# Importing Customers

Before importing customers, it’s essential to ensure your data matches the structure of Squarebox. This involves creating **Custom Columns** that align with the fields in your CSV file. Follow these steps for a seamless import process.

### **Step 1: Prepare Custom Columns**

#### **Create Custom Fields**:

Use appropriate input types (e.g., Text, Number, Date, Checkbox) to match your CSV structure.

Example:

**Budget Range** → Number

**Site Visit Date** → Date

**Lead Owner** → Text

<figure><img src="/files/FmAppXMBN7e3HJES2lym" alt=""><figcaption><p>Screenshot of a completed Custom Columns list.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Ensure Consistency**

Match the names and types of these fields with the headers in your CSV file. For instance, if your CSV has a "Budget Range" column, create a corresponding custom column in Squarebox with the same name.

### Step 2: Choose Import Method

Once your custom columns are ready, proceed to import your customer data.

1. **Upload a CSV File**:

   * Click on **Import** in the Customers section.

<figure><img src="/files/SIFd8rqTKeLfHsmOxQoF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **Use Google Sheets URL**:
   * Ensure your Google Sheet is publicly accessible.
   * Copy the public link and paste it into the URL input field.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/MU2lPnoI6SOEuBShgEWO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Step 3: Map Columns**

1. After uploading the file, the system will display a mapping interface:
   * The left side shows your file headers.
   * The right side displays Squarebox fields, including default and custom columns. *(Insert a screenshot of the column mapping screen.)*
2. Match each column in your file to the correct Squarebox field:
   * **Default Fields**: Name, Mobile, Email, Tags.
   * **Custom Fields**: Map your custom CSV headers (e.g., Budget Range, Lead Owner) to their corresponding Squarebox custom columns.
3. Mandatory fields like **Name** and **Mobile** must be mapped to proceed.

<figure><img src="/files/47bnWlbsCr6jIrhNwQqc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Step 4: Handle Duplicates**

Once the data is processed, Squarebox will check for duplicates based on the **Mobile** or **Email** fields.

* **If duplicates are found**, choose one of the following options:
  * **Override**: Update the existing record with new data.
  * **Ignore**: Skip the duplicates and only add new records.

### **Step 5: Verify Imported Data**

* Go to the **Customers** section and review the imported data.
* Check if all fields, including custom ones, are mapped and populated correctly.
* Use filters to locate specific groups of customers or check the tags.


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