PPlatformAppStores

Zendesk Marketplace

Helpdesk

Zendesk, Inc. · Service & helpdesk platforms

Best for: Support-tooling vendors wanting reach into a broad, established Zendesk customer base.

Overview

Zendesk Marketplace distributes apps built on the Zendesk Apps Framework (ZAF), which embeds custom panels directly in agent workspaces, plus integrations built against Zendesk's REST APIs and webhooks. OAuth 2.0 is standard for public apps; private apps can use API tokens scoped to one account.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Scaffold an app with ZCLI using the Zendesk Apps Framework (ZAF) and target a location (e.g. ticket sidebar, top bar)
  2. 2Build the iframe UI with the ZAF Client SDK to read/write ticket and agent context
  3. 3Use the oauth setting type (or Zendesk OAuth client) plus secure settings so tokens are injected server-side
  4. 4Call the Zendesk REST APIs and any third-party APIs via secure requests, then test locally with ZCLI
  5. 5Package as a zip, complete branding assets and listing, and submit to the Marketplace for review

Key APIs & SDKs

Zendesk Apps Framework (ZAF) + ZAF Client SDK
ZCLI (Zendesk CLI)
Zendesk REST API (Support/Ticketing)
Apps secure settings + OAuth setting type
Sunshine / Conversations API

Integration types

Embedded app
Connector
Workflow action

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: OAuth 2.0
  • Also supports: API key
  • Security review: Required
  • Marketplace review covers security guidelines and app quality standards before publishing.
  • Public apps must meet branding and technical requirements and pass a Marketplace review of functionality and security before listing, usually a couple of weeks with revision cycles.
  • Per-account API rate limits vary by Zendesk plan tier.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Free
Paid app
Usage-based
Onboarding
$0
Commission
0% direct; billing handled by developer
Merchant of Record
Developer is MoR

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Very large, mature customer base and established marketplace
  • ZAF handles iframe embedding and secure settings, simplifying agent-panel UI
  • Strong docs, ZCLI tooling, and sample scaffolds

Cons

  • iframe/ZAF sandbox limits some UI and performance patterns
  • Branding and review requirements add overhead before listing
  • OAuth client setup for public apps can be fiddly

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on Zendesk Marketplace?

Public apps must meet branding and technical requirements and pass a Marketplace review of functionality and security before listing, usually a couple of weeks with revision cycles.

What authentication does Zendesk Marketplace use?

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

How is Zendesk Marketplace monetized?

Zendesk Marketplace supports Free, Paid app, Usage-based. Typical commission: 0% direct; billing handled by developer. Onboarding fee: $0.

Is a security review required to list on Zendesk Marketplace?

Yes, Zendesk Marketplace requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Marketplace review covers security guidelines and app quality standards before publishing.