> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ship.uniuni.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Shipping Workflow

> End-to-end guide from Shopify order to shipping label on UniUni Platform

## Overview

This guide walks through the complete workflow for shipping a Shopify order using UniUni Platform — from the moment an order is imported to generating a shipping label.

## Step 1: Obtain your API key

If you plan to use the API alongside the dashboard, you'll need an API key.

1. Log in to [ship.uniuni.com](https://ship.uniuni.com)
2. Go to **Settings** → **API Keys**
3. Click **Generate Key** and copy the key to a secure location

<Note>
  An API key is only required if you're using the REST API for automation. The Shopify integration works entirely through the dashboard without one.
</Note>

## Step 2: Stage your orders

Once your Shopify store is connected, orders flow into the **staging area** automatically (or on demand, depending on your import settings).

The staging area lets you review orders before they become shipments. To view staged orders:

1. Go to **Orders** in the sidebar
2. Filter by **Status: Staged** to see newly imported orders
3. Review recipient addresses, item details, and weights

<Tip>
  If auto-import is enabled, new Shopify orders appear in staging within a few minutes of being placed.
</Tip>

## Step 3: Modify order values

Before importing orders into shipments, adjust any values that need to match UniUni shipping requirements:

* **Weight** — Update the package weight if it differs from the Shopify order weight
* **Dimensions** — Enter the actual box dimensions (length, width, height)
* **Service type** — Select the appropriate UniUni shipping service
* **Recipient address** — Correct any address issues to avoid delivery exceptions

You can edit orders individually or use **bulk edit** to update multiple orders at once.

## Step 4: Import into shipments

Once your staged orders are reviewed and ready:

1. Select the orders you want to ship (use checkboxes to select multiple)
2. Click **Import to Shipments**
3. The orders move from the staging area into the **Shipments** table with **Draft** status

At this point, orders are shipments — but labels haven't been purchased yet.

## Step 5: Purchase labels or save as draft

You have two options for draft shipments:

### Purchase labels immediately

1. Select one or more draft shipments
2. Click **Purchase Labels**
3. Confirm the total cost — labels are charged to your UniUni wallet balance
4. Labels are generated and tracking numbers are assigned
5. Tracking information is automatically pushed back to Shopify

### Save as draft for later

If you're not ready to ship yet, leave orders in **Draft** status. You can return and purchase labels at any time. Draft shipments can still be edited.

<Warning>
  Make sure your wallet has sufficient balance before purchasing labels. You can top up your wallet under **Settings** → **Billing**.
</Warning>

## After purchasing

Once labels are purchased:

* **Download labels** — Print labels from the shipments table or the Labels page
* **Shopify fulfillment** — The order is automatically marked as fulfilled in Shopify
* **Customer notification** — Your customer receives a shipping confirmation with tracking info
* **Tracking updates** — Delivery status updates flow back to Shopify as the package moves

## Need help?

<Card title="Contact Support" icon="envelope" href="mailto:retailsupport@uniuni.com" horizontal>
  Reach out to our retail support team for assistance with your shipping workflow.
</Card>