Setting up a Zalando API - Process for existing sellers

Requirements to get started with Channable

• You need to be part of the Zalando Partner program. The current API connection is created for the Zalando Partner Program. We don’t support Zalando Connected Retail. 

• Every part of order handling has to happen through the API; it’s not possible to do anything order-related in zDirect. Therefore, to be able to sell on Zalando, it is required to also use an order connection. You can find general information about the order connection in Channable here, and more specific information about Zalando orders can be found here.

Step 1: Notify Zalando

If you want to use the Zalando API in Channable and you are already selling on Zalando but via another integrator or any another way, you need to notify Zalando that you want to switch to Channable. If you sell in multiple countries, the switching will go country by country. The switch will be coordinated by Zalando. Once Zalando has indicated that the switch has taken place, you can continue with the process of setting up a Zalando API in Channable.

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 a link, with which you can invite us. When you invited us please send us an email to confirm that, and we will then set up the Zalando connection for you.  

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

1. Settings
   If you want to keep the content information (i.e. descriptions, sizes, colors, and other attributes), switch on the setting "Do not submit new product data" under the header "Advanced synchronisation options". If you do want to push your content through Channable, please follow our article for new sellers. 
   Make sure the field "Unique ID per item" is set to your internal reference of your ecommerce platform. Usually this is the field 'ID'. If you currently use another internal identifier, Channable will overwrite the existing identifiers with the identifiers submitted by your ecommerce platform. This will not affect the availability of your products in Zalando.
2. Categories
   Categories are mandatory for Zalando. Set up 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. 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 you are allowed to sell according to Zalando.

3. Rules
   Create different rules to optimize your product data. For example, take a look at our common rules support article.

4. Build
   Here you can find our preset template for the product listings. All you have to do is fill it out by clicking on the field and selecting what field 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.

   2. It's important that these are filled correctly and that they use the same IDs and product structure you currently use.

      You can find more information about the product structure in Zalando here.

5. Attributes
   You don't have to fill in the attributes section, since you are already selling on Zalando. Remember: this only goes for products that are already on Zalando. If you want to add new products to your Zalando-account, you will have to add attributes. In that case, follow our article for new sellers starting at Step 3. 

Step 4: Order connection

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

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

Go to the Preview step of your API to check the products that are about to be sent to your Zalando account. If that 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. When Zalando has given their approval, they will remove a so-called 'Merchant block' in the API and the articles will go live on Zalando. Going live will always be in consultation with you and Zalando.