DocsSuppliersSupplier API Key Setup

Supplier API Key Setup

Generate, rotate, and secure Lead Distro AI supplier API keys. Authentication header format, key compromise recovery, IP allowlisting, and FAQs.

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What is the Supplier API Key?

Every supplier gets a unique API key auto-generated on creation. The key authenticates the supplier when posting leads to the ingest API — without a valid key, requests are rejected with HTTP 401. Each key is scoped to one supplier; one supplier's key can't post leads on behalf of another.

Where to Find the Key

  • Open the supplier's detail page in the Lead Distro AI dashboard.
  • Find the API Key field — it shows a copy button next to the masked key.
  • Click Reveal to see the full key, Copy to copy to clipboard.
  • Each supplier also has a dedicated API Specs page at `/api-specs//` with copy-paste curl examples — share this with the supplier's developer.

Using the Key

Pass the key in the `x-api-key` HTTP header on every POST to the ingest endpoint:

curl -X POST https://app.leaddistro.ai/api/v1/ingest \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "x-api-key: sk_supplier_abc123xyz789" \
  -d '{ "flo_campaign_id": "...", "flo_supplier_id": "...", ... }'

Key Security

  • Never expose keys in client-side code — keys must stay server-side. Browser-visible keys can be extracted and abused.
  • Never commit keys to public repos — even private repos should use environment variables, not hard-coded values.
  • Rotate keys when a developer leaves — same hygiene as any production credential.
  • Treat each supplier's key as separate — don't reuse keys across suppliers; per-supplier keys make audit + revocation surgical.

Rotating a Compromised Key

If you suspect a key is compromised, the safest path is to delete the supplier and create a new one — Lead Distro AI generates a fresh key on creation and the old key is invalidated immediately. Update the supplier's integration with the new key.

Avoid in-place key rotation for high-volume suppliers — there's a window where both old and new keys may be in use as the supplier updates their integration. Delete-and-recreate is cleaner: the old key dies instantly, the supplier knows they need to update before traffic can resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find a Lead Distro AI supplier's API key?
On the supplier's detail page — the API Key field shows a masked value with Reveal and Copy buttons. The key is auto-generated when you create the supplier and remains stable until you delete the supplier or rotate it. Each supplier has a dedicated API Specs page at `/api-specs//` with copy-paste integration examples.
Can a single supplier API key authenticate multiple campaigns?
Yes — but only campaigns the supplier is explicitly attached to. The API key authenticates the supplier; the `flo_campaign_id` in the request body specifies which campaign to route the lead into. Supplying a campaign_id the supplier isn't attached to returns 403 `unauthorized`.
What happens if my supplier's API key is compromised?
Delete the supplier from the dashboard — this instantly invalidates the key. Create a new supplier (which generates a fresh key) and update the integration. The brief window of traffic loss during the swap is the safest path; in-place rotation has a longer dual-key window during which an attacker could still post leads with the old key.
Can I restrict which IP addresses can use a supplier's API key?
Not natively in the supplier settings — Lead Distro AI doesn't have per-supplier IP allowlists today. For high-security verticals, route ingest API traffic through a server you control that adds IP-allowlist logic before forwarding to Lead Distro AI's ingest endpoint. Contact support for enterprise-tier IP allowlisting requirements.
What HTTP header carries the API key?
`x-api-key`. Send it on every POST to the ingest endpoint. Other header names like `Authorization: Bearer ...` or `api-key` are not recognized and return 401. The header name is case-insensitive per HTTP spec.
Do API keys expire?
No — keys are valid until you explicitly delete the supplier or the supplier is removed from all campaigns. Rotate manually when needed (developer turnover, security audit, suspected compromise). There's no auto-expiry like OAuth tokens.

If you have any questions, send us an email at support@leaddistro.ai