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Importing and Exporting Customer Data

Complete guide to importing and exporting customer data. Learn how to bulk import customers via CSV, transfer rewards from other systems, export for backup and analysis, and manage large customer lists.

Michael Francis avatar
Written by Michael Francis
Updated this week

Importing and Exporting Customer Data

Overview

Import and export tools allow you to manage customer data in bulk. Import customers from other systems or spreadsheets, export your customer list for backup and analysis, and transfer transaction histories—all while preserving loyalty balances and rewards.

Common use cases:

  • Migrate from another loyalty system

  • Add customers from an existing database

  • Back up your customer data

  • Analyse customer data in Excel or other tools

  • Share customer lists with team members

  • Transfer customers with their existing points/stamps


Exporting customer data

Export all customers

Download your complete customer list across all loyalty programs.

Step 1: Access the Customers module

  1. Navigate to the left-hand menu

  2. Click the Customers icon

Step 2: Export your data

  1. Click the Export button at the top-right of the screen

  2. Your complete customer list downloads as a CSV file

  3. The file saves to your device's default download location

What's included in the export:

  • Customer name

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Date of birth

  • Date created (registration date)

  • Card status (Installed, Not Installed, Deleted)

  • Card serial number

  • Device type (iOS, Android, PWA)

  • UTM tag (acquisition source)

  • Custom fields

Important: If you use multiple loyalty programs (e.g., coupon and stamp card), this export includes customers from all programs.

Export customers for a specific loyalty program

Download customers for one specific card type only.

Step 1: Access the Cards module

  1. Navigate to Cards from the left-hand menu

  2. Select the specific card you want

  3. Go to the Clients section within that card

Step 2: Export card-specific customers

  1. Click the Export button

  2. Customer list for this card downloads as a CSV file

What's included in card-specific exports:

  • Customer name

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Date of birth

  • Date created

  • Card status

  • Card serial number

  • Device type

  • UTM tag

  • Total visits

  • LTV (Lifetime Value)

  • Expiry date

  • Limits (if applicable)

  • Custom fields

Note: Data fields vary depending on the loyalty card type. Some fields are only relevant to specific card types (e.g., limits for membership cards, visits for stamp cards).

Export transaction history

Download complete transaction records for analysis and reporting.

Step 1: Access the Cards module

  1. Navigate to Cards from the left-hand menu

  2. Select the card whose transactions you want to export

Step 2: Export transactions

  1. Click the Download button for transaction history

  2. Transaction log downloads as a CSV file

What's included in transaction exports:

  • Date created

  • Customer name (first and last)

  • Phone number

  • Device type

  • Card template name

  • Operation type (stamps added, points redeemed, etc.)

  • Notes/comments (from scanner transactions)

  • Amount (points, stamps, or monetary value)

  • Balance (after transaction)

  • Purchase sum

  • Manager (who processed the transaction)

  • Company name

  • Location

  • Device type used for charging

  • UTM source

Note: Available data fields vary by loyalty card type. Each card type tracks different metrics relevant to its reward structure.

Using exported data

Backup purposes: Save exports regularly to protect against data loss.

Data analysis: Open in Excel, Google Sheets, or other tools to analyze:

  • Customer demographics

  • Sign-up trends

  • UTM source performance

  • Card usage patterns

  • Transaction histories

  • LTV calculations

External tools: Use exported data in:

  • Email marketing platforms

  • CRM systems

  • Analytics tools

  • Reporting dashboards

  • Business intelligence software


Importing customer data

Before you import

Prepare your data:

  • Ensure data is accurate and complete

  • Remove duplicate entries

  • Format phone numbers consistently

  • Use valid email addresses

  • Include all required fields

Download the template: Always use the provided CSV template to ensure proper formatting.

