Shopify + ShipBob Integration
Tracking delays confuse customers. Split shipments generate duplicate notifications. Returns get stuck in limbo. We build integrations that handle ShipBob's webhook patterns and edge cases.
Integration goals
Real-time fulfillment sync with ShipBob that handles tracking delays, partial shipments, and returns flow without manual intervention.
- Real-time tracking updates in Shopify when ShipBob ships
- Partial fulfillments tracked correctly (split shipments)
- Returns processed automatically when received at ShipBob
- Inventory sync across multiple ShipBob warehouses
- Exception handling for out-of-stock or on-hold shipments
What breaks in practice
We've seen these patterns destroy integrations. Here's what to watch for:
Tracking delays leave customers confused
ShipBob ships the order. Tracking takes 4 hours to post to Shopify. Customer support tickets flood in.
Split shipments generate multiple tracking numbers
Order ships from 2 warehouses. Shopify notification shows both tracking links, but customer only sees one. Confusion.
Returns stuck in "initiated" state
Customer returns item. ShipBob receives it. Webhook never fires. Return stays in limbo until manual intervention.
Out-of-stock exceptions not communicated
ShipBob can't fulfill an item. Order goes on hold. Shopify still shows "fulfilled." Customer expects delivery.
Product mapping breaks after SKU change
You update a Shopify variant. SKU changes. ShipBob can't match the product. Orders fail to import.
How we build it
Webhook-first architecture with polling-based fallback for tracking. ShipBob webhooks drive fulfillment status updates. Inventory sync uses polling every 10 minutes.
Technical details
- ShipBob Webhooks API for order.shipped, order.shipment.delivered, order.shipment.exception, return.completed
- Webhook delivery requires 2XX response + exponential backoff retries
- Polling-based tracking sync (fallback if webhooks fail)
- Shopify Admin API for fulfillment creation and tracking updates
- Line-item-level tracking for partial shipments
- Returns API integration for automated RMA processing
Sync strategy
Real-time webhooks for fulfillment and returns. Polling every 10 minutes for inventory. Nightly reconciliation for missed events.
Conflict resolution
ShipBob is source of truth for inventory and fulfillment status. Shopify is source of truth for order details. Conflicts trigger ops alerts.
Phased approach
We break complex integrations into manageable phases with clear milestones.
Discovery & SKU Mapping
1 week- Audit SKU consistency between Shopify and ShipBob
- Map Shopify variants to ShipBob products
- Document multi-warehouse logic (if applicable)
- Define exception handling workflows
- Set up ShipBob webhook endpoints
Fulfillment & Tracking Sync
2 weeks- Implement webhook handlers (order.shipped, order.shipment.delivered)
- Build partial fulfillment logic with line-item tracking
- Add polling-based tracking fallback
- Implement exception webhooks (on_hold, out-of-stock)
- Set up retry logic for webhook delivery failures
Returns & Inventory
1 week- Integrate returns webhooks (return.completed)
- Build automated RMA processing in Shopify
- Implement inventory polling (every 10 minutes)
- Handle multi-warehouse inventory allocation
- Add reconciliation job for missed webhooks
Testing & Launch
1 week- Test split shipments, partial fulfillments, returns
- UAT with ops team for exception scenarios
- Deploy monitoring for webhook delivery and tracking lag
- Set up alerts for failed fulfillments
- Go live with 72-hour monitoring
Requirements checklist
To build this integration, we'll need access to the following:
Book a ShipBob integration consult
Let's discuss your ShipBob integration requirements. We'll walk through your current setup, pain points, and build a custom implementation plan.