Inventory FTP

Introduction

Inventory FTP lets you upload tab-delimited text files containing your book listings. You can upload files through your seller account or through FTPS using software like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or Transmit.

For non-technical help with uploading inventory files, see our help documentation.

Connection Details

Host: ftp.AbeBooks.com

Protocol: FTPS (explicit FTP over TLS 1.2)

User ID: Your user ID in uppercase with no spaces. This is not your email address.

Password: Your API Key with no spaces.

Important Notes

  • All connections require TLS 1.2 protocol support. Unencrypted FTP is not accepted.
  • Set your software's security/protocol field to "explicit FTP over TLS". Depending on software this may appear as:
    • Cyberduck: FTP-SSL (Explicit AUTH TLS)
    • FileZilla: Require explicit FTP over TLS
    • Transmit: FTP with TLS/SSL
  • Files must be in tab-delimited text format (.txt or .tab).
  • Upload as often as needed to keep your inventory current. Most sellers find daily uploads sufficient.
  • If you're a new seller or uploading in a new format, notify Customer Support before your first upload. Include the field names and their order.

File Operations

Adding/Updating Listings

Upload a tab-delimited file containing your inventory. Each listing must have a unique listingid. If a listingid already exists in your online inventory, the listing will be updated with the new data.

Removing Sold Books

There are three methods to remove listings:

  1. Set quantity to 0: Update the listing's quantity to 0 in your file and upload it.
  2. Upload a delete file: Create a file named delete.txt or delete.tab containing only the listings to be removed, using the same field structure as your regular files.
  3. Upload a delnum file: Create a file named delnum.txt or delnum.tab containing only the listing IDs to be deleted, one per line.

Note: The file extension (.txt or .tab) must match the extension you use on your regular inventory files.