List of Possible Webhooks for Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Are Shopify Webhooks?
3. List of Possible Webhooks in Shopify
4. How to Set Up Webhooks in Shopify
5. Troubleshooting Common Webhook Issues
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Introduction

Imagine being able to automate your online store's workflow and instantly respond to key events—such as a new order being placed or a product update. This isn't just a futuristic pipe dream, but a reality through the use of webhooks in Shopify. In this blog post, we'll explore what webhooks are, why they are crucial for your eCommerce business, and provide an exhaustive list of possible webhooks you can use in Shopify.

By the end of this post, you'll not only understand how webhooks can streamline your store management but also gain insights into setting them up and the various events they can handle. Stick with us, and let's unlock the power of Shopify webhooks together.

What Are Shopify Webhooks?

Shopify webhooks are HTTP callbacks that get triggered by specific events within your Shopify store. When one of these events occurs, Shopify sends an HTTP POST request to a predefined URL containing details about the event. This allows you to automate responses and actions in your store, eliminating the need for manual interventions.

Why Use Shopify Webhooks?

Webhooks play a significant role in automating and enhancing the operational efficiency of your Shopify store. Some of the benefits include:

• Real-time Notifications: Instantly know when critical events such as orders or customer details updates occur.
• Reduced API Calls: Webhooks reduce the need for frequent API polling to check for updates, saving both time and resources.
• Enhanced Workflow Automation: Automate routine tasks such as inventory management, order confirmations, and customer notifications.
• Better Integration: Easily integrate with third-party systems like CRM software, email marketing tools, and more.

List of Possible Webhooks in Shopify

Webhooks can be categorized based on the various events they can handle. Below is a detailed list of the most commonly used webhook topics in Shopify.

Order Webhooks

1. orders/create: Triggered when a new order is created.
2. orders/updated: Triggered whenever an order is updated.
3. orders/paid: Triggered when an order is paid.
4. orders/cancelled: Triggered when an order is canceled.
5. orders/fulfilled: Triggered when an order is fulfilled.
6. orders/partially_fulfilled: Triggered when an order is partially fulfilled.

Product Webhooks

1. products/create: Triggered when a new product is created.
2. products/update: Triggered when a product is updated.
3. products/delete: Triggered when a product is deleted.

Customer Webhooks

1. customers/create: Triggered when a new customer is created.
2. customers/update: Triggered when a customer is updated.
3. customers/delete: Triggered when a customer is deleted.
4. customers/disable: Triggered when a customer account is disabled.
5. customers/enable: Triggered when a customer account is re-enabled.

Checkout Webhooks

1. checkouts/create: Triggered when a new checkout is created.
2. checkouts/update: Triggered when a checkout is updated.
3. checkouts/delete: Triggered when a checkout is deleted.

Fulfillment Webhooks

1. fulfillments/create: Triggered when a fulfillment is created for an order.
2. fulfillments/update: Triggered when a fulfillment is updated.
3. fulfillments/delete: Triggered when a fulfillment is deleted.

Inventory Webhooks

1. inventory_levels/connect: Triggered when inventory levels are connected to a location.
2. inventory_levels/update: Triggered when inventory levels are updated.
3. inventory_levels/disconnect: Triggered when inventory levels are disconnected from a location.

App Subscription Webhooks

1. app_subscriptions/update: Triggered when an app subscription is updated.
2. app_subscriptions/cancelled: Triggered when an app subscription is canceled.

Shop Webhooks

1. shop/update: Triggered when shop details such as name or address are updated.

Dispute Webhooks

1. disputes/create: Triggered when a dispute is created.
2. disputes/update: Triggered when a dispute is updated.

How to Set Up Webhooks in Shopify

Setting up webhooks in Shopify is straightforward and can be done either through the Shopify admin panel or using the Shopify API.

Setting Up Webhooks via Shopify Admin

1. Navigate to Notifications:

   • Go to your Shopify admin page.
   • Click on “Settings” and then select “Notifications”.

2. Create a Webhook:

   • Scroll down to the Webhooks section and click “Create a webhook”.
   • Select the event you want to trigger the webhook from the “Event” dropdown menu.
   • Choose the data format (JSON or XML).
   • Enter the URL where you want to send the POST request.

3. Save and Test:

   • Click “Save webhook” to complete the setup.
   • Optionally, you can test the webhook by clicking on "Send test notification" to verify it is working correctly.

Setting Up Webhooks via API

For more advanced use cases or automated setups, you can use the Shopify API to manage webhooks.

POST /admin/api/2023-01/webhooks.json
Content-Type: application/json
{
  "webhook": {
    "topic": "orders/create",
    "address": "https://example.com/webhook",
    "format": "json"
  }
}

Make an HTTP POST request to the "/webhooks.json" endpoint with the necessary webhook data in JSON format. Remember to include authentication headers for API access.

Troubleshooting Common Webhook Issues

Delayed or Missing Webhooks

• Recheck Setup: Ensure that the webhook URL is correct and the server is capable of receiving POST requests.
• Inspect Logs: Use server logs to check if POST requests are received but failed to process.
• Endpoint Readiness: Ensure that the endpoint URL specified is accessible and ready to handle incoming data.

Data Interpretation Issues

• Correct Data Format: Verify that the correct data format (JSON or XML) is being used.
• Payload Validation: Use tools to validate the incoming webhook payload against your API requirements.

Conclusion

Shopify webhooks are a powerful tool for eCommerce automation, allowing your store to interact seamlessly with other systems and services. By setting up the right webhooks, you can significantly improve your store’s efficiency and responsiveness, making your online business more dynamic and customer-centric.

FAQs

What are Shopify webhooks?

Shopify webhooks are HTTP callbacks triggered by specific events within your Shopify store. These callbacks send data via HTTP POST requests to a predefined URL, automating responses and actions in the store.

How do I set up a Shopify webhook?

You can set up Shopify webhooks either through the Shopify admin panel by navigating to Settings > Notifications or programmatically using the Shopify API.

Can webhooks reduce API call usage?

Yes, webhooks can reduce the need for frequent API polling by providing real-time notifications of events, thereby saving time and resources.

What events can trigger a Shopify webhook?

Various events like order creation, product updates, customer changes, and more can trigger webhooks.

With this knowledge in hand, you can now harness the full potential of Shopify webhooks to streamline and enhance your eCommerce operations.