If you use Flexport (formerly Deliverr) as your 3PL, you must ensure products are properly linked between the app and Flexport so inventory levels sync accurately.
Inventory sync depends on:
Products existing in both systems
Proper product linking (Pipe17 alias in Flexport)
Verified product configuration in Flexport
This article explains how product sync works, how to link products, and how to troubleshoot inventory mismatches.
Before You Begin
Confirm the Flexport connector is enabled in the app.
Confirm your product catalog is accurate in the app.
Ensure SKUs are formatted consistently (no spaces).
How Product Sync Works
Flexport uses a pull model for products:
You add products to the app.
Flexport automatically pulls products every 4 hours.
Products appear in the Flexport portal with a Pipe17 alias.
Inventory cannot sync until products exist and are properly linked.
Import Products to Pipe17
Before the app can receive inventory levels from Flexport, your products must exist in both systems.
Option 1: Manual Import
You can add products by:
Creating products via the Pipe17 API
Importing products via CSV in the app (Products → Import)
Option 2: Sync from a Sales Channel
If you use a selling channel connector (Shopify, BigCommerce, etc.):
Enable product sync in your connector settings.
Products sync automatically from your sales channel to the app.
Flexport pulls them during the next 4-hour product cycle.
Important Notes
Timing: Allow up to 4 hours after adding products to the app for them to appear in Flexport.
Duplicates: If a SKU already exists in Flexport, it will not be duplicated. Flexport links it to the existing product.
SKU Format: SKUs with spaces may not import correctly. Remove spaces before connecting.
Dimensions: Product dimensions are not synced from the app to Flexport. Dimensions must be set when inbounding products to Flexport.
Link Products in Flexport
Once products exist in both systems, Flexport should automatically create a linking alias.
Verify Product Links
Log in to the Flexport portal.
Navigate to your product catalog.
Locate the Pipe17 Alias column.
Confirm the alias shows a value greater than 0.
If the alias count is greater than 0, the product is properly linked.
Manual Linking
If the Pipe17 alias shows 0:
Follow Flexport’s instructions to manually link DSKUs to products.
Or contact Flexport Support for assistance.
Inventory will not sync correctly until products are linked.
Troubleshooting Inventory Mismatches
If inventory does not match between the app and Flexport, review the following in order.
1. Product Exists in Both Systems
Confirm the product exists in the app under Products.
Confirm the product exists in the Flexport portal.
If missing from Flexport, wait up to 4 hours for the next product pull cycle.
2. Product Has Active Pipe17 Alias
Verify the Pipe17 alias appears in Flexport.
If missing or showing 0, manually link the product.
3. Product Has Verified Weight and Dimensions
Flexport requires verified weight and dimensions before pushing inventory.
Check product details in the Flexport portal.
Contact Flexport Support if verification is required.
4. Timing Differences
Inventory updates may take several minutes to sync.
The app polls Flexport on a regular schedule.
Wait 5–10 minutes and refresh.
5. Recent Inbound Shipments
After inbounding inventory to Flexport:
The portal may take up to one hour to fully update.
Inventory views should align within an hour.
Force a Resync (Last Resort)
If inventory remains out of sync:
Go to Integrations → Flexport.
Use the integration actions to trigger a manual sync.
Before forcing a resync, confirm there are no product linking or dimension issues.
Common Scenarios
Scenario: Product just added to the app, not visible in Flexport
Solution: Wait up to 4 hours for Flexport to pull the product.
Scenario: Inventory shows in Flexport but not in the app
Solution: Confirm the product has a Pipe17 alias and verified dimensions in Flexport.
Scenario: Inventory was correct but suddenly changed
Solution: Check for recent orders that may have committed inventory.
Need Help?
If inventory remains out of sync after checking all items:
Contact Flexport Support to:
Verify product weight and dimensions
Trigger an inventory resync to channels
Also, review the Events page in the app for any sync errors.
If you need additional assistance:
Use Ask Pippen, our AI agent, located at the top of the app page.
Submit a support request with as much relevant detail as possible. Learn how to submit a request.
For urgent issues, email us directly at support@pipe17.com.
We're here to help you succeed with your operations.
You can also contact Flexport support to trigger an inventory resync to channels.
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