If you see an error while uploading your CSV file, such as “Incorrect Headers” or “Invalid Category,” it usually means there’s a formatting issue. These messages are simple to resolve once you know what they mean.
This guide explains the most common CSV upload errors, what causes them, and how to fix them so your offerings upload smoothly to the Odyssey Marketplace.
1. Incorrect Headers
What it means
The column titles in the first row of your spreadsheet must exactly match the official Odyssey template. Even a small change in spacing, order, or spelling can cause this error.
How to fix it
Download the official Odyssey CSV template.
Compare your first row to the template and make sure every column name is identical.
Verify you have the correct number of columns for your file type:
16 columns for products
6 columns for variants
4 columns for inventory
Copying the headers directly from the template is the fastest way to avoid formatting mistakes.
2. Invalid Category
What it means
The category name in your file doesn’t match the approved list for your state’s program.
How to fix it
Review your category names against the approved list for your program:
Georgia Promise
Louisiana GATOR
Wyoming ESA
The spelling must match the approved list exactly. Case does not matter, but extra words or typos will cause errors.
3. Empty Required Fields
What it means
All required columns in your file must contain data. If any required field is left blank, the file will not upload.
How to fix it
Use the template as a guide and make sure every required field has a value, such as product name, category, price, and quantity.
4. Invalid marketplace_type
What it means
The marketplace_type field identifies whether an item is a product or a service.
How to fix it
Enter either Product or Service exactly as shown. Other terms, such as “Tutoring” or “Class,” are not accepted.
5. Invalid is_variable
What it means
This field tells the system whether a listing includes variants, such as size or color options.
How to fix it
Use 1 if the product has variants or 0 if it does not. No other values are accepted.
6. Price or Quantity Out of Range
What it means
Your price or quantity exceeds the allowed limit.
Limits
Price maximum: $999,999.99
Quantity maximum: 999,999
How to fix it
Check for extra digits, commas, or symbols that might be inflating your numbers.
7. Invalid URL
What it means
A web address in your file is missing or formatted incorrectly.
How to fix it
Make sure every link begins with http:// or https:// and doesn’t include spaces or incomplete paths.
8. SKU Too Long
What it means
Your SKU (stock keeping unit) exceeds the character limit.
How to fix it
Limit SKUs to 100 characters or fewer, and avoid using spaces or special symbols such as @ or #.
Common Errors and Solutions
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid category | Category name not on approved list | Match to valid state category (case-insensitive) |
| Empty required fields | Blank cells in required columns | Fill in all required data |
| Wrong column count | Too few or too many columns | Use 16 for products, 6 for variants, 4 for inventory |
| Invalid marketplace_type | Incorrect or misspelled entry | Must be exactly “Product” or “Service” |
| Invalid is_variable | Wrong value | Use 0 or 1 only |
| Price/quantity out of range | Exceeds limit | Adjust to under $999,999.99 or 999,999 |
| Invalid URL | Incorrect link format | Must start with http:// or https:// |
| SKU too long | Too many characters | Shorten to under 100 characters |
Best Practices
Save your CSV with UTF-8 encoding to avoid character errors.
Separate multiple image URLs with a semicolon (;).
Keep product names and offering details clear and descriptive.
Use unique SKUs for each product and variant.
Test with a small CSV of two or three rows before uploading larger files.
Download the official templates for accurate formatting examples.
For products with variants, upload the parent item first (is_variable = 1), then the variant rows.
Final Review
Before uploading your file:
Confirm header names and order match the template.
Check that all required fields are filled.
Verify URLs, prices, and quantities are valid.
Taking a few minutes to double-check your file helps prevent upload issues and ensures your offerings appear correctly on the Marketplace.
For more support and downloadable templates, visit the Vendor Support section of the Odyssey Help Center.