Setting up idealo

On this page, you will find information about the settings you need to carry out in order to set up the price comparison portal idealo in PlentyONE. Learn how to set up the interface, how to export items to idealo and how to define sales prices.

1. About idealo

idealo started business in 2000 with the vision of helping users to make the right choices when buying products online and, now counting 50,000 sellers and 18 million users per month, has become one of Germany’s most important e-commerce websites.

2. Registering with idealo

In order to set up idealo in your PlentyONE system, you have to register as an idealo seller first.

3. Select a method for item data export

Inform idealo about how item data should be transferred before setting up idealo in PlentyONE (creating, updating, and deleting items on idealo). You can either transfer item data to idealo with the automatic item export via an API (PWS 2.0 interface), with a CSV file using the elastic export, or via catalogue export. Table 1 shows the most important differences between these two methods of exporting item data. How to set up the different methods of data transfer in PlentyONE is described in the chapter Setting up the item export.

Table 1. idealo data transfer
Item data export via API (PWS 2.0) Item data export via elastic export Item export via catalogue

Item data export via interface

Item data export via CSV file

Item data export via catalogue

Unlimited number of items can be transferred

To transfer more than 9999 items to idealo, the option Generate cache file must be activated in the Elastic Export settings. If the option Generate cache file is activated, the output file will only be generated every 24 hours. This is to save resources.
Note: We recommend that you do not activate the option Generate cache file for more than 20 export formats. This is to ensure a high performance of the elastic export.

Unlimited number of items can be transferred

Items are created once a day

Retrieval of item data via URL that is saved at idealo

Items are created once a day

Price updates every 15 minutes

Time interval for retrieval of item data is defined by idealo

Price updates every 15 minutes

Stock updates every 15 minutes

Time interval for retrieval of item data is defined by idealo

Stock is not updated in the catalogue.

Orders are imported to the selected client

Orders are always imported to the default client

Orders are imported to the selected client

3.1. Changing item data when using the item export via API

If you use the item export via API to transfer item data to idealo, new offers will be created on idealo if there is no offer for this item on idealo yet - for example, if you transfer an item to idealo for the first time or if an item is in stock again after its stock was 0.

Afterwards, items will only be updated on idealo if the price or stock of an item changes. In this case, the following data will be updated on idealo:

  • SKU

  • Price

  • Stock

  • Delivery time

Note: All other changes to item data will not be automatically transferred to idealo. Thus, if item texts, shipping costs etc. are changed, it is currently not possible to automatically transfer those changes to idealo.

→ In this case, contact our support team in the PlentyONE forum. Our support will help you export the item data to idealo.

Note: This does not apply to the catalogue export. If you use the catalogue export to transfer item data to idealo, then all changes in item data will automatically be transferred.

4. Installing the necessary plugins

To use idealo in PlentyONE. you need the following plugins:

  • idealo

  • Elastic Export
    Note: You also need the Elastic Export plugin if you export your item data to idealo via the interface PWS 2.0.

idealo: 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 idealo.
    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 idealo 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.

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.

5. Completing the idealo assistant

Use the assistant Base settings - idealo in the Setup » Assistants » Plugins » [Open client] menu to quickly and conveniently set up idealo in PlentyONE. Moreover, you set up the data transfer to OTTO Market. Keep the API access data at hand that you received from idealo.

Carrying out settings in the assistant:

  1. Go to Setup » Assistants » Plugins » [Open client].

  2. Click on the assistant idealo Basic settings.

  3. Follow the instructions on the screen. If you need additional information about one of the options, expand the info boxes below this description ().

  4. In the Summary step, check your settings to make sure they are correct.
    Tip: In the Summary step, click on the arrow () to show the settings.
    Tip: You can run through the assistant again at any time to update settings.

Important: To automatically extract item data from the catalogue via API (PWS 2.0), make sure that:

  • you activate the checkbox Export items via interface in the idealo assistant,

  • and have activated the idealo catalogue.

Only then the data will be automatically transferred to idealo.

Step Basic settings
Setting Explanation

Enter the shop ID of the idealo shop that you would like to set up the user account for.

Enter the shop ID of your idealo store. Go to the idealo Business Portal to find the shop ID.

