How to Import and Update Membership Status Using CSV Files in Dryfta

How can I properly import contacts and update membership status fields using CSV files in Dryfta, especially when working with a large number of members?

To import contacts with membership status information in Dryfta, follow these guidelines:

1. Initial Import:
- When importing new contacts, use the Import Contacts feature.
- Make sure your CSV file includes all relevant fields, including membership status if possible.
- If the membership status field is missing in your import tool, note that Dryfta has added support for updates including membership status ("Is Member" field).

2. Updating Membership Status for Existing Contacts:
- Go to the 'Update Contacts' tab under Import Contacts.
- Download the sample CSV file provided for updates.
- The sample file may be empty with just column headers; it is intended as a template.
- Work on a desktop spreadsheet application compatible with CSV files (e.g., Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets).

3. Syncing Your Data:
- Download all users (without applying filters) from your Dryfta system to get the current data.
- Sort both your original CSV and the downloaded update CSV by a unique identifier (e.g., name or email) to align records.
- Copy the membership status and related fields (e.g., Role ID, Is Member, Membership Expiry, Joining Date) from your original CSV into the update CSV.

4. Specific Fields for Membership Status:
- Role ID: a number indicating the user role (e.g., 200 for member).
- Is Member: set to 1 to indicate active membership.
- Membership Expiry and Joining Date: enter the relevant dates.

5. Save your updated CSV file and import it through the 'Update Contacts' tab.

6. For bulk updates:
- Avoid manually editing thousands of records individually.
- Use spreadsheet software features like sorting and bulk copy-paste to expedite updates.

7. If you want to start fresh:
- You can delete existing members and re-import them with all pertinent membership information, but be cautious to back up data before deletion.

If you encounter difficulties with blank files or software compatibility (e.g., Numbers showing empty files), verify that the CSV opens properly and that hidden rows/columns or text encoding are not affecting visibility. Alternatively, try opening the CSV in another spreadsheet application.

For any technical assistance, support is available through the ticketing system, and no additional charges apply for help with imports or updates.