Introduction
This guide explains how to obtain API keys from EasyPost and Shippo, two popular multi-carrier shipping platforms. Both services provide simple token-based authentication for integrating with Returndotai Returns.
Access this feature
Navigate to /settings/logistic in your application.
EasyPost
About EasyPost Authentication
Authentication and identification to the EasyPost API is done by providing an API Key on every request as your Basic Auth username (no password is required). EasyPost requires that all communication with the API is secured using TLS v1.2. Requests made over HTTP or without a proper API Key will fail.
EasyPost Authentication
Diagram showing EasyPost API key authentication flow
Manage Your API Keys
You can manage your API Keys from your EasyPost account.
- 1Log in to your EasyPost account at https://www.easypost.com
- 2Navigate to your account settings or API section
- 3Find your API Keys (Test and Production)
- 4Copy the API Key you want to use
- 5Use Production keys for live shipments, Test keys for development
EasyPost API Keys Management
Screenshot showing EasyPost account page with API keys section
Video Tutorial
Watch the video tutorial that instructs how to get tokens and connect with EasyPost for detailed visual guidance.
EasyPost Video Tutorial
Video thumbnail showing EasyPost API key setup tutorial
Shippo
About Shippo Authentication
You authenticate access to your Shippo account through the Shippo API using a secure token. Follow these steps to get your secure token:
Shippo Authentication
Diagram showing Shippo token authentication
Video Tutorial
Watch the video tutorial that instructs how to get tokens and connect with Shippo for detailed visual guidance.
Shippo Video Tutorial
Video thumbnail showing Shippo API token setup tutorial
Step 1: Create Your Free Shippo Account
If you already have a Shippo account, skip ahead to Step 2.
- 1In your browser, open the address https://apps.goshippo.com/join
- 2Enter your name, email, and a secure password
- 3Click "Get Started" to create your account
Create Shippo Account
Screenshot showing Shippo account registration page
Step 2: Generate Your Secure Token
Generate your API token from your Shippo account settings.
- 1While logged into your Shippo account, in the left menu bar, click "Settings" followed by "API"
- 2Under Test Token, there are two options: Live Token and Test Token
- 3Use Live Token for production-ready use of the Shippo API
- 4For testing and development, use the Test Token
- 5Note: Live tokens begin with shippo_live_
- 6Note: Test tokens begin with shippo_test_
- 7Click "Generate Token"
- 8Copy your API Token and click "Done"
Generate Shippo Token
Screenshot showing Shippo Settings > API page with Generate Token button
Connect Your Account
Connect EasyPost or Shippo to Returndotai
Once you have your API Key:
- 1Log in to your Returndotai Returns dashboard
- 2Navigate to the "Settings" section > "Logistics" tab
- 3Look for the EasyPost or Shippo integration option and click "Connect" or "Set up"
- 4You'll be prompted to enter your API Key. Paste the key you received into this field
- 5Click "Connect" to establish the connection
Connect to Returndotai
Screenshot showing Settings > Logistics with EasyPost/Shippo integration options
Step 3: Configure Settings
Set Package Defaults
After connecting:
- 1Set your default package sizes and types
- 2Make sure method "Ship with pre-paid label" is enabled
Configure Settings
Screenshot showing package settings and Ship with pre-paid label toggle
Step 4: Test the Connection
Create Test Return Request
Before going live:
- 1Create a test return request on return page
- 2Choose "Ship pre-paid label" for return method
- 3Note: This method is only displayed on return page if you enable it in the app as mentioned in Step 3
Create Test Request
Screenshot showing return page with Ship pre-paid label option
Submit and Verify
- 1Submit the test return request
- 2Go into the app, open this request at "Return management" tab
- 3Click to approve the request
- 4Select the appropriate shipping carrier if prompted
- 5Verify that the label is created correctly and contains accurate information
Verify Label Creation
Screenshot showing approved return with generated shipping label
Key Features
Multi-Carrier Support
Both EasyPost and Shippo provide access to multiple carriers from a single API
Simple Token Authentication
Easy authentication using API keys without complex setup
Test and Production Keys
Separate keys for testing and production environments
TLS v1.2 Security
Secure communication with encryption for all API requests
Automated Label Generation
Generate return labels automatically for approved return requests
Rate Shopping
Compare rates across multiple carriers to find the best shipping option
Important Notes
Use Correct Environment
Use Test tokens/keys for development and testing. Switch to Live/Production tokens only when ready for real shipments.
Shippo Token Prefixes
Remember: Live tokens begin with shippo_live_ and Test tokens begin with shippo_test_. This helps you identify which environment you're using.
TLS v1.2 Required
EasyPost requires TLS v1.2 for all API communication. Ensure your system supports this security protocol.
Keep API Keys Secure
Never share your API keys publicly or commit them to version control. Treat them like passwords.
Test Before Going Live
Always test with Test tokens/keys first to verify your integration works correctly before using Production keys.
Enable Pre-Paid Labels
Remember to enable "Ship with pre-paid label" in your settings, or customers won't see this option on the return page.
Related Articles
How to connect with Shipway
Integrate Shipway API for shipping label generation and tracking
How to connect with ShipStation
Set up ShipStation integration for multi-carrier shipping management
How to get API tokens from SendCloud
Obtain and configure SendCloud API credentials for shipping integration
Set up shipping carriers & account integration
Configure shipping carrier accounts and integrate with your return workflow