Shopify via ShipStation

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How the Integration Works

Using ShipStation as middleware creates the following data flow:

1. Orders placed in Shopify → sync to ShipStation
2. ShipStation → forwards orders to Jetpack for fulfillment
3. Jetpack fulfills orders → sends tracking numbers back to ShipStation
4. ShipStation → updates Shopify with tracking information and fulfillment status

This architecture allows you to continue using ShipStation’s order management features while outsourcing fulfillment to Jetpack.

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Prerequisites

Before setting up the integration, ensure you have:

• An active Shopify store
• An active ShipStation account
• A Jetpack merchant account
• Shopify already connected to ShipStation (orders syncing from Shopify to ShipStation)

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Connecting Jetpack to ShipStation

Follow these steps to establish the connection between your ShipStation account and Jetpack. Once connected, ShipStation can forward orders to Jetpack for fulfillment.

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Configuring Order Forwarding Rules

After connecting Jetpack to ShipStation, you need to create automation rules that forward your Shopify orders to Jetpack for fulfillment. In your ShipStation dashboard:

1. Navigate to Settings > Automation Rules
2. Click Create New Rule or Add Rule
3. Configure the rule with the following settings:
   • Trigger: Set to “Order is imported from Shopify”
   • Action: Set to “Forward to ShipBob”
4. Save the rule

This automation ensures that every order imported from Shopify is automatically forwarded to Jetpack for fulfillment. You can create additional rules with conditions (e.g., forward only orders over a certain value, or only orders with specific products) if needed.

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Configuring Ship Option Mapping in Jetpack

Once orders are forwarded from ShipStation to Jetpack, you must map the ShipStation shipping methods to Jetpack ship options to ensure orders are fulfilled with the correct shipping service. In your Jetpack dashboard:

1. Navigate to Settings > Ship Option Mapping
2. Locate your ShipStation shipping methods in the list
3. For each method, select the corresponding Jetpack ship option (e.g., ShipBob Standard, ShipBob 2-Day Express, ShipBob Overnight)
4. Mark each method as Active
5. Click Save Mapping

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How Inventory Syncing Works

Inventory syncing behaves differently when using ShipStation as middleware compared to a direct Shopify-to-Jetpack integration. Inventory Updates:

• Jetpack syncs available inventory quantities directly to Shopify (not through ShipStation)
• ShipStation does not act as an intermediary for inventory data
• Inventory updates occur in near real-time, typically within 15 minutes of changes at Jetpack fulfillment centers

Why this matters:

• Your Shopify store always reflects accurate inventory levels from Jetpack
• ShipStation displays inventory data from Shopify, not directly from Jetpack
• You do not need to configure inventory syncing in ShipStation for Jetpack products

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Order Fulfillment Flow

When a customer places an order, the fulfillment process works as follows:

1. Order is placed in your Shopify store
2. Order imports to ShipStation via your Shopify integration
3. ShipStation automation rule triggers and forwards the order to Jetpack
4. Jetpack fulfills the order at a fulfillment center
5. Tracking number is sent from Jetpack back to ShipStation
6. ShipStation marks the order as fulfilled in Shopify and includes the tracking number
7. Customer receives fulfillment notification from Shopify with tracking information

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Important Considerations

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ShipStation Fees

You may incur additional fees from ShipStation for using their platform as middleware. Review ShipStation’s pricing to understand costs associated with order volume and integrations.

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Order Editing

Orders forwarded to Jetpack can only be edited within the Jetpack dashboard before they are picked and packed. Changes made in ShipStation after an order is forwarded will not update the order in Jetpack.

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Returns Processing

Returns must be processed in Jetpack and manually updated in Shopify. ShipStation does not automatically handle returns for orders fulfilled by Jetpack. Consider using a returns management integration like Loop Returns or AfterShip Returns to automate the returns process.

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Direct Integration Alternative

If you do not need ShipStation’s order management features, consider connecting Shopify directly to Jetpack instead. A direct integration simplifies your tech stack and eliminates ShipStation fees. See the Shopify Integration Guide for setup instructions.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

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Orders Not Forwarding to Jetpack

Check the following:

• Verify the automation rule is active in ShipStation
• Confirm the trigger condition matches your Shopify orders (e.g., “Order is imported from Shopify”)
• Ensure the action is set to “Forward to ShipBob”
• Check that the ShipBob integration is still authorized in ShipStation

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Orders Stuck on Hold in Jetpack

Possible causes:

• Ship option mapping is not configured or incomplete
• Products are out of stock at Jetpack
• Order address is invalid or incomplete

To resolve:

• Complete ship option mapping in your Jetpack dashboard
• Verify inventory is available for the products in the order
• Review the order details in Jetpack for validation errors

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Tracking Numbers Not Syncing to Shopify

Check the following:

• Verify ShipStation’s connection to Shopify is active
• Confirm ShipStation’s Shopify integration settings allow order updates
• Check that Jetpack successfully sent the tracking number to ShipStation

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ShipStation Integration FAQs

Can I use both ShipStation and direct Shopify integration?

No, you should use one method or the other. Using both simultaneously will create duplicate orders in Jetpack. Choose either:

• ShipStation as middleware: Shopify → ShipStation → Jetpack
• Direct integration: Shopify → Jetpack

The direct integration is simpler and eliminates ShipStation fees, but using ShipStation provides additional order management features.

Does Jetpack inventory sync through ShipStation?

No, Jetpack syncs inventory directly to Shopify, bypassing ShipStation. ShipStation displays inventory levels from Shopify, not directly from Jetpack. This ensures your Shopify store always has accurate, real-time inventory data.

Can I forward only certain Shopify orders to Jetpack?

Yes, you can create conditional automation rules in ShipStation to forward only orders that meet specific criteria (e.g., orders over a certain value, orders containing specific products, or orders shipping to certain regions). Configure these conditions when creating your automation rule in ShipStation.

Will Jetpack fees apply to orders forwarded from ShipStation?

Yes, Jetpack’s standard fulfillment fees apply to all orders fulfilled by Jetpack, regardless of whether they are forwarded from ShipStation or imported directly from Shopify. Additionally, you may incur ShipStation fees for using their platform.

Can I edit orders in ShipStation after forwarding them to Jetpack?

Changes made in ShipStation after an order is forwarded will not update the order in Jetpack. If you need to edit an order, make changes in the Jetpack dashboard before the order is picked and packed.

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