Select the platform that your idealo shop is set up for.

Select the platform from the drop-down list.

Select the client that should be used to export your items to idealo and to import your orders into plentymarkets.

From the drop-down list Client, select a client.
Step Automatic data transfer
Setting Explanation

Would you like to export your items to idealo via interface (Partner Web Service 2.0)?

Items can be exported to idealo via interface or via CSV file with the elastic export. Check with idealo how item data should be transferred before the setup in PlentyONE. Via interface, prices and stock will be transferred every fifteen minutes. The interval of data transfer with CSV export is defined by idealo.

Would you like to export your stock and prices?

Export stock and prices activated = Prices and stock are updated every 15 minutes.
Step Access data
Setting Explanation

Enter the access data of your Partner Web Service 2.0 API client.

You need the API client access data so that PlentyONE can connect to your idealo account. This activates the exchange of item data. Generate the access data in the idealo Business Portal.
Step Item data
Setting Explanation

Select the item name that should be transferred to idealo.

Select Name 1, Name 2 or Name 3 from the drop-down list. This item name is transferred.
Tip: Item names are entered in the tab Texts of the item.

Select the item description that should be transferred to idealo.

Select Item description, Preview text, Technical data or Item description and technical data from the drop-down list. This item description is transferred to idealo.

Select the URL that should be transferred to idealo.

The URL is required so that customers can be redirected from the price search engine to your plentyShop. Variation URLs can only be transferred if you use the plentyShop LTS. Item URL Variation URL

Which price would you like to transfer to idealo as minimum price?

The minimum price was used as part of the price range feature for idealo Checkout. As idealo Checkout was discontinued on 31 December 2022, the function for transferring a minimum price is no longer relevant.

  • Do not use minimum price = The price range feature is deactivated.
Step Attributes
Setting Explanation

Select the attributes that you have created in PlentyONE to specify colours for your items.

Activate the attributes that you use to create variations based on colour.

Select the attributes that you have created in PlentyONE to specify sizes for your items.

Activate the attributes that you use to create variations based on size.

What PlentyONE property do you use for the idealo energy efficiency attribute "Energy efficiency class"?
(plugin versions 3.3.5 and higher)

This property is used to export the energy efficiency class of products that need to be labelled.

Allowed values:

  • New energy efficiency scale (from 1st of March 2021):

    • A, B, C, D, E, F, G
      Example: C

  • Old energy efficiency scale (up to 28th of February 2021):

    • A+++, A++, A+, A, B, C, D, E, F, G
      Example: A+++

Note: You specify the energy efficiency scale used with the idealo attribute Version.

Create new property

Creates a property of the type Character string and links this property with the idealo attribute. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.
Tip: The property is saved in the property group idealo.

Link existing property

Select a property from the drop-down list. You can link a property of the types Character string or Selection. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.

Tip: Learn how to link properties to variations in the Linking properties and saving a value chapter.

What PlentyONE property do you use for the idealo energy efficiency attribute "Spectrum"?
(plugin versions 3.3.5 and higher)

This property is used to export the spectrum of available energy efficiency classes of products that need to be labelled. Use a minus sign to specify a range.

Allowed values:

  • New energy efficiency scale (from 1st of March 2021):

    • A, B, C, D, E, F, G
      Example: A-G

  • Old energy efficiency scale (up to 28th of February 2021):

    • A+++, A++, A+, A, B, C, D, E, F, G
      Example: A+++-G

Background: The spectrum depends on the device type. For example, a spectrum of A to D is used for household washing machines. However, for household refrigerating appliances, the spectrum range is A to G.

Create new property

Creates a property of the type Character string and links this property with the idealo attribute. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.
Tip: The property is saved in the property group idealo.

Link existing property

Select a property from the drop-down list. You can link a property of the types Character string or Selection. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.

Tip: Learn how to link properties to variations in the Linking properties and saving a value chapter.

What PlentyONE property do you use for the idealo energy efficiency attribute "Link to label"?
(plugin versions 3.3.5 and higher)

This property is used to export links to image files that contain the energy efficiency labels of products that need to be labelled.
Example: http://www.link.to/label.jpg
Important: Make sure that the image’s resolution is high enough to allow customers to scan the label’s QR code.