Import process

Step 1: Access import

Method A: From Customers screen

  1. Navigate to the Customers screen

  2. Click the Import tab at the top

Method B: From Customer Import tile

  1. Locate the Customer Import section on the Customers screen

  2. Proceed to download the template

Step 2: Download the import template

  1. A popup appears

  2. Click Download Import Template

  3. Save the CSV template to your device

Step 3: Fill in the template

Open the downloaded template and enter customer information:

Required fields:

  • First name

  • Last name

  • Phone number OR email address (at least one contact method required)

Optional fields:

  • Email address (if phone provided)

  • Phone number (if email provided)

  • Date of birth

  • Balance (for transferring existing points/stamps)

  • Custom fields (if configured)

Important formatting guidelines:

  • Do NOT delete columns if you don't have information—leave them blank

  • Do NOT add new columns—use only the provided template structure

  • Keep column headers exactly as shown

  • Use consistent date formats (typically YYYY-MM-DD)

  • Format phone numbers consistently (e.g., +1234567890)

  • Leave cells blank rather than entering "N/A" or "-"

Balance column - transferring existing rewards: If migrating from another loyalty system, enter the customer's existing balance in the Balance column:

  • For points cards: Enter point balance (e.g., 500)

  • For stamp cards: Enter stamp count (e.g., 8)

  • For gift cards: Enter monetary value (e.g., 50.00)

This preserves customer rewards during migration to your new system.

Import limits: Maximum 20,000 customers per file. For larger imports, split into multiple batches and import separately.

Step 4: Save your file

  1. Complete all customer entries in the template

  2. Save the file as CSV format (not Excel .xlsx)

  3. Save to an easily accessible location

  4. Note the file location for upload

Step 5: Import the file

  1. Return to the import screen

  2. Click Import or Select File

  3. The customer base import popup appears

  4. Click Select File

  5. Navigate to your saved CSV file

  6. Select the file and click Open

Step 6: Select card template (optional)

If you want to issue cards to these customers during import:

  1. Click Select Template in the import popup

  2. Choose from available card templates in your account

  3. The selected card will be issued to all imported customers

Benefits of issuing cards during import:

  • Customers receive cards immediately

  • Saves time compared to manual card issuance

  • Creates complete customer profiles in one step

  • Customers can install cards right away

Step 7: Complete import

  1. Verify your file and template selection

  2. Click Import

  3. The system processes the file

  4. Imported customers appear in the customer grid

Step 8: Verify the import

After import completes:

  1. Check the customer grid for new entries

  2. Review a few imported profiles for accuracy

  3. Verify custom fields populated correctly

  4. Confirm contact information is accurate

  5. Check that balances transferred correctly (if applicable)

  6. Verify cards were issued (if template was selected)


Transferring customers with rewards

Migrating from other loyalty systems

When switching from another loyalty platform, you can preserve customer rewards by using the Balance column during import.

Why this matters:

  • Customers keep their hard-earned rewards

  • No disruption to customer loyalty

  • Smooth transition to new system

  • Maintains customer trust

How to transfer rewards:

Step 1: Export from old system

  • Export customer data and balances from your previous platform

  • Note the reward balance for each customer

Step 2: Prepare import file

  • Download your template

  • Enter customer information

  • Fill the Balance column with their existing rewards:

    • Points programs: Enter point balance

    • Stamp programs: Enter stamp count

    • Monetary programs: Enter dollar/currency value

Step 3: Import with balances

  • Import the file as described above

  • System creates profiles with existing balances

  • Customers see their transferred rewards immediately

Step 4: Communicate with customers

  • Notify customers about the transition

  • Explain how to install their new card

  • Confirm their rewards were transferred

  • Provide installation links

For detailed migration guidance: See our dedicated article: How to transfer customers and their rewards into our system


Import best practices

Data preparation

Clean your data first:

  • Remove duplicates before importing

  • Standardize phone number formats

  • Verify email addresses are valid

  • Ensure birthdates are in correct format

  • Review balance amounts for accuracy

Test with a small batch: Import 5-10 customers first to verify formatting is correct before importing your complete list.

Use consistent formatting:

  • Phone: +1234567890 or (123) 456-7890 (pick one format)

  • Dates: YYYY-MM-DD or DD/MM/YYYY (match template format)

  • Names: Capitalize first letters consistently

  • Balance: Use numbers only, no currency symbols

During import

Don't close the browser: Keep your browser window open during import, especially for large files.

Import in batches: For lists over 20,000 customers, split into multiple files and import separately.

Check for errors: If the import fails, check the error message for guidance on what needs correction.

One import at a time: Don't start multiple imports simultaneously—complete one before starting another.

After import

Verify immediately: Review imported customers right away to catch any issues quickly.

Export for backup: After a successful import, export your customer list as a backup.

Issue cards if not done during import: If you didn't select a card template during import, issue cards to customers using the bulk card issuance feature.

Send installation links: If cards were issued, send installation links to customers via SMS or email.


Troubleshooting

Import issues

Import fails or shows errors:

  • Verify you're using the correct CSV template

  • Check that all required fields are filled

  • Ensure phone numbers and emails are properly formatted

  • Remove any special characters that might cause issues

  • Verify file is saved as CSV, not Excel format

  • Check file doesn't exceed 20,000 customers

Some customers didn't import:

  • Check for duplicate phone numbers or emails

  • Verify required fields aren't empty

  • Look for invalid characters in data

  • Ensure date formats match the template

  • Review balance column for non-numeric values

Balance column not importing:

  • Verify you're using numbers only (no currency symbols)

  • Check for decimal formatting (use . not ,)

  • Ensure balance values are realistic

  • Confirm you're importing to the correct card type

File won't upload:

  • Check file size isn't too large

  • Verify file is in CSV format

  • Try saving the file again

  • Use a different browser if problems persist

  • Split large files into smaller batches

Export issues

Export file won't download:

  • Check your browser's download settings

  • Try a different browser

  • Verify you have sufficient storage space

  • Check browser pop-up blockers

  • Refresh the page and try again

Export file is empty or incomplete:

  • Ensure you have customers in your database

  • Try refreshing the page and exporting again

  • Check that you have permission to export data

  • Verify you're exporting from the correct card/program

Can't open exported file:

  • Verify you have a program to open CSV files (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)

  • Try opening with a different application

  • Check the file downloaded completely

  • Ensure file isn't corrupted


Data security and privacy

Protecting customer information

When exporting:

  • Store exported files securely

  • Don't share customer data unnecessarily

  • Delete old export files you no longer need

  • Use encrypted storage for sensitive data

  • Control access to exported files

When importing:

  • Only import data you're authorized to use

  • Comply with privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)

  • Obtain proper consent before importing customer information

  • Don't import purchased or scraped email lists

  • Ensure data comes from legitimate sources

Data handling best practices

  • Keep customer data confidential

  • Only grant import/export access to authorized team members

  • Regularly review who has access to customer data

  • Delete customer data in accordance with privacy policies

  • Maintain audit logs of import/export activities


Advanced tips

Large imports

For importing tens of thousands of customers:

  • Split into batches of 15,000-20,000 per file

  • Import during off-peak hours

  • Allow time between batches for processing

  • Monitor each batch for errors before continuing

  • Keep original files until import is verified

Maintaining data quality

Regular maintenance:

  • Export monthly for backup purposes

  • Review and remove inactive customers periodically

  • Update customer information as needed

  • Standardize data entry practices across your team

  • Audit imports for accuracy

Integration workflows

Syncing with external systems:

  • Export from your loyalty system regularly

  • Import into email marketing platforms

  • Keep both systems updated

  • Document your sync process for consistency

  • Schedule regular data synchronization


Frequently asked questions

What file format is required for import? CSV (Comma Separated Values) format. Don't use Excel (.xlsx) files directly—save as CSV.

Is there a limit to how many customers I can import? Yes, 20,000 customers per file. For larger lists, split into multiple batches.

Can I update existing customers via import? This depends on your system configuration. Contact support to confirm if imports can update existing profiles or only create new ones.

What happens if I import a duplicate customer? The system typically prevents duplicates based on phone number or email. Duplicates may be skipped or flagged for review.

Can I import customers with cards already issued? Yes, select a card template during import. All imported customers will receive that card type.

How do I transfer existing points/stamps from another system? Use the Balance column in the import template. Enter each customer's existing balance and it will be preserved in your new system.

How often should I export my customer data? Monthly exports are recommended for backup purposes. Export more frequently if you have high customer acquisition.

Can I export transaction history for all cards at once? No, transaction history is exported per card. Export each card's transactions separately.

What if I made a mistake in my import? You may need to manually correct errors or delete incorrectly imported customers. Test with a small batch first to avoid large-scale errors.

Can I import customers without email addresses? Yes, if phone numbers are provided. At least one contact method (phone or email) is required.

Will importing customers send them notifications? No, importing creates profiles only. Customers receive notifications when you issue cards or send campaigns to them.

Can I add custom columns to the import template? No, don't add or remove columns. Use only the provided template structure. Custom fields should match those configured in your account.

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