Platform Overview
Salsify leverages a flexible JSON-schema model for product data management while providing comprehensive Digital Shelf Analytics capabilities. The platform combines traditional PIM functionality with competitive intelligence and channel performance monitoring, making it particularly strong for brands selling through multiple retail channels.
The platform's Channel Readiness system provides pre-built templates for major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot) with real-time validation and completeness scoring. This focus on retail syndication and marketplace optimization sets Salsify apart from traditional PIM systems.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2012
- Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
- Focus: Digital commerce and retail syndication
- API: REST-based with comprehensive filtering
- Specialization: Digital Shelf Analytics and channel optimization
Core entities in Salsify's JSON-schema based data model optimized for digital commerce and retail syndication
| Entity | Description | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
Product Product | Primary record identified by Salsify ID and user-defined key, stores flexible attribute map | salsify_id user_key attribute_map +1 Relationships: has Digital Assets mapped to Channels +1 more... |
Variant Product Variant | Differentiated by parent_id and variation attributes (size, color, etc.) | parent_id variation_attributes inherited_data Relationships: child of parent Product shares Digital Assets |
Digital Asset Digital Asset | Media file with metadata, renditions, and CDN URLs for omnichannel distribution | file_data metadata renditions +1 Relationships: linked to Products used in Channels +1 more... |
Channel Channel | Mapping template to transform/export product data for destinations (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) | mapping_rules validation_schema export_format Relationships: receives Product data validates against retailer requirements |
Readiness Report Readiness Report | Dynamic completeness matrix per Channel showing product readiness scores | completeness_score missing_attributes validation_errors Relationships: evaluates Products specific to Channels |
Digital Shelf Digital Shelf | Competitive content and pricing metrics collected from retailer sites | availability_data pricing_info content_scores +1 Relationships: monitors Product performance tracks across retail sites |
New to PIM systems?
Before diving into Salsify specifics, you might want to read our comprehensive guide to PIM systems to understand the fundamentals and key concepts.
Read PIM Systems GuideComplete list of attribute types available in Salsify with their JSON-schema based implementation
| Common Name | Vendor Name | Description | Operators | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Text | string | Unbounded text field for product information | = != > < >= <= IN NOT IN EXISTS MATCH | Product name Description SKU |
Rich Text | rich_text_html | WYSIWYG editor for formatted content | EXISTS MATCH | Product description Marketing copy Instructions |
Number | numeric | Integer or float field (no currency support) | = != > < >= <= IN NOT IN EXISTS | Weight Dimensions Quantity |
Boolean | boolean | True/false field | = (true/false) EXISTS | Is active Featured Discontinued |
Date | date, datetime, timestamp | Date and time fields with various precision levels | = != > < >= <= EXISTS | Launch date Last modified Expiry date |
Single Select | list_single-select | Single option from predefined option set | = != IN NOT IN EXISTS | Brand Category Status |
Multi Select | list_multi-select | Multiple options from predefined option set | IN NOT IN EXISTS | Features Materials Certifications |
Asset Reference | media_asset | Reference to Digital Asset by MD5 key (image/video/doc) | EXISTS | Product images Videos Documents |
Entity Reference | product_reference, product_reference_list | References to other products (1-to-1 or 1-to-many) | = != IN NOT IN EXISTS | Related products Accessories Bundles |
Complex Object | json | Arbitrary nested JSON for complex structured data | EXISTS MATCH | Technical specifications Nutrition facts Configuration |
Glossary Term | glossary_term | Structured copy block for consistent messaging | = != EXISTS | Brand messaging Legal disclaimers Feature descriptions |
API Implementation Details
Authentication & Security
Salsify uses access token authentication with OAuth2-style bearer tokens. The API provides comprehensive access to all platform functionality including product data, digital assets, and channel configurations.
Advanced Filtering
The REST API supports sophisticated filtering with operators including =, !=, >, <, >=, <=, IN, NOT IN, EXISTS, and MATCH. Filters can be combined with AND/OR logic for complex product queries across any attribute.
Bulk Operations
PATCH /v1/products endpoint accepts array payloads up to 10,000 products for efficient bulk updates. Bulk Export Jobs produce CSV/JSON files downloadable from /file_stores for large-scale data extraction.
