eBay MIP (non-API) store integration, token connection, and policies
Set up the eBay Merchant Integration Platform (MIP) for a secure, non‑API connection with AutoDS.
Introduction
This article walks you through every action required to connect an eBay store to AutoDS using the Merchant Integration Platform (MIP) Non‑API method. You will learn how to configure your MIP account, generate the authentication token, align your eBay business policies, install the AutoDS manual dropshipping Chrome extension, and handle multiple stores or bulk product linking. By the end, your store will be fully synchronised with AutoDS without using the direct eBay API.
💡 Recommendation: use API stores whenever possible.
Quick Jump
- API vs MIP (non-API)
- Prerequisites
- Step 1: Getting Started
- Step 2: Configure Feed Schema
- Step 3: Token and User ID
- Step 4: Policies and Warehouses
- Step 5: Add the store to AutoDS
- Step 6: Download the Manual Dropshipping Extension
- Managing Multiple Stores
- Import CSV for Untracked Products
- Possible Issues & Workarounds
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
API vs MIP (non-API)
While this guide helps you connect via the Non‑API method, we strongly recommend using the API connection instead, whenever available.
API-connected stores offer:
-
Faster and more stable synchronization for stock, pricing, and orders
-
Real-time updates and fewer delays
-
Easier setup and fewer manual steps
-
Direct access to more AutoDS features
To understand the difference between API and Non‑API stores and decide what’s best for your business, read this guide.
MIP non-API
- Non‑API compliance – Operates through eBay’s MIP feeds, avoiding direct API permissions.
- Lower risk of selling‑limit or flagging issues versus standard API integrations.
- Full inventory automation – Price, stock and order synchronisation run in the background.
- Multiple‑store support – Separate Chrome profiles keep tokens isolated and organised.
- Bulk linking – Quickly attach existing ("untracked") eBay items to AutoDS with a single CSV upload.
Prerequisites
- A live eBay seller account (business policies created or ready to create).
- Same IP address used to log in to both eBay and MIP.
- Google Chrome browser.
- AutoDS subscription (additional US $9.97/month for each Non‑API store).
- Install Chrome extensions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the feed‑schema step or choosing the wrong file type.
- Copying policy names inaccurately (capitalisation/spacing matters).
- Renewing the MIP token inside AutoDS Store Settings (this will convert the store to API mode).
Step 1: Getting Started
- Browse from the same IP you normally use for eBay.
- Visit the correct MIP portal for your marketplace:
- United States – www.mip.ebay.com
- United Kingdom – www.mip.ebay.co.uk
- Germany – www.mip.ebay.de
- France – www.mip.ebay.fr
- Australia – www.mip.ebay.com.au
- Click Get Started and sign in with your eBay seller credentials.
Step 2: Configure Feed Schema
- In the left sidebar, click Settings → Feed Schema.
- Set Feed Format to eBay Format.
- In Select the file type, choose CSV.
- Click Save Changes.
Step 3: Token and User ID
- Go to Settings → FTP setup.
- Add a Token Alias and click Generate Token.
The "Token Alias" is simply a name (label) you assign to the FTP token you are about to generate. It does not affect authentication or functionality, it's just an identifier for your own reference, helpful if you create multiple tokens and want to keep them organized. - The long string in the empty textarea is your MIP token — you’ll need to copy it exactly as it is. Tips for copying:
• Click inside the box, press CTRL/CMD + A then CTRL/CMD + C to copy.
• Paste it into Notepad for later. - Just below, copy the Username field (this is your eBay User ID) and paste it into Notepad as well.
Step 4: Policies and Warehouses
- Navigate to Settings → Channel management.
- If no channel exists, click Add channel. See here how.
- For each column:
- Shipping Policy (Default) – Click Add/Edit → choose the policy.
- Payment Policy (Default) – Add/Edit → choose the policy.
- Returns Policy (Default) – Add/Edit → choose the policy.
- Under Warehouse, click Set location and enter City, State, Country, Zip.
- Example: Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90001.
- Example: Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90001.
