---
articleType: Tutorial
categories:
- Integrations
- Shipping
- Orders
last_updated: '2026-06-01'
primaryTopic: shipstation-integration
relatedModules:
- name: orders-list
  route: /admin/dashboard/contributions/orders/
- name: fulfillments
  route: /admin/dashboard/contributions/fulfillment/upload
- name: apps-shipstation
  route: /admin/dashboard/apps/ship-station
- name: samples-order
  route: /admin/dashboard/contributions/orders/samples/order
- name: blocked-transactions
  route: /admin/dashboard/blocked-transactions
shortDescription: Learn how to connect your ShipStation account to automatically import and manage shipping for your self-fulfilled Fourthwall orders.
tags:
- shipstation-integration
- self-fulfillment
- order-management
- shipping-labels
- api-keys
- data-synchronization
- third-party-integration
- order-fulfillment
title: ShipStation Integration
tasks:
- connect ShipStation to Fourthwall
- set up ShipStation API keys
- import self-fulfilled orders into ShipStation
- buy and print shipping labels in ShipStation
- sync tracking numbers from ShipStation to Fourthwall
- select the correct ShipStation store for syncing
- disconnect ShipStation from Fourthwall
terms:
- ShipStation
- ShipStation integration
- connect ShipStation
- API key
- API secret
- self-fulfilled orders
- shipping labels
- tracking sync
- order sync
- data synchronization
- shipping notification
- label printing
labels:
- self-fulfillment
- shipping-integration
- shipstation
- order-sync
- tracking
contextString: Requires a ShipStation account. Only applies to self-fulfilled orders. ShipStation does not affect on-demand or 3PL fulfilled products.
breadcrumbPath: "Manage my shop > Apps, features, and integrations > ShipStation integration"
path: manage-my-shop/apps-features-and-integrations/shipstation-integration
---

# ShipStation Integration

ShipStation is a third-party shipping platform that integrates with Fourthwall to centralize self-fulfillment workflows. When connected, it automatically imports your self-fulfilled orders, lets you buy and print labels, and syncs tracking numbers back to Fourthwall so supporters receive shipping notifications without any manual steps.

## What ShipStation does

ShipStation gives you a unified workflow for shipping self-fulfilled orders from your Fourthwall shop:

- **Imports orders.** Self-fulfilled Fourthwall orders appear in ShipStation automatically. New orders sync within about 24 hours.
- **Label purchase and printing.** Buy and print labels using carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and others directly from ShipStation.
- **Tracking sync back to Fourthwall.** Once a label is created in ShipStation and the tracking number enters "In transit," Fourthwall automatically marks the order as shipped and sends a shipping notification to the supporter.
- **Unified order management.** Manage batches, packing slips, and shipping queues from one place if you fulfill across multiple channels.

Self-fulfilled orders that need shipping appear in Orders > To be shipped in your Fourthwall dashboard before ShipStation imports them. Once ShipStation is connected, a sync status column appears inline in the To be shipped table, showing each order's sync state with the integration so you can spot at a glance which orders have made it to ShipStation. The same column also surfaces for other third-party sync apps like OrderDesk. When ShipStation syncs tracking back, those orders move from To be shipped to Shipped automatically.

If you'd rather manage self-fulfilled orders directly in Fourthwall without ShipStation, see the Ship from Home article.

## What ShipStation doesn't do

Some things are controlled by Fourthwall only and will not reflect changes made in ShipStation:

- **Checkout shipping rates.** Shipping methods and pricing shown to supporters are configured in Fourthwall, not ShipStation.
- **Automated fulfillment.** ShipStation is only for self-fulfilled products. Fourthwall's own fulfillment partners bypass ShipStation entirely.
- **Real-time edits to orders.** Address changes, cancellations, quantity adjustments, and variant changes made in ShipStation do NOT sync back to Fourthwall. Always make edits in your Fourthwall dashboard before printing labels.

## How to set up ShipStation integration

To connect ShipStation to Fourthwall, you need a ShipStation account and your API credentials from that account.

1. In your Fourthwall dashboard, go to [**Settings > Apps > ShipStation**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/settings/apps/ship-station?redirect).

[Image: Fourthwall Apps page filtered to Other category showing ShipStation integration card]

2. Enter your **API Key** and **API Secret** from ShipStation. Find these under API Keys in your ShipStation account settings at ship12.shipstation.com/settings/api.

[Image: ShipStation app page showing Not connected status with API key, API Secret, and ShipStation store fields]

3. Click **Connect to ShipStation**.

[Image: ShipStation app showing Active status, connected account with sync details, and store selector dropdown]

Once connected, the app shows as "Active." Select the ShipStation store you want to sync with from the dropdown. You can disconnect anytime by clicking **Disconnect** under "Connection."

## Data synchronization flows

Fourthwall and ShipStation sync in two directions, but not symmetrically.

### Fourthwall to ShipStation (push)

These updates originate in Fourthwall and sync to ShipStation automatically and instantly:

- Shipping address edits
- Order cancellations and partial cancellations
- Variant changes (only before the order ships)

Editing anything directly in ShipStation creates mismatches. For example, an address edited in ShipStation will NOT correct the address in Fourthwall. Supporters may see outdated info in their order status or email notifications.

### ShipStation to Fourthwall (pull)

ShipStation sends back tracking data only. When a label is created and tracking updates:

- The order is marked Shipped in Fourthwall
- Supporters receive an automatic shipping notification
- Order status updates are handled by Fourthwall based on the carrier's tracking progress

Using "Mark as Shipped" manually in ShipStation does NOT sync to Fourthwall. Product changes, cancellations, quantity updates, and address edits from ShipStation do not sync back.

## Sync timing

- **Immediate.** Cancellations, variant updates, and address edits made in Fourthwall sync to ShipStation right away.
- **Up to 24 hours.** New Fourthwall orders appearing in ShipStation.
- **Automatic.** Tracking info syncs once ShipStation generates a label and the shipment is in transit.

## Best practices

To keep your workflow clean and avoid sync mismatches:

- When creating products, select **I'm shipping orders myself** to control which carriers and services you'll use.
- Make all order edits in Fourthwall before generating the label in ShipStation.
- Use ShipStation if you manage multiple shops or carriers and want everything consolidated in one place.

## Troubleshooting

**Problem:** ShipStation integration stops working or shows as disconnected.
**Solution:** If your integration stops working (for example, due to an expired license), Fourthwall sends you an email notification. Reconnect by re-entering your API Key and API Secret in [**Settings > Apps > ShipStation**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/apps/ship-station?redirect).
