Webhooks are a powerful tool for connecting two online applications, allowing them to communicate and interact in real time. In this article, we'll explore webhooks' capabilities, and provide an example which our merchants can use.
What Are Webhooks?
Webhooks are user-defined HTTP callbacks that are triggered by specific events in an application. When such an event occurs, the source site makes an HTTP request to the URL configured for the webhook. This allows real-time data sharing between applications without the need for continuous polling.
For instance, if you have an e-commerce platform and want to update your inventory management system whenever a new order is placed, a webhook can be set up to send the order details to the inventory system as soon as the order is created.
What Can Webhooks Do?
Webhooks are highly versatile and can perform a variety of tasks, including:
Real-Time Notifications: Instantly notify your application of events such as new orders, new products or payment transactions.
Data Synchronization: Keep different systems in sync by automatically updating one system when changes occur in another.
Automated Workflows: Trigger automated processes like sending follow-up emails.
Integration with Third-Party Services: Connect your e-commerce platform with external services like shipping providers or analytics tools.
Example: Using webhooks to handle product shipping
To illustrate the power of webhooks, let's consider a practical example possible for Sellix merchants.
Setup the Webhook: The merchant configures a webhook URL on his Webhooks page. In this example, this URL points to their inventory management system's endpoint designed to handle incoming order data.
Event Trigger: Whenever a new order is completed on the e-commerce platform, the webhook is triggered. The platform sends a request to the specified webhook URL with details of the order, including product IDs, quantities, and customer information (e.g. shipping address).
Data Handling: The inventory management system receives the data and processes it. It updates the stock levels based on the ordered quantities, ensuring that the inventory remains accurate and up-to-date. Then, the inventory management system can also start the shipping process.
How do I connect a webhook?
Webhooks can be connected to your Webhooks page. Each webhook needs to have an event during which it will be triggered. We offer many events you can choose from - including queries, reviews, products and subscriptions.
If you have integrated Zapier with your Sellix storefront, you can use it to automatically connect webhooks.
Need more help?
If you need further assistance, feel free to contact our Support team at contact@sellix.io and we will be glad to help!