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eBay API Essential Guide

Aug 2, 2024 • 6 minute read

What type of API does eBay provide?

eBay primarily offers a REST API, but they also maintain some legacy SOAP APIs.

  1. REST API: eBay's primary and most modern API is RESTful. The eBay REST API is the recommended way for developers to interact with eBay's platform for most use cases.

  2. SOAP API: eBay still maintains some SOAP APIs, primarily for legacy support and certain specific functionalities.

In summary, while eBay offers both REST and SOAP APIs, the REST API is the primary and recommended option for most modern integrations with the eBay platform.

Does the eBay API have webhooks?

Yes, the official eBay API offers webhooks, which are called "eBay Notifications" in their ecosystem. These notifications allow developers to subscribe to various events and receive real-time updates about changes in eBay's platform.

Types of Events Available

eBay offers a wide range of events that you can subscribe to through their notification system. Some of the key event types include:

  1. Listing-related events:

    • Item listed
    • Item ended
    • Item revised
    • Item sold

  2. Order-related events:

    • Order created
    • Order updated
    • Order shipped
    • Order payment status changes

  3. Bidding events:

    • Bid placed
    • Bid retracted

  4. Account-related events:

    • Feedback received
    • User suspended
    • User unsuspended

  5. Return and refund events:

    • Return created
    • Return updated
    • Refund issued

  6. Inventory-related events:

    • Inventory level changed
    • Price changed

  7. Messaging events:

    • Message received from buyer
    • Message sent to buyer

Key Points to Consider

  • eBay uses the term "notifications" rather than "webhooks," but the functionality is similar to what is commonly known as webhooks.

  • To use eBay notifications, you need to set up an endpoint on your server to receive the HTTP POST requests containing the event data.

  • You can manage your notification subscriptions through the eBay Developer Portal or programmatically using the Notification API.

  • eBay supports both XML and JSON formats for notifications, allowing you to choose the format that best fits your application's needs.

  • There are rate limits and best practices to follow when implementing eBay notifications to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Best Practices

  1. Implement proper error handling and retry logic for your notification endpoint to ensure you don't miss important events.

  2. Use HTTPS for your endpoint to ensure secure communication with eBay's servers.

  3. Process notifications asynchronously to avoid blocking your main application logic.

  4. Implement proper authentication and validation to ensure the notifications are coming from eBay and haven't been tampered with.

  5. Monitor your notification subscriptions and endpoint performance to ensure you're receiving updates as expected.

By leveraging eBay's notification system, you can build more responsive and real-time applications that stay in sync with the eBay platform, enhancing the user experience and efficiency of your eBay-integrated services.

Rate Limits and other limitations

The eBay API has specific rate limits that developers need to be aware of when integrating with their platform. Here are the key points regarding the API rate limits for eBay:

  1. Application-level rate limits:

    • Production environment: 5,000 calls per day
    • Sandbox environment: 5,000 calls per day

  2. User-level rate limits:

    • Production environment: 5,000 calls per user per day
    • Sandbox environment: 5,000 calls per user per day

  3. Call limits for specific API resources:

    • Some API resources have their own specific call limits
    • These limits can vary depending on the resource and are subject to change

  4. Throttling:

    • eBay implements throttling to prevent excessive API usage
    • If you exceed the rate limits, your requests may be throttled or rejected

  5. Best practices:

    • Monitor your API usage to avoid hitting rate limits
    • Implement proper error handling for rate limit errors
    • Consider caching frequently accessed data to reduce API calls

  6. Rate limit increase requests:

    • eBay may consider increasing rate limits for applications with high-volume requirements
    • Developers need to contact eBay and provide justification for increased limits

It's important to note that these rate limits are subject to change, and developers should always refer to the official eBay API documentation for the most up-to-date information on rate limits and best practices for API usage.

Latest API Version

The most recent version of the eBay API is the eBay REST API, which is currently in version 1.0.0. Here are the key points to consider:

  1. eBay REST API:

    • The eBay REST API is the latest and most modern API offering from eBay.
    • It provides a set of RESTful endpoints that allow developers to integrate eBay functionality into their applications.

