# 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: 2026-05-07

> 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://app2.starshipit.com/).
2. Navigate to **Settings** > **Child Accounts**.
3. Click **Add a new child account**.
4. Select the child account type and fill in the username and password.  
   *Not sure what to use as the username? Read our tips [here](#h_01JCMANGDCQ1YHRWDQNB9JMTBP).*
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://app2.starshipit.com/).
2. Navigate to **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-linking an expired standalone account as a child 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/360001575375/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:** Selecting this will hide access to the manifest page for the child account. This option is applicable when editing a 3PL child account.

### **What's Next?**

Read more about [child accounts](/articles/360000553016), and [how to allocate orders to a child account](/articles/115001657023).