Docket has a few native data import tools that give you a way to move large amounts of business data into your account all at once instead of typing it in one-by-one manually.
There are 7 types of importers you can use to add your business data in bulk:
Assets
Billing Templates
Clients
Client Contacts
Contractors
Dumpster Tasks
Service Addresses
All of these use templatized Excel spreadsheets that you can download directly from your Docket account and fill in with your information. Once they're ready for import, you'll upload them into your account and watch the data appear!
TIP: If you already have your business data exported into Excel spreadsheets, you can simply copy the information and paste it into the template.
Before You Start
Here are a few things to know before you continue:
- The importers only add new information, they don't update existing records.
- Your spreadsheet must be saved/uploaded as an .xlsx file.
- You must use the importers in this order: Clients, then Service Addresses, then Contacts, then Dumpster Tasks. You can use the rest of the importers in any order.
- Each of the above importers checks against the information created by the one before it; importing out of order will cause errors.
- Any Client Type, Pricing Type, or Lead Type added to your spreadsheet must already exist in Docket spelled exactly the same way.
- Docket won't import duplicate data.
- Docket builds a new template every time you download one, matched to your account's current Client Types, Pricing Types, and Lead Types.
- Download a fresh template for each import instead of reusing an old one.
Importer Overview
Not all the importers in Docket work the same way behind the scenes. Any of the templates you fill out will look similar to the others, but what the associated importer tool does with that spreadsheet's data once you upload it depends on which template/importer you're using.
The Client, Service Address, Contact, and Dumpster Task importers check your file's information against your existing account data as they work. They match spreadsheet rows to clients, addresses, and contacts you already have, catch problems before anything gets added, and give you a detailed breakdown of what happened when they're done importing.
The Asset, Asset QR Code, Billing Template, and Contractor importers add your file's information more directly and don't compare the data against your existing records first. It's very important that you make sure your information is accurate and free of duplicates before you upload.
Please Note: Docket's importers do not update existing items, they only create new ones. For example, the Clients importer will only add new clients to your account; it won't update existing clients' information.
Download and Fill Out a Template
Every template looks a little different depending on what type of data you're importing, but the download and fill-out process works the same way each time. (Except for the Assets QR Code template. That's downloaded from a different place in your Docket account than the others.)
To download an importer's template, just follow the instructions below:
- Click the "+ New" button in the top left.
- Click on "Imports" from the drop-down.
- Click on the importer you need a template for.
- Click "Download Template" from the prompt that appears.
The Excel spreadsheet will download onto the device you're using so you can start filling it out immediately.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Fill Out Assets Template
Use this importer/template when you need to bulk import a lot of dumpster bins or other rental equipment as assets to be used on Dumpster or Rental Tasks.
The Type, Size, and Category columns describe the dumpster or other rental asset you're adding. These are the three required cells you must fill out in order to successfully import each asset.
Type can only be 'Dumpster' or 'Rental'. 'Dumpster' refers to dumpster bins while 'Rental' refer to anything else your business rents out to clients.
TIP: Since this importer doesn't compare the template's information to your existing assets, double-check the spelling of each Category in Docket when adding them to the spreadsheet to avoid accidentally creating slightly different categories.
The Pin column identifies the specific unit and is a fast way to set up PINs for each asset without adding them individually, one-by-one. You can use numbers, letter, dashes, periods, and spaces, but they're case-sensitive when being entered for a task.
TIP: Since this importer doesn't compare the template's information to your existing assets, double-check your PINs in Docket before uploading new ones to avoid creating duplicates.
The Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, and Zip columns capture the asset's current location if it's currently onsite being rented by a client. You can leave these columns blank if the asset isn't being rented.
We strongly recommend adding the service address for each asset being rented so you don't have to add them one-by-one to each asset after they're imported.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Fill Out Billing Templates Template
Use this importer/template when you need to bulk import a lot of new billing templates into Docket.
The Name and Description identify the billing template, but only the Name is a required cell you must fill out in order to successfully import each template.
The Category, Dumpster Rental Length, and Dumpster Size columns tie it to a specific type of rental.
The Recurring, Visible on Mobile App, and Taxable columns each control a different setting for how the template behaves.
The SKU and GL Account columns are for your own internal tracking and accounting codes.
The Material Cost, Labor Cost, and Equipment Cost columns detail what the rental costs your business.
The Client Cost and Profit columns capture what your business charges clients and what it keeps.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Fill Out Clients Template
Use this importer/template when you need to bulk import a lot of new clients into Docket.
