Other
FAQ
Common questions
Why can't I submit an order for a product that already exists in ShipBob's UI?
Why can't I submit an order for a product that already exists in ShipBob's UI?
At ShipBob you must create “channel product” records in our system in order to create orders. This is so we always have a unique and immutable tie to the upstream system, which reduces the risk of line item errors and order duplication. You cannot create orders with inventory_ids or with products created from other sources. Please review our documentation:There are 2 ways to create products for your convenience:
- Create the products via the Product POST. If you pass through a SKU that already exists in the ShipBob UI as the product’s “reference_id”, we will automatically merge that product to the existing inventory. Otherwise, the merchant will have to manually “merge” the items using our UI
- Create the products using both the
reference_idandnamefields in the line item field for the Order POST. We will auto-create any unrecognized products given bothreference_idandnameare provided when you send us orders. This replaces the products sync step described above. Similarly, we will auto-merge the items in the manner described above if appropriate.
What is the difference between PAT and OAuth 2.0?
What is the difference between PAT and OAuth 2.0?
PAT is for single merchants with full access, while OAuth 2.0 is for multi-user apps with granular permissions. (Learn more)
How do I track rate limits?
How do I track rate limits?
Check the
X-RateLimit-Remaining header in API responses. (Learn more)How does pagination work?
How does pagination work?
If there is an additional page you will see
next-page in the header.Does ShipBob use ounces or pounds for an inventory item?
Does ShipBob use ounces or pounds for an inventory item?
ShipBob inventory items uses ounces (oz) and this is reflected in our API. For reference, see in the Get an inventory item response.
Does ShipBob use inches or centimeters for an inventory item?
Does ShipBob use inches or centimeters for an inventory item?
ShipBob inventory items uses inches (in) and this is reflected in our API. For reference, see in the Get an inventory item response.
How to find what fulfillment centers you have access to?
How to find what fulfillment centers you have access to?
You can find the fulfillment centers you have access to by making a request to the GET FulfillmentCenter endpoint at api.shipbob.com/2025-07/fulfillmentCenter. The response will return the locations (fulfillment centers and hubs) you have access to.
Here is a sample response:
Here is a sample response:
If you are using a ShipBob sandbox account make sure to update your request to
sandbox-api.shipbob.com/2025-07/fulfillmentCenter.How to find the shipping cost for an order?
How to find the shipping cost for an order?
You can find this by looking at the
invoice_amount in a shipment inside an order. For example, make request to GET Orders, GET Order, or GET Shipment. You will see this in the payload returned:How can I find OpenAPI specs for each API version?
How can I find OpenAPI specs for each API version?
Download our OpenAPI specs to use in Postman or another API client.