API

API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and tools that allows two systems - like Amazon and a seller's backend software - to connect, share data, and automate tasks without manual input.

In the context of Amazon, APIs are widely used by:

• Sellers (3P) via Selling Partner API (SP-API)
• Vendors (1P) via Vendor Central APIs
• Developers and integrators building tools for listings, ads, or reporting

Common use cases include:

• Automatically updating inventory and prices
• Pushing new listings or product data
• Retrieving order data and shipping labels
• Managing ad campaigns programmatically
• Syncing reports into internal dashboards
• Bulk processing returns or refunds

APIs improve:

• Speed and efficiency
• Accuracy (less human error)
• Scalability - especially for sellers managing thousands of SKUs

Popular Amazon APIs:

• Selling Partner API (SP-API) – replaces the legacy MWS API for 3P sellers
• Amazon Advertising API – manage ad campaigns at scale
• Vendor Direct Fulfillment API – used by vendors for order processing
• Amazon Marketplace Web Service (MWS) – older API still used by some tools

In short:

API = automation. It’s how your system talks directly to Amazon without a human in the middle.