TIP: Some of the column headers have a comment added to them explaining what can be added to each cell and how the information will be used.
The Client ID, Company Name, and Email Address columns are how Docket matches your file against clients you've already added so no duplicates are created. You must fill out at least one of these three cells in order to successfully import each client, but we strongly suggest adding both Company Name and Email Address.
TIP: You only need to fill out the Client ID column if you're transferring your client data from another system and want to keep using the same IDs in Docket.
The Primary Contact First Name, Primary Contact Last Name, and Phone columns capture the client's main point of contact.
The Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, and Zip columns hold the client's billing address, NOT their service address.
Please Note: You must enter the full state name (Colorado, not CO) and use a standard 5-digit U.S. zip code. At this time, Docket can't accept non-U.S. zip codes, like Canadian postal codes.
The Client Type, Pricing Type, and Lead Type columns are drop-downs tied to whatever you've already set up in Docket. You may only choose a Type that already exists in your account. If you need a new Type, please create it in Docket before you import, since the importer won't create it for you.
The Notes column accepts any additional text you want attached to the client profile.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Fill Out Client Contacts Template
Use this importer/template when you need to bulk import additional contacts for clients you've already added to Docket.
TIP: Some of the column headers have a comment added to them explaining what can be added to each cell and how the information will be used.
The Client ID, Company Name, and Primary Contact Email Address columns match this contact to a client already in Docket. You must fill out at least one of these three cells so Docket can successfully attach the contact to the right client profile. We strongly suggest adding both Company Name and Email Address.
TIP: You only need to fill out the Client ID column if you previously transferred your client data from another system and imported the IDs into Docket.
The Contact Name and Contact Title columns identify who this contact is and what their role is.
The Contact Email and Contact Phone columns capture their contact information.
Please Note: Contact Phone only accepts U.S. and Canadian phone numbers.
The Contact Location column is a label in Docket and not a physical address, so something like "East Office" works fine here.
The Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, and Zip columns hold the contact's actual address if it's different from the client's main address. Similar to the Client import template, you must enter the full state name (Colorado, not CO) and use a standard 5-digit U.S. zip code. At this time, Docket can't accept non-U.S. zip codes, like Canadian postal codes.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Fill Out Contractors Template
Use this importer/template when you need to bulk import a lot of new contractors into Docket.
The Business Name, First Name, and Last Name columns identify the contractor and their main point of contact.
The Email and Phone columns hold the contractor's primary contact information.
TIP: Business Name is the only required cell in order to successfully import each contractor, but we strongly suggest adding the contractor's primary contact info too.
The Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, Zip, and County columns capture the contractor's business address.
The Notes and Notes 2 columns accept any additional text you want attached to the contractor's profile.
The External Id column is useful if you're transferring your contractor data from another system and want to keep using the same IDs in Docket.
The Contractor Type column describes what kind of contractor this is. You may only choose a Contractor Type that already exists in your account. If you need a new Contractor Type, please create it in Docket before you import, since the importer won't create it for you.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Fill Out Dumpster Tasks Template
Use this importer/template when you need to bulk import a large batch of dumpster tasks, like Exchanges or Dump and Returns, into Docket.
The Client ID, Company Name, and Primary Contact Email Address columns match the task to a client already in Docket. You must fill out at least one of these three cells so Docket can successfully attach the task to the right client profile. We strongly suggest adding both Company Name and Email Address.
TIP: You only need to fill out the Client ID column if you previously transferred your client data from another system and imported the IDs into Docket.
The Service Address Line 1, Service Address Line 2, Service Address City, Service Address State, and Service Address Zip columns identify where the task takes place.
The Contact column lets you attach a specific point of contact for the task, but the contact must already exist in your Docket account. Just enter their full name as it appears in the client's profile.
The Task Type and Task Status columns set what kind of task this is and its progress. Both are dropdown columns tied to Docket's existing options.
TIP: Choose from the dropdown instead of typing into the cell. A task type or status that doesn't match Docket's existing options will fail the import.
The Dumpster Size and Dumpster Pin columns identify the specific asset involved with the task. These are both dropdowns that you'll need to select from instead of typing into the cell.
The Date, Rental Length, and Priority columns set the task's scheduling details. Rental Length and Priority are both dropdowns that you'll need to select from instead of typing into the cell.
The Waste Materials column describes what's allowed in the dumpster and is a dropdown that you'll need to select from instead of typing into the cell.
The Driver and Sales Rep are both dropdown columns pulled from your account's Employees list.
The Driver Notes, Office Notes, and Dispatch Notes columns each accept any additional text you want attached to the task.
