CRM import check
Preserve the original export. Write the import decisions before changing rows. A clean-looking sheet can create durable bad records.
Decide these before editing
- Match key: email, external ID, or another unique identifier.
- Overwrite rule: which fields update, which stay, which require review.
- Required fields: what must exist before a row can import.
- Review tier: which conflicts stop for a human instead of auto-merging.
- Rollback evidence: original file, import log, and a sample of changed records.
Do not “clean” duplicates in place until the match key and overwrite rule are written down.
When to escalate
If mapping risk is high or several systems disagree on identity, start with a scoped CRM Import Review or a $125 Written Review.