UpsertCatalogObject Not Applying category_id to New Items

redmountain — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:46:04 GMT

Subject: UpsertCatalogObject Not Applying category_id to New Items

Description:
Using the Square Catalog API (production environment), `UpsertCatalogObject` fails to apply `category_id` to new items, despite valid category IDs, correct payloads, and successful responses with version increments. This occurs for multiple category IDs (e.g., `IWF55NV4EXHZKRUSKHBBXVG2` and `NOLW4NHFNLXFFKHJ2LZ7EN6M`), both confirmed valid in the Dashboard.

Steps to Reproduce:
1. Send `UpsertCatalogObject` with `item_data` including `name`, `variations`, and `category_id` (e.g., `NOLW4NHFNLXFFKHJ2LZ7EN6M`).
2. API returns success, but `category_id` isn’t in `item_data` or `related_objects` (with `include_related_objects=True`).
3. Update with same payload; version increments, but category remains unset in retrievals and Dashboard.

Evidence:
- Initial payload: [Insert `Upsert payload` from 20:50:19,308]
- Upsert response: [Insert `Upserted item` from 20:50:19,593]
- Update payload: [Insert `Update payload` from 20:50:19,748]
- Update response: [Insert `Category updated successfully` from 20:50:20,073]
- Final retrieval: [Insert `Final retrieval` from 20:50:20,313]
- Dashboard: Item `GOA7HCHWCLKBGWDQHL7UQLY7` shows no category.

Expected Behavior:
`category_id` should be applied and visible in API retrievals and Dashboard.

Actual Behavior:
Category isn’t applied, despite successful API calls.

Please advise on a fix or workaround. Manual Dashboard assignment works, but API automation is critical for our workflow.

Re: UpsertCatalogObject Not Applying category_id to New Items

frances_a — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:31:40 GMT

Hello @redmountain 👋

Unfortunately, in this Community we are not equipped to help when it comes to API questions.

Square does offer Developer Forums where you can ask other developers any questions you might have.

Alternatively, you can request support from our team using this link or join our Discord community.

I hope this information is helpful.

Thank you.

thread Re: UpsertCatalogObject Not Applying category_id to New Items in Orders, Menu Items, Catalog & Fulfilment

UpsertCatalogObject Not Applying category_id to New Items

Re: UpsertCatalogObject Not Applying category_id to New Items