The Automated Datafeed Generator

Data-Feeder

Rightmove.co.uk Testing Protocols

To provide examples of the test procedures that Data-Feeder carry out on every Rightmove.co.uk Automated Datafeed (ADF) to BLM XML V3.3 V3i or V4n configuration, here are the Rightmove.co.uk testing protocols applied:

Rightmove UK Sales & Lettings Listings 

For loading UK Sales & Lettings properties via FTP to Rightmove.co.uk, precise specifications need to be adhered to, this is where Data-Feeder helps, our years of experience and expert team get it right, quickly, test it thoroughly with Rightmove, Zoopla etc then push the service live. 

Some useful tips to troubleshoot common issues when uploading an xlm data feed to Rightmove.co.uk for UK Sales & Lettings properties: 

  • Using the BRANCH_ID 99xx99 in the initial test file. This is a Test ID – be certain to have your 'live' Rightmove Branch ID, or if one does not yet exist, an alternative ID for the duration of testing to prevent delays with the setup. 
  • AGENT_REF field - this is BRANCHID_PROPERTYREF (PROPERTYREF being the internal property ID created by either the agent or agency) 
  • Properties which do not have their PRICE, POSTCODE1, POSTCODE2 or BEDROOMS fields completed will be rejected by the Rightmove datafeed FTP upload automatically. 
  • MEDIA_IMAGE - please ensure that these are correctly named in the following format AGENT_REF_IMG_n.JPG 
  • CREATE_DATE & UPDATE_DATE - if included (field is mandatory and included in Data-Feeder, data is not) these must be in the following standard format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS 
  • PROP_SUB_ID – on Rightmove.co.uk, if a property does not have a property type indicated in the PROP_SUB_ID field, it will only appear in searches for properties where a type is not specified 

Once a sites database and Data-Feeder generated XML file is ready for testing, a test file is emailed to the appropriate Property Portal for final approval. 

  • The test file is emailed in a .BLM format 
  • The file includes a couple of images which are in .JPG format

Rightmove Overseas Sales Listings 

For loading Overseas Sales properties via FTP to Rightmove.co.uk, precise specifications need to be adhered to, this is where Data-Feeder helps, our years of experience and expert team get it right, quickly, test it thoroughly with Rightmove, Zoopla etc then push the service live. 

Some useful tips to troubleshoot common issues when uploading an xlm data feed to Rightmove.co.uk for Overseas Sales properties: 

  • Please use the BRANCH_ID 99XX99 or 9054 for testing purposes. This is a Test ID – be certain to have your 'live' Rightmove Branch ID, or if one does not yet exist, an alternative ID for the duration of testing to prevent delays with the setup. 
  • AGENT_REF field - this is BRANCHID_PROPERTYREF (PROPERTYREF being the internal property ID created by either the agent or agency) 
  • Properties which do not have their Price, OS_TOWN_CITY, OS_REGION or BEDROOM fields completed will be rejected by the Rightmove datafeed FTP upload automatically. 
  • FEATURE fields – For Rightmove a minimum of 5 FEATURE fields are required to be populated 
  • DESCRIPTION – For Rightmove a minimum of 1000 characters is required 
  • MEDIA_IMAGE – On Rightmove a minimum of 3 images are required to be included per property in the BLM file for uploading to the FTP, please ensure that these are correctly named in the following format AGENT_REF_IMG_n.JPG 
  • CREATE_DATE & UPDATE_DATE – For Rightmove these must be in the following format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS or left blank 
  • PROP_SUB_ID – On Rightmove if a property does not have a property type indicated in the PROP_SUB_ID field, it will only appear in searches for properties where a type is not specified 

Once a sites database and Data-Feeder generated XML file is ready for testing, the test file is emailed to the appropriate Property Portal for final approval. 

  • The test file is emailed in a .BLM format 
  • The file includes a couple of images which are in .JPG format 
  • The feedback of the test results is analysed.

Rightmove New Homes Listings 

For loading New Homes listings via FTP to Rightmove.co.uk, precise specifications need to be adhered to, this is where Data-Feeder helps, our years of experience and expert team get it right, quickly, test it thoroughly with Rightmove, Zoopla etc then push the service live. 

Some useful tips to troubleshoot common issues when uploading an xlm data feed to Rightmove.co.uk for New Homes property listings: 

  • The test file is emailed in an .XML format. 
  • This includes all relevant media.



The Rightmove ADF XML Data Feed Testing Process 

The testing process is typically like this: 

  • The Data-Feeder service is configured to the latest required Rightmove Datafeed Specification ( Current as of February 2013 Rightmove.co.uk Automated Datafeed ( ADF ) Specifications are: v3.3 ( UK Sales & Lettings ), v3i ( Overseas Sales ), and v4n ( For New Homes Developers ) 
  • The Data-Feeder service sends an Auto Generated test file to Rightmove or Zoopla for testing, with live property data in it (note - no 'empty' test data). 
  • The ADF Team test the file for errors, and provides feedback. 
  • The Data-Feeder team make necessary adjustments to the file and resend the file to the Property Portal for further testing. 
  • The 2 points above continue until an accurately functional file structure is achieved for the Rightmove Automated Data Feed ADF FTP upload to work smoothly. 
  • The Data-Feeder team will send you the URL to the test site allowing you to view the test properties that have been uploaded, whilst organising a Rightmove FTP account. 
  • The Data-Feeder team will configure the service and send you the Username and Password for your unique Rightmove FTP server account, to where all property data will be loaded automatically. 
  • We complete final tests via FTP to Rightmove of full property data, we notify them so that they can arrange to process the data and provide final test listings.
  • Once testing is completed with Rightmove, you must confirm that the Agent is happy with how the properties are to be displayed and that the Agent has all of their properties loaded on to the relevant software/website, in order for them to be converted to a BLM XML file and uploaded automatically to the Rightmove or Zoopla FTP. 
  • Once confirmed, the Data-Feeder service will upload all data by FTP and notify Rightmove once complete so they can arrange for the data to be processed and loaded to the website. 
  • Once processed, the data shall be displayed on the LIVE Rightmoves or Zoopla website, and it’s time for all in the Agency to man the phones!


**Please Note** 
For NEW Rightmove members, data will only appear live on Rightmove.co.uk if the Agent's branch is visible and has received a GO LIVE call from the Rightmove Customer Service Team.