Digital Asset Management
Unlimited file types with versioning stored in S3 + Akamai CDN. Automatic rendition generation includes thumbnails, WebP conversion, resizing, and video transcoding. Asset usage analytics track performance across channels.
Channel Integration
Pre-built channel templates for Amazon Vendor Central, Seller Central, Walmart, Home Depot, and other major retailers. Real-time validation against retailer schemas with A+ Content and Rich Media support.
API Usage Example
Example showing how to search and update a product using Salsify's REST API
# Search product by SKU and update title via Salsify REST API
TOKEN="<access_token>"
BASE="https://global.salsify.com"
# Find product ID by SKU
PID=$(curl -s -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
"$BASE/v1/products?filter=Retail_SKU:12345" | jq -r '.data[0].id')
# Update product attribute
curl -X PATCH -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d "[{\"id\":\"$PID\",\"attributes\":{\"Product Title\":\"New Title 2025\"}}]" \
"$BASE/v1/products"
Technical Specifications
Digital Shelf Analytics
Comprehensive monitoring of product availability, pricing, review sentiment, and search rankings across retailer sites. Content Grader compares product pages against benchmark KPIs for optimization insights.
Channel Readiness
Real-time validation against Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other retailer schemas including A+ modules. Rules engine flags missing attributes, image quality issues, prohibited terms, and compliance violations.
Workflow & Collaboration
Task boards and approval steps tied to product sets enable collaborative enrichment workflows. User productivity dashboards track team performance and bottlenecks.
Limited Custom Entity Support
Custom entities are limited to simple key-value referentials ("Entities" for code lists, brands, etc.) without rich attribute modeling capabilities available to Products.
Pricing and Leadership
Enterprise SaaS Model
Salsify operates as an enterprise SaaS platform with pricing based on product count, users, and feature modules. The platform targets brands and manufacturers selling through multiple retail channels.
Leadership Team
Led by CEO Jason Purcell (Co-Founder), CPO Rob Gonzalez (Co-Founder), CFO Allison Malloy, and CTO Vivek Sagar. The Boston-based company focuses on digital commerce acceleration.
Digital Shelf Focus
Unique positioning combines traditional PIM with Digital Shelf Analytics (via SKU Ninja acquisition), providing competitive intelligence and channel performance monitoring not found in traditional PIM systems.
Key Benefits & Strengths
Digital Shelf Analytics Integration
Unique combination of PIM with competitive intelligence monitoring. Track product availability, pricing, review sentiment, and search rankings across retailer sites for comprehensive market insights.
Channel Readiness Optimization
Pre-built templates for major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target) with real-time validation and completeness scoring. A+ Content and Rich Media support accelerates marketplace launches.
Flexible JSON Schema
JSON-based attribute storage provides flexibility for complex product data structures while maintaining performance for large catalogs. Schema-less approach adapts to changing business requirements.
Enterprise DAM Integration
Unlimited file storage with automatic rendition generation, CDN delivery, and usage analytics. Asset linking to multiple products with rights metadata and expiry tracking.
Workflow & Collaboration
Task boards and approval workflows tied to product sets enable efficient team collaboration. User productivity dashboards provide visibility into enrichment progress and bottlenecks.
Retail Syndication Focus
Purpose-built for brands selling through multiple retail channels. Deep integration with retailer requirements and validation rules ensures compliance and faster time-to-market.
Expert Perspective
"Salsify's strength lies in its retail-focused approach. The Digital Shelf Analytics integration provides unique competitive intelligence that traditional PIMs lack. For brands selling through multiple retailers, the channel readiness features are invaluable."
"The JSON-based schema provides good flexibility, though it can become complex for teams without technical expertise. The platform excels at marketplace syndication but may be overkill for organizations not focused on retail channels."— Sivert Kjøller Bertelsen, PIM Implementation Expert
Customer Review
Sivert Kjøller Bertelsen
PIM Implementation Consultant • Salsify evaluation experience
"Salsify delivers exceptional value for brands focused on retail syndication. The Digital Shelf Analytics provide competitive insights unavailable elsewhere, and the channel readiness features significantly accelerate marketplace launches. While the platform may be complex for simpler use cases, it's purpose-built for modern retail commerce and delivers on that promise effectively."
