How to connect with ShipStation

Sign Up or Login to ShipStation

Go to https://www.shipstation.com and Sign Up (or Login if you already have an account).

1. 1Visit https://www.shipstation.com
2. 2Click "Sign Up" to create a new account (or "Login" if you already have one)
3. 3Complete the registration form with your business details
4. 4Verify your email address
5. 5Log in to your ShipStation dashboard

Copy Your Sandbox API Key

After you're signed in, open your API settings in ShipStation and copy your Sandbox API Key.

1. 1In your ShipStation dashboard, click on "Account Settings" or your profile icon
2. 2Navigate to "API Settings" or "API Credentials"
3. 3Locate your Sandbox API Key and API Secret
4. 4Click "Copy" or manually copy both the API Key and API Secret
5. 5Save these credentials securely - you'll need them for Returndotai integration

• You can use the sandbox key immediately to create test orders
• Default carriers are provided in sandbox mode
• Test with sandbox before going live with real shipments

(Optional) Upgrade Your ShipStation Plan

Upgrade your ShipStation plan to generate Live API credentials for real shipments.

• Sandbox mode is free but limited to test shipments
• Live API credentials require a paid ShipStation plan
• Review ShipStation pricing at https://www.shipstation.com/pricing
• After upgrading, you'll get separate Live API credentials
• Use Live credentials in Returndotai for production shipments

(Optional) Add More Carriers

Add more carriers to your ShipStation account to support additional shipping providers.

1. 1In ShipStation dashboard, go to "Settings" → "Carriers"
2. 2Click "Add Carrier" or "Connect a Carrier"
3. 3Select carriers you want to use (USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.)
4. 4Enter carrier account credentials if required
5. 5Save carrier settings
6. 6These carriers will be available when generating labels in Returndotai

Enable Ship with Prepaid Label

In Returndotai Returns, enable Ship with prepaid label method.

1. 1Log in to your Returndotai Returns dashboard
2. 2Navigate to Settings in the left menu
3. 3Click on "Shipping Methods" or "Return Methods" tab
4. 4Find "Ship with prepaid label" option
5. 5Toggle it to ON (enabled)
6. 6Save your changes
7. 7This method will now be available for customers on the return page

Choose ShipStation Integration

Navigate to the Logistics settings and select ShipStation.

1. 1In Returndotai dashboard, go to Settings
2. 2Click on "Logistics" tab
3. 3Look for "ShipStation Integration" option
4. 4Click "Connect" or "Set up" button next to ShipStation

Enter Package Configuration and API Credentials

Configure your package settings and enter your ShipStation API credentials.

1. 1In the ShipStation integration form, enter your package configuration:
2. 2 • Default package size (Small, Medium, Large)
3. 3 • Default package weight
4. 4 • Default package dimensions (length, width, height)
5. 5Paste your ShipStation API Key from Step 1
6. 6Paste your ShipStation API Secret
7. 7Choose whether to use Sandbox or Live API credentials
8. 8Review all settings for accuracy

Save Your Settings

Save your settings to complete the integration.

1. 1Click "Save" or "Connect" button at the bottom of the form
2. 2System will validate your API credentials
3. 3You should see a success message: "ShipStation connected successfully"
4. 4The ShipStation status will show as "Connected"
5. 5You can now create orders using ShipStation directly from Returndotai Returns

• If connection fails, verify your API Key and Secret are correct
• Make sure you're using the right credentials (Sandbox vs Live)
• Check that your ShipStation account is active
• Contact support if issues persist

Create a Test Return Request

Test the ShipStation integration before going live.

1. 1Go to your store's customer return page
2. 2Create a test return request:
3. 3 • Enter email and order number
4. 4 • Select items to return
5. 5 • Choose "Ship with pre-paid label" as return method
6. 6Submit the return request
7. 7Note the RMA number for tracking

Approve and Generate Label

Process the test return in your Returndotai dashboard.

1. 1Log in to Returndotai dashboard
2. 2Go to "Return Management" tab
3. 3Find your test return request
4. 4Click to open the request details
5. 5Click "Approve" button
6. 6Select ShipStation as the carrier
7. 7Choose package size and carrier service
8. 8System will generate the label via ShipStation API
9. 9Verify the label is created successfully

Verify Label Details

Check that the generated label contains correct information:

• Sender address (your warehouse/return address)
• Recipient address (customer address)
• Package details (weight, dimensions)
• Tracking number is present and valid
• Barcode is clear and scannable
• Carrier service is correct (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.)
• Label can be downloaded or printed

Security Best Practices

Never share your ShipStation API Key and Secret publicly

• Store credentials securely in a password manager
• Use environment variables in your systems
• Regenerate credentials if you suspect they've been compromised
• Only grant API access to trusted team members
• Review API activity regularly in ShipStation dashboard

Testing Recommendations

Always start with Sandbox API credentials for testing

• Test multiple carrier options (USPS, FedEx, UPS)
• Verify labels with different package sizes
• Test international shipping if you offer it
• Confirm tracking number updates work correctly
• Switch to Live credentials only after thorough testing

Operational Tips

Configure multiple carriers in ShipStation for best rates

• Set accurate default package dimensions to avoid rate errors
• Monitor label generation failures and address issues promptly
• Keep your warehouse address updated in ShipStation
• Review shipping costs regularly to ensure accuracy
• Train staff on the label generation workflow

Common Issues and Solutions

Key points to understand:

• Issue: Connection failed when entering API credentials
• → Solution: Verify API Key and Secret are correct. Ensure no extra spaces when copying. Check that ShipStation account is active.
• Issue: "Ship with prepaid label" not showing on return page
• → Solution: Enable it in Settings → Shipping Methods → Toggle "Ship with prepaid label" to ON.
• Issue: Label generation fails with "Invalid credentials" error
• → Solution: You might be using Sandbox credentials in Live mode or vice versa. Match credentials with your environment.
• Issue: Carrier not available when generating label
• → Solution: Add the carrier in your ShipStation account under Settings → Carriers.
• Issue: Tracking number not appearing
• → Solution: Wait 1-2 minutes for ShipStation to process. Check ShipStation dashboard to verify order was created.
• Issue: Incorrect shipping address on label
• → Solution: Verify warehouse address in ShipStation settings. Update customer address in return request.
• Issue: API rate limit exceeded
• → Solution: ShipStation has API rate limits. If hitting limits, contact ShipStation to increase limits or slow down label generation.

Getting Support

For issues not resolved above:

• ShipStation API Issues: Contact ShipStation support at https://help.shipstation.com
• Returndotai Integration Issues: Contact us via live chat or email support@returndotai.com
• Provide: Your ShipStation account email, error messages, screenshots
• Reference this documentation when contacting support