An API allows your system to place orders with Ikonka automatically, without employee involvement. Prices and terms remain exactly the same as in our online store, while manual data entry and product code errors are eliminated. Access is free and available to all our business customers. Here's how it works, what your company can gain and how to get started.
What is an API?
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a standardised way for two software systems to exchange data without human involvement. The easiest way to think of it is as an order form that your system fills out automatically instead of an employee.
Today, placing an order with a wholesaler usually involves several steps: someone identifies the products needed, logs into the online store, enters product codes and quantities, selects a delivery method and clicks "Place Order". With dozens of order lines each week, this can take hours of work and creates a risk of errors in product codes or quantities.
With an API, your system – whether it's an online store, ERP system or warehouse management software – sends orders to Ikonka automatically in just a few seconds. You receive an immediate response: either an order number or detailed information about what needs to be corrected.
If you already download our XML feed containing products, stock levels and prices, you're halfway there. Product information already flows automatically to your system, and the API completes the process in the other direction: orders are sent back to us automatically.
What are the benefits?
The API doesn't change your terms of cooperation with Ikonka. It only changes how orders are submitted. Instead of an employee entering orders manually, your system handles the process, allowing your team to focus on sales rather than data entry.
Less time spent placing orders. Currently, someone has to enter every order line manually. With the API, your system can submit an entire order in seconds.
Fewer mistakes. Typos in product codes, incorrect quantities and missing items become much less of a problem. Every order is validated before being accepted. If anything is incorrect, you receive a complete list of issues immediately, along with guidance on how to fix them.
Place orders whenever you need to. There's no need to wait for your purchasing department to sit down at a computer.
The same terms and conditions. Product prices, quantity discounts, full-carton discounts, shipping costs and payment terms are exactly the same as when ordering through our online store.
No duplicate orders. When placing orders manually, it's easy to submit the same order twice. With the API, resending an order with the same reference number will not create a duplicate.
Easier management during peak season. More orders no longer mean more manual work, allowing you to handle peak sales periods without hiring additional staff.
How to connect to the API
Connecting to the API is a one-time task for your developer or the company responsible for maintaining your system. The integration covers two main functions: retrieving available delivery and payment methods, and submitting orders.
A B2B account with Ikonka. If you already order from us, you already have one. The API uses the same email address and password as your existing account, so there's no need to create additional accounts.
Documentation for your IT team. Your developer or integration provider receives documentation in both Polish and English, including ready-to-use examples - https://orders-api.ikonka.eu/docs.
Risk-free testing. Every order can first be validated without actually placing it. The system performs a complete check, but the order is not submitted. This allows you to test the integration using real product codes and quantities.
Your first order. Once validation is successful, your system submits the actual order and receives an Ikonka order number. From that point on, the process works automatically.
On your side, you need a system capable of sending requests over the internet. Most ERP systems and e-commerce platforms support this functionality. If you're unsure, contact your software provider or the company maintaining your system.
What doesn't the API do?
The API is designed for placing orders. Other processes continue to work exactly as they do today.
Order status, tracking number and invoice. These are available in your account in our online store, just like with any other order. You can also retrieve the tracking number there and share it with your customer.
Product catalogue and stock levels. These are provided through our XML feed.
Order modifications and cancellations. These are handled in the same way as orders placed through our online store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is API access free?
Yes, API access is completely free.
Do I need to replace my existing system?
No. Your developer only needs to connect your current system to Ikonka once. After that, orders can be submitted automatically without changing your team's daily workflow.
Can I still place orders manually?
Yes. Our online store continues to work as usual, and you can use both ordering methods.
Will I pay different prices when ordering through the API?
No. Prices, discounts, shipping costs and payment terms are based on the conditions assigned to your account, exactly as in our online store.
What happens if a product is out of stock?
The order will not be accepted, and your system will receive a list of unavailable items. It can then immediately resubmit the order without those products.
Can I check the order value before submitting it?
Yes. The validation function allows you to check the total product value, shipping cost and number of parcels without actually placing the order.
What if the connection is interrupted while submitting an order?
Your system can resend the order using the same reference number. This will not create a second order or an additional parcel.
In Summary
The API only changes how your order reaches Ikonka. Prices, terms and customer service remain the same, while your team can spend less time on manual order entry and more time growing sales.