This article lays out various factors to consider when deciding whether to use our Shopify Connector or implement an API-based integration.
In this article:
High-level determination
| Category |
Shopify Connector |
API-Based Integration |
| Best for |
Simple DTC Shopify brands |
Multi-channel, wholesale, ERP-driven |
| Setup time |
Fast (plug & play) |
Longer (engineering required) |
| Flexibility |
Standard |
High |
| Maintenance |
Minimal |
Requires technical ownership by customer |
| Scalability |
Good for small/medium operations |
Excellent for complex + high-volume ops |
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Orders & item handling
| Functionality |
Shopify Connector |
API-Based Integration |
| Item creation/sync |
Auto-created from Shopify |
Customer-controlled; can originate from ERP or other systems |
| Order flow |
Shopify --> RyderShip only |
Any source --> ERP --> RyderShip |
| Support for non-Shopify orders |
Limited (Shopify must receive them) |
Full (EDI, marketplaces, B2B, POS, ERP-generated). All flow through ERP to RyderShip |
| Metadata / custom fields |
Limited custom fields (we do not pull in Shopify tags) |
Flexible - use of meta fields to capture any custom data |
| Orders with VAS (embroidery, gift wrapping, etc) |
Limited |
Flexible |
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Inventory handling
| Inventory Behavior |
Shopify Connector |
API-Based Integration |
| Inventory returned to Shopify |
One unified ATS value for a single location |
ERP can implement custom logic to control inventory reporting |
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Technical requirements & support
| Requirement |
Shopify Connector |
API-Based Integration |
| Customer technical skill needed |
Low |
Medium/High - Customer tech team to build/maintain |
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Summary - which should you choose?
Choose the Shopify Connector if:
- You operate primarily on Shopify
- You want quick setup with minimal tech lift
- You only need basic item, order, and fulfillment flows
- You have simple inventory requirements
- Your VAS/custom logic is light or nonexistent
Choose an API-Based Integration if:
- You use an ERP that orchestrates your business (ex: Netsuite)
- You sell through multiple channels (EDI, marketplaces, etc.)
- You require multiple VAS types
- You have technical resources to build + maintain integrations
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Related articles
Shopify Integration Setup
Shopify Integration - RyderShip Shop Settings
Shopify Locations
Shopify Troubleshooting - Order & Order Item Sync
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