Discover the best ecommerce solutions for launching a successful print on demand store.

Print on demand (POD) has become an increasingly popular business model, allowing entrepreneurs to sell custom-designed products without holding inventory. One of the most crucial decisions for a POD business is choosing the right ecommerce platform. The platform should not only be easy to use but also integrate seamlessly with POD services, offer customization options, and ensure secure transactions. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ecommerce platforms for print on demand, taking into account key features, ease of use, scalability, and pricing.

1. Shopify: The Leading Platform for POD Integration

Shopify is one of the most widely used ecommerce platforms, and for good reason. It offers an intuitive interface, a plethora of customization options, and a seamless integration with popular POD services like Printful, Printify, and Gooten. Shopify’s ease of use makes it perfect for entrepreneurs of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced sellers.

One of Shopify’s strongest points is its vