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Export Existing Customers

Last updated: October 07 2024

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

Exporting your existing customers to a CSV file on Shopify is a simple and helpful way to manage customer data. You can organize, analyze, and back up customer information with just a few steps. Whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device, Shopify makes this process quick and easy. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the considerations, step-by-step instructions, and the benefits of exporting your customer data. Let’s get started!

Customer CSV File Considerations

When working with customer CSV files on Shopify, there are a few important considerations to remember.

  • The first row of your CSV file must contain column headers. You can create your file using the customer CSV template.
  • The "Email" column is required and must be included, although the values can be blank. If this column is missing, an error will occur during the import.
  • CSV file headers are not case sensitive.
  • Add columns for certain metafields to your CSV file, but only those already existing in your Shopify admin. Learn how to create these metafields for import.
  • Order information cannot be imported using the customer CSV file. Only customer details are imported.
  • The "Total Spent" and "Total Orders" columns will not be imported along with the customer details.
  • Only import CSV files that are 15 MB or smaller. If your file is larger, split it into multiple CSV files for import.
  • Due to encryption, customer passwords cannot be migrated from another store via CSV. After importing them, you need to invite customers to create new passwords. Apps are available in the Shopify App Store to help with sending bulk invitations.

Additional Details:

  • Customer Passwords: Since passwords are encrypted outside Shopify, importing them from another online store is impossible. After importing customers, invite them to create new passwords by registering their accounts. 
  • Supported Metafields: You can import specific metafield types, including Boolean, Date, Date and Time, Integer, Decimal, and Single Line Text.
  • Order Information: The customer CSV file only imports customer data, not order information. Additionally, the "Total Spent" and "Total Orders" columns reflect orders from your store and cannot be edited or imported from other platforms. Shopify tracks customer activity exclusively on your store.

How To Export Existing Customers to a CSV File on Shopify for Desktop 

Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin:

  • Log into your Shopify admin panel and go to the Customers Section > “Customers.” 

Step 2: Select Customers to Export:

  • On the Customers page, you will see a list of all your customers.
  • You can select individual customers by checking the boxes next to their names (as shown in the second image). Alternatively, if you want to export all customers, skip this step and choose the "All customers" option later.

Step 3: Click on the Export Button:

After selecting your customers or deciding to export all, click the “Export” button at the top-right of the Customers section.

Step 4: Choose Export Options:

A pop-up will appear with several options:

  • Customers selected: Choose between exporting the current page, all customers, or just selected customers.
  • Fields included: Shopify will export essential customer information such as names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, marketing consents, and order history. You can also select additional fields like Customer tags and Customer metafields by checking the respective boxes (as shown in the third image).
  • File format: Choose the format in which you want to export the data. The options include "CSV for Excel, Numbers, or other spreadsheet programs" or "Plain CSV file."
  • Once you’ve selected it, click the “Export customers” button at the bottom-right of the pop-up.

Step 5: Receive the CSV File:

Depending on the size of the customer base you’ve chosen to export:

  • If you export fewer than 50 customers, the CSV file will be downloaded immediately to your computer.
  • If more than 50 customers are selected, Shopify will email you a download link for the CSV file.

These steps allow you to easily export customer data to a CSV file for analysis, backup, or transfer to another platform.

How To Export Existing Customers to a CSV File on Shopify for Mobile Version 

  • Step 1: Log into the Shopify App
  • Step 2: Tap the “Store icon” at the bottom of the app. From the menu, select Customers to open the customer management page.
  • Step 3: You can select individual customers by tapping the checkboxes next to their names. If you want to export all customers, proceed to the next step.
  • Step 4: Once on the Customers page, tap the “Export” button (usually located at the top-right of the screen).
  • Step 5: Choose “Export” Options: A pop-up will appear asking you to select the scope of the export:

All customers: Exports all customer data.

Selected customers: Only export the customers you selected.

Current page: Exports the customers that are currently visible on your screen.

  • Step 6: Select File Format: Choose the file format for your export:

CSV for Excel, Numbers, or other spreadsheet programs if you plan to open the file in a spreadsheet application.

Plain CSV if you want a simple text file.

  • Step 7: Tap “Export” customers to begin the process. If you’re exporting a small number of customers, the file will download directly to your mobile device. For larger exports, Shopify will send the file to your email.

Why You Should Export Existing Customers to CSV Files on Shopify? 

Exporting your existing customers to a CSV file on Shopify offers numerous advantages, whether managing customer data or integrating with other systems.

Here are some key reasons why you should export your customers to a CSV file:

  • Data Backup: Exporting customers to a CSV file ensures a secure backup of all customer information in case of any data loss or accidental deletion within Shopify.
  • Easy Data Analysis: A CSV file allows you to analyze customer data in spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets. You can sort, filter, and create reports based on customer activity, purchases, or demographics.
  • Third-Party Integrations: Exporting to a CSV enables you to connect Shopify with other Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Integrating Shopify data with other platforms can help streamline your marketing efforts, customer support, or sales processes.
  • Targeted Marketing: By analyzing customer information in a CSV file, you can identify patterns and trends, enabling you to create more personalized and targeted marketing campaigns based on customer behavior and preferences.
  • Bulk Editing: If you need to update or clean up customer data in bulk, exporting to CSV allows you to make changes quickly and re-import the updated data into Shopify.

Bottom Line 

I hope this post helps you easily navigate the process of exporting customer data from Shopify to a CSV file. This process is an efficient way to safeguard customer information and analyze key details for better store management. 

By exporting data regularly, you ensure you’re prepared for customer insights, bulk updates, or third-party integrations. Whether you're using desktop or mobile, Shopify simplifies the process for your convenience, making it a valuable tool for maintaining customer records.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.