Faster Batch Import: Drag and Drop, Multiple Files, Auto Format Detection

Scout v0.3 launches today with a complete overhaul of the batch import flow, the first step in the workflow and also the step that created the most friction.

The problem with the old import flow

Uploading a single file is not hard. But when you are in flow, running searches on 1688, exporting files, processing multiple sources, having to navigate through an upload screen every time is a small interruption that accumulates fast.

On top of that, 1688 does not have a single fixed export format. Depending on the tool and the account, export files can differ in column names, encoding, and structure, forcing users to manually adjust before uploading.

What changes in v0.3

Drag and drop directly into the browser

No need to find an Upload button. Drag a file from your Desktop or Downloads folder straight into the Scout window. The batch starts processing immediately.

Multiple files at once

Previously, Scout processed one file at a time. Starting with v0.3, you can drag multiple files in at once. Scout merges, deduplicates, and presents them as a single batch. Useful when you are exporting from multiple search queries and want to screen everything together.

Auto format detection

Scout v0.3 recognizes the 6 most common export formats from 1688 and intermediary tools (including formats from popular ordering services in Vietnam). If your file matches one of those formats, no manual mapping is needed.

If there is no match, Scout displays a quick mapping interface: it shows which column corresponds to which field, and saves the mapping for reuse next time.

Clearer error handling

Previously, when a file had issues, Scout returned a generic error. Starting with v0.3, errors are specific: which row has the problem, what the reason is, and whether it can be skipped or needs to be fixed.

What comes next

Improving import is the first step. The next thing we are building is auto-detection of previously screened products in new batches, so you do not have to re-review products that already have a clear decision from a prior batch.

If you have not tried Scout yet, request access here.