First check that the original header row is intact
STORES inventory CSV relies on Variation ID and the “updated stock” column. Missing either column is treated as an error because the original inventory CSV header may have been altered.
The checker also catches blank/duplicate variation IDs and files over the 5,000-item upload limit.
Absolute and relative modes are chosen before download
STORES asks you to choose absolute overwrite or relative increase/decrease before downloading the CSV. That means the CSV contents alone might not prove which mode was selected.
The checker validates integer/unlimited syntax, but does not label every negative or large value as an error when interpretation depends on mode.
Downloaded stock is a snapshot
In relative mode, the downloaded current stock is not live. Purchases or cancellations during editing can change inventory before upload.
STORES also documents clamping relative results above 9,999 to 9,999 and below 0 to 0, so the starting inventory matters.
How to read the result
ERROR covers missing headers, blank/duplicate IDs, over-limit files, and nonnumeric stock text. WARNING means the value needs review in the selected STORES update mode.
For a narrower value check, see the STORES stock value checker.