AutoTrader.com FTP Datafile Creator.

This feature will create the data file(s) that you need to use with AutoTrader.com FTP datafeed in order to list all your inventory on AutoTrader.com without needing to re-enter it manually. Everytime that you create and send the datafile your entire inventory will be replaced with the current lsitings in the data file(s).

How does it work?
When you create the data file, all the listings in the database that have the required data will be added to the formatted data file and saved to the folder specified in the config file. Required information includes VIN, Year, Make, Model, Mileage, Exterior Color, and Price. Autotrader uses the files to update your inventory.


How many files are there?
There are two possible files. One for Used inventory and one for New inventory. If you disable new or used in the config it will only create the file for the one that is enabled.


How do I get an account setup?
While we provide the code to create the formatted data file, you will need to contact AutoTrader.com for all other information concerning their services, requirements, and details.


Settings
(config.php)
After you have setup an FTP account with AutoTrader.com open config.php activate the feature.

  1. $AT_Active = 1;  // 1=On 0=Off  -  Truns the feature on and off
  2. $AT_test_mode = 0; // 1=Yes 0=No  -  Turn on for testing and off once your datafile is approved by Autotrader.
  3. $AT_DealerId = "123456";  -  Your AutoTrader.com Dealer ID
  4. $AT_Used = 1;  -  Inlcude Used Inventory 1=Yes | 0=No
  5. $AT_New = 1;   -  Include New Inventory 1=Yes | 0=No
  6. $AT_NumImages = 24;  -  Max Number of images to include per listing. 24 is the Max. (Enter the number of images allowed in your autotrader account.)
  7. $AT_Pending = 0;  -  Include listings that are marked pending. 1=Yes 0=No
  8. $AT_SalePrice = 1;  -  List the sale price instead of full price when available? 1=Yes 0=No
  9. $AT_FilePath = "/home/user/inventory/admin/at_files/";  -  Full path (not url) to the folder with trailing slash. Must chmod 777 writable.
  10. $AT_ftp_enable = 1;  -  Enable automatic FTP upload to autotrader.com 1=ON 0=OFF  -  Will automatically FTP the file(s) to autotrader.
  11. $AT_ftp_server='domain.com'; // autotrader.com ftp server
  12. $AT_ftp_user_name='username'; // autotrader.com ftp username
  13. $AT_ftp_user_pass='password'; // autotrader.com ftp password


Basic Steps:
 (Auto FTP enabled) - FTP support needs to be enabled in PHP. Check with phpinfo();

1. Login to the admin section of your site.

2. Click the button to create the data file.

3. The file(s) will be uploaded directly to Autotrader for you.

4. You will see the results page and have the option to download the file(s)


Basic Steps:
 (Auto FTP Disabled)

1. Login to the admin section of your site.

2. Click the button to create the data file.

3. You will see the results page and should download the data file(s)

4. You will then need to upload the data file(s) to autotrader using an FTP client.


Notes:
- Do not rename the file it is formatted (USEDDealerID_MMDDYY.txt)
- MSRP must be set for New Vehicles or Autotrader will not show your price.
- Autotrader will only show the number of images allowed for your account even if you include more in the datafile.
- The data file is plain text (ASCII)