# Syncing existing products

This guide explains how to sync **products that already exist in both stores** (Source + Destination). The goal is to match the same product in both stores (by handle / SKU / barcode) and then update fields in Destination based on your sync settings.

### ✅ When should you use this?

Use **Syncing existing products** if:

* The product is already in your **Source store**
* The same product is already in your **Destination store**
* You want Tipo Sync to link them and keep them updated automatically

**Common use case:** You have two stores with the same catalog already, and now you want a “master store” (Source) to control updates.

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### 🔍 How the app matches existing products

The app matches products between your Source and Destination stores using one of the following identifiers:

<table><thead><tr><th width="205">Identifier</th><th>Description</th><th>Example</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Handle</strong> (Recommended)</td><td>Unique part of the product URL</td><td><code>/3-4-sleeve-kimono-dress-coral</code></td></tr><tr><td><strong>SKU</strong></td><td>Unique code assigned to each variant</td><td><code>SKU-12345-CORAL</code></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Barcode</strong></td><td>Global identifier used for inventory</td><td><code>8850123456789</code></td></tr></tbody></table>

When a product is updated in the Source store, the app syncs changes (like title, price, description) to the matching product in the Destination store using the selected identifier.

***

### 🛠️ Step to connect and sync

#### **For a New Connection:**

Before connecting, check and select the product information you want to sync [here. ](https://tipo.io/index.php/kb/sync-specific-product-fields/)

1\. Open the app in **Destination** store > click **Connect store** button

<figure><img src="/files/O1QViXol3oGbAhqQJgnQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. Enter the **Connection Code** from your Source Store (found under the app’s Settings).​

3\. In **General** >  **Matching & Imports** part > select **Only update current items that have the same identifier**

<figure><img src="/files/ILdXzjuWe3dJcGQLGVne" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4\. Under **Unique Identifier**, choose one:

* **Handle** (recommended)
* **SKU** (ensure all variants have unique SKUs)
* **Barcode** (ensure all variants have unique barcodes)

5. Enable the **Product sync** setting > select the products you want to sync
6. &#x20;Complete connection and click **Save.**

#### **For an Existing Connection:**

1\. Go to the **Destinations** store > click **Stores** > click on the store URL of source store to view the connection detail

<figure><img src="/files/mqkFJ0WUTfgeaE7KgVD1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. In **General** >  **Matching & Imports** part > select **Only update current items that have the same identifier**

<figure><img src="/files/t9svPwYIOFdORGUDxje7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3\. Choose your preferred **Unique Identifier**

Click **Save** to apply the changes.​

Note: if you make any change to the app settings next time, please contact the support team (at chat box or email <hi@tipo.io>)and we will help you push sync or make sure the setting is applied correctly.

#### ⚠️ Notes

* This sync method **does not create new products,** it only updates existing ones that match the selected identifier
* Make sure each product/variant has a **unique and consistent identifier** across both stores
* If you change sync settings later, contact support at **<hi@tipo.io>** to ensure updates are applied correctly

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### 🧪 Example (existing product in both stores)

**Product:** Ceramic Table Lamp\
**Handle:** `ceramic-table-lamp`

<table><thead><tr><th width="87.45001220703125">Field</th><th width="156.74993896484375">Before (Source)</th><th width="181.050048828125">Before (Destination)</th><th>After sync (Destination)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Price</td><td>$69.99</td><td>$64.99</td><td>✅ $69.99</td></tr><tr><td>Title</td><td>Ceramic Table Lamp</td><td>Ceramic Lamp</td><td>✅ Ceramic Table Lamp <em>(if Title sync is enabled)</em></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### ⚙️ Product Sync Options Comparison

| Option                                                                                   | Description                                                       | Behavior                                                                 | Use Case                                                                         |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Create new items if not exist and update current items that have the same identifier** | Syncs existing products and creates new ones if no match is found | <p>✅ Updates matched products\<br><br>✅ Creates new products</p>         | Best for syncing full catalogs between stores                                    |
| **Only update current items that have the same identifier**                              | Syncs only existing products that match the selected identifier   | <p>✅ Updates matched products\<br><br>❌ Does not create new products</p> | Best for stores that already have matching products and want to avoid duplicates |

Identifier Options (used for matching)

<table><thead><tr><th width="124">Identifier</th><th>Description</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Handle</strong></td><td>Unique part of the product URL</td><td>Recommended for most setups</td></tr><tr><td><strong>SKU</strong></td><td>Unique code per variant</td><td>Ensure uniqueness across all variants</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Barcode</strong></td><td>Global inventory code</td><td>Useful for standardized product tracking</td></tr></tbody></table>

**🙋 Still need support?**

If you still need help, please feel free to contact us at <hi@tipo.io>. We’ll be happy to assist you further.


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