PPlatformAppStores

Front App Marketplace

Helpdesk

FrontApp, Inc. · Service & helpdesk platforms

Best for: Vendors adding shared-inbox context and channel integrations for Front's collaborative-email customers.

Overview

Front's marketplace surfaces roughly a hundred integrations that plug into Front's shared-inbox and customer-operations platform. Developers pick from three building blocks: the Core API for reading and writing conversations, contacts, and comments; the Plugin SDK for embedding a custom side-panel app directly in the Front UI; and the Channels API for wiring new message channels into Front. Authentication is Bearer API tokens for single-company tools and OAuth 2.0 for public apps that other companies install.

Rate limiting is per-company and plan-tiered (from around 50 requests/minute up to 200 on Enterprise, with a separate partner-OAuth allotment). Distribution runs through the Front Integration Partner Program, which has Standard and Plus tiers granting a marketplace page, technical support, and co-marketing. Getting listed means submitting an integration form; Front tests it and, on approval, publishes a landing page and in-app listing. Choose Front when your buyers are collaborative support, success, and operations teams using Front as a shared inbox — it is a lighter-weight, partnership-driven ecosystem rather than a paid-app storefront with a revenue cut.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Create an app in the Front developer/partner area and decide which surfaces you need (plugin, Core API, Channel API)
  2. 2Build a plugin that embeds your web app in the conversation sidebar using the Front Plugin SDK
  3. 3Use the Core API (and webhooks) to read/update messages, contacts, inboxes, and comments, and the Channel API to bridge a messaging channel
  4. 4Authenticate via OAuth 2.0 for multi-customer access and test in your Front account
  5. 5Submit your integration through Front's partner form; Front tests it, then builds the App Store listing from your marketing details

Key APIs & SDKs

Front Plugin SDK
Front Core API (REST)
Front Channel API
Webhooks
OAuth 2.0

Integration types

Embedded app
Connector
Workflow action

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: OAuth 2.0
  • Also supports: API key
  • Security review: Required
  • Integrations are submitted via a form, tested by Front, and approved before a marketplace landing page is created (lighter than enterprise review).
  • Front technically tests the submitted integration for correct behavior before publishing a dedicated listing, a lighter partner-driven review than the big enterprise stores (roughly a couple of weeks).
  • Core API defaults around 50 requests/minute and scales by plan (up to 200 on Enterprise), with per-resource burst limits.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Free
Revenue share
Onboarding
None to list
Commission
No storefront cut; partners monetize their own SaaS and via referrals
Merchant of Record
Not applicable (Front does not act as MoR for third-party apps)

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Three complementary APIs (Plugin, Core, Channel) cover UI, data, and channel use cases
  • Plugin SDK embeds a full web app directly in the agent conversation view
  • Partner process is relatively lightweight and collaborative

Cons

  • Smaller customer base than Zendesk/Intercom
  • Listing/launch depends on Front's partner team building the landing page
  • Less prescriptive tooling than CLI-driven ecosystems

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on Front App Marketplace?

Front technically tests the submitted integration for correct behavior before publishing a dedicated listing, a lighter partner-driven review than the big enterprise stores (roughly a couple of weeks).

What authentication does Front App Marketplace use?

Front App Marketplace apps primarily authenticate with OAuth 2.0, also supporting API key.

How is Front App Marketplace monetized?

Front App Marketplace supports Free, Revenue share. Typical commission: No storefront cut; partners monetize their own SaaS and via referrals. Onboarding fee: None to list.

Is a security review required to list on Front App Marketplace?

Yes, Front App Marketplace requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Integrations are submitted via a form, tested by Front, and approved before a marketplace landing page is created (lighter than enterprise review).