Create new property

Creates a property of the type File and links this property with the idealo attribute. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.
Tip: The property is saved in the property group idealo.

Link existing property

From the drop-down list, select a property of the type File. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.

Tip: Learn how to link properties to variations in the Linking properties and saving a value chapter.

What PlentyONE property do you use for the idealo energy efficiency attribute "Link to data sheet"?
(plugin versions 3.3.5 and higher)

This property is used to export links to PDF files that contain the EEK data sheets of products that need to be labelled.
Example: http://www.example.com/datasheet.pdf

Create new property

Creates a property of the type File and links this property with the idealo attribute. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.
Tip: The property is saved in the property group idealo.

Link existing property

From the drop-down list, select a property of the type File. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.

Tip: Learn how to link properties to variations in the Linking properties and saving a value chapter.

What PlentyONE property do you use for the idealo energy efficiency attribute "Version"?
(plugin versions 3.3.5 and higher)

This property is used to specify if the data that you export with the other idealo attributes is based on the old or the new energy efficiency scale.

Allowed values:

  • 0 = Old energy efficiency scale (up to 28th of February 2021)

  • 1 = New energy efficiency scale (from 1st of March 2021)

Create new property

Creates a property of the type Whole number and links this property with the idealo attribute. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.
Tip: The property is saved in the property group idealo.

Link existing property

Select a property from the drop-down list. You can link a property of the types Character string, Whole number, Decimal number, or Selection. When you link this property to a variation and save a value, this value is exported to idealo.

Tip: Learn how to link properties to variations in the Linking properties and saving a value chapter.
Step Payment methods
Setting Explanation

idealo payment methods

Activate the payment methods that you want to offer for idealo orders.
Step Shipping methods
Setting Explanation

Link PlentyONE shipping service provider DHL with:

For each of your shipping profiles, select an idealo shipping method from the drop-down list.
Tip: If no shipping profiles are displayed, then you have not set up any shipping profiles for the referrer idealo and the target shipping country in PlentyONE yet. You can create shipping profiles with the assistant Shipping settings.
Step Activate user account
Setting Explanation

Would you like to activate your idealo user account now?

check_box_outline_blank = The settings are saved but the data exchange with idealo is not started.
check_box = Data exchange with idealo is started once the assistant is completed.
Recommendation: Only activate the user account after you have checked all settings and are ready to start the data exchange with idealo.

Would you like to copy existing SKUs from the old idealo interface to your new user account?

Activate the option Copy existing SKUs if you already sell on idealo. This prevents duplicate items on idealo.
Note: Do not activate this option if you have just started selling on idealo. In this case, SKUs are newly generated based on variation IDs.

6. Activating the order referrer

Go to Setup » Orders » Order referrer to activate the order referrer. This ensures that orders are assigned to the correct sales channel.

What is an order referrer?

An order referrer tags an order with the sales channel on which the order was generated. Sales channels can be e.g. your online shop or markets on which you sell your items. Each sales channel has an individual order referrer. Some order referrers are available by default in your PlentyONE system. Further order referrers are added e.g. if you install a new plugin. For further information about the order referrer, see the page Order referrer of the PlentyONE manual.

Activating the order referrer for idealo price comparison:

  1. Go to Setup » Orders » Order referrer.

  2. Click Search (search).

  3. In the list, navigate to the option idealo with the ID 121.

  4. On the right of the referrer’s line, click on Edit (edit).
    → The window Edit referrer opens.

  5. Activate the option Visible in selection (toggle_on).

  6. Click on Save (save).
    → The referrer is active.

7. Setting the variation availability

You need to activate the variations that you want to sell on idealo. This is done in the Availability and visibility section of a variation within the Item » Items » [Open item] » [Open variation] menu.

  • For one variation

  • Using variation group function

  • Using batch processing

Making a variation available for idealo:

  1. Go to Item » Items » [Open item] » [Open variation].
    Tip: To sell all variations of an item on idealo, carry out the settings for the item’s main variation. If the inheritance function is active for the variations, then this activates the availability of all variations of the item.

