Base distinguishes between product data (names, descriptions, images, categories) and prices/stock, since they’re typically synced at very different frequencies. We support three basic approaches — the one you choose determines which API methods you’ll actually need.
Three sync approaches
- Everything via feed or e-commerce integration — product cards and prices/stock both flow through an XML feed (preferably the Heureka or Shoptet specification) or a supported e-commerce integration. Fastest to deploy, but not ideal for large catalogs, and stock is effectively read-only for Base — if you can’t reduce stock in your source feed fast enough after a new order, Base may re-upload the same (un-reduced) stock to the marketplace.
- Hybrid approach — product cards come from a feed/integration, but stock and prices are synced via API. This gives you Base’s native inventory, which supports reservations and real-time stock deduction on new orders even before your ERP has processed them. Details in Updating prices and stock.
- Everything via API — you control product creation, categories, and price/stock sync. The most integration work, but full control. Details in Uploading product data.
Combining 1 and 2 (feed for product cards, API just for stock/prices) is the most common practical compromise between deployment speed and stock reliability.
How the catalog is structured
- Inventory — a single product catalog. You can have several inventories in Base, and they aren’t linked to each other. List:
getInventories.
- Price groups — multiple price groups can be attached to one inventory, in different currencies. You then choose which price group feeds which sales channel.
- Warehouses — similarly, you can have multiple warehouses and choose which stock totals feed which sales channel. List:
getInventoryWarehouses.
- Categories and manufacturers — each category and manufacturer has its own ID, which you need to reference when creating a product. Details in Categories, manufacturers and tags.
If you need to fine-tune any of these concepts (multi-currency price groups, multiple warehouses feeding different channels, delivery time sync), we recommend contacting the implementation team.