Supplier onboarding is the process of integrating new suppliers into the fabric Dropship ecosystem, enabling seamless collaboration between suppliers and retail partners. The goal is to streamline the exchange of product, inventory, order, and shipment data, ensuring suppliers are equipped to fulfill dropship orders efficiently and accurately.

fabric Dropship supports multiple integration options to accommodate suppliers with varying levels of technical capabilities and business systems.

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Choosing the right onboarding option

Integration TypeWhen to UseBenefits
ShopifyAlready using Shopify as storefrontQuick setup, real-time sync
APIHave in-house developer team or ERPFull customization & scalability
EDIExisting EDI systemsStandardized B2B communication
ShipStationUse ShipStation for logisticsSeamless shipping integration
WooCommerceWooCommerce-powered storesSimplified plugin-based integration
FTPTraditional file exchangeFlexible templates, low-tech setup
Supplier PortalManual operation, small volumeNo integration needed, simple setup

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Basic Integration Workflows

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Shopify integration

The Shopify integration allows suppliers to directly connect their Shopify storefronts with fabric Dropship to automate order, inventory, fulfillment, and cancellation workflows. This integration can be selected during onboarding or established later by submitting a support ticket to the fabric Dropship support team. It provides a streamlined and centralized solution to manage dropship operations directly within Shopify.

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Key features

  • Flexible Integration Setup: Can be configured during onboarding or post-launch.
  • Order Sync: Automatically push orders from fabric Dropship into your Shopify store for centralized fulfillment.
  • Fulfillment Sync: Automatically send shipment tracking details back to fabric through fulfillment-created or fulfillment-updated events.
  • Cancellations Sync: Automatically sync full order cancellations from Shopify to fabric.
  • Inventory Sync: Keep fabric updated with real-time inventory levels from your Shopify store.
  • Utilities: Manually retry failed fulfillments, sync product variants by ID, supplier name, date, or metafields.
  • Webhook Monitoring: Review historical webhook activity and inspect specific webhook payloads for diagnostics.
  • Custom Order Notes: Include “Fulfill By” dates in order notes for enhanced visibility.

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High-level workflow

  1. Integration is initiated during onboarding by selecting Shopify under the Transaction Integration task, prompting the “Connect to Shopify” step. It can also be added later by filing a support request.
  2. Shopify is connected through the Integrations page. Once connected, the Shopify logo appears with options to configure the connection, monitor webhooks, or access utilities.
  3. Configuration settings are managed for:
    • Orders: Enable Push Orders to Shopify to sync new orders.
    • Fulfillment: Select appropriate webhook (Created or Updated) to capture tracking info and enable sync.
    • Cancellations: Enable full cancellation sync from Shopify to fabric.
    • Inventory: Enable real-time sync based on product/inventory updates in Shopify.
  4. Webhook History is available to track and audit event delivery, payloads, and status.
  5. Utilities are used for troubleshooting or bulk syncing:
    • Retry fulfillment imports
    • Sync variants by Item ID, Supplier Name, Date, or Metafields
    • Run full catalog sync if needed
  6. Live operation begins once configuration is complete. All transactions flow automatically between Shopify and fabric Dropship based on enabled features.

For more information on Dropship integration with Shopify, see the Shopify Integration Guide.

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API integration

The API integration with fabric Dropship enables suppliers to fully automate their operations by connecting their systems directly to fabric with RESTful APIs. This approach is ideal for suppliers with technical teams or existing ERP/OMS platforms. API integration can be selected during onboarding or initiated later by submitting a support ticket to the fabric Dropship team.

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Key features

  • Flexible Onboarding: Integration can be established during onboarding or at a later time.
  • Comprehensive Transaction Coverage:
    • Orders: Pull order details.
    • Shipments: Submit shipment confirmations and tracking.
    • Cancellations: Send full or partial cancellation updates.
    • Invoices: Submit invoice data.
    • Returns: Accept or reject RMAs and pull return details.
    • Inventory: Update stock levels in real time.
    • Products: Create new products (flow may vary by retailer).
  • Secure & Scalable: Token-based authentication and scalable endpoints.