  2. In the Availability and visibility section, activate the option Active.

  3. In the Sales channels section, click Add sales channels (add).
    → The window Add sales channels opens.

  4. In the drop-down list Sales channels, select the option idealo.

  5. Select WEB API.
    Note: If you export your items to idealo via catalogue export, then you do not have to add WEB API.

  6. Click Apply.
    → The sales channel is added.

  7. Save () the settings.
    → The variation is available for idealo.

Use the variation group function to edit multiple variations at once. You select the variations that you want to edit.

Making several variations available for idealo using the variation group function:

  1. Go to Item » Items.

  2. Set search filters as needed and start the search.

  3. Select () the variations to be edited.

  4. In the toolbar, click on layers » layers Variation group function.
    → The Variation group function window opens.

  5. Select the action Sales channels from the drop-down list Actions.
    → The action is added to the lower part of the window.

  6. In the drop-down list Sales channels, select the option idealo.

  7. Select WEB API.
    Note: If you export your items to idealo via catalogue export, then you do not have to add WEB API.

  8. Select the action Active from the drop-down list Actions.
    → The action is added to the lower part of the window.

  9. Activate the option Active.

  10. Navigate to the area Availability.

  11. Click Execute to apply the settings.

Batch processing allows you to edit several variations at once. You use filters to limit which variations are edited.

Making several variations available for idealo using batch processing:

  1. Go to Item » Batch processing.

  2. Click on the tab Variations in the upper left corner.

  3. Use the filters on the left to specify which variations should be processed.

  4. Navigate to the area Market availability.

  5. Activate the checkbox to the left of the option idealo.

  6. Activate the checkbox to the right of the option idealo.

  7. Activate the checkbox to the left of the option Web API.

  8. Activate the checkbox to the right of the option Web API.
    Note: If you export your items to idealo using the catalogue export, then you do not need to activate the option Web API.

  9. Navigate to the area Availability.

  10. Activate the checkbox to the left of the option Active.

  11. Activate the checkbox to the right of the option Active.

  12. Click on Apply to apply the settings to the variations.

8. Defining a sales price

Proceed as described below to define a sales price for the order referrer idealo. This price is displayed on idealo.

To sell variations on idealo price comparison, you need a sales price in which the order referrer idealo price comparison is activated. The price that you save for this sales price is the price that will be shown on idealo price comparison.

What is a sales price?

Sales prices define the conditions under which a variation is sold at a specific price and on a specific sales channel. For example, you can sell your items at a lower price in your webshop than on Amazon. Or you can sell products cheaper to B2B customers than to B2C customers.

Two default sales prices are already configured in your PlentyONE system. However, you can also create new sales prices and edit them individually. In addition to default sales prices, you can also create RRPs, special offers, and set prices.

Defining a sales price for idealo price comparison:

  1. Go to Setup » Item » Sales prices » [Open sales price].
    Tip: No sales prices? Then create a sales price first.

  2. Open the Settings tab.

  3. Activate the referrer idealo.

  4. Save () the settings.

Minimum price

If you want to use a minimum price for the "price range" feature for idealo, then you have to define at least two sales prices for idealo: a minimum price and a standard sales price. The minimum price must have the price type Special offer.
Which price should be transferred to idealo as minimum price is defined with the setting Which price would you like to transfer to idealo as minimum price? in the Item data step of the idealo assistant.
The "price range" feature must also be activated at idealo.

9. Optional: Saving SKU

SKU are generated automatically when your variations are exported. However, you can also save market specific SKU for variations that you want to sell on this market instead.

  • Manually adding an SKU

  • Importing SKU

  1. Go to Item » Items » [Open item] » [Open variation].

  2. Expand the SKU section (keyboard_arrow_down).

  3. Click Add SKU (add).
    → The Add SKU window opens.

  4. Select the referrer idealo from the drop-down list.

  5. Click Apply.

  6. Enter the SKU.

  7. Enter the Parent SKU, if necessary.

  8. Save () the settings.

Only the most important settings for the import are described here. Is this your first time working with the import tool? Then get familiar with how data imports work in PlentyONE first.

  • Create a CSV file with at least the columns described in Table 2.

  • Create an import with the following settings:

    • Select the type Item.

    • Select the matching field Variation ID.

    • Map the PlentyONE data fields as described in Table 2.

