Once you’ve imported vehicles, you can start building your catalog structure.
Working with categories is two-step process. In this guide, we’ll show you how to import categories and where to source them from. In the next article, we’ll introduce the concept of category mapping and guide you through the mapping process.
Before you begin
Connect your Auto Integration with your API Credentials.
Why importing categories matter?
Products need to be sorted into the right categories so customers can easily find what they’re looking for. An organized catalog enhances the customer experience and encourages more purchases.
Also, using a consistent category structure helps you manage your inventory better and keeps updates from your suppliers running easier and more reliable.
💡 The category list you import now isn’t the final setup for your store. It’s just a list of categories from one Auto Integration. These categories will only show up in your store once you import products that fit into them.
Is it okay to skip category import for now?
Not really. Categories are the foundation of your catalog, so it’s important to set them up before importing products.
Can I just keep the default categories in my store?
Your store comes with several demo categories, which you can use as a starting point. However, we recommend deleting them and creating your own – or better yet, importing a category structure from one of the Auto Integrations.
Category structures from catalog providers and warehouse distributors follow industry standards. Importing them helps you organize products in a clear, consistent way and makes syncing across multiple integrations much more accurate.
Do all integrations require importing categories?
Most catalog providers and warehouse distributors offer a built-in category structure— except Dix Performance and Keystone, which don't provide any.
Can I add categories from multiple sources?
No — you must pick one primary integration to build your product catalog. This is the first integration you set up and import categories from.
Although many providers have their own category setups, your store can only be built around one of them. So, choose the integration with the most complete and accurate category structure that fits your business.
After setting up your primary integration, it will keep your catalog updated by syncing and adding categories if needed.
Any other integrations you add later will also import categories, but you’ll map them to your primary integration’s structure to prevent duplicates and keep your catalog organized and consistent.
💡 If you remove your primary integration later, it may become harder to manage and maintain your catalog.
What’s the best source for importing categories?
To create the more accurate and detailed category structure, we recommend importing from a catalog provider, as they generally offer more robust data than most warehouse distributors.
Category import requirements for each integration
Some integrations require pre-setup steps before you can import categories. Below is a list of each integration and its specific requirements:
Auto Integration | Action / Condition |
ASAP Network, SEMA Data, Premier, and Turn14 | No additional steps needed, just start the category import. |
CatalogRack |
This creates only basic, single-level categories. For better category structure, we recommend using SEMA to import categories, and then CatalogRack for product data if you plan to use it. |
Meyer | Set up an FTP feed in advance before importing categories. |
AutoSync, ATD, or WheelPros | In wheels and tires integrations categories are imported automatically once you enter your API credentials.
You can skip ahead to Category Mapping or General catalog import settings. |
How to import сategories
To import categories from your auto integration:
Go to Catalog › Catalog Import.
Open the Category Mapping tab.
Select your integration (e.g., ASAP, Meyer, SEMA Data, Turn14).
Click Import Categories.
The process may take some time. Keep refreshing the page to check the progress. When it's complete, the status will update to "Categories data import completed."
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💡 If your initial category import fails, click Sync Categories to restart it.
✅ Success! You've Imported Your Categories
The category structure will be fully created after you import products in Step 10.
Repeat this for each integration. Keep reading to see your next step.
Keeping categories in sync
Catalog providers update their category structures periodically. We recommend syncing your category structure regularly to keep your store up to date.
Steps:
Go to Catalog › Catalog Import.
Open the Category Mapping tab.
Select your integration (e.g., ASAP, Meyer, SEMA Data, Turn14).
Click Sync Categories.
Note: Importing categories won't change your store's structure until your mapping rules are applied and products are imported.
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What’s next?
Now, set up category mapping rules to adjust the catalog structure.
Can't find answers you're looking for?
Email us at support@x-cart.com. We will be happy to help!