A custom shipping contract in Retino means connecting your existing shipping contracts directly to the returns system. This integration type allows you to utilize your existing carrier infrastructure, preserving your current processes, procedures, and pricing conditions.
Unlike Retino contracts, where you use pre-built integrations, a custom contract gives you greater flexibility and control over the shipping process.
Important: To use a custom contract, you need an active contract with a shipping carrier and access credentials to its API (Application Programming Interface).
Benefits of Using a Custom Contract
The main advantage of a custom contract is the ability to maintain your existing carrier conditions, processes, and pricing, which you already use for regular orders. This allows you to leverage your negotiated volume discounts, specific tariffs, and maintain a direct relationship with the carrier.
Connecting to Ticket Status
When using a custom shipping contract in Retino, you retain all the benefits of connecting shipping to ticket status:
Shipment status is visible directly in the ticket detail
Ability to set up automations based on shipping status changes
Unified overview of all shipments within tickets
For more information on automations, see the article Automations in Retino.
Supported Carriers for Custom Contracts
Retino allows integration of custom contracts with these carriers:
Carrier | Supported Shipping Types | Documentation |
DPD | Drop-off, Pickup | |
PPL | Pickup | |
GLS | Drop-off, Pickup | |
Packeta (Zásilkovna) | Drop-off | |
DHL | Drop-off, Pickup, Freight | |
InPost | Drop-off, Pickup | |
UPS | Pickup |
Custom Contract Setup Procedure
Preparing Necessary Data
Before starting the custom contract configuration in Retino, prepare the following information:
API keys or access credentials to the carrier's API
Customer number or ID information for your carrier account
List of branches where you want to deliver shipments
Overview of countries for which you have carrier agreements
Adding a New Contract in the Administration
To set up a custom contract in Retino, follow these steps:
Go to the Settings > Shipping section
Click the Add new contract button
Select the desired carrier from the list
Choose the Custom contract option
Fill in the required API access data (varies by carrier)
Confirm contract creation
Note: When creating a custom contract, a monthly fee of 299 CZK is added to your subscription for each active custom shipping contract.
Setting Up Shipping Routes
After successfully connecting to the carrier's API, you need to configure shipping routes:
In the contract detail, click Add new route
Select the source and destination country
Set the address for delivering shipments (your returns department)
Set the price that will be displayed to customers in the portal
Optionally, set restrictions (minimum/maximum weight)
Save the route settings
You can create a separate route with custom settings for each combination of source and destination countries.
Verification and Testing
After setting up the custom contract and shipping routes, it's crucial to verify functionality:
Test shipping creation - create a test ticket and order shipping
Check label generation - verify that shipping labels are generated correctly
Test shipment tracking - check that shipment tracking works in Retino
Tip: For testing purposes, you can use your own address as both the sender and recipient address to verify functionality without the need for actual shipments.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
API Access Error
If you encounter an error such as "Invalid credentials":
Verify that you have entered the correct credentials
Ensure your API keys are active
Contact your carrier to confirm if there have been any changes to the access credentials
Label Generation Error
If shipping labels are not displayed:
Check that the addresses are correctly configured
Verify that the carrier supports the selected route
Confirm that the shipment weight and dimensions comply with carrier limits
Additional Fees
When using a custom shipping contract in Retino, a monthly fee of 299 CZK is added to your standard Retino subscription for each active custom shipping contract.
Summary and Recommendations
Custom shipping contracts in Retino provide an efficient way to integrate your existing shipping solutions into the ticket processing workflow. They offer the following benefits:
Utilization of your existing conditions and pricing
Continuity of established processes
Direct relationship with the carrier
Connection of shipping status to ticket status
For maximum utilization of custom contracts, we recommend:
Analyze ticket volumes - custom contracts become more cost-effective with higher volumes
Compare pricing conditions - compare your rates with standard Retino rates
Regularly check settings - ensure your settings align with current rates and conditions
Utilize automations - set up automations based on shipping status changes
Custom contracts offer a flexible solution that can be tailored to your e-shop's needs, providing a high-quality customer experience during ticket processing.