Table 2. Recommended columns of the import file
Column in CSV file Explanation PlentyONE data field for mapping

Variation ID

Enter the variation ID in this column.

Variation ID

Marketplace ID

Enter the referrer ID 121 in this column.

SKU > Marketplace ID

Account ID

This market does not require a marketplace account. As such, enter the number 0 in this column.

SKU > Account ID

SKU

Enter the SKU that you want to save for the variation for this market in this column.

SKU > SKU

10. Setting up the item export

Items can be transferred to idealo with the automatic item data export via API (PWS 2.0 interface), via catalogue, or via a CSV file with the elastic export. Depending on how you want to transfer your items to idealo, different settings are required.

Data transfer to idealo

Check with idealo how item data should be transferred before the setup in PlentyONE.

Information about the different types of data transfer is available in Table 3.

Table 3. idealo data transfer
Item data export via API (PWS 2.0) Item data export via elastic export Item export via catalogue

Item data export via interface

Item data export via CSV file

Item data export via catalogue

Unlimited number of items can be transferred

To transfer more than 9999 items to idealo, the option Generate cache file must be activated in the Elastic Export settings. If the option Generate cache file is activated, the output file will only be generated every 24 hours. This is to save resources.
Note: We recommend that you do not activate the option Generate cache file for more than 20 export formats. This is to ensure a high performance of the elastic export.

Unlimited number of items can be transferred

Items are created once a day

Retrieval of item data via URL that is saved at idealo

Items are created once a day

Price updates every 15 minutes

Time interval for retrieval of item data is defined by idealo

Price updates every 15 minutes

Stock updates every 15 minutes

Time interval for retrieval of item data is defined by idealo

Stock is not updated in the catalogue.

Orders are imported to the selected client

Orders are always imported to the default client

Orders are imported to the selected client

10.1. Alternative 1: Item export via API (PWS 2.0 interface)

If you want to transfer your items to idealo via API, go through the idealo Basic settings assistant in the Setup » Assistants » Plugins » [Open client] menu and activate the automatic item data export. Apart from the assistant, no further settings are required to set up the automatic item export in PlentyONE.

If you transfer your items via API, items will be created at idealo once per day. Prices and stock are updated every 15 minutes. Items can also be deleted every 15 minutes.

Important: To automatically extract item data from the catalogue via API (PWS 2.0), make sure that: * you activate the checkbox Export items via interface in the idealo assistant, * and have activated the idealo catalogue.

10.2. Alternative 2: Catalogue export

You can now export item data to idealo using catalogue formats. Go to Data » Catalogues to create catalogues.

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.

10.2.1. Creating a catalogue

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

Catalogue only available from plugin version 3.3.41

In order to be able to create a catalogue for idealo, the idealo plugin version 3.3.41 has to be installed in your PlentyONE system.The idealo catalogue is only available from this version.

Note: You can create one catalogue for every account for idealo.

After you activate the catalogue, the item data is automatically exported to idealo in regular intervals.

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 idealo.

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

  6. In the drop-down list Category, select the option idealo.
    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. Select the idealo account that you want to create a catalogue for.

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

Other catalogue settings

Other catalogue settings are optional. Once you carried out the settings described on this page, your catalogue is automatically exported to idealo. That means you can ignore the catalogue settings for Format settings, Export settings and Download settings.

The Format settings, Export settings, and Download settings allow you to create a file with the variation data contained in the catalogue. However, this file does not contain information about whether the data export to idealo was successful.

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.

10.2.2. Mapping data fields in the catalogue

Now, map the idealo data fields 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 for idealo

10.2.4. 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 idealo, the filters explained in Table 4 are available.

Table 4. 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.

10.2.5. Setting up the catalogue export

Setting up catalogue export:

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

  2. Click on the catalogue for idealo.
    → The catalogue opens.

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

  4. Carry out the settings described in Table 5.

  5. Save the settings.

Table 5. 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 JSON.

Field separator

Select the option expected by idealo.

Text delimiter

Select the option expected by idealo.

Line break

Select the option expected by idealo.

Header is included

This setting is not required for price search engines.

Decimal separator

Select the option expected by idealo.

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 idealo 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 idealo 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 idealo back end, you also save the token. If you generate a new token, you need to save the new URL in the idealo back end.

