Setting up a Zalando API - Process for new Zalando sellers

Step 1: Meet all requirements

When you want to use the Zalando API in Channable you will need to meet all the requirements before you can start setting up the API. The list below shows the requirements you need to meet to use the Zalando API in Channable. The requirements are explained in more detail in this article. 

• Approved to sell on Zalando's Partner Program using Channable 
• Passed brand readiness stage
• Have access to a zDirect account
• Be able to use our order connection because Zalando does not offer an interface to handle orders.
• You are aware of the requirements to get items approved on Zalando, for example the images and order fulfillment documents.

Step 2: Create a Zalando API connection in Channable

To make a connection you need to invite Channable as an External Technical Organization by using zDirect. To do this please send an email to our support department. You will receive an invite link. When you have done the invitation send us a reply to the email that you sent the invitation, we will then accept the invitation and set up the Zalando connection.  

Once you received an email from us that your connection is ready, you can create a new Zalando API in Channable. Go to Channable, open your project, and go to APIs > Add new API. A new screen will open where you can select the Zalando connection. When you have selected the connection, you will see a screen (see image below) where you can fill in a name for the API and select the right region.

Step 3: Create your product listings in Channable

You can create your product listing by following the four-step shown below in the Zalando API.

1. Categories
   Categories are mandatory for Zalando. Setup Zalando categories for your products by using the generate categories feature or create new categories from scratch. Zalando gives you specific categories in which you are allowed to sell during the Brand Readiness phase. Currently, all Zalando categories are visible in the category section. Even though all categories are visible in the Channable API it does not mean you are still allowed to sell in every category. To avoid errors we advise you to only select the categories where you are allowed to sell according to Zalando.

2. Rules
   Create different rules to optimize your product data. For examples take a look at our common rules Help center article. 

3. Build
   Here you can find our preset template for the product listings. All you have to do is to fill it out by clicking on the field itself and selecting what you would like to go in there. For example, the field 'Title' should display the title of your product and so on.

   For Zalando specifically, there are a few things to consider when filling out the templates:

   1. Item ID group id + Item subgroup id + EAN determine the product structure. It's important that these are filled in correctly and that use the same IDs and product structure you currently use.

   2. EANs are required.

   3. Images must be submitted in separate fields.
      You can find more information about the product structure in Zalando here.

4. Attributes
   Almost done! Next up is filling in the fields in the Attributes step. Select the category you want to optimize first. The attributes section in the Zalando API is a little different than you're normally used to from us. The Zalando attribute values consist of a code and a more human-readable label. Unfortunately, we can’t reliably use the label in the attribute builder. Therefore we decided to only work with codes. We show a list of possible values and you have to fill in one of these codes. These codes are usually not really meaningful (e.g. the code '302' maps to 'red'). To help you set up the attributes correctly, we can provide you with a specific CSV with all the allowed values and their codes. Please contact our support department to provide you with the CSV. 

Step 4: Order connection

As described earlier, it is necessary for Zalando to set up an order connection. To set up the order connection, please contact our support department. More information about Zalando orders can be found in this article.

Step 5: Getting everything approved on Zalando & Go live!

Go to the Results step of your API to check the products that are about to be sent to your Zalando account. Because Zalando does a manual check on product content, it saves time to make sure the API is as complete as possible before running it the first time. If everything looks right, go to the Settings step of your API and activate the API. When the order connection is set up and the API is fully configured with your product information Zalando will review your product information and order handling. Please contact Zalando to review this. The article onboarding has several stages, you can follow the Article Status Overview module within zDirect. You can find more information about the different stages here. 

When Zalando has given their approval they will remove a so-called 'Merchant block' in the API and your products will go live on Zalando. Going live will always be in consultation with you and Zalando.