Buying Guide
Catalog import with private prices
By Cusket Editorial · Published · Updated
A supplier guide for separating public listing data from private pricing during catalog import.
# Catalog import with private prices
Many supplier catalogs include prices that should not be public. They may be cost prices, distributor prices, old trade show prices, buyer-specific tiers, regional prices, or internal negotiation floors. A catalog import must protect that information while still creating useful product drafts.
Private pricing is not a reason to avoid catalog import. It is a reason to separate commercial fields carefully.
Identify price type before upload
Before import, label each price column. Is it public list price, private cost, sample price, price tier, buyer-specific price, regional price, or old price? If the supplier is not sure, remove the column from the upload or mark it as private.
The importer should not guess whether a price can be shown to buyers.
Use price status on every product
Every imported product should have a price status. Common options are public price, price tier, inquiry-only, private price, and missing price. This status helps the product draft choose the right buyer experience.
An inquiry-only product can still be useful if it explains MOQ, sample terms, customization, and the buyer information needed for a quote.
Keep internal notes away from descriptions
Internal pricing notes often appear near product descriptions in spreadsheets or PDFs. These notes should not be rewritten into buyer-facing copy. If a note says "lower price only for old customer" or "do not sell below X", it belongs outside the public product draft.
The safest rule is simple: public fields should help buyers understand the product; private fields should help the seller manage quoting.
Review old prices before publication
Old prices are dangerous because they create expectations. If a catalog is more than a few months old or depends on material costs, exchange rates, or freight conditions, prices should be reviewed before publication. When in doubt, mark the product inquiry-only.
This keeps the listing active without promising numbers the seller cannot honor.
Continue with Cusket:
- Import product facts without exposing private pricing.
- Use inquiry-only status where public price is not approved.
- Keep quote-sensitive fields seller-side until confirmed.