10.2.6. Activating the catalogue

You have set up idealo 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 idealo in the Data » Catalogues menu.

Activating the catalogue export to idealo:

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

  2. Scroll to the idealo catalogue.

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

Note: As long as you have not activated the catalogue, your items will still be exported via the PWS 2.0 interface (if you activated this method to export item data in the idealo assistant). As soon as the catalogue has been activated, items will be exported via the catalogue.

10.3. Changing from Elastic Export to catalogue export

If you already list your items on idealo and now want to use the catalogue export, you can find a detailed instruction on how to do this here.

10.4. Alternative 3: Item export via elastic export

If you export items via the elastic export, you have to carry out a few settings in the Data » Elastic export menu to set up the export format. In order to use the elastic export, the Elastic Export  plugin must be installed in your PlentyONE system. First create the data format IdealoDE and afterwards transfer the URL to idealo so that idealo will be able to retrieve your item data.

How to set up the elastic export to export your items to idealo is described in the following chapters Setting up the data format IdealoDE plugin in plentymarkets and Available columns for the export file.

10.4.1. Setting up the data format idealo-Plugin in PlentyONE

Settings only for elastic export

The settings described in this chapter only need to be carried out if you transfer your items to idealo with the elastic export.
Check idealo product CSV

Not all of the columns of idealo’s product CSV are available in PlentyONE at present. Check whether you need columns which are not yet available in PlentyONE prior to setting up idealo in PlentyONE. In this case, an integration of idealo is currently not possible.
An overview of the columns which are available in PlentyONE can be found in the Available columns for the export file chapter.

Set up the export format IdealoDE so that your items can be exported to idealo with the elastic export. For further information about the elastic export, refer to the Elastic Export page. It is required to install the Elastic export plugin from the plentyMarketplace first before you can use the format IdealoDE for the elastic export.

Creating a new export format:

  1. Go to Data » Elastic export.

  2. Click on New export.

  3. Carry out the desired settings. Pay attention to the explanations given in Table 6.

  4. Save () the settings.
    → The export format IdealoDE-Plugin is given an ID and it appears in the overview within the Exports tab.

The following table lists details for settings, format settings and recommended item filters for the format IdealoDE plugin.

Table 6. Format settings for IdealoDE
Setting Explanation

Settings

Name

Enter a name. The export format is listed by this name in the overview within the Exports tab.

Type

Select the type item from the drop-down list.

Format

Select IdealoDE-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 to idealo?

  • 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.

Tip: If you want to transfer more than 9999 items to idealo, you can also install version 2.0 of the idealo plugin.

Generate cache file

Activate if you want to transfer more than 9999 items to idealo. If the option is activated, the output file will only be generated every 24 hours. This is to save resources.
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.

File name

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

Token, URL

If you selected the option URL under Provisioning, click on Generate token. The token is entered automatically. The URL is entered automatically if the token was generated under Token.

Item filters

Add item filters

Select an item filter from the drop-down list and click on Add. There are no filters set by default. It is possible to add multiple item filters from the drop-down list one after the other.

  • Variations = Transfer all or Only transfer main variations.

  • Markets = Select idealo.

  • Currency = Select a currency.

  • Category = Activate to transfer the item with its category link. Only items belonging to this category will be transmitted.

  • Image = Activate to transfer the item with its image. Only items with images will be exported.

  • Client = Select a client.

  • Stock = Select which stocks you want to export.

  • Flag 1 - 2 = Select a flag.

  • Manufacturer = Select one, several or ALL manufacturers.

  • Active = Only active variations will be exported.

Format settings

Product URL

Select the URL that you wish to transfer to the price search engine. You can either send the item’s URL and the variation’s URL. URLs of variations can only be transferred in combination with plentyShop LTS.

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. If you activated the transfer option for the product URL further up, then this character string is added to the product URL.

Order referrer

Select the referrer idealo. 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 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.

Target country

Select the target country from the drop-down list.

Barcode

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

Image

Select Position 0 or First image to export this image.

  • Position 0 = An image with position 0 is transferred.

  • First image = The first image is transferred.

