Members and plots
Importing members or plots from a spreadsheet
Import members or plots from Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets.
You can import members or plots from a spreadsheet saved as a CSV file.
Save your spreadsheet as a CSV file
Use the Export or Save As option in Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets to create a CSV file. Instructions for each application are on the import page, under "How do I get a CSV out of my spreadsheet?".
Note: Renaming an Excel or Numbers file to end in .csv does not convert it. Allotmin rejects files that are not in CSV format.
Column headings
The first row of the file must contain column headings. Columns can be in any order. Headings are not case-sensitive, and spaces and punctuation are ignored, so Email, email and E-mail are all recognised. Columns that are not recognised are skipped and listed on the preview screen.
Member columns
- Required: name.
- Optional: email, phone, address, notes, tenancy signed date, plot size wanted, National Allotment Society number, and any custom fields.
Plot columns
- Required: plot number. Accepted headings include "Plot", "Plot No." and "Plot number".
- Optional: size, notes, fee and area.
- Fee: accepted headings include "Fee", "Rent" and "Annual rent". Values can be entered as
45or£45.00. - Area: a number is read as square metres. Values with a unit, such as
10 rodsor15m x 16m, are converted to square metres. The preview shows the original value.
- Fee: accepted headings include "Fee", "Rent" and "Annual rent". Values can be entered as
Plot holders cannot be imported. A column of tenant names is skipped. After importing, assign plots to members from the plots list.
To download a file with the correct headings, select Download a template on the import page.
Preview the import
Nothing is saved until you confirm the import. The preview screen shows the records that will be created, highlights any problems, and lists duplicate email addresses, both within the file and against existing members.
Duplicate email addresses are shown as a warning only, because members of the same household can share an email address.
Import again
You can import as many times as needed. When importing plots, a row with an existing plot number updates that plot instead of creating a new one.
More on members and plots
Adding members and plots
How to add plots and members to Allotmin.
Giving a member a plot
Assign a plot to a member from the member's record or from the plots list.
Member groups
Group members together to email, charge or discount them.
Recording something Allotmin does not have a field for
Add up to three custom fields to every member record.
Partners, co-workers and social members
Link a member to a plot they do not hold, and bill for them on the plot holder's invoice.
Keeping a record of contact with a member
Record phone calls, letters, conversations and complaints against a member.
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