The integration process

This covers the integration process from the contract signature to going live on the Zalando platform.

Important note: Please start setting up the data transfer early so that you can start selling via Zalando as soon as possible. We have summarised all important information on the upcoming process steps/phases for you here. 

Below are the stages you will go through during onboarding. Please ensure that you complete all stages as early as possible, as this is the only way we can complete the integration and ensure you go live.

• Contract signing 

• Completing and sending the fact sheet (known as the master data sheet) to Zalando

• Receipt of logistics spreadsheet from Zalando 

• Submitting the sales tax form 

• Closing of the contract with the logistics company (DHL or Hermes)

• Completing and sending the logistics Excel sheet 

• Setting up the data transfer between Zalando and ERP provider

• Final check of the data transfer between Zalando and ERP provider

• Sending the access data for the Connected Retail Tool to the partner

• Final check 

• Arrangement of the go-live date

• Start

A prerequisite for the connection to Connected Retail is an inventory management system from which you can export your stock as a CSV file. We are happy to share our best practices and experiences with you here to make this step as simple as possible.

• Use of GTIN/EAN

In order to be able to offer your goods via Zalando, we require the transmission of your inventory by EANs as a CSV file.

• Use of Google Chrome

In order to ensure the full, smooth functionality of our system, we recommend the use of Google Chrome.

You still need to have a business customer contract with a logistics provider, so that the shipping and returns documents can be generated automatically in your Connected Retail Tool (CRT).

Please contact our Operations team cr-operations-logistics@zalando.de to find out more about this.

For the last step, we need your contact details in a fact sheet, as well as your logo. Please provide this as a PNG file in 700 x 225 pixels. 

Here you can find the link to our Fashion Connector Importer, in which the entire process for the technical launch is listed.

Connected Retail uses a REST API to enable Zalando to integrate customer data. It is a REST API that uses the PUT verb of the REST specification to upload a file to the Connected Retail backend. There it is processed according to the data schema of the Connected Retail backend services.

• Separate stock for each store is recommended for quick stock updates

• The client should provide hourly updates of stock prices.

• The client should send in the same update file the price and stock information and any changes (including stock out). The Fashion Connector Importer does not capture orders and uses only the inventory information provided by the partner as the sole source of data.

• The Fashion Connector Importer does not automatically create items for the partner supplier - stock and price changes for these are ignored.

• The Fashion Connector Importer always uses the latest update file, so in the event of a system failure, a new file resets stock and prices to the partner supplier.

Yes! It is possible to validate the CSV file via the REST API. The endpoint for file validation is very similar to the endpoint for file upload - /{client_id}/validate. 

The generation and processing of orders takes place in four steps:

1. Your stock is transmitted to our system via .csv file - ideally in an interval of 15 - 60 minutes.

2. Customer orders are assigned to your store and enter the Connected Retail Tool (CRT). This is browser-based and can be accessed on any digital device.

3. All transactions are recorded in your merchandise management system. We take care of all payment processes and transfer the earned amount minus commission and VAT to you on a monthly basis.

4. You pack the items and hand them over to the DHL courier.

You can find all the details on how to order in the tab Store training.

Yes, it is important to use either plain or packaging material with your own company logo and not those from other companies (e.g. logistics providers).

Packaging material with your brand logo:

• On the packaging: Use packaging material that shows your own brand - e.g. adhesive tape or a shipping bag with your own company logo.

• In the package: Your logo is automatically visible on the delivery notes and invoices. Please do not put any flyers or other advertising in the package.

We suggest adding additional packaging as a "shipping box" to which the original packaging of the item should be placed inside. This will prevent the carrier or customer from sticking tape or labels to the original packaging and thus damaging it.

Your Partner consultant has the option of setting an order limit for you in the system. Please contact your Partner consultant for support with this.

Connected Retail generally works as a backfilling model of the existing inventory on Zalando. The prerequisite is an overlap with the EANs on our website. You remain responsible for pricing and product selection.

We currently have the possibility to add additional assortments. You can find more information about this here.

1) Profitability increases:

• 30% to 60% increase in GMV

• Up to 60% increase in sales per sqm in shops

• Up to 100% increase in stock turnover

2) At the same time, full control over your pricing, and

3) the development of new customer segments through Zalando - 30 million customers in your shop.

We try to start with you as soon as possible. In general, we expect a connection time of about four weeks - but this can also be quicker if, for example, a DHL contract is already in place. 

To submit a request to the Tech Support Team, please use the Contact form.

Your request will be processed and answered as soon as possible. Please understand that due to the increased volume of demand, there may occasionally be delays in responding.