5 min read

What Is The Amazon Selling Partner API (SP-API)?

Written by
Vanessa Hung
January 25, 2024

Getting your products noticed in the Amazon marketplace can be a challenge. One tool designed to make this easier is the Amazon Selling Partner API (SP-API), a modern and efficient way for sellers to manage their business.

This blog post will guide you through what SP-API is, how it works, and how it can benefit your business. Ready to take your Amazon selling game to another level? Let's get started!

What Is the Selling Partner API?

The Selling Partner API is a REST-based API for Amazon selling partners that allows them to programmatically access data on orders, shipments, payments, and more.

REST-Based API for Amazon Selling Partners

The REST-based API for Amazon selling partners, officially known as the Selling Partner API (SP-API), offers a streamlined way to manage and access vital business data. Users can securely gather insights on various operations such as orders, shipments, and payments.

This powerful tool enables sellers to automate their workflows more efficiently than ever before, saving time while boosting productivity. It also offers global application, making it extremely beneficial for vendors operating in different geographical territories.

This helps with seamless data integration and in decision-making processes based on real-time analytics provided by the SP-API system.

Provides Data on Orders, Shipments, Payments, and More

Amazon's Selling Partner API caters to businesses by providing up-to-date and comprehensive information on orders, shipments, payments, along with numerous other functionalities, which ensures the seamless operation of e-commerce activities.

This REST-based API does more than just delivering raw figures; it turns information into actionable insights. With such extensive data at their fingertips, sellers can make informed decisions that improve efficiency and profitability in their Amazon Marketplace operations.

Benefits of Using the SP-API

Modernized and More Efficient Than Previous APIs

The Amazon Selling Partner API provides a modern and efficient interface that enhances workflow processes by adopting the REST architectural style known for its performance and reliability. With streamlined operations, the API facilitates quicker data exchange and boasts adaptability with JSON input and output, making it versatile for use across different platforms.

Improved Access to Data and Reporting

The Selling Partner API (SP-API) provides sellers and vendors with streamlined access to essential data, such as orders, shipments, and payments, allowing for automated data transfer and system integration. This eliminates the need for manual data handling, simplifying tracking and analysis of business performance.

To use SP-API, register as an Amazon developer for access approval or employ a service like Reason Automation to facilitate the connection.

Global Applications

The Amazon Selling Partner API (SP-API) is a versatile tool that enables sellers and vendors worldwide to automate and integrate their business operations. Serving both third-party sellers and those utilizing Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), the REST-based API grants programmatic access to crucial Amazon Marketplace data, including orders, shipments, and payments. By leveraging the SP-API, businesses can bypass manual tasks to enhance efficiency and expand their global presence on Amazon with ease.

Getting Started With the SP-API

To get started with the SP-API, you need to register and authorize your business, integrate it with your systems, and familiarize yourself with the technical details and available API add-ons.

Registration and Authorization

To get started with the Selling Partner API, you'll need to complete the registration and authorization process. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Visit the Amazon Developer website.
  2. Create an account or sign in if you already have one.
  3. Navigate to the Selling Partner API section and click on "Register an application."
  4. Follow the prompts to provide information about your business and your integration needs.
  5. Once your application is registered, you'll receive a Seller ID and a unique MWS Auth Token.
  6. Use these credentials to authorize your application to access data from Amazon's APIs.
  7. Make sure to keep your credentials secure and only share them with trusted individuals or systems.

Integration With Your Business

Integrating the Selling Partner API with your business is a straightforward process that allows you to streamline operations and access valuable data. Here's how you can seamlessly integrate the SP-API into your business:

  1. Register and authorize: Begin by registering as a selling partner on the Amazon Developer website. Once registered, you'll need to authorize your application within Seller Central or through Vendor Central.
  2. Connect with your ecommerce platform: The SP-API can be integrated with various ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. Use the API documentation provided by Amazon to connect your platform with the SP-API.
  3. Automate data transfer: With the SP-API, you can automate the transfer of data between your business and Amazon Marketplace. This eliminates manual tasks like shuffling spreadsheets and ensures accurate and up-to-date information.
  4. Access selling tools: The SP-API offers a comprehensive suite of APIs that allow you to programmatically access critical data about orders, shipments, payments, and more. Leverage these tools to gain deeper insights into your sales performance.
  5. Enhance selling automation: Integrating with the SP-API opens up opportunities for enhanced selling automation. You can automate processes like inventory management, pricing adjustments, and order fulfillment to increase efficiency and save time.

Technical Details and API Add-Ons

The Amazon Selling Partner API (SP-API) provides sellers with the opportunity to take advantage of various technical details and API addons to enhance their selling experience. With the SP-API, sellers can:

The Future of Amazon APIs: MWS vs. SP-API

MWS is being phased out in favor of the more modern and efficient SP-API - find out how to make the most of it for your business. Read on to learn more!

Differences between MWS and SP-API

While both the Marketplace Web Service (MWS) and the Selling Partner API (SP-API) exist to support Amazon selling partners, there are some key differences that give SP-API the edge in terms of modern features and efficiency.

Thus, while MWS has served Amazon sellers well for many years, SP-API offers a more modern, efficient, and data-rich solution that is better suited to today's global e-commerce landscape.

Timeline for Phasing Out MWS

Amazon has announced a timeline for phasing out the Amazon Marketplace Web Service (MWS) in favor of the Selling Partner API (SP-API). This transition will provide sellers and vendors with a more modernized and efficient set of APIs to programmatically access data on orders, shipments, payments, and more.

Sellers are encouraged to integrate their systems with the SP-API as soon as possible to take advantage of its benefits and ensure a smooth transition away from MWS.

How To Make the Most of the SP-API for Your Business

To make the most of the SP-API for your business, you can automate data transfer and streamline processes. By integrating the API with your ecommerce platform, you can programmatically access data on orders, shipments, and payments.

This allows for efficient management of inventory and fulfillment. Additionally, take advantage of the modernized set of APIs to improve data integration and reporting capabilities.

With the SP-API, you can enhance selling tools and enable selling automation for a more streamlined experience on Amazon Marketplace.

Conclusion

The Amazon Selling Partner API (SP-API) is a modern and efficient way for sellers and vendors to programmatically access data on orders, shipments, payments, and more.

Boost your Amazon sales by using the Selling Partner API (SP-API). It's a simple way to keep track of orders and stock and makes selling stuff online easier. Ready to sell smarter and faster? Check out SP-API now and take your business to the next level.

Read More