Step 5: Add the store to AutoDS
- In AutoDS, open the main sidebar → Add Store → Add Store again.
- Choose eBay as the selling channel, then pick your target marketplace (e.g. eBay UK).
- Fill the form:
• Store Name – exact eBay User ID from Notepad.
• eBay Token – paste the MIP token.
• Tick Non‑API MIP.
• Enter the exact policy names you selected as default (Shipping, Payment, Returns). - Click Finish.
Step 6: Download the Manual Dropshipping Extension
- A pop‑up confirms the store was added and prompts you to download now. Click the button.
- Once Chrome finishes the download, click the puzzle‑piece icon → Pin the extension.
- Copy the AutoDS Token shown in the AutoDS pop‑up.
- Open the extension settings:
- Paste the AutoDS Token.
- Add your email address.
You have finished setting up your eBay MIP store with AutoDS.
Managing Multiple Stores
Log in to AutoDS, eBay, and the extension in the same Chrome profile.For each additional eBay store, you must:
- Create a separate Chrome profile.
- Install the manual dropshipping extension again.
- Paste the correct store token for that profile.
Import CSV for Untracked Products
- Inside AutoDS, open Add via CSV.
- Click Download the CSV File Example.
- Open the file with Google Sheets (Open with → Google Sheets) to preserve ID formatting.
- Fill the columns:
Column
Required value
A
Product ID (existing listing ID from eBay)
B
Source product ID (supplier URL SKU)
C
Supplier name (e.g. Amazon)
D
Supplier region abbreviation (e.g. US)
E
Variant SKU (optional)
- Export/download as CSV and upload back to AutoDS.
Fixing ID formatting without Google Sheets
- Select the Product ID column.
- Right‑click → Format cells → Number.
- Decimal places: 0.
Possible Issues & Workarounds
Issue |
Cause |
Workaround |
Policies do not import |
Policy names do not match exactly |
Copy/paste names directly from eBay. Ensure correct spelling, spacing, and capitalization from the default option. You can update this in the Store Settings page. |
Untracked products not syncing |
Extension closed, logged out, or out of sync |
Keep the Chrome profile open, ensure the AutoDS extension is active, and use the sync option to trigger synchronization. |
Items relisted after deletion |
Products deleted directly on eBay |
Always delete products from AutoDS, not eBay. Deleting them on eBay directly will cause AutoDS to relist them. |
Store converted to API mode |
Token was renewed via Store Settings |
For Non‑API stores, do not click "Renew token & Resync" under Store Settings. This will switch your store to API mode. |
CSV upload error: “No product was given to import from untracked” |
Incorrect Product ID format |
Reformat the Product ID column using “Number” with 0 decimals, or use Google Sheets as outlined in the instructions. |
Need to switch from API → MIP or correct field setup |
Manual change required |
Open a support ticket (not chat) and include: Store Name, eBay Token, Default Shipping/Return/Payment Policy Names, and a screenshot showing all fields in your eBay account. |
MIP location not set error |
MIP location not set in Warehouse settings |
Go to Settings > Channel Management > Warehouse in MIP and set the product location by entering City, State, Country, and Zip code. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is the Non‑API MIP connection safer than the standard API?
A: It reduces direct API calls, which some sellers feel lowers the chance of eBay account flagging. Learn more about What is the Difference between an eBay API Integration and eBay Non-API Integration? - Q: What extra cost does a non‑API store add?
A: Each Non‑API eBay store costs US$9.97 per month in addition to your base AutoDS plan. - Q: Do price & stock updates stop if the extension is closed?
A: No. Product uploads, price and stock updates continue if enabled. Only untracked‑listing syncing requires the extension to be running. - Q: Can I edit images after importing a draft?
A: Image add/edit isn’t available after the item leaves Drafts. Make changes before importing. - Q: What happens if I delete listings directly on eBay?
A: AutoDS will relist them automatically. Always delete through AutoDS. - Q: Can I renew my MIP token inside AutoDS?
A: No. Renewing here converts the store to API mode. Use the FTP Setup page in MIP instead.