download and edit the export file.

Downloading the export file:

  1. Go to Data » Elastic export.

  2. In the line of the format BilligerDE-Plugin, click on Download ().
    → The file is downloaded and saved on your computer.

  3. Open the export file with an appropriate program.

Available columns of the export file for the export format BilligerDE-Plugin
Table 4. Available columns for the export format
Column header Explanation

aid

Required
The SKU based on the variation ID, if no SKU was configured before.

brand

Required
The name of the manufacturer of the item. The external name saved in the Setup » Item » Manufacturers menu is preferred if existing.

mpnr

Required
The model of the variation.

ean

Required
According to the format setting Barcode.

name

Required
According to the format setting Item name.

desc

Required
According to the format setting Description.

shop_cat

Required
Category path of the standard category for the Client configured in the format settings.

price

Required
The sales price of the variation.

ppu

Required
The base price of the variation.

link

Required
The product URL of the variation.

images

Required
First image of the variation.

dlv_time

Required
According to the format setting Item availability.

dlv_cost

Required
According to the format setting Shipping costs.

pzn

Required
The value of the characteristic pzn.

promo_text

The value of the characteristic promo_text.

voucher_text

The value of the characteristic voucher_text.

eec

The value of the characteristic eec.

light_socket

The value of the characteristic light_socket.

wet_grip

The value of the characteristic wet_grip.

fuel

The value of the characteristic fuel.

rolling_noise

The value of the characteristic rolling_noise.

hsn_tsn

The value of the characteristic hsn_tsn.

dia

The value of the characteristic dia.

bc

The value of the characteristic bc.

sph_pwr

The value of the characteristic sph_pwr.

cyl

The value of the characteristic cyl.

axis

The value of the characteristic axis.

size

The value of the characteristic size.

color

The value of the characteristic color.

gender

The value of the characteristic gender.

material

The value of the characteristic material.

class

The value of the characteristic class.

features

The value of the characteristic features.

style

The value of the characteristic style.

old_price

The price of the variation compared to the specified RRP. The higher price will be preferred.

images

Further images of the variation (separated by comma).

own_brand

yes if no ean was found, otherwise no.

delivery_sop

The value of the characteristic delivery_sop. The name of the characteristic in the PlentyONE back end is Available for sale, under SOP (Solute Order Platform).

stock_quantity

Limitation: 0 to 9999
Content: The net stock of the variation. If a variation is not limited to its net stock, the stock is set to 999.

2.3. Alternative 3: Changing from elastic export to catalogue

Do you already export item data to billiger.de with the elastic export and want to change to the catalogue export? To do so, create a catalogue as described in the chapter Catalogue export.

Exactly recreate elastic export

To make sure that the item export still works after you switched from the elastic export to the catalogue, you need to exactly recreate your elastic export in the catalogue. That means that you need to map the same data fields in the export that are currently exported to the price search engine with the elastic export. If you map different data fields than in the elastic export, new items my be created during the export.

To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend the following steps:

  1. Check which characteristics you currently use for billiger.de. Characteristics and free text fields cannot be used for the catalogue export. So create properties for all characteristics that you still need.
    Important: The values of the new properties must be identical to the values of the old characteristics. Otherwise, new items may be created during the export to billiger.de.

  2. Create a catalogue for billiger.de. (How?)

  3. Map the same PlentyONE data fields to the billiger.de marketplace data fields that are currently exported to billiger.de with the elastic export. (How?)
    Tip: Table 5 shows which columns in the elastic export are the equivalent marketplace data fields in the catalogue.

  4. Did you filter item data in the elastic export? If so, use the same filters in the catalogue. (How?)

  5. Carry out the export settings. This allows you to create a URL for billiger.de. (How?)

  6. Activate the catalogue (How?)

  7. Save the URL of the catalogue at billiger.de. (How?)

Table 5 shows which columns in the elastic export are the equivalent marketplace data fields in the catalogue.

Table 5. Columns and data fields
Column in elastic export Marketplace data field in catalogue

aid

External product ID

brand

Manufacturer

mpnr

Model

ean

GTIN

name

Item name

desc

Description

shop_cat

Category

price

Sales price

ppu

Unit price

link

Product URL

images

Image of the variation

dlv_time

Item availability

dlv_cost

Shipping costs

pzn

PZN (Pharmazentralnummer/pharmaceutical central number)

promo_text

Promotional text

voucher_text

Voucher text

eec

Appliances: energy efficiency class

light_socket

Lighting: light socket

wet_grip

Tyres: wet grip class

fuel

Tyres: fuel

rolling_noise

Tyres: rolling noise

hsn_tsn

Car components: SHN/TSN (manufacturer key no./type key no.)

dia

Contact lenses: diameter

bc

Contact lenses: base lens curvature

sph_pwr

Contact lenses: SPH/PWR values

cyl

Contact lenses: cylinder value

axis

Contact lenses: axis value

size

Size

color

Colour

gender

Gender

material

Material

class

Type

features

Features

style

Style

old_price

RRP

own_brand

Private label

delivery_sop

Available for sale with SOP

stock_quantity

Net stock