  2. API Versions:

    • The current version of the eBay REST API is 1.0.0.
    • eBay maintains different versions of their APIs to ensure backward compatibility and allow developers to transition to newer versions gradually.

  3. Legacy APIs:

    • eBay still supports some legacy APIs, such as the Trading API and Finding API, but these are considered older versions.
    • Developers are encouraged to use the newer REST API for new integrations and to migrate existing applications when possible.

  4. API Documentation:

    • eBay provides comprehensive documentation for their REST API, including endpoint references, authentication guides, and best practices.
    • Developers can access this documentation through the eBay Developer Portal.

  5. Best Practices:

    • When working with the eBay API, it's recommended to use the latest version (REST API) for new projects.
    • Regularly check the eBay Developer Portal for updates, new features, and any deprecation notices.
    • Implement proper error handling and respect rate limits to ensure smooth integration with eBay's systems.

By using the most recent version of the eBay API (REST API v1.0.0), developers can take advantage of the latest features and improvements while building applications that integrate with eBay's platform.

How to get a eBay developer account and API Keys?

To get a developer account for eBay and create an API integration, follow these steps:

  1. Create an eBay account at www.ebay.com if you don't have one.

  2. Register for a developer account:

    • Go to https://developer.ebay.com/
    • Click on "Join the Developers Program" or "Sign Up" button
    • Log in with your eBay account credentials
    • Fill out the required information and agree to the terms and conditions

  3. Verify your account through email or phone if required.

  4. Access the eBay Developers Program dashboard.

  5. Create an application:

    • Navigate to the "My Account" or "Applications" section
    • Click on "Create a New Application"
    • Provide a name and description for your application
    • Select the eBay environments you want to work with (Sandbox and/or Production)

  6. Generate API keys: After creating your application, you'll receive:

    • App ID (Client ID)
    • Dev ID
    • Cert ID (Client Secret)

  7. Choose the appropriate API for your integration needs.

  8. Set up OAuth 2.0 for authentication following eBay's documentation.

  9. Begin developing your eBay API integration using eBay's documentation, SDKs, and code samples.

What can you do with the eBay API?

Based on the search results provided, here is a list of data models that can be interacted with using the eBay API, along with what is possible for each:

Sell APIs

  • Account API: Configure account settings for sellers
  • Inventory API: Manage seller inventory
  • Fulfillment API: Handle order fulfillment
  • Finances API: Access financial information
  • Marketing API: Create marketing campaigns and promotions
  • Negotiation API: Handle buyer-seller negotiations
  • Recommendation API: Get recommendations for sellers
  • Analytics API: Access seller performance analytics
  • Metadata API: Retrieve metadata about eBay marketplaces
  • Compliance API: Ensure compliance with eBay policies
  • Logistics API: Manage shipping and logistics
  • Listing API: Create and manage listings
  • Feed API: Bulk upload and manage inventory

Buy APIs

  • Feed API: Access bulk listing data
  • Browse API: Search and browse eBay inventory
  • Marketing API: Access marketing data for buyers
  • Offer API: Manage offers on items
  • Order API: Manage orders and purchases
  • Marketplace Insights API: Get market data and trends

Commerce APIs

  • Catalog API: Access eBay's product catalog
  • Identity API: Manage user identity and authentication
  • Taxonomy API: Access eBay's category structure
  • Translation API: Translate listing content

Developer APIs

  • Analytics API: Get insights into API usage and performance

Key Points

  • These APIs allow developers to create end-to-end selling applications, buying experiences, and access core commerce capabilities
  • Developers can interact with these data models using various programming languages and eBay-provided SDKs
  • eBay follows semantic versioning and has alpha, beta, and general availability quality levels for APIs
  • API deprecation follows a standard process, with deprecated elements maintained for 18 months in most cases

Best Practices

  • Use the API Explorer to try out APIs before implementation
  • Take advantage of OpenAPI specifications for eBay APIs
  • Consider using eBay SDKs for easier integration
  • Stay informed about API updates and deprecations through the Developer Portal

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