Can Chatref integrate with other Shopify apps?

Chatref is not a closed system. The widget sits on your Shopify storefront, and when a customer asks a question that requires an action from a connected app, Chatref's custom-actions can call that app's API or webhook. For example, you could let customers check order status, modify subscriptions, or start a return by having Chatref talk to your backend or a third-party service - all inside the conversation.

Custom-actions are the bridge that enables Shopify app integration. You define what information the chatbot collects (order numbers, email addresses) and what tool it triggers. This means any Shopify app with an accessible API can become compatible with your Chatref chatbot. You aren't limited to a pre-built list of integrations; you can connect to your CRM, loyalty program, or inventory system exactly as your business needs.

Shopify support often spans more than just the storefront. With omnichannel, the same Chatref agent that answers questions on your website also responds via email, Slack, or WhatsApp. This keeps context consistent when a customer moves from a Shopify chat to a support email. For Shopify merchants who manage support across social channels, omnichannel ensures that every conversation, regardless of where it starts, stays grounded in your business docs and can trigger the same custom-actions.

If you run multiple Shopify stores or want to separate support for different product lines, use workspaces. Each workspace is a self-contained environment with its own agents, documents, and custom-actions. This lets you keep integrations tidy: one workspace for store A connected to its specific order management app, and another for store B with a different set of tools. Workspaces give you multi-tenant control without mixing customer data or configurations.

Integrating chatbot with Shopify apps

There is no one-click integration store inside Chatref. Integration is done through custom-actions, which let you configure the chatbot to call external APIs. This approach gives you flexibility to connect any Shopify app you rely on - not just a handful of pre-approved plugins. If the app can accept an API request, Chatref can trigger it during a chat.

Compatibility with other tools

Chatref is compatible with any tool that exposes an API endpoint or webhook. For common Shopify apps (e.g., shipping, loyalty, returns), you simply provide the endpoint and map the required fields inside a custom-action. The chatbot will then collect the necessary information from the customer and send it to your tool. This works for non-Shopify tools as well, so your full support stack can stay connected.

Extending support chat functionality

Beyond standard question-answering, custom-actions let you extend the chat into transactional workflows. For example, an "Order lookup" action pulls real-time data from your Shopify admin or an order-management app, while a "Schedule return" action triggers a return label generation service. Combined with omnichannel, the same sequence works across web, email, and messaging channels - no separate integrations needed.