# Choose an account structure for multiple locations or 3PL clients (child accounts)
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360000553016-choose-an-account-structure-for-multiple-locations-or-3pl-clients-child-accounts
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360000553016-choose-an-account-structure-for-multiple-locations-or-3pl-clients-child-accounts
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/360000553016-choose-an-account-structure-for-multiple-locations-or-3pl-clients-child-accounts.md
Updated: 2026-05-07

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

> Choose the right linked-account structure for multiple workstations, locations, brands, or 3PL clients.

Use linked Starshipit accounts when you need a separate account boundary for another location, brand, 3PL client, or workstation login. Starshipit calls these linked sub-accounts **child accounts** in the app, and calls the main account the **parent account**.

You do not need a child account just because you have more than one printer. A Starshipit account can route print jobs to Desktop App machines, and each machine has its own local printer mappings. See [how Starshipit printing works](/articles/90200000000155-understand-how-starshipit-printing-works).

## How it works

Child accounts are attached to your parent Starshipit account. A child account can have different couriers, integrations, pickup addresses, and other settings.

There are four types of child accounts:

#### Multi-workstation

Use this when separate staff or stations need their own linked Starshipit login while working with the parent account's orders. Do not use it only to select a different physical printer: printer selection is handled by the account's machine route and each Desktop App's local printer mappings.

#### Multi-location

Use this when you are shipping from two or more physical locations. Your multi-location child account has access to all courier accounts, print settings, and sender addresses. Customer notifications, branding and integrations are inherited from your parent account. Rules can be used to assign orders from your parent account to the child account. Orders which are fulfilled on these child accounts will write-back via the parent account.

![Multi_Location.png](/uploads/articles/notifications-branded-tracking-rules-child-accounts/child-accounts/child-accounts/image_360005016555.png)

#### Multi-3PL

Use this when you are shipping from one location but you have multiple client accounts with their own settings. The parent account ships orders from all child accounts by overriding the accounts. Pricing is hidden on each child account (optional) and the user will not be able to access courier settings.

![3PL.png](/uploads/articles/notifications-branded-tracking-rules-child-accounts/child-accounts/child-accounts/image_360005159376.png)

#### Full access

Each child account has full access to their settings.