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High-level workflow

  1. Integration is initiated by selecting API as the transaction integration type during onboarding, or later by filing a ticket with the fabric Dropship support team.
  2. API credentials are created in the Supplier Settings > API Clients section to enable secure communication with the platform.
  3. Testing begins with the supplier submitting 2–3 products for validation.
  4. Dropship Support sends test details, including:
    • API documentation
    • API keys
    • Brand ID
    • Test order details
  5. Transaction testing is performed across one or more of the following:
    • Pulling Orders
    • Submitting Shipments
    • Sending Invoices
    • Updating Inventory
    • Submitting Cancellations
    • Managing Returns
  6. Go-live is confirmed once testing is complete. fabric provides production credentials, and live transactions commence through the API.

For more information on the Dropship API integration, see the EDI/API Integration Guide.

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EDI integration

Instead of manually uploading orders or tracking shipments, EDI allows your systems to communicate directly with the fabric Dropship platform using specific document formats.

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High-level workflow

  1. Integration is initiated by selecting EDI as the integration type during onboarding. Suppliers must complete basic onboarding tasks including billing address, fulfillment address, notification preferences, and scheduling an onboarding call.
  2. EDI Setup begins by entering the EDI Qualifier and ID in the platform. A support ticket is submitted to fabric Dropship Support to begin testing.
  3. Testing Step 1 involves sending 2–3 test products to Dropship Support for evaluation and setup validation.
  4. Testing Step 2 is triggered when Dropship Support issues a testing notice, which includes:
    • EDI documentation
    • Merchant EDI Qualifier & ID
    • FTP credentials
    • Test order details
  5. Testing Step 3 involves executing transaction tests for 860: Purchase order changes or cancellation EDI.
  6. Integration Go-Live occurs once testing is successful and the supplier confirms readiness. Dropship Support provides a production notice, and live transactions begin through the EDI channel.

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ShipStation integration

Integrating ShipStation with fabric Dropship enables automated data exchange between platforms, streamlining your order and fulfillment processes.

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Key features

  • Automatic order sync from fabric Dropship to ShipStation.
  • Real-time syncing of shipment tracking information from ShipStation back to fabric.
  • Centralized fulfillment workflow managed entirely through ShipStation.
  • Webhook monitoring and logging for enhanced visibility and troubleshooting.

For more information about Dropship integration with ShipStation, see the ShipStation Integration Guide.

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WooCommerce integration

The WooCommerce integration with fabric Dropship allows suppliers to manage orders, inventory, and fulfillment in real time through their WooCommerce storefront. Once integrated, order data flows directly into WooCommerce, and updates made in the store (such as inventory or shipping information) are automatically synced back to Dropship.

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Key features

  • Direct order sync from fabric Dropship to WooCommerce.
  • Real-time inventory updates to avoid overselling.
  • Automatic sync of fulfillment status and shipping details.
  • Webhook history tracking for full transparency and diagnostics.

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High-level workflow

  1. Integration is initiated in the Supplier Settings section by adding the WooCommerce store URL.
  2. Store credentials are validated, and WooCommerce is added to the supplier’s list of active integrations.
  3. Data sync settings are configured for orders, inventory, and fulfillment through the integration options.
  4. Webhooks are enabled to automate real-time data exchange for events such as order creation, inventory updates, and shipment status.
  5. Integration activity is monitored through Webhook History, providing transparency into event delivery, payloads, and statuses.

For detailed information on Dropship integration with WooComemrce, see the WooCommerce Integration Guide.

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FTP integration

The FTP integration option provides a file-based approach for suppliers who prefer not to use API, EDI, or platform-based integrations. It’s especially well-suited for businesses with existing batch-processing systems or those looking for a low-code alternative. Through fabric’s hosted FTP, suppliers can securely upload and download structured transaction files to manage their Dropship operations.

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Key features

  • Template-Based Transactions: Use standard templates provided by fabric or submit your own to match internal formats.
  • Flexible Data Exchange: Exchange files through a secure, dedicated FTP environment.
  • Supports Multiple Transaction Types: Orders, shipments, invoices, inventory, cancellations, and returns.
  • Low-Tech Setup: Minimal development required compared to API or EDI.
  • Onboarding Assistance: Training and support available for setup and operational guidance.

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High-level workflow

  1. Integration is initiated during onboarding by selecting FTP as the preferred integration type for data exchange.
  2. Document templates are provided by fabric or accepted from the supplier to define the required structure for each transaction file.
  3. File-based data exchange is established using fabric’s hosted FTP server. Suppliers upload and retrieve files through designated directories. For example, /inbox or /outbox.
  4. Supported transaction types include:
    • Orders
    • Shipments
    • Invoices
    • Inventory
    • Cancellations
    • Returns
  5. Training and onboarding support is available for suppliers using FTP, including optional documentation to help establish and maintain workflows.

