Get live with Zalando Shipping Solutions

You’re reading this because you're ready to start using Zalando Shipping Solutions (ZSS) our quick and reliable logistics service.

Successfully onboarding with ZSS involves four key stages. You must complete each step before moving on to the next one.

1. Prerequisites and requirements

2. Technical integration

3. Physical testing

4. Go live

You’ll find the answers to some FAQs at the end of this article.

Before kicking off your ZSS integration, you'll need to secure the necessary agreements and select your integration path:

• Signed contract: You'll need a signed ZSS contract for each market you want to go live in. If you haven't signed your contract yet, reach out to our Sales team at logisticssolutions@zalando.de.

• Integration solution: You need to decide on your integration solution. You can integrate via a third-party provider, like our preferred integrator Tradebyte, or via direct integration to our API.

  • New partners: Our Sales team can help you find the most suitable way to combine our logistics solutions.

  • Existing partners: If you're an existing Partner Program partner, we can help you expand into new markets. To find out more please reach out to Partner Care via our support form. Select the Topic: ZEOS Logistics and Shipping Solutions, and then Request type: Outbound Shipment.

After you’ve met the prerequisites, follow the steps for your chosen integration solution.

1. Integrate the Orders API as outlined in the developer documentation.

2. Complete technical integration with the ZSS Connect API. You'll receive all your shipping documents through this API.

3. Test the process in Sandbox.

4. Once the Sandbox test is successful,. Share the required shipping documents: (1) outbound label, (2) return label and (3) delivery slip.to your Onboarding manager

1. Complete the same steps (1, 2 and 3) as the Direct Integration partners above.

2. Inform your Integrator that you've completed these steps.

3. If you've chosen Tradebyte, open a ticket via the Tradebyte Community ticketing system. You can also check the Tradebyte fact sheet and manual for further information.

If you have any questions regarding the Tradebyte process please contact support@Tradebyte.com.

If you have any questions or need assistance with this step, please contact your onboarding manager.

Once step 2 is completed, you can move on to step 3.

The physical test is the final stage before going live. Here, we'll check the end-to-end flow, including inbound, outbound and returns, using a real order from the Fashion Store (non-Sandbox).

1. Provide two articles (SKUs) for physical testing to your onboarding-manager.

2. Your onboarding-manager will whitelist the specific articles for testing.

3. You'll receive the test customer data from the Partner onboarding team.

4. Place a test order and submit the order details to the Partner onboarding team.

1. Prepare the parcel. Include the test article, delivery documents and return label.

2. Paste the last-mile carrier’s outbound label on the parcel.

3. Place this parcel into a larger master-box. Please ensure that you follow the detailed guidelines for the Zalando Shipping Solutions: Outbound process.

4. Attach the ZSS shipping label to the sealed master-box based on the selected first-mile hub. You can download the relevant label below.

5. Send the master-parcel to one of our injection hubs (Hamburg, Lahr, or Verona) through your own carrier.

Update the ZSS order status to Shipped via the Orders API in zDirect or through your integrator.

The test order flow is divided into first mile and last-mile delivery:

• First-mile delivery: You send the master-parcel to our injection node.

• Last-mile delivery: In the injection node, the test orders are scanned, sorted, and handed over to the respective carriers. You can track the delivery through your Integrator or Direct API using the shipping ID from Zalando.

• Quality Assurance (QA): The test customer sends photos of the label and documents to the Zalando QA team, who then provides feedback directly to you.

• Parcel returns: The returns flow is automatically tested after outbound delivery. Depending on the return method you've enabled, the respective party will trigger the refund and forward the return parcels.

After successfully completing the physical test and receiving Quality Assurance approval, you'll need to complete a few final steps:

• Check that all articles in your assortment are onboarded.

• Confirm the stock levels are correct.

• Set and confirm article prices.

• Connect to the Price Validation API (for Direct Integration partners).

You'll receive an email notification from an Onboarding manager when you’re live on Zalando and ready to start selling!

If you have any questions regarding the integration process please reach out directly to your support contact from their team.

If you have any questions or need assistance at any point, you can contact:

• Your onboarding-manager (for integration-specific questions).

• Integration Support at support-integration@zalando.de (for technical issues before go-live).

If you wish to make any changes to your operations or integrations after going live, please reach out to our Partner Care team via our support form. Select the Topic: ZEOS Logistics and Shipping Solutions, and then Request type: Outbound Shipment.