> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.puppetvendors.com/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # ShipStation: API Key, Shipping Labels, and Real-time Shipping Rates This article shows how you can activate and set-up your ShipStation's API Key and API Secret, which will enable **real-time shipping rates** and **printing shipping labels**. ###### Article Content 1. [ShipStation API Key and API Secret](#6-shipstation-api-key-and-api-secret) 2. [Print Shipping Labels via ShipStation](#3-print-shipping-labels-via-shipstation) 3. [Set-up Real-time Shipping Rates via ShipStation](#3-real-time-shipping-rates-via-shipstation-for-your-vendors) 4. [Troubleshoot common errors](#3-troubleshoot-errors-shipstations-error-messages-can-sometimes-be-unclear-or-uninformative) ###### ShipStation API Key and API Secret 1. Create a new ShipStation account or log into your existing ShipStation account by visiting [here](https://signin.shipstation.com/login). 2. Visit ShipStation's settings (#1) followed by the Carriers menu on the left (#2) (Refer to Image 1) 3. Activate at least 1 shipping Carriers service under the **ShipStation Carriers** tab or connect to your own account by clicking on **Your Carrier Accounts** tab. (Refer to Image 1) ![Setting up your ShipStation account (Image 1)](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/9/b/cf9b185a0b087000/screenshot-2025-06-15-at-60929_pixfji.png) ||| Please make sure to top-up your ShipStation Balance. 1. Make sure your ShipStation account is activated and has a balance to generate **Shipping labels** 2. Scroll to the bottom left. Click on the **API Settings link** under the **Account** section. (Refer to Image 2) 3. Select API Version 2 (V2 API) from the drop-down and click on the **Generate API Key (#2)** button. You will be shown two key sets. Copy and save both of them. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/9/b/cf9b185a0b087000/shipstation-api-v2_10br61u.png) 4. Once you have the tokens, visit PuppetVendors **Settings** > **Shipping** (left hand navigation) > **Shippo & ShipStation Integration**. Navigate to the **ShipStation** **Integration** tab and paste the API Key and API Secret keys in the respective fields. ![ShipStation's API Key and API Secret](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/9/b/cf9b185a0b087000/add-shipstation-api-key_31rrjh.png) 5. Your vendors will now be able to start generating shipping labels directly in the vendor portal. ### Print Shipping Labels via ShipStation 1. Enabled Shipping Label Generation: Under **Settings** -> **Shipping** -> **Shippo & ShipStation integration, **ensure that **Generate Shipping Labels** is toggled on (Refer to *Enable ShipStation Labels* screenshot below) 2. Access the Fulfillment Page: Navigate to the fulfillment page from either the merchant portal or the vendor portal 3. Select an order item: Choose the item you wish to fulfill, then Click on the **Generate Shipping Label** 4. Enter Shipping Details: **Package dimensions** (length, weight, height, and weight), **Ship from address**, **Ship to address** and S**elect a shipping rate** from available options 5. Generate and Download the label: Once submitted, your shipping label will be automatically generated and downloaded 6. Print the label: Print and affix the label on your package and ensure the package is ready for pickup by your selected courier ![Enable ShipStation Shipping Labels](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/9/b/cf9b185a0b087000/screenshot-2025-07-11-at-40141_1asbbe2.png =784xauto) ### Real-time Shipping Rates via ShipStation (for your vendors) 1. Enabled Real-time Shipping Rates: Under **Settings** -> **Shipping** -> **Shippo & ShipStation integration, **ensure that **ShipStation **is selected as the** default integation** (Refer to *Set ShipStation As Default Integration* screenshot below) 2. Activate Rates: Go to Settings Page: Navigate to Shipping Rates section, and select the vendor for whom you would like to enable real-time rates (Refer to *Enable Real-time Shipping Rates* screenshot below) 3. Select Default Address: A default address is required to determine the origin of shipment. This allows for accurate rate estimates to appear during Shopify checkout (Refer to *Select Origin Address* screenshot below). ||| Troubleshoot: ShipStation errors may not always be descriptive. if shipping rates return as $0 or fail to load, check for Insufficient ShipStation balance, incorrect item dimensions or weight, verify the origin and destination addresses. ![Set ShipStation As Default Integration](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/9/b/cf9b185a0b087000/screenshot-2025-07-11-at-41623_1ti74be.png =729xauto) ![Enable Real-time Shipping Rates](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/9/b/cf9b185a0b087000/screenshot-2025-07-11-at-43214_txr3vm.png =709xauto) ![Select Origin Address (Ship From Address)](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/9/b/cf9b185a0b087000/screenshot-2025-07-11-at-53631_xfgq7f.png =739xauto) ### Troubleshoot Errors - ShipStation’s error messages can sometimes be unclear or uninformative. ### **Common Causes of Errors** If you encounter issues, here are some of the most frequent causes: * **Insufficient ShipStation balance** Ensure your account has enough funds to generate or purchase labels. * **Out-of-range weight values** Example: entering “100 kilograms” instead of “100 grams.” Double-check units and values. * **Invalid origin or destination address** This can include missing fields or unsupported shipping providers. * **Application outages** Occasionally, ShipStation services may be temporarily unavailable. ### **Need Help?** If problems persist, please contact our support team (support@puppetvendors.com) and include a screenshot of the issue. We’ll help you troubleshoot and resolve it as quickly as possible.