I started the same way as you. For me I had some specific requirements for product variants, and ultimately bought a specific Excel import module for this. (Not a big investment). Depending on your requirements, you can try to make the standaard functionality work. Or go ahead with the more advanced Excel import modules. For me it was totally satisfactory to buy an extra module and now have a master Product Sheet that will import all the data I need from an external system.

With regard to your question, if you leave the ID in tact, you could reverse the process and import the products as needed. 

I think you were almost there, after you 'Test' the file Odoo should respond that everything is fine. Then you can use the Import button to do the actual import. At least this is how I did it, and works.

In addition you could use the developer tools in your browser, and check that the action is actually executed when pressing the Import button.

As for documentation, I'm not sure, but I think I found a youtube video explaining this process.

Thanks Sander,

Thank you for your response. During the evaluation phase, product variants are not the focus of my investigation, but rather the ability to update the online product details from an offline record, e.g. as concerns product offerings, prices etc.

Concerning your leaving remark, you claim that it is possible to reverse the process. That is very reassuring, but could you please explain how or link to a part of the documentation where this is described in detail.

Thanks again. I did find the video at: '

'

The key to the solution was to press 'Import' again, not 'Load File'.