Parsing information from emails into Zapier - the options

With over 2,000 (and counting) apps on Zapier, most of the time you can get data directly into a zap by setting the source as your trigger app. Sometimes, though, you need to get data from an app that doesn't have a Zapier integration.

Are you having any of these problems?

• Getting Airbnb bookings into Zapier.

• Getting non-US Amazon Seller Central orders into Zapier.

• Getting leads from a lead generation service into Zapier.

• Getting details from order confirmation emails into Zapier.

If so, using email parsing to trigger your zaps is the best option.

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How does email parsing work?

Basically, you teach the computer to read your emails and pick out certain bits. However, computers aren't nearly advanced enough to look at an email, know what it's about and guess what it needs - so you have to train the parser.

You do this by showing it some examples (in this case previous emails) and tell it where the bits of data you need are. This is pretty much impossible to do if it's freeform emails, but for stuff like order confirmations and sales receipts, things like order numbers, dates, totals and line items all tend to be in the same place, and parsers can learn those patterns.

What email parsers work with Zapier?

• Zapier Parser - Zapier's built in option works well for basic emails with predictable layouts and no repeating lists. It's free to use within Zapier's standard packages.

• Parseur - A heavyweight email parser with great accuracy and the ability to parse attachments as well as tables - and spit out individual line items. Great if you want to take order slips from emails and turn them into invoices. There is a free plan and paid plans start at $59/month.

• Mailparser - Broadly the same features as Parseur, but some people say more accurate - and slightly cheaper, with a free plan and paid plans from $39/month.

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