Importing Opportunities Using a CSV File in Stack
Learn how to efficiently import opportunities into Stack using a CSV file. This guide will walk you through preparing your data, mapping fields, and ensuring a smooth import process to keep your sales pipeline organized and up-to-date.
Important: Stack supports importing only through the CSV (.csv) file format. Other file types like Excel or Google Sheets are not accepted. For more details, refer to the article on CSV File Format for Importing Contacts and Opportunities.
Table of Contents
- Prerequisites for Importing Contacts
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Importing Opportunities via CSV
- How to Import Opportunities
- Optional: Import Contacts & Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions
Prerequisites for Importing Contacts
Before you begin the import process, ensure the following requirements are met:
- File Format: Your file must be in CSV (.csv) format.
- File Size Limit: The CSV file should be under 30 MB. If it's larger, split it into smaller files.
- Single Sheet Requirement: Your CSV file must contain only one sheet/tab.
- CSV Requirement: The first row should not be blank. Include a header row where at least one column header corresponds to a field in the system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mismatched Headers: Ensure CSV headers match system fields.
- Blank Required Fields: Every row should have at least one required field (Name, Email, or Phone).
- Special Characters in Phone Numbers: Remove spaces, dashes, or letters.
- Duplicate Records: Clean the list before importing.
Importing Opportunities via CSV
Importing opportunities allows you to bulk add or update deals in your Stack CRM. This streamlines data entry when onboarding clients or transitioning from another CRM, ensuring pipeline stages are aligned and sales activity is tracked accurately.
Benefits of CSV Imports
- Save Time: Upload dozens or hundreds of opportunities in one go.
- Maintain Data Accuracy: Structured fields prevent common errors.
- Improve Consistency: Ensure pipeline stages and values follow a standard.
- Speed Up Onboarding: Quickly integrate leads from previous systems.
- Update Existing Deals: Easily modify opportunity stages or values.
- Sync Contacts and Opportunities: Ensure opportunity data links directly to contact records.
How to Import Opportunities
Importing opportunities involves several steps to ensure your sales data is accurately and efficiently entered into the CRM. Follow these steps to successfully import opportunities into Stack using a CSV file.
Step 1: Navigate to the Opportunities Tab
Go to the Opportunities Tab and click on the Import button to get started.
Step 2: Select What to Import
Choose whether you're importing only Opportunities or both Contacts and Opportunities.
Step 3: Upload Your CSV File
After selecting Import Opportunities, click Next, then upload your CSV file. Select the correct import type depending on whether you're adding new contacts or updating existing ones.
Step 4: Mapping Column to Fields
Ensure each column in your file is correctly mapped to the corresponding field in the system. Here are some key points:
- Checking the "Don't update Empty Values" checkbox will not update any field if the imported file has empty values and the field does have some value for the opportunity.
- If you decide not to import a certain field, you can choose to keep it unmapped and check the box on the bottom to proceed.
- Ensure all mandatory fields are mapped. To proceed, either map all fields or choose "Don't import data for unmapped columns."
- If Contacts and Opportunities are on the same line in the CSV, they will be automatically mapped to each other.
Required Fields:
- Contact ID (required)
- Opportunity Name (required)
- Pipeline (required)
Other Fields: Opportunity Value, Opportunity ID (if updating)
Mapped fields with correct values will show green checkmarks. If a field is missing or incorrect, a yellow warning triangle will appear.
Tip: When all required fields are mapped successfully, all indicators will turn green.
Step 5: Verify, Confirm, and Finalize Selection
Finalize the setup by reviewing your preferences, checking field mappings, and confirming consent before starting the import. This final step ensures that contacts are correctly tagged, sorted, and added to workflows, with your data fully verified. In the final step, you can:
- Add tags to imported contacts (optional)
- Review the document name and mapped fields
- Click Start Bulk Import to complete the process
Review your Field Mapping. Make sure all mandatory fields are correctly mapped. Confirm that custom fields are assigned as intended. Optional: Unmapped columns will be ignored automatically.
Optional: Import Contacts & Opportunities
If your CSV includes both contact and deal (opportunity) information, you can import both at once using the same flow. This is especially useful if you're onboarding new leads directly into your sales pipeline and want to associate them with a stage or deal value during the import. The process remains exactly the same as importing contacts, the only difference is selecting both "Contacts" and "Opportunities" during the initial import setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I import opportunities without contact data?
No, each opportunity must be linked to a valid Contact ID in your account.
Q: What file format is required?
The file must be in CSV format (max 30MB).
Q: Can I import opportunities into multiple pipelines?
Yes, as long as the Pipeline name matches one that already exists in your account.
Q: What happens if fields are mapped incorrectly?
The import will fail or skip affected rows. Ensure all required fields are properly mapped and formatted.
Q: Can I preview or undo an import?
Imports cannot be undone. Always double-check your data before importing. You can review past imports in Bulk Actions.