i don't understand how to categorize items & i'm about to leave square for shopify

[zuckercreme]

I am trying to categorize over 500 items. I am finding this impossible. To get them to show up in Square Online they need to have a category. I want to be able to categorize my items for online shoppers multiple ways: by vendor, type, and speciality collections. How can I do this? The bulk editing tool is not helpful at all. You cannot bulk update categories via exporting the inventory because only the reporting category is exported. So I'm left with having to do each item individually which is flawed and frustrating, and also means I have no idea if any inventory has not been categorized. Please help before I give up on square forever. 

[TCSlaguna · Accepted solution]

@zuckercreme  I can understand your frustration. Categorizing by Vendor has been a frequent request. Hopefully with your feedback as well the functionality can become a priority for the team. 

I think given the current limitations, the best approach for you may be to use Excel to organize products by similar categories. 

So for instance: 

Bracelet + Vendor 1

Bracelet + Vendor 2

Necklace + Vendor 1

Necklace  + Vendor 2

Then, you can use Square's online bulk editing tool to find the items that meet both the Bracelet + Vendor 1 categories, select, Actions -> update Categories, select Bracelet and Vendor 1. 

Move on to next group. 

I can see how this may be quite time consuming. However, I think the end result would be worth it. 

Please let me know if you have any further questions. I'd be glad to try to help.