# Setting up a Zalando API - Process for new Zalando sellers

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**Important:** This article is for new sellers on Zalando. If you are an existing seller on Zalando please [contact our support department.](https://app.gitbook.com/s/UAGSVlvcNsqEqVUgr0tD/contact-support)
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### 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.](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/zalando/introduction-to-selling-on-zalando)

* [Approved to sell on Zalando's Partner Program using Channable](#h_01FN6MSV926CX05D094DSS4727)
* [Passed brand readiness stage](#h_01FN6MVYDFZZVED63C43DACC7A)
* [Have access to a zDirect account](#zDirect)
* [Be able to use our order connection because Zalando does not offer an interface to handle orders.](#Order-fulfillment)
* You are aware of the requirements to get items approved on Zalando, for example the [images](https://partnerportal.zalando.com/partners/s/article/Image-and-Content-Guides) and [order fulfillment documents](https://partnerportal.zalando.com/partners/s/article/How-to-leverage-your-own-logistics-network).

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### 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](https://app.gitbook.com/s/UAGSVlvcNsqEqVUgr0tD/contact-support). 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.
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### Create the Zalando API

Once you receive an email from us that your connection is ready, create a new Zalando API in Channable:

* Go to Channable, open your project, and go to APIs > Add new API.
* Select the Zalando connection.
* Fill in a name for the API and select the correct region.

![New\_api\_-\_zalando.png](https://content.gitbook.com/content/F8GepmoSonQRG6RnHOxJ/blobs/SDi4r0h5JcyzrEkamFWo/4410632679058)
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### Create your product listings

Follow these steps to set up your channel.

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#### 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.

[Learn more about categorizing for marketplaces](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/get-started-with-marketplaces/marketplaces-categorization-step)
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#### 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.

[Read more about using rules for marketplaces](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/get-started-with-marketplaces/marketplaces-rules-step)
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#### 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).

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**Tip:** Click **Auto-map fields** to automatically map using information using information from your other channels or other similar setups. [Learn more](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/auto-map-fields-for-marketplaces-apis).
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[Learn more about the Build step for marketplaces](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/get-started-with-marketplaces/marketplaces-build-step)
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#### 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.

[Learn more about the Quality step for marketplaces](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/get-started-with-marketplaces/marketplaces-quality-step)
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#### 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.

[Learn more about the Preview step for marketplaces](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/get-started-with-marketplaces/marketplaces-preview-step)
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#### Additional information for Zalando

* Categories are mandatory for Zalando. Set Zalando categories using the [generate categories feature](https://app.gitbook.com/s/u8whzIfip72Kvn3M1bsc/categorize-products/create-product-categories/use-the-generate-categories-function) or [create new categories from scratch](https://app.gitbook.com/s/u8whzIfip72Kvn3M1bsc/categorize-products/create-product-categories/add-categories-manually). 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:
  1. Item group ID + Item subgroup ID + EAN determine product structure. Fill these correctly and use consistent IDs/product structure.
  2. EANs are required.
  3. 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](https://app.gitbook.com/s/UAGSVlvcNsqEqVUgr0tD/contact-support).

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.
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### Zalando Order connection

Zalando requires an order connection. To set this up, please [contact our support department.](https://app.gitbook.com/s/UAGSVlvcNsqEqVUgr0tD/contact-support)

More information about Zalando orders: [zalando-order-handling](https://helpcenter.channable.com/list-advertise/sell-on-marketplaces/zalando/zalando-order-handling "mention")
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### 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>

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Important: Besides errors (e.g., missing category), there are status codes indicating actions required by you or Zalando. [Full explanation of status codes](https://partnerportal.zalando.com/partners/s/article/Article-Status-Code-Definitions).
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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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