How do I create FTP credentials for Auto Inventory?

In order to submit Auto Inventory over FTP to dbaPlatform, there are some steps involved in order to create the file, credentials, and then submit them correctly. The steps will be outlined here below:

Sample FTP file (Downloadable)

To start, having the correct data in the correct format is the key to success with FTP submissions. The link that is posted above is a sample file of the header attributes with some sample vehicles that show the context of what each header/attribute requires.

Secondly, the context around what these headers/attributes mean and the expected syntax of the data points are described in the link above. Also, some of the headers/attributes are REQUIRED values, while others are OPTIONAL, so please take note. 

**Google Placeid**

• There is a new optional but highly recommended field called Placeid. This is Google's unique address for all businesses located on Google Maps. If you need to find a Placeid, here is the link to do so. Just enter the name of the entity in question and it will give you the Placeid.

 

 

Prior to activating Cars for Sale, ensure the location has been grouped within dbaPlatform and activated with a Premium license or higher. 

 

1. Navigate to https://agency.commandpad.io/v2/#/location-groups/location

2. Click "Auto Inventory"

3. Click "Create New"

4. Select the dealer's type of inventory

5. Name the inventory group. This name is for internal use only, and you can name the group by the location's name if preferred

6. Click "Next"

7. Select the account the location resides in

8. Click "Apply Filter"

9. Click "Locations"

10. Select the location you wish to activate - locations need to be grouped separately unless they share a website URL

11. Click "Save Group"

12. Fill out the location's business information - this is only used if you activate the VLA program next

13. Click "Continue"

14. Select the FTP/SFTP option

15. Click "Ok"

16. Your FTP credentials will be generated on the next page:

17. Click "Fetch New File" - you will be asked to upload a sample inventory feed for the dealer, and the platform will ensure that your feed includes all of the required fields

18. Click "Verify"

19. If your inventory feed is missing a field, the platform will alert you:

20. If so, Click "Retry"

21. And you will be able to try again:

22. If the inventory feed passes inspection, you will receive a message indicating the file was verified:

23. Once your inventory feed file has been verified, you can upload it to the FTP server using the credentials you just received from the platform. Click "Continue" to move to the next step.

24. Select "Google Cars for Sale"

25. You will now have the option to add and customize UTM tracking for Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics

26. Once the UTM type has been chosen, you have the option to customize the fields

27. Once done, click "Continue"

28. Click "Continue," and your inventory will now be submitted to Google!

29. If you haven't done so already, the last step to complete is setting up the inventory feed. Have the inventory feed file set up to be delivered to the provided FTP credentials on a daily basis. 

 

If you have any questions please email help@dbaplatform.com for assistance.