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.
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.