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fabric Supplier Portal integration

The fabric Supplier Portal is a web-based interface that enables suppliers to manage their Dropship operation without requiring any system integration, such as EDI, API, FTP, or other automated methods. The portal provides a dashboard with complete set of tools to manage orders, products, retailer relationships, and performance.

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Key features

  • Centralized Dashboard: Access and manage all operational tasks from one place.
  • Order Management: Process incoming orders, confirm fulfillment, and handle cancellations.
  • Product Catalog Management: Upload new products, update existing SKUs, and sync inventory levels with retailers.
  • Retailer Connection Overview: View and manage all retailer partnerships and onboarding status.
  • Reporting Tools: Access business insights and transaction summaries to track performance.
  • No Code Required: Fully manual interface—no technical setup or integrations needed.
  • Training & Support: Includes onboarding assistance and platform training from the fabric team.

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High-level workflow

  1. Integration is initiated by selecting the Supplier Portal (manual option) during onboarding for suppliers not ready for automated integrations.
  2. Onboarding tasks are completed, including setting up billing and fulfillment addresses, notification preferences, and primary contact information.
  3. Optional training is offered through a scheduled onboarding call with fabric Support to walk through the portal interface and available features.
  4. Manual transaction management begins, with the supplier performing all core functions directly in the portal:
    • Orders
    • Shipments
    • Invoices
    • Inventory
    • Cancellations
    • Returns
  5. Testing is optional, but suppliers may choose to test workflows such as order processing, fulfillment, and invoicing using 1–2 products before going live.
  6. Go-live occurs once onboarding is complete, and the supplier can begin managing live transactions directly in the portal.

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Webhook integration

Webhooks allow your supplier account to listen to specific events from fabric Dropship, enabling real-time updates and greater automation.

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Basic setup

  1. From the top navigation bar, click your supplier account name and select Supplier Settings.
  2. Click into the Webhooks (Advanced) tile.
  3. On the Webhooks page, click Add Webhook.
  4. In the pop-up window:
    • Select Topic: for example, Order Created and RMA Approved).
    • Select Method: POST is recommended.
    • URL: Enter your target webhook URL.
  5. Click Add Webhook to save.
  6. Repeat the process to add multiple webhooks.

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Supported webhook topics

Below are the relevant Supplier webhook topics that a supplier can listen for.

Webhook TopicDescriptionRecommended
Connection CreatedWhen a new merchant connection has been createdOptional
Connection EstablishedWhen a merchant connection has been activatedOptional
Order CanceledWhen an order has been cancelledRecommended
Order CreatedWhen a new order has been created in your fabric supplier accountRecommended
Order ReturnedWhen a return has been created in your fabric supplier accountRecommended if the merchant is managing returns in fabric
Order Ship To Address UpdatedWhen the Ship To Address has been updated/changedRecommended
Proposal ApprovedWhen a merchant has approved the supplier’s proposalRecommended if the merchant is managing merchandising with proposals
Proposal Collaborator Added
Proposal CompletedWhen a merchant has marked the supplier’s proposal as completedRecommended if merchant is managing merchandising with proposals
Proposal DeclinedWhen a merchant has declined the supplier’s proposalRecommended if the merchant is managing merchandising with proposals
Proposal Owner ReassignedWhen a proposal owner changesOptional
Proposal Pricing ApprovedWhen a merchant has approved the proposal pricingOptional if the merchant is managing merchandising with proposals with 2 approvals
Proposal RevisedWhen a merchant has sent the proposal back to the supplier for revisionsRecommended if the merchant is managing merchandising with proposals
Proposal Product Approved
Proposal Product Rejected
Proposal Variant Approved
Proposal Variant Rejected
Proposal Variant RemovedWhen a merchant has removed a variant from the supplier’s proposalRecommended if the merchant is managing merchandising with proposals
RMA ApprovedWhen a return has been approved in the supplier’s fabric accountRecommended if the merchant is managing returns in fabric
RMA CompletedWhen a return has been completed in the supplier’s fabric accountRecommended if the merchant is managing returns in fabric
RMA RejectedWhen a return has been rejected in the supplier’s fabric accountRecommended if the merchant is managing returns in fabric

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