Creating a Data Source for the Used-Line Robot

Our robot can spider inventory data from dealer websites, but best results are often obtained when you make a download source for our robot. The download source can be an HTML table. If you cannot make an online data feed, you can email us an Excel Spreadsheet.

General Specifications for Inventory Data
Here is a list of the data fields that are used in all three formats (HTML, Excel, Spider):

     
  • MFR - Item Make or Manufacturer

  • Model - Model Number

  • Desc - Description

  • Price - Price in Dollars. This should be just a number, no $ sign. If there is no price, leave it blank and "Call" will be displayed.

  • Picture - Link to Photo (if available). Please include entire path to image file.

  • Link - Relevant for Premium Items only. Links to the item page on the dealer’s website. Leave this empty unless you signed up for the Premium Items Add-On.

  • Options - Options over and above the standard configuration, such as, available upgrades and available extras, for example, memory upgrades, software, port configurations, rack mount kits, accessories, licenses, etc.

  • Category - Keywords are used to help our robot determine the correct category. Used-Line subcategory names work best. Not required.

  • In_Stock - If you paid for the “In Stock” option for your listings, please write “in stock” where applicable and our robot will put the special “In Stock” icon in the corresponding listings.

  • Condition - Item condition. I.e. new, used, refurbished etc.

Use any name you want for the files.
List Up to 500 on a page to prevent timeouts.
Save your HTML files on your server numbering consecutive pages, for example: http://www.yourcompany.com/ul01.cfm, http://www.yourcompany.com/ul02.cfm or http://www.yourcompany.com/ul01.asp, http://www.yourcompany.com/ul02.asp.

HTML Specific Instructions:
Keep formatting to a minimum. There must be one column for each of the data fields in the list above and the columns must be in the order above. Unused fields should be left as an empty column.

Excel Specific Instructions:
Keep formatting to a minimum. All of the cells in a column and all rows should be uniform. There must be one column for each of the data fields in the list above and the columns must be in the order above. Unused fields should be left as an empty column. Download a template.