A distributor map in PrestaShop: data, filters and a CSV example

A distributor map starts with data, not markers. Customers need to know which location sells products, where they can obtain servicing and how to get in touch. The list, search and filters also help with this when the map is not enabled.

When a store needs a distributor map

A location directory is useful for a manufacturer presenting showrooms, a brand working with B2B distributors or a store cooperating with service centres. The location type and available services should answer customers' questions: sales, collection, advice, installation or repairs.

Displaying collection points in a directory does not mean that customers can select a point when placing an order. That is a separate process requiring appropriate shipping or cart integration.

What information a location should have

• Company name and location type.
• Country, city, postcode and full address.
• Phone number or email address and the services actually available.
• Latitude and longitude if the location is to appear on the map.

A location without coordinates can remain in the list and in text search. However, it will not appear as a map marker or be included in radius searches. Do not enter arbitrary coordinates just to make a marker appear.

The list and search are more important than the map itself

Distributor Map Pro describes searching by company name, address, city and postcode, as well as filters for country, type and service. Before enabling the map, check whether customers can find the right location using this information.

Separate the location type from the service. A showroom may offer installation, and a distributor may also offer collection. If you put both pieces of information into one arbitrary name, filtering will become less useful.

Our sample: seven locations and one location without coordinates

We prepared seven fictional locations to illustrate the data structure. Six have coordinates, while the demonstration partner in Łódź does not. The data and results below are an editorial example; we have not imported this list into the store or checked the map view in the module.

In this data, the type "service centre" matches two locations: Kraków and Katowice. The "installation" service covers Kraków, Wrocław and Katowice. "Collection" covers Warsaw, Gdańsk and Łódź. After a correct import and map configuration, we would expect six markers; Łódź would remain in the list.

OpenFreeMap, Google Maps or list-only mode

The module description provides for OpenFreeMap, Google Maps or just the list. The OpenFreeMap option does not require a Google key. Google Maps requires your own Maps JavaScript API key. Choosing a provider does not change the need to maintain accurate location data.

Before implementation, check the chosen service's current terms and billing. If users are to start with the list, also check that the search works without loading the map.

CSV import as a way to keep data organised

According to the module description, import accepts UTF-8, up to 2 MiB and 1000 rows, displays a preview of changes and matches locations by external_id. Records missing from the file are not automatically deleted. Simply removing a closed showroom from the CSV should therefore not be treated as confirmation that it has been removed from the directory.

Define stable identifiers and dictionaries for countries, types and services. Before confirming, check new records, updates and errors. The demonstration list illustrates location data and filters; it is not proof of an import having been performed.

What a location map will not do for SEO

A map marker does not guarantee a local ranking. Google describes doorway abuse as creating similar pages that direct users to the actual destination. Repeating the same content under the names of many cities is no substitute for a useful directory.

If you create a separate page for a location, give it its own value: available services, contact details, opening hours, photos and information about customer service. The module described is not a generator of city pages or LocalBusiness data. These functions should not be attributed to it on the basis of the map alone.

When to choose Distributor Map Pro

If you need a directory of showrooms, distributors or service centres with a list, search, filters and an optional map, see Distributor Map Pro for PrestaShop. Start with data quality and a few representative locations before adding the entire network.