Shopify import fix

Shopify: Variant already exists

Re-importing a file that contains products already in the store, with option values that match existing variants.

How to fix it

  1. Decide whether you are creating or updating.
  2. To update, keep the same Handle and the same option values; Shopify matches them.
  3. To replace, delete the product first, then import.
  4. Never import the same file twice hoping it will overwrite; it will not.

How to avoid it next time

Treat import as create-or-update by Handle, and keep a stable Handle per product.

Catch these before the import runs

The free Shopify CSV checker names the exact line for each problem. The paid Rescue Kit adds 20 more error cases, a template in Shopify's column order, and the same checker as a script for your pipeline.

See the Rescue Kit →