An API, or application programming interface, is a method of communication by which different applications easily and seamlessly share data between them. One example is the Google Maps API, which allows developers to embed maps on web pages. 

APIs can significantly enhance the capability of your eCommerce store. The recent upward push of APIs has played a positive role in the integration of various applications. This is increasing their effect on service quality and functionality enhancement, particularly in eCommerce store development.

Benefits of using APIs Integrations in Ecommerce and How it Helps Development

There are numerous APIs that can enhance the functionality of an eCommerce store. We have listed those APIs and their benefits they bring in to your eCommerce store development as compared to creating those functionalities from scratch.

1. Shipping APIs

Product shipping API is vital to any eCommerce store. Before, shipment handling was manual. But these days, all major shipping companies provide access to their API so that eCommerce developers can integrate these with the store directly to fulfill their orders.

Shipping API integration allows the shipment booking process to be handled automatically. This can help in:

✔ shipment rate calculation right at the time of checkout in real-time for the customers.

✔ Shipping labels are created, and tracking numbers are generated automatically.

✔ For eCommerce store owners, API integration with shipping agencies can help even more, in terms of automation, such as billing, reporting, pickup details, etc.

2.  Payment Gateway APIs Integration

Payment gateway APIs in eCommerce development is essential as all eCommerce stores accept payments. Integrating payment gateway using API will help your customers to check out products right immediately without having to redirect them to the payment processing website.

Payment gateway integration helps in:

✔ Late payments and rejected payments management

✔ Easy signup of new customers

✔ Easy setup of recurring payments

✔ Fraud prevention and better risk management.

3. Sales Tax Calculation APIs

Instead of managing sales tax requirements for each country/territory manually, any reliable sales tax API service provider can be integrated in your eCommerce store.

Benefits of using Sales tax calculation API includes:

✔ Real-time product level sales tax calculations at the time of customer checkout

✔ Sales tax handling at multiple levels, such as countries and states.

✔ Get segregated geographical reporting based on applicable sales tax rates.

✔ Any changes in rates are automatically updated by these API providers ensuring consistent legal compliance.

4. Login API

The login eCommerce API helps an online retail business with identity management. It allows you to offer your customers the ability to log in to your eCommerce site using the systems they already use, such as Facebook, Google, G Suite (formerly Google Apps), and etc.

5. Site Search API

For big eCommerce sites with a wide array of products and categories, the site search eCommerce API makes searching for a particular brand, model, or product less frustrating for your customers. The API also helps your visitors discover brands or products they may not even be aware of.

6. Anti-fraud APIs

Companies providing anti-fraud services help eCommerce stores to ensure safe eCommerce transactions and avoid the risk of online payment fraud. Anti-fraud service providers allow you to connect your eCommerce store through API with their system, which ensures smooth hassle-free transactions.

7. Recommendation Engine APIs

Most top-selling eCommerce stores have already deployed these recommendation engine APIs.

Recommendation Engine APIs primary purpose is to show customers the products according to his previous interests. API Integration of these paves the way for eCommerce businesses to make combined bigger sales.

The most exciting thing about these APIs is that these are related to the customer’s activity on the web and as such target-specific likes or purchases of the customer. This not only increases the chance of a new purchase but also keeps the visitor interested in the website and compels them to look even further. 

Conclusion

The above listed are just a few examples of how API integration currently fits into and supports the eCommerce revolution.

Enhancing the functionality of your site is now easier than ever to quickly and efficiently meet eCommerce trends, thanks to the growing popularity of eCommerce APIs. APIs have already changed the eCommerce industry by increasing market awareness while automating and minimizing the effort needed to get in and make an impact.

No need to code from scratch. All you do is follow the developer instructions provided by the API creator, and your website is ready to roll. 

We here at Go4Global creates eCommerce sites that are powerful, effective and affordable. Our skilled team of developers works around different programming languages, platforms and has years of experience in using various APIs that helps ecommerce stores in quality improvement and functionality enhancement. Contact us now!