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 without 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

The chosen payment method does not affect this format. All payment methods of the selected configuration will be exported.
If no configuration has been selected, all configurations and payment methods will be exported.
If Transfer flat rate shipping charge has been selected, only prepayment will be exported as the payment method.

VATNote

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.

10.4.2. Available columns of the export file

Available columns of the export file IdealoDE-Plugin
Table 7. Columns for the export file
Column header Explanation

article_id

Required
The SKU of the item.

deeplink

Required
The URL path of the item depending on the chosen client in the format settings.

name

Required
According to the format setting Item name.

short_description

According to the format setting Preview text.

description

Limitation: max. 1000 characters
According to the format setting Description.

article_no

The variation number as per Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Settings » Basic settings.

producer

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

model

The model as per Item » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Settings » Basic settings.

availability

Required
The name of the item availability saved in the Setup » Item » Availability menu or the translation according to the format setting Overwrite item availability.
For idealo, the delivery time must be indicated in days.

ean

According to the format setting Barcode.

isbn

According to the format setting Barcode.

fedas

The Amazon product type as per Items » Edit item » [Open item] » Multi-Channel » Amazon.

warranty

Currently not configured.

price

Required
The sales price of the variation.

price_old

The sales price of type RRP of the variation, if activated in the format settings.

weight

The gross weight in gram as per Items » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Settings » Measurements.

category1-6

The name of the category level of the category path of the default category for the client which is configured in the format settings.

category_concat

The category path of the default category for the client which is configured in the format settings.

image_url_preview

The URL for the image which is scaled for preview according to the format setting Image.

image_url

Required
URL of the image according to the format setting Image.

base_price

The base price information in the format "price / unit".
Example: 10.00 EUR / kilogram

free_text_field

The value of a characteristic of the type Text or Selection with a link to idealo.

checkoutApproved

Is true if the order referrer idealo Checkout is activated in the Items » Edit item » [Open item] » [Open variation] » Availability » Markets menu or if a characteristic of the type No and the link to the idealo Checkout characteristic CheckoutApproved is configured.

itemsInStock

Requirement: checkoutApproved is true.
The net stock of the variation. For items which are not limited to the net stock, 999 will be exported.

fulfillmentType

Requirement: checkoutApproved is true.
Characteristic of type No with link to one of the options for the idealo Checkout characteristic FulfillmentType > Spedition, FulfillmentType > Paketdienst, FulfillmentType > Brief or FulfillmentType > Download.

twoManHandlingPrice

Requirement: checkoutApproved is true and fulfillmentType is “Spedition”.
Characteristic of type Text, Selection or float and the link to the idealo Checkout characteristic twoManHandlingPrice.

disposalFee

Requirement: checkoutApproved is true and fulfillmentType is “Spedition”.
Characteristic of type Text, Selection *or *decimal number and the link to the idealo Checkout characteristic disposalFee.

Payment methods

Requirement: at least one payment method
All payment methods will be exported according to the format setting Shipping costs in their own column.

11. Viewing the log

The Data » Log menu contains a history of processes that run via the idealo interface. Note that integrations and identifiers are only shown in the drop-down lists as filters after the process has run at least once.

For idealo, the following filters are recommended:

  • Identifier » ElasticExportIdealoDE

Filtering and checking log entries

  1. Go to Data » Log.

  2. In the toolbar, click on tune.

  3. Select appropriate filters from the drop-down lists.

  4. Optional: Select filters for dates and/or times to only show entries from a specific period.
    Tip: For information about the filters, refer to the Data log page of the manual.

  5. Click on Search ().
    → The results are shown.

  6. Check all entries for the levels warning and error.
    Tip: Click on the entry to see details.

12. FAQ

12.1. Item data export via API (PWS 2.0)

Not all of my items are exported to idealo. What can I do?

If you transfer your items to idealo via API (PWS 2.0), but not all of your items have been exported, you can try to update the timestamp for market exports. Updating the timestamp might help because usually, only variations which have been updated within the last two days are exported to idealo.

Updating the timestamp for market exports:

  1. Go to Item » Batch processing.

  2. In the Procedures area, activate the option Update timestamp for market exports.

  3. Click on Apply ().
    → All items which are configured for idealo will be exported to idealo with the next item export.