Frequently Asked Questions
The objective of Promodata is simple…
to improve the data interface between suppliers and distributors for the purpose of
making the sale of promotional products easier and more profitable.
Promodata is a central promotional product database that is updated on a daily basis (suppliers using API’s) or manually (non API suppliers). The database takes the many formats of supplier data and converts it into a single format which makes it much easier to manage on websites and in back-end quoting and job management systems.
Promodata is more than a product databank. Promodata takes different formats of supplier data and converts it into a single common format. (In the USA they call this a Promostandards) Once in a common standard it is then possible to manage it and make efficient use of it.
Suppliers update Promodata in two ways:
The preferred way is via API but those suppliers that are not able to set up an API there is the Promodata V2 csv file upload.
For API connected suppliers Promodata logs into the suppliers server every 24 hours and checks for any product changes. The data is then updated meaning it is always current.
Stock Checks are live/made in real-time (it has to be) and on a product by product basis.
Data from Promodata V2 csv suppliers is currently loaded by the Promodata team when it is provided. Vendors will soon have the ability to maintain their own data by logging into Promodata via their own Supplier portal.
Every product edit is time-stamped so users of the data can see how current the data is. This also helps with verification.
Data that has not been updated by the supplier for 12 months will be marked as discontinued.
Promodata provides many benefits to both suppliers and distributors but the key ones are:
– Accurate product data.
– Speed of handling and managing product data.
– Accurate pricing for quoting and P/O’s etc
– Improved search capability on websites.
– Less mistakes as no need to manually enter product data.
– Speed to market, supplier data in hands of distributors within 24 hours
– Single data source – no need to trawl many websites or update multiple price lists.
As part of the Promodata Community, you will also have access to:
– Promodata Hub – with group buy discounts and other resources
– Promodata Search
Promodata is widely integrated across the Australasian promotional products industry, supporting various systems and platforms, especially those that streamline product sourcing, quoting, and customer interactions. Key platforms and systems using Promodata include:
APPA Search – This is the exclusive industry catalog for members of the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA). Promodata integration here allows suppliers to keep their product information updated and accessible for distributors within the industry. NB – Only APPA Supplier Member products are displayed on “Search”
Industry Quoting Platforms – For instance, Brandengine utilises Promodata for accurate, real-time product data to assist distributors with quoting and proposals, simplifying the workflow from product selection to customer pricing.
Custom-Built Distributor Back Office Systems – Many distributors have unique back-office setups tailored to their operational needs, and Promodata integration helps ensure that these systems are consistently populated with up-to-date product information, aiding in efficient inventory management, pricing, and order processing.
Distributor Customer-Facing Websites – Promodata also enables distributors to offer a seamless, reliable online shopping experience on their websites by displaying current product catalogs, specs, and pricing.
These integrations collectively support the promotional products industry’s needs for accurate data and streamlined workflows across multiple touchpoints.
Promodata commenced as an independent and separate company in 2021 formed in partnership with APPA, Mark Hudson(Managing Director at Brandconnect) and David Phillips (Chief Developer at Promotional Programming).
Each partner brings considerable promotional products industry experience, expertise and knowledge to the problem of standardising supplier data and creating a database that can be then accessed by distributors.
The objective of Promodata is simple – to improve the data interface between suppliers and distributors for the purpose of making the sale of promotional products easier and more profitable.
In October 2024, The APPA Board made the decision to focus on other endeavours and exited the partnership. APPA, on behalf of it’s members, will continue to work closely with Promodata to ensure the tools are available to support the Australasian Promotional Products industry
Promodata is available for a monthly subscription fee per entity license for Distributors.
Distributors are able to access Promodata for free for testing and development purposes.
There is also an nominal annual contribution fee for Suppliers – this helps cover operational and development costs
View pricing here
Contact Us for more information and a test API key.
Suppliers will need to sign an agreement which gives permission for Promodata to use their data.
Suppliers can supply data via API (preferred method) or through the online Promodata spreadsheet.(CSV)
Contact Us
Suppliers currently have two main ways to view their data in Promodata:
APPA Search: As Promodata populates APPA Search, member suppliers can access and view their data here. This is a key resource for suppliers to verify and review the information displayed.
Brandengine: For specific requests, suppliers can contact the support team, which will use Brandengine to share detailed product information on demand.
Additionally, a dedicated Supplier Portal is in development, with an estimated launch in early 2025. This portal will be particularly useful for suppliers who manage data in CSV or spreadsheet formats, enabling them to directly view and update their data in Promodata.
Promodata has implemented a quarterly Verification process for suppliers that contribute data via CSV file.
Read more >>>
Promotional Merchandise Suppliers are being added to PromoData all the time.
For a current list – please click here
Promodata will be supplied as a data feed. We will work with distributors by providing guidance and examples of how the data can be used but distributors will need a web-developer to make effective use of the data.
Distributors may wish to make use of all, or only part, of the data available.
How it is used and displayed will be down to them and their developer.
Sorry, no, Promodata does not build websites.
Promodata is a Product Information Management (PIM) tool that helps manage and organise promotional product information for websites, specifically for promo businesses in Australia and New Zealand.
While it doesn’t offer web development services, Promodata does provide a direct API feed that enables websites to keep their product information up-to-date. This allows users to integrate and synchronise product data efficiently on their new and/or existing API capable websites but requires separate web development to set up and maintain the site itself.
Promodata product data is hosted on servers in Sydney, Australia.
Promodata images are hosted and delivered via a multi-CDN (Content Delivery Network) that also has servers in Sydney, Australia.
The Promodata team is also Australian based (including support)
We are happy to answer any questions, and provide assistance as required.
Contact Us