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      An Introduction to Turn14

      A Complete Integration Guide for Turn14 Automotive Parts Distribution

      Turn14 is a leading wholesale distributor of automotive performance and aftermarket parts. Spark Shipping is a dropshipping and order automation platform that enables eCommerce retailers to seamlessly integrate with suppliers like Turn14. By connecting Turn14 within Spark Shipping, you can automate inventory updates, order routing, and shipping confirmations, reducing manual workload and improving the customer experience.

      This knowledge base article outlines how to integrate Turn14 with Spark Shipping, including setup steps, configuration best practices, and troubleshooting tips.


      Prerequisites
      1. Active Turn14 Account
        You must have a valid Turn14 account with the necessary credentials (API Key, if provided, or any other account info Turn14 requires for integration).
      2. Active Spark Shipping Account
        Ensure you have an active Spark Shipping subscription and administrative privileges to manage vendor integrations.
      3. Product SKUs Matched
        Your eCommerce store’s product SKUs must match (or be mappable to) Turn14’s product identifiers for smooth inventory updates.
      Step-by-Step Integration Guide
      Below is a general guide; steps may vary slightly depending on your Spark Shipping interface version.
      If you’re new to Turn14 and have never used their services before, you can become a dealer by visiting this link.
      1. Gather Turn14 API Credentials
      • Contact Turn14: Reach out to your Turn14 representative or check your Turn14 dashboard for API credentials.
      • Validate Credentials: Confirm that the credentials are correct by testing them (if Turn14 provides a testing endpoint).
      2. Log In to Spark Shipping
      • Access Your Dashboard: Navigate to your Spark Shipping account dashboard.
      • Go to ‘Settings’ or ‘Suppliers’: Depending on your Spark Shipping version, you’ll see a section to add or configure suppliers/vendors.
      3. Add Turn14 as a Vendor
      1. Click ‘Add Supplier/Vendor’ (the button text may differ).
      2. Select Turn14 if it’s listed among built-in integrations. If Turn14 is not automatically listed, select a custom API/FTP integration depending on Turn14’s integration method.
      3. Enter Supplier Name: For clarity, name it “Turn14.”
      4. Configure Credentials
      1. API/FTP URL: Paste the Turn14 endpoint or FTP host details (if provided).
      2. API Key / Password: Input the secure credentials from Turn14.
      3. Test Connection: Click the "Test Connection" or equivalent button to ensure Spark Shipping can reach Turn14’s system.
      5. Map Product Data
      1. Match SKUs: Ensure each product in Spark Shipping is mapped to the correct Turn14 product code (SKU).
      2. Configure Price & Stock Feeds: Indicate which feed or endpoint Spark Shipping should use to pull updated pricing and inventory from Turn14.
      3. Save Changes: Confirm that your product mapping configurations are saved.
      6. Set Up Order Routing & Automations
      1. Routing Rules: Within Spark Shipping, define rules for how and when orders should be sent to Turn14 (e.g., “All items with brand X route to Turn14”).
      2. Order Placement: Configure whether Spark Shipping automatically places the order with Turn14’s system or if you need a review step.
      3. Shipping Methods: Map your shipping methods (e.g., standard, expedited) to Turn14’s corresponding shipping options.
      4. Before moving to production, Turn14 requires you to send a test order in test mode. Once the test order is submitted, email apisupport@turn14.com with the customer name and PO number. Turn14 will then enable production access for your account.
      7. Test an Order
      1. Create a Test Order: In your store, create an order for a product fulfilled by Turn14.
      2. Check Spark Shipping Dashboard: Confirm that the order is sent to Turn14 and that a shipping label or tracking number is returned.
      3. Verify Inventory Update: Ensure that once the order is fulfilled, Spark Shipping updates the inventory and tracking information in your store.
      8. Monitor and Maintain
      • Inventory Sync Frequency: Schedule regular sync intervals in Spark Shipping to keep stock levels accurate.
      • Order Monitoring: Periodically monitor order statuses in Spark Shipping to ensure there are no processing issues.
      • Credential Renewals: If Turn14 requires periodic refreshes of API credentials, update them promptly to avoid disruptions.
      Best Practices
      1. Use Consistent SKUs
        Maintain consistent, unique SKUs in your eCommerce platform and Turn14 system. This alignment simplifies mapping and minimizes errors.
      2. Monitor Inventory Alerts
        Set low-stock alerts within Spark Shipping to preemptively manage out-of-stock situations.
      3. Regularly Review Shipping Costs
        Turn14 shipping rates and policies may change over time. Keep an eye on Spark Shipping settings to ensure your shipping charges remain accurate.
      4. Verify Tracking Information
        Confirm that tracking numbers and shipping providers from Turn14 are being passed through to your customers promptly.
      5. Keep Documentation Updated
        Document any custom mappings or workflows so you (or your team) can easily maintain or troubleshoot the integration.

      Common Issues & Troubleshooting
      • Invalid Credentials
        Make sure you’ve entered the correct API key, username, or password. Even minor typos can prevent the connection from working.
      • SKU Mismatch
        If Turn14 SKUs are not recognized in Spark Shipping, orders may fail to route. Confirm you’ve correctly mapped your store’s SKUs to Turn14’s.
      • Order Not Syncing
        Check if your Spark Shipping plan supports multiple integrations or if you have reached a usage limit. Also, verify that your automation rules are set to route to Turn14.
      • Missing Tracking Updates
        Ensure that Turn14 is posting tracking data back to Spark Shipping. If not, confirm with Turn14 that your account is set to provide tracking details for dropshipped orders.
      • Rate Limit Exceeded
        Large volumes of calls to Turn14’s API can trigger rate-limiting. Space out updates or check if you can increase API throughput.