To access data in the Contacts API from ShipStation, complete an OAuth 2.0 flow and grant the app the scope required: contacts.readonly. This ensures secure, read-only access by default, with options to extend permissions if needed.
In ShipStation, configure the OAuth connection to GHL and securely store the generated API credentials. This link enables ShipStation to read and write contact-related data as configured.
Primary endpoints include: GET /contacts/:contactId, GET /contacts/:contactId/tasks, GET /contacts/:contactId/notes, POST /contacts/, PUT /contacts/:contactId, DELETE /contacts/:contactId, POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks, PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId, PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed, POST /contacts/:contactId/tags, GET /contacts/business/:businessId, and other CRUD operations to support a full CRM-sync workflow.
When a new contact is created in ShipStation, the integration creates or updates the corresponding contact in GHL to keep records aligned.
Create or update the contact in GHL and optionally attach related notes or tasks if needed for context.
POST /contacts/ to create; PUT /contacts/:contactId to update
email, externalId (if available); name and phone as supporting fields
Updates to ShipStation tasks or notes trigger changes in GHL to reflect status and content
Sync task statuses, due dates, and notes back to GHL; ensure consistency
POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks, PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId, PUT /contacts/:contactId/tasks/:taskId/completed
taskId, status, dueDate
Note additions in ShipStation trigger note creation in GHL with content and attachments
Create notes in GHL with the note content and attach relevant files if available
POST /contacts/:contactId/notes
noteId, content
Fast setup with Zapier App Connector—no custom coding required
Automated, bidirectional data sync between ShipStation and GHL
Scalable workflow automation that grows with your business
Definitions of the core elements and processes used in this integration, including GHL, the Contacts API, endpoints, OAuth, webhooks, and field mapping.
GHL is the CRM and API platform used to connect ShipStation and other apps via the Contacts API and related endpoints.
A defined URL path and HTTP method used to access or manipulate data in the GHL API (for example, GET /contacts/:contactId).
OAuth 2.0 is used to authorize access between ShipStation and GHL, securing data transfers and enabling scoped permissions.
Webhook is a callback mechanism allowing GHL to notify ShipStation of updates in real time.
Automatically tag and segment customers in GHL based on ShipStation order history and shipping events.
Create tasks in GHL for follow-ups when shipments are delayed or delivered.
Attach shipment labels, refunds, and order issues to notes in GHL for context.
Enable API access in GHL and generate credentials; set the scope to contacts.readonly.
In ShipStation, connect to GHL via OAuth and authorize data access.
Map contact fields (email, name, phone) and run a test sync to verify data flows correctly.
The Contacts API in this integration exposes core contact data including names, emails, phone numbers, and associated records like tasks and notes. It enables you to fetch, create, update, and delete contacts as needed to keep your CRM and shipping data aligned. By focusing on the essential fields, you can surface a complete view of each customer across platforms. This ensures consistent outreach, order history, and support context across ShipStation and GHL.
No coding is required thanks to the Zapier App Connector. The setup uses standard OAuth for secure authorization and predefined endpoints for CRUD operations. If you prefer, you can extend functionality with additional Zaps, but the core connection works without custom development.
Key endpoints include GET /contacts/:contactId for retrieval, POST /contacts/ to create, PUT /contacts/:contactId to update, and POST /contacts/:contactId/tasks to manage tasks. You can also interact with notes via POST /contacts/:contactId/notes and manage tags as needed. This combination covers syncing contacts, tasks, and notes between ShipStation and GHL.
Security is handled via OAuth 2.0 with scoped permissions (for example, contacts.readonly by default). Access tokens are stored securely, and you can limit or expand permissions as required. Regular audits and token rotation practices help protect data in transit and at rest.
Yes. Notes and appointments are supported through endpoints like POST /contacts/:contactId/notes and GET /contacts/:contactId/notes. Tasks, notes, and related records can be synchronized to provide a complete timeline of interactions and shipping events for each contact.
API usage limits depend on your GHL plan and Zapier quota. If you anticipate high volumes, you can implement batching strategies and rate-limit aware Zaps to stay within limits while keeping data fresh.
Common issues include invalid field mappings, expired OAuth tokens, or endpoint permission mismatches. To troubleshoot, reauthorize the connection, verify field mappings (email as a primary key, etc.), and check the Zapier task history for errors. Logs typically point to the exact field or endpoint causing the problem.
Due to high volume, we will be upgrading our server soon!
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