The PO Number and Project Name columns are optional for your own tracking.
The Secondary Dumpster, Secondary Dumpster Pin, Secondary Service Address, Temp Task Number, and Next Task Number columns only apply to Exchanges and Relocates, or to Drop Off tasks you want linked to an automatic Pick Up task. Leave them blank for a standard, single Drop Off or Pick Up task.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Fill Out Service Addresses Template
Use this importer/template when you need to bulk import service addresses for clients you've already added to Docket.
TIP: Some of the column headers have a comment added to them explaining what can be added to each cell and how the information will be used.
The Client ID, Company Name, and Primary Contact Email Address columns match this address to a client already in Docket. You must fill out at least one of these three cells so Docket can successfully attach the task to the right client profile. We strongly suggest adding both Company Name and Email Address.
TIP: You only need to fill out the Client ID column if you previously transferred your client data from another system and imported the IDs into Docket.
The Service Address Name column is a label you can use to tell addresses apart which comes in handy for clients with several locations.
The Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, and Zip columns are all required since Docket needs a complete, routable address for your drivers. List the full state name (Colorado, not CO) and don't use a P.O. Box here. A P.O. Box only works on a client's billing address in the Client Import.
TIP: Put the actual street address on Address Line 1. Save lot numbers, building names, or unit numbers for Address Line 2. A lot number on Line 1 will fail the import since Docket can't confirm it's a real address.
The PO Number and Project Name columns are optional for your own tracking.
The Notes and Office Notes columns each accept any additional text you want attached to the task.
Please Note: Don't delete, rename, reorder, or hide any columns even if you're not using them. Changing the template's header row or column structure will cause the import to fail.
Upload and Import a Template
After a template has been filled out with all the necessary details, it's time to use its corresponding importer to upload the data into your Docket account.
To do that, just follow the instructions below:
- Click the "+ New" button in the top left.
- Click on "Imports" from the drop-down.
- Click on the importer you need a template for.
- Click "Select File" from the prompt that appears.
- Select your file from the window that appears.
- Click "Upload" to finish the process.
TIP: There's no way to stop the import after you click "Upload" and it'll prevent you from working in Docket while it processes, so make sure you have a few minutes to spare if you have a lot of data in your file!
If you're importing Assets, Billing Templates, or Contractors, Docket will import as much as it can and confirm once it's done.
If you're importing Clients, Client Contacts, Dumpster Tasks, or Service Addresses, Docket will review all the data prior to actually importing it and you'll see a failure message if it runs into an error.
Docket will not import anything in the file if it sees even one error so you don't have to worry about re-importing as many times as it takes to find and fix each error.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs address common questions and quick clarifications to help you use this feature with confidence.
Why Did My Import Fail?
Most failures come down to a few common causes:
- A Client Type, Pricing Type, or Lead Type that doesn't already exist in Docket exactly as spelled
- A lot number or unit listed on the first line of a service address instead of the second
- A P.O. Box used as a service address instead of a billing address.
You can download your import results or click on “View Recent Import Logs” for more detail on which rows caused the problem.
Do I Have to Import in a Specific Order?
Only if you're using the Clients, Client Contacts, Service Addresses, or Dumpster Tasks importers.
You have to import your Clients first, then Service Addresses, then Contacts, then Dumpster Tasks. Each importer checks against information created by the one before it, so importing out of order will cause errors.
If you're using the Assets, Billing Templates, or Contractors importers, you don't have to follow a specific order.
Can I Use These Importers If I Already Have Data in Docket?
Definitely! You don't need an empty account to use these importers. They work whether you're just getting started or you've been using Docket for years.
Will Importing the Same File Twice Create Duplicate Records?
Not if you're using the Clients, Client Contacts, Service Addresses, or Dumpster Tasks importers. Docket checks new rows in these templates against your existing data and skips anything that matches, so you won't end up with duplicate clients, addresses, or contacts.
However, Docket doesn't check for duplicates in the Assets, Billing Templates, or Contractors templates so make sure you're only importing brand-new assets, templates, and contractors.
Can I Use a P.O. Box as a Service Address?
No, your drivers can't be routed to a P.O. Box so they're auto-rejected during the service addresses import.
However, you can still use a P.O. Box as the first line of a client's billing address in their profile.
Will These Importers Update Information on Clients I Already Have in Docket?
No, these importers only add new records. If you need to change information on an existing client, contact, task, etc... you'll need to update it directly in Docket.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Support team through the chat widget on the bottom of this page or by sending an email to support@yourdocket.com!