An FTP data feed is a regularly updated data file — such as stocked unit data — that Blackpurl transfers to a server using File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Once the data is on the FTP server, your third-party provider or dealership can use it as needed, for example to update your website.
What Is an FTP Data Feed
FTP is a standard method for moving files between a client (in this case, Blackpurl data) and a server over a network. Blackpurl is responsible for setting up and sending the data file. What the dealership or third-party provider does with the data after it arrives on the FTP server is up to them.
How to Initiate the FTP Data Feed Setup
Step 1: Dealership Completes the Authorization Form
Blackpurl requires authorization from the dealership before sharing your data with a third-party provider. Complete the authorization form at the link below to give Blackpurl permission to proceed.
In the form, provide the full contact details for your third-party provider. Blackpurl will reach out to them directly, so complete contact information is important.
Step 2: Blackpurl Contacts Your Third-Party Provider
Blackpurl will contact your third-party provider directly to collect the FTP information needed to complete setup. The information Blackpurl will request from your third-party provider includes:
FTP server IP address or site address
Username and password
Upload directory (optional)
Data feed frequency (daily or weekly, and preferred time)
File name convention
Once Blackpurl has all the required information, setup will be finalised. Both the third-party provider and the dealership will be notified when setup is complete and the data file transfer has commenced.
Additional Information
Review the following points before or during setup to avoid common issues.
Stock Unit Data Sheet
A Blackpurl Stock Unit FTP Sample data sheet is available if your third-party provider asks for it. If no custom data sheet is provided, Blackpurl will use its standard template and will discuss this directly with your third-party provider.
Unit Images
Blackpurl can also send URL addresses for unit images in the data feed. Check with your third-party provider to confirm they can use image URLs before relying on this. Keep the following in mind:
Images must be loaded onto the relevant Unit Records in Blackpurl before they can be sent. See Add Images to Unit Records for instructions.
All images loaded onto a Unit Record will be sent as URLs — the dealership cannot select individual images to include or exclude.
The order in which images are sent is determined by the order in which they were imported onto the Unit Record in Blackpurl. Control image order by managing the import order on the Unit Record.
Important Note:
Blackpurl automatically optimizes images when they are uploaded to a Unit Record.
During the upload process, images are resized to fit within a maximum resolution of 1000 × 1000 pixels, while maintaining their original aspect ratio and a high image quality of 90%. This helps improve upload performance and manage storage efficiently.
Images that are already smaller than 1000 pixels retain their original dimensions and are not resized.
Regarding the FTP feed, Blackpurl does not perform any additional resizing or compression of images. Instead, the FTP feed includes the public image URLs that link directly to the images stored in Blackpurl.
Therefore, the images accessed through these URLs have the same dimensions, resolution, and quality as the images stored on the Unit records. No additional changes are made to the images during the FTP export process.
IP Whitelist
Your third-party provider may need to whitelist the Blackpurl IP address: 52.15.173.142.
Credentials
Your third-party provider must supply credentials exactly as they are configured on the FTP server. Uppercase and lowercase letters matter — for example, if the password is Service but is provided as SERVICE, the FTP connection will fail.
Usernames should not contain special characters such as an apostrophe (') or ampersand (&). For example, a username of Cathy's or F&C should be provided as Cathy or FC instead.
After Setup
Once the data feed is set up, it will run automatically on the schedule requested. The dealership has control over the following after setup is complete.
Excluding Units from the Feed
To exclude a unit from the data feed, open the relevant Unit Record and uncheck the Publish on Feeds checkbox. Units with this checkbox unchecked will not be included in the FTP data file.
Checking Publish on Feeds Status
To see the Publish in Feeds status for all units or parts, run the relevant Part Inventory Report or Unit Inventory Report and add the Publish in Feeds column. The report will list each part or unit and show whether Publish in Feeds is set to YES or NO, matching the status on the individual Part Record or Unit Record.