If you’re using ShipStation to run your print shop’s shipping workflow, you probably got the same email everyone else did—starting May 15, 2025, ShipStation’s API (now called the Companion API) will only be available to users on Gold, Platinum, Enterprise, or High Volume plans. Translation? No more live shipping rate quotes unless you upgrade to a plan that costs $100+ per month.
But here’s the deal: if you’re using DecoNetwork, you don’t have to get stuck with that extra cost. You can still offer real-time shipping quotes at checkout, without touching your ShipStation plan.
Let’s break it down.
What Changed With ShipStation API (And Why It Matters)
For years, print shops on DecoNetwork could connect their ShipStation accounts to automatically pull live shipping rates at checkout. It was easy, affordable, and reliable. But with recent update, access to the Companion API is now locked behind premium plans starting May 15, 2025.
This impacts what’s known as Step 1 in the shipping workflow, quoting accurate shipping rates. If you don’t upgrade, your customers won’t see live rates at checkout, and you’ll be guessing shipping costs in quotes. That’s bad for conversions and worse for your margins.
The good news? Step 2, printing labels, tracking orders, and fulfilling shipments through ShipStation, it still works exactly the same, no matter what plan you’re on.
So instead of upgrading, you just need a new way to handle Step 1.
ShipStation Workaround: Use UPS And Stamps.com In DecoNetwork
Inside DecoNetwork, you can still connect UPS and Stamps.com directly for live shipping rate calculations. This allows you to continue quoting real-time shipping prices for your customers, without needing ShipStation’s API.
Here's How It Works:
UPS Integration: Sign up for a free UPS account (or use your existing one), grab your account number, and connect it inside DecoNetwork. You’ll now be able to offer UPS Ground, 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air, whatever fits your business.
Stamps.com Integration: If you already have a ShipStation account, you also have a Stamps.com account (they’re part of the same company). Just reset your password at Stamps.com if needed, connect it to DecoNetwork, and you can start quoting USPS Priority Mail and First Class rates instantly.
Shipping Method Order: Inside DecoNetwork, you can control which shipping options display first. Pro tip: list them from cheapest to most expensive, First Class, then Priority, then Ground, etc.
This setup gives your customers accurate shipping quotes at checkout, keeps your order flow running smoothly, and saves you from paying for features you don’t need.
Price Markups & Shipping Strategy
Let’s talk money. Accurate quotes are great, but profit matters too.
Here’s a simple strategy:
- UPS Ground (via your own UPS account) – Use zero markup. These rates are higher than what ShipStation negotiated, so quoting them flat keeps things honest and clean.
- Stamps.com (USPS) – Add a 15–20% markup to cover shipping supplies and handling. These rates match what you see in ShipStation, so you’re not underselling.
- Still using ShipStation for Step 2? No problem. When you’re ready to print and ship, do it from ShipStation using their discounted carrier rates. That workflow still works even on the basic plan.
With this approach, you’re quoting accurately, maintaining your margins, and still taking full advantage of ShipStation where it makes sense.
The Takeaway
With the recent changes to ShipStation’s API access, it’s easy to feel boxed into upgrading, but that’s not your only option. By setting up UPS and Stamps.com directly in DecoNetwork, you can continue quoting accurate shipping rates at checkout, maintain your customer experience, and avoid unexpected costs.
The best part? You can still use ShipStation to print labels and track packages without touching your subscription. You’re not ditching tools, you’re just using them smarter. This is about protecting your margins, staying flexible, and keeping your operation streamlined.
