# Set up an account for a location, brand, or 3PL client (child accounts)
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360001575375-set-up-an-account-for-a-location-brand-or-3pl-client-child-accounts
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360001575375-set-up-an-account-for-a-location-brand-or-3pl-client-child-accounts
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360001575375-set-up-an-account-for-a-location-brand-or-3pl-client-child-accounts.md
Updated: 2026-10-22

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Create or link an account for another location, brand, workstation, or 3PL client.

Create a linked account when another location, brand, workstation, or 3PL client needs separate settings. Starshipit calls linked sub-accounts **child accounts** in the app.

## Set up a new child account

If the account does not already exist in Starshipit, create and link it to your main account.

1. Log into the [Starshipit app](https://next.starshipit.com/).
2. Navigate to **Settings > [Child accounts](https://next.starshipit.com/settings/child-accounts)**.
3. Click **Add a new child account**.
4. Select the child account type and fill in the username and password.  
   *See [username tips](#tips-for-child-account-usernames) if you need help choosing a username.*
5. Click **Save**.

:::note
Learn more about the different types of child accounts [here](/articles/360000553016).
:::

## Link an existing account

If you want to convert a parent account/existing account to a child account you can by following these steps

1. Log into the [Starshipit app](https://next.starshipit.com/).
2. Navigate to **Settings > [Child accounts](https://next.starshipit.com/settings/child-accounts)**.
3. Click **Link an existing standalone account**.
4. Enter the username and password for the existing account.
5. Select the child account type.
6. Click **Save**.

## Re-link an expired standalone account

If you're linking a previously expired standalone account (e.g. an account you've removed and later added again), the account may initially display as having an **Invalid plan** status.

To resolve this:

1. In Starshipit, go to **Settings** > **My Account**/**Manage account**.
2. Click the **Re-sync them here** link.

![Re-sync accounts link](/uploads/articles/notifications-branded-tracking-rules-child-accounts/child-accounts/set-up-a-child-account/image_13016055024527.png)

This will immediately refresh the connection and update the plan status. While the system may automatically re-sync accounts overnight, using the manual option allows you to start using the account straight away.

:::note
Learn more about the different types of child accounts [here](/articles/360000553016).
:::

## Tips for child account usernames

* Usernames aren't case sensitive (capitals don't matter), and they can include spaces but special characters aren't allowed.
* Make the username easily identifiable, especially if you have a lot of child accounts.
* Follow a consistent structure. For example:
  + [Location]-[Company Name] (e.g., George Street-My Store)
  + [Brand]-[Parent] (e.g., MyBrand-OnlineDist)
* You can use email addresses as a child account's username.  
  *This is required if you need a subscription key to be generated automatically.*
* Consider what works best for you as every business is set up uniquely.

## Account settings

* **Hide Courier Rates:** Select this option to hide courier rates on the child account's order details page. This option is not available for multi-workstation accounts.
* **Inherit Address Book:** Choose this option to enable the child account to copy address book settings from your main account. This option is available only for multi-location accounts.
* **Copy Carrier Account Settings from Parent Account:** Enable this setting to copy the carrier settings from your main account to the newly created child account.
* **Allow access to manifests page:** Allows access to the manifests page when editing an eligible 3PL or InXpress child account.

## Allow a child account to send orders to siblings

Direct assignment to another child account under the same parent is off by default. Enable it on each account that needs to send orders:

1. In the parent account, go to **Settings > [Child accounts](https://next.starshipit.com/settings/child-accounts)**.
2. Edit the sending child account.
3. Select **Allow sending orders to other child accounts**.
4. Select **Save child account**.
5. Reopen the account and confirm the option is still selected.

Only eligible linked child accounts under that parent can receive the order. Multi-user and multi-workstation accounts are excluded, and the order must be an eligible **New** order. The setting does not automatically enable transfers in the opposite direction. Follow [Allocate an order to another account](/articles/115001657023-allocate-an-order-to-another-account-child-account) for the transfer steps and checks.

## Related articles

- [About child accounts](/articles/360000553016-child-accounts)
- [Allocate an order to another account](/articles/115001657023-allocate-an-order-to-another-account-child-account)