Overview
There are a few ways to get your commission data into AgencyBloc. Generally, you'll import commission data from an electronic statement provided by the carrier in an excel format. If the carrier does not provide a statement, you can use the standard import template or manually add entries. Using manual entries is also a good option for posting a small number of commission payments or making adjustments to an agent’s commissions.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Importing commissions (8:07)
Step-by-step instructions
To process commissions in AgencyBloc, you need to bring carrier commissions statements into AgencyBloc.
There are three methods to do this:
Conventional method
This is the most commonly used method for importing commission data into AgencyBloc. You’ll use this method if the carrier sends you commission statements in Excel spreadsheets.
- Go to Commission > Import Carrier Data.
- Choose the Transaction Type: New or Existing.
- - New: This option allows you to create a new Transaction during the import process, and group the imported commission entries under it. You can also add carrier deposit information now or later if you prefer.
- Existing: If you’re importing a large carrier statement in chunks, this option allows you to group all of its commission entries under the same Transaction. 
- Choose the carrier statement file on your computer that you are importing.
- If you selected the “New” Transaction Type in Step 2, you will need to assign a Carrier Statement Date. This is the date on a carrier statement that marks when it was posted. This date will help you identify the Transaction, and group your carrier deposits and commission entries by a time period.
- Assign an Agent Statement Date.
- Previously known as the “Statement Date.” This date indicates when you plan to pay out commissions. After you finish processing commissions, you can finalize and lock this date to let your agents download their statements.
- (Optional) Add deposit information.
- If you’ve received a bank deposit from the carrier, you can add a deposit now or later. After importing, you can view the deposit information in the Transaction.
- Select the “Import Statement” button and review the import summary.
- Select the “View & Edit Entries” link to review Policies you need to link.
Standard method
In some cases, the carrier may not provide commission statements in Excel spreadsheets. If this happens, you can still import your commission data by adding it to our standard template.
You can download a copy of our standard import template from the Import Carrier Data > Carrier Statement section. Select the “Download Standard Format” link.
Once you have the template:
- Copy and paste your commission data into the template.
Do not delete or rearrange the spreadsheet columns in any way. This could create errors during an import. - Save your changes and import the template using the Conventional method (see above).
Make sure you select “Standard Format” in the Import Map field. Leave the Carrier field blank if you are importing multiple carriers in the same file.
Standard template details
In the standard template, you may notice certain fields are bold. These bold fields are required for a successful import. You may skip any columns that aren’t bold if they are not relevant to your business.
Do not delete or rearrange the columns in any way. This can create errors during import.
The data you add to the CarrierAbbrev column should mirror what you have listed in Commission > Commission Settings > Import Maps > Translations. A translation takes the Coverage Type or Revenue Type value in your commission import file and changes it to a matching value in AgencyBloc.
It's important for this value to match so your commissions are correctly linked to Policy records. If you don’t use translations, you will place the name in the "Carrier" column that is listed in AgencyBloc.
Manual method
In some instances, the carrier will not provide an electronic file of your statement. If this happens, you will need to use the manual method to enter payments. See this article for step-by-step instructions.
Common questions
I keep getting an error when I try to upload my commission statement using the carrier map. What is wrong?
The most common answer to this question is that the carrier changed the format of their file so your AgencyBloc Import Map is no longer accurate.
How to fix it: Go back into your import history (located within the Import Carrier Data section) and find a file from a previous month that worked correctly for that carrier. Open that file and compare the columns to the file that just failed. Check to make sure the data is located in the same columns on each spreadsheet. If you find a difference that means the carrier has indeed changed their file. You will need to submit the new file to our developers so they can update your map. This can be done within the Import Carrier Data section under the Modify Existing Import Map tab. You will receive an email when the update has been finished. Typical turnaround time is about 24-48 hours.
I keep getting an error when I try to upload a commission statement using the Standard Format template. What is wrong?
Common things to check:
- Make sure the columns have not been moved or altered. Also, make sure no columns have been added or deleted.
- Make sure the Carrier name is spelled and appears exactly like it is entered in the Carriers tab of AgencyBloc.
- Make sure all dates are in the format of MM/DD/YYYY
- Make sure all the number columns are set to “General” as the format- No dollar signs, no commas, etc. (this only applies to premium and commission information)
- Make sure the file is saved as an .xls format (shown as “Excel 97-2003” as the file type)
- Make sure Coverage Type for each entry is exactly how it appears in AgencyBloc (spelled the same)
- If you have a value in the InRate column, you must have a value in the Premium column or the Lives column.
- If you don’t have a Premium amount (carrier didn’t provide it) it is best to put a “0” in the Premium column.