Shopify Integration Guide

This guide outlines the steps required to connect your Shopify store to Helm. Once the integration is complete, you’ll be able to automatically sync orders, products, and inventory levels between systems

Last updated 3 months ago

There are two methods to set up Shopify

Using DC Credentials

Choosing this option means you're connecting Shopify to Helm via your existing Despatch Cloud (DC) credentials:

  • This method uses the API key and secret stored in your Helm account.

  • Helm acts as a middle layer between Shopify and your other connected systems.

  • It's useful if you're already using Helm for other integrations, as it keeps all your credentials centralised.

  • Typically chosen by users who want a standardised setup across multiple channels.

Using Access Token

This method connects Shopify to Helm directly using a Shopify access token.

  • You generate the access token in Shopify by creating a custom app and copying the API credentials.

  • This setup bypasses DC credentials entirely and connects straight to your Shopify store.

  • Often preferred for new integrations or when you want more control over which permissions the integration has.

  • Recommended by Shopify for secure, modern API access.

OPTION 1 - DC Credentials

Connect Your Shopify Store to Helm (Using DC Credentials)

Follow the steps below to integrate your Shopify store into Helm using Despatch Cloud / DC credentials.

Step 1: Get Your Shopify Domain

  1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel.

  2. Go to Settings > Domains.

  3. Click on your preferred domain.

  4. Copy the Shopify domain (e.g. mysurfshop.myshopify.com).

Step 2: Add the Shopify Channel in Helm

  1. In Helm, go to Settings > Sales Channels.

  2. Click Add Channel.

  3. Choose Shopify from the list.

  4. Set the channel to Active.

  5. Enter a name for the channel, such as MySurfShop Shopify .

  6. In the Hostname field, paste your Shopify domain (e.g. mysurfshop) - only the subdomain, not the full URL.

  7. Select Use DC Credentials.

  8. Leave the Access Token field blank.

  9. For API Key and Password, type TEST and TEST - these will be automatically replaced by the system.

  10. Tick Download Products if you want Helm to pull products from Shopify.

Step 3: Configure Your Channel Settings

  1. Click on the Settings tab of your new Shopify channel.

  2. Choose your Warehouse for incoming orders.

  3. Click on the Brand tab and make sure your return address is filled in.

  4. Optionally customise other settings, such as adding your logo or branding preferences.

  5. Adjust any additional options as needed.

Step 4: Save and Authorise

  1. Click Save Changes.

  2. You’ll now be prompted to log into Shopify and authorise Helm to access your store.

  3. Follow the prompts to allow access.

Once authorised, your Shopify store is connected and ready to sync with Helm.

OPTION 2 - Access Token

Step-by-Step Setup for using the Access Token

Step 1: Access the Integration Page

  1. Log in to your Helm account.

  2. Navigate to:
    Settings → Sales Channels

  3. From the list of available channels, select Shopify.

Step 2: Create a Shopify Custom App

To authenticate your Shopify store with Helm, you will need to create a Custom App in Shopify and generate an Admin API Access Token.

  1. Log in to your Shopify Admin Panel.

  2. From the left menu, click Apps.

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  3. Click App and sales channel settings.

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  4. Select Develop apps.

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  5. If this is your first app, click Allow custom app development.

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  6. Then click on the "Allow custom app development" button again.

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  7. Click Create an app.

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  8. Enter an App name and select the App developer (defaults to your user).

  9. Click Create app.

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Step 3: Assign Admin API Scopes

  1. After creating the app, click Configure Admin API scopes.

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  2. In the Admin API access scopes section, tick the boxes for the following permissions:

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Section

Scope

Assigned fulfilment orders

write_assigned_fulfillment_orders, write_assigned_fulfillment_orders

Fulfilment services

read_fulfillments,
write_fulfillments

Inventory

read_inventory,
write_inventory

Locations

read_locations

Merchant-managed fulfilment orders

read_merchant_managed_fulfillment_orders, write_merchant_managed_fulfillment_orders

Orders

read_orders, write_orders

Products

read_products, write_products

Third-party fulfilment orders

read_third_party_fulfillment_orders, write_third_party_fulfillment_orders

  1. Click Save (top right corner).

Step 4: Install the App and Retrieve Credentials

  1. Click Install app in the top right corner.

  2. Confirm by clicking Install again when prompted.

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  3. Click Reveal token once to view your Admin API Access Token — copy this securely.

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  4. Locate your Shopify Hostname from the URL.

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    • Format: yourstorename.myshopify.com

    • Only enter yourstorename in the Hostname field in Helm.

Step 5: Complete the Integration in Helm

Return to the Helm Shopify integration form and complete the following fields:

Field

Description

Name

A custom name for the integration (e.g. Shopify UK)

Use Access Token

Toggle this ON to use the Access Token method

Access Token

Paste the Admin API Access Token from Shopify

Hostname

Enter your Shopify store’s subdomain (e.g. yourstorename)

Optional Settings

Other setting are optional based on your needs

🛑 Note:
If you're using the Access Token method, you do not need to provide an API Key or Password.

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Step 6: Configure Settings

  • Enable the Active toggle to activate the channel.

  • Configure any additional options as required:

    • Settings – Select your warehouse and its preferences.

    • Stock Control – Toggle Auto Sync Stock.

    • Brand – Assign brand information for this sales channel.

    • Commercial Invoice – Customise invoice details if required.

    • Despatch Emails – Enable shipment tracking emails.

    • Feedback Emails – Set up post-order feedback messages.

    • Enable - any of the other additional settings.

Step 7: Finalise the Integration

  1. Once all fields are complete, click Submit.

  2. A success message will confirm your Shopify store is now connected.

  3. Orders and stock data will now sync between Shopify and Helm automatically.

Completion

You’ve now successfully integrated your Shopify store with Helm.

Ensure your API token remains secure, and review your channel settings periodically to align with your store’s operational needs.