Setting up a Zalando API - Process for new Zalando sellers
Important: This article is for new sellers on Zalando. If you are an existing seller on Zalando please contact our support department.
Preparation
Before setting up the Zalando API in Channable, ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. The list below outlines the requirements for using the Zalando API in Channable; these are further explained in this article.
You are aware of the requirements to get items approved on Zalando, for example the images and order fulfillment documents.
Create a Zalando API connection
To make a connection, invite Channable as an External Technical Organization using zDirect. To do this, please email our support department. Upon contact, you will receive an invitation link. After sending the invitation, respond to the email thread to confirm. We will then accept the invitation and set up the Zalando connection.
Create your product listings
Follow these steps to set up your channel.
Categorize your products
Assign categories to your products.
AI product categorization: Automatically assigns product categories through our algorithm.
Manual Categorization: Manually assign product categories with custom rules. Create detailed filters to map each product to the correct category.
Uncategorized Items: Products that still need to be reviewed and categorized.
Set up rules
Rules help you quickly optimize your product data for the marketplace.
Rule templates: Commonly used rules you can adjust for your use case.
Rules setup: Filter, modify, or enhance data fields to meet marketplace requirements.
Build your listings
The Build step is where you configure listings to match marketplace requirements.
Mandatory fields: Required to list your products on this marketplace.
Recommended: Recommended to avoid errors.
Optional: Not required to list.
Shared attributes:
Common fields across products (e.g., EAN, prices, titles).
Use static or dynamic values:
Static values: Fixed (e.g., brand name).
Dynamic values: Change based on linked data (e.g., stock, prices).
Category-specific attributes:
Fields specific to the selected category (e.g., size for clothing, dimensions for furniture).
Tip: Click Auto-map fields to automatically map using information using information from your other channels or other similar setups. Learn more.
Check the quality of your set up
The Quality step provides feedback before activation. It highlights mandatory and optional errors.
Solve errors, prioritizing mandatory errors first.
Actions:
View items: See products with specific issues.
View in build: Redirects to the Build step to map missing information.
Set categories: Directs to the Categories step to categorize items.
Show source: Available for ID fields. Directs to the Settings step.
Preview before activating
The Preview step displays attributes mapped in the Build step and shows potential errors.
Filtering:
Filter by error: Use the All dropdown to show only products with errors or a specific error.
Filter by category: Use the All categories dropdown to filter by category.
Before you continue:
Review Shared attributes: Ensure all mandatory shared attributes are filled.
Review Category-specific attributes: Ensure all mandatory category-specific attributes are filled.
Check for errors: Correct any red-marked fields.
Additional information for Zalando
Categories are mandatory for Zalando. Set Zalando categories using the generate categories feature or create new categories from scratch. Zalando gives you specific categories during the Brand Readiness phase. Although all Zalando categories are visible in Channable, only select categories where you are allowed to sell according to Zalando.
Shared attributes considerations for Zalando:
Item group ID + Item subgroup ID + EAN determine product structure. Fill these correctly and use consistent IDs/product structure.
EANs are required.
Images must be submitted in separate fields. More about Zalando product structure: https://developers.merchants.zalando.com/docs/understanding-products.html
Attributes per category:
Zalando attribute values consist of a code and a label. The attribute builder in Channable only works with codes. We show possible codes and you must fill in one of these codes (codes may be non-intuitive, e.g., code '302' maps to 'red').
To get a CSV of allowed values and their codes, please contact our support department.
Important: Zalando performs manual checks on product content; it saves time to make the API as complete as possible before running it the first time.
Zalando Order connection
Zalando requires an order connection. To set this up, please contact our support department.
More information about Zalando orders: Zalando Order Handling
Getting everything approved on Zalando & Go live!
Go to the Results step of your API to check products that will be sent to Zalando.
Ensure the API is as complete as possible before the first run because Zalando conducts a manual check on product content.
If everything looks correct, 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, Zalando will review your product information and order handling. Please contact Zalando to review this. The onboarding process stages can be followed in zDirect (Article Status Overview module). More about stages: https://partnerportal.zalando.com/partners/s/article/Overview-Onboarding-Process-and-Steps
Important: Besides errors (e.g., missing category), there are status codes indicating actions required by you or Zalando. Full explanation of status codes.
When Zalando approves, they will remove the 'Merchant block' in the API and your products will go live. Going live is done in consultation with you and Zalando.
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