BULK UPLOAD INDEX

HOW TO USE LIST-O-MAT

List-o-mat allows you to add items to Popula by performing all data entry tasks offline (without being connected to the Internet). Just download the new handy Microsoft Access database template (approx. 168 KB), enter up to 100 items, and then upload the database to Popula, using the form provided below. Please note: Microsoft Access version 7.0 or newer is required to use List-o-mat.

List-o-mat will work properly and save you oodles of time if you observe the following rules:

You must have a valid Popula credit card account and current payment method must use this account.

You can only upload a valid Popula List-o-mat database (download to your computer by clicking the download link above).

You cannot upload more than 100 items per database.

Your items will be transferred on a scheduled basis, and will not appear in auctions immediately.

If the required data for any item is missing or invalid, the item will not be added. You will be emailed a list of invalid items.

Applicable fees will be charged for each item in the upload. See Private Eye for your current account status.

When you click "Download List-o-mat", above, you'll receive an Access file called "listomat.mdb". Please download this software each time you want to prepare auctions; or, keep an empty copy of List-o-mat somewhere safe, and copy it fresh each time you want to upload. (You'll need to start with a fresh, empty copy of List-o-mat each time, or else you might accidentally duplicate your auctions. Once a List-o-mat file has been uploaded to Popula, make sure to delete it or file it away (see Notes on Saving below); and -- I know I already said this, but! -- please make sure to use a fresh copy of List-o-mat for your next upload. (If you find you have accidentally duplicated an auction, you can easily cancel it by using the End Auction Early option on the Sellers menu.)

So, after you've received the listomat.mdb file:

Make a copy and save it somewhere safe, for future use.
Open Access 97.
Find the listomat.mdb file and open it.

Voila! Now you're ready to prepare your auctions. Just fill out the form for each auction you want to upload. You'll be able to move back and forth through the listings and edit freely as you prepare them, using the arrow buttons on the bottom left of the screen. Make sure you don't make typing errors, especially in your photo URLs, because if there are mistakes they will show up on your listings; and if there is a problem with the photo URL, the system won't upload your auction.

When you're finished, just head back to the Seller options page; and choose the List-o-mat. You'll see a "Browse" button that will help you locate your newly updated file; and just click on the filename you want to send to Popula.

Shortly, you'll receive an email with detailed results of your upload. The title of each item successfully uploaded will appear; and any items that were unsuccessful will appear at the bottom of the email.

NOTES ON SAVING LIST-O-MAT FILES

You can save each List-o-mat file separately; a dated file for each upload might be a good system to use. You can also use all the options on Access to save your files to any available spreadsheet or database you choose. Please write to maria@popula.com with any questions regarding List-o-mat. (You'll love it!)

DATA VALIDATION

FIELD DESCRIPTION REQUIRED VALIDATION RULES DEFAULT UPLOAD FIELD NAME

HEADLINE Brief description of item Yes 1 - 50 characters (no HTML) n/a title

DESCRIPTION Detailed description of item Yes 1 - 4000 characters n/a description

LOCATION Physical location from which item will be shipped Yes 1 - 25 characters n/a location

PICTURE http link to picture of item No 1 - 50 characters, must contain "http://", must be .gif or .jpg n/a picture_url

OPEN DATE Date item will open for auction Yes Valid date in the future, in the form "mm/dd/yy" Date of upload open_date

DURATION Length of time in days that item will be open Yes Integer equal to 3, 5, 7, or 10 7 days_open

STARTING BID Minimum bid that can be placed for item Yes Number greater than or equal to 1.00 1.00 start_bid

QUANTITY Number of same items available in single auction Yes Integer between 1 and 10 1 qty_available

RESERVE PRICE Minimum bid that can win item No Number greater than or equal to starting bid, not available if quantity greater than 1 n/a reserve_price

BOLD TITLE? Display title in bold ($1.00 charge) No 0 or 1, false or true, no or yes 0 bold_title

CATEGORY Category under which item will be listed Yes See Popula category codes n/a category_ID

CATEGORY FEATURE? Feature item in chosen category ($3.95 charge) No 0 or 1, false or true, no or yes 0 featured_in_category

INVENTORY NUMBER Your own inventory number for the item No Up to 25 characters n/a inventory_number

NOTE: Blank or invalid values will be replaced by default values where applicable. If required values are left blank or are invalid, and no default value is available, the item will not be uploaded.