Importing from CSV

If you have an existing waitlist in a spreadsheet, you can import it directly into WaitlistCare.

Before You Import

Prepare Your Data

Make sure your spreadsheet includes:

• First name and last name (required)
• Email address (required)
• Any other information you want to import

Download the Template

1. Go to Waitlist
2. Click Import
3. Click Download Sample CSV
4. The template shows all available columns

CSV Format

Your CSV should have headers in the first row:

Available Columns

Parent/Child Mode Columns

If using parent/child entry type:

• parentFirstName, parentLastName — Parent contact
• childFirstName, childLastName — Child’s name
• childDateOfBirth — Child’s birth date

Importing Your File

1. Go to Waitlist
2. Click Import
3. Click Choose File and select your CSV
4. Map your CSV columns to the correct fields
5. Set default values for location, group, and status (used when CSV data is empty or doesn’t match)
6. Review the preview
7. Click Import

Import Preview

Before importing, you’ll see:

• Number of entries to be imported
• Any validation errors or warnings
• Column mapping confirmation

Handling Errors

Common Validation Errors

Missing required field:

• Ensure every row has firstName, lastName, and email

Invalid email format:

• Check that all emails are properly formatted

Group not found:

• Group names must exactly match your configured groups
• Create missing groups first, or leave the column blank

Invalid date format:

• Use YYYY-MM-DD format (e.g., 2020-03-15)

Error Resolution

1. Review errors in the preview
2. Fix issues in your spreadsheet
3. Re-upload the corrected file

Position Handling

Positions are assigned automatically based on the order entries appear in your CSV:

• Imported entries are added after any existing entries (e.g., if you have entries at positions 1-10, imports start at position 11)
• Within the import, row order determines position order
• Entries are grouped by location and group for positioning

After Importing

• Review imported entries in the waitlist
• Check that positions are correct
• Verify custom field data imported properly
• Send welcome emails if desired

Related Articles:

• Exporting to CSV
• Adding Entries Manually
• Creating Groups