Automate product imports into Flipsnack by syncing product data directly from your ERP or PIM, no more spreadsheets or manual uploads.
Table of contents:
Use product data in your catalog
Overview
Flipsnack's Product Feed Integration API allows you to automate product data flow directly from your internal systems, like a Product Information Management (PIM) tool or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, into your Flipsnack workspace.
This feature eliminates the need for manual CSV uploads, letting your team import, update, and delete product information programmatically. It's designed for enterprise users such as B2B wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers aiming to scale catalog creation with minimal effort.
Key benefits
- Faster launches: Push new products and seasonal updates into catalogs instantly
- Streamlined workflows: Eliminate repetitive manual uploads
- Reduced errors: Avoid mistakes from human data entry
- Flexible updates: Sync new, updated, or deleted products as needed
- Enterprise scaling: Handle large volumes of SKUs effortlessly
Our team is here to help. Connect with our team experts or message us via the in-app chat for personalized assistance.
Common use-cases
- Wholesalers syncing thousands of SKUs across regions
For businesses managing large product inventories, the API integration allows centralized product data to be synced across multiple catalogs, ensuring accuracy and consistency for every region-specific catalog. - Retailers are updating prices and descriptions seasonally
Retailers can push seasonal updates such as holiday discounts, product name changes, or new promotions directly into Flipsnack without starting from scratch or manually editing entries. - Manufacturers distributing technical specs across teams
With complex specs and frequent updates, manufacturers can use the API to ensure that engineering, marketing, and sales teams are all referencing the same product details in their catalogs. - Distributors customizing offers for individual clients
Distributors can dynamically push tailored product sets or pricing tiers to Flipsnack, enabling them to design personalized catalogs for specific clients or vertical markets.
Requirements
Plan: Available as an add-on for any Flipsnack plan
Integration type: Requires developer setup on your end (API connector)
Step-by-step guide
Before you begin, here’s a quick overview of how it works: Your system (PIM, ERP, or internal app) sends product data in JSON format to Flipsnack using an API connector. Once pushed, the product information appears in the Automation tab and is ready to use in any flipbook without manual uploads.
Get your API key
To begin, contact a Flipsnack account manager or our support team and request your unique API key for product feed integration. This key grants write access to your workspace data, so be sure to keep it secure.
Set up your data source
- Use your ERP, PIM, or custom application.
- Configure it to send POST requests to Flipsnack’s API endpoint.
- Ensure data is formatted in JSON according to Flipsnack’s API documentation.
Push your product data
You can send batches of up to 500 products per request. Each product can include fields such as: name, SKU, description, image URL, price, variants, and specifications.
You control when and how often data is pushed to Flipsnack. Syncs can be triggered on demand—either manually or through scheduled jobs in your internal system. This flexibility lets you align product updates with launches, seasonal campaigns, or other business workflows.
Important: Use consistent SKU identifiers across updates to ensure accurate tracking and modifications.
Review import results
After each data push, Flipsnack returns a detailed JSON response. This includes:
- A list of all successfully imported products
- Specific error messages for any product entries that failed to import (e.g., missing SKU, improperly formatted fields)
Important: The API validates each product individually, but if any item in a batch returns an error, the entire batch will be rejected.
Each valid product is automatically stored in a standardized format and grouped logically under a unique identifier (sourceHash). This sourceHash will be generated and managed by your system, not by Flipsnack. You’ll see all successful imports appear in the Automation tab in Design Studio, ready for use in your flipbooks.
Note: You can send up to 500 products per API request. The system supports a rate limit of 200 requests per minute.
Use product data in your catalog
Now you can populate your catalogs with your products. Open Design Studio. Go to the Automation tab, where you will see your products, and then simply drag and drop products directly into your flipbook design.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the imported data fill in templates automatically?
No, product data is imported into your workspace but does not auto-populate flipbook templates. You’ll need to manually place the data using the Automation tab.
- What should I do if the field content is too long for a layout box?
Use the “Hide overflow” option in Design Studio text boxes to ensure long content doesn’t break your layout.
- Can I reuse my existing SKUs from other imports?
Yes, you can continue using the same SKU codes from previous CSV or Google Drive uploads when switching to API integration.
- How are product groups organized?
Product data is grouped under a unique sourceHash identifier, which helps manage updates and deletions for related items.
Need expert support?
Our team is here to help. Connect with our team experts or message us via the in-app chat for personalized assistance.