Shopify API: Main Facts You Need To Know About It in 2022
Because eCommerce apps and services can only access data from e-stores if connected to the shopping platform they are based on, they have to integrate with them. One of the most popular and widespread shopping platforms among e-sellers is Shopify. To get access to the data from online stores built on this platform, software providers need to connect to its API (Application Programming Interface). APIs are used by developers to manage and store data for their software needs.
Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform that hosts 1 million+ online stores with no less than $7 billion worth of sales. Its popularity is highest in the United States (921,000+ e-stores), followed by the United Kingdom (50,000+ e-stores), Australia (38,000+ e-stores) and Canada (29,000+ e-stores). It is a good customer bank for B2B software vendors who want to help e-merchants organize and get more out of their e-stores.
In this article, we will explore all the details connected with the API of Shopify. We will discover how to develop Shopify API integration.
Shopify API Meaning
API is a software intermediary between two applications, which allows them to communicate with each other. Without APIs, you would have to learn how each application was implemented in order to communicate with it. Because APIs integrate application components into existing architectures, they allow business and IT teams to work together.
Let’s look at how Shopify API works and what it can do. t Iis a tool that allows software developers to access data from Shopify-based online stores and use it in their own software and applications.
The API of Shopify supports both XML and JSON, and works with such types of the HTTP requests as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. An interesting issue is the methods supported by the Shopify. The methods include Category, Customer, Order, Product, and more. Each method has a purpose it can be used for and certain properties.
Shopify regularly updates its API. For eCommerce software and app providers who want to work with Shopify data, it is important to closely monitor what version of the API of Shopify is relevant. If the app providers or developers fail to do so, they will not be able to maintain a constant and reliable API connection.
In April 2020, Shopify made the latest changes to its API by replacing page-based pagination with cursor-based pagination. The change was introduced in version 2019–07 of the API and above. It caused many difficulties for app developers who work with the API of Shopify and need access to e-stores info.
Shopify API Integration
Shopify integration enables software providers and developers to tie any application with Shopify’s shopping platform. It is necessary for those software providers who want to offer their services to online retailers who use Shopify for selling their goods online.
Without the development of reliable Shopify API integration, software providers cannot assist e-store owners in organizing and automating their e-retail processes.
For instance, if you are a shipping software developer who wants to import orders from Shopify-based stores, first you need to build a connection between your software and this platform. In the other case, you won’t be able to filter orders, create shipments, generate shipping labels and update order statuses. The development of Shopify integration can bring a lot of benefits to eCommerce software solutions. It enables them to propose their services to a greater number of e-retailers. Also, it allows them to expand their market share as Shopify is popular worldwide.
How to Develop a Reliable Integration with Shopify API Easily
Developing API integration Shopify is a complex process that may require months of investigation and preparation. Even after its development, you must be prepared to maintain it and upgrade it as necessary.
But there is a solution that can help you integrate your B2B software with Shopify easily. It’s API2Cart — the unified interface for shopping platform integration. With its help, you can get the list of orders, products, and customers from Shopify e-stores, update order info, retrieve tax info, add and update shipments, etc.
API2Cart is a service for Shopify API integration that simplifies the process for software vendors who want to work with Shopify data. Among its users are developers of software for shipping management, order and inventory management, ERP systems, repricing and price optimization, marketing automation tools, POS systems, dropshipping automation and others.
Why Choose API2Cart for Shopify Integration Setting
API2Cart provides advanced Shopify integration over and above in-house development. First of all, API2Cart has already developed dozens of shopping platform integrations. Moreover, the service continuously upgrades all of them. So, you won’t need to take care of further Shopify connection maintenance and support.
Secondly, Shopify integration via API2Cart may save you money and time. If Shopify API integration is developed in-house, then it may cost thousands of dollars. How is this possible? Just imagine that you have to pay salaries to your developer team for setting the connection. The work of qualified specialists can cost approximately 4000–6000$ per month. Moreover, don’t forget about the money required for various services that should use your developers. It includes tools like CS (code repository), CI/CD Services, Cloud Services, etc. Also, server hardware and application hosting expenses also are unavoidable.
In addition, API2Cart provides more than 100 API methods for managing data from Shopify e-stores. You’ll be able to access all the needed info on orders, shipments, products, customers, and shipments easily.
In addition, API2Cart has detailed API documentation and 24/7 technical support.
Conclusion
The Shopify API is a helpful tool for building bridges between you and the data you need. As useful and usable as it is today, the API of Shopify will always be in demand.
API2Cart may be your solution for some difficulties encountered in the integration developing process. It fully integrates with Shopify, enabling you to reach all of the necessary data and perform various operations with products, orders, categories, etc.
Shopify is not the only shopping platform API2Cart works with. In fact, it is integrated with more than 40 platforms and marketplaces. The list includes BigCommerce, Magento, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Amazon, Etsy and eBay. If you need to deal with more than one shopping platform integration development, consider using API2Cart service. It is an easy and time-saving way out.
For more details about how API2Cart works, please refer to its API Documentation. If you would like to try the service, simply register for an account and add any of your clients’ e-stores based on Shopify. After that, you will be able to view all necessary data on orders, products, and prices. If you still have questions regarding Shopify integration or API2Cart service in general, you can contact its managers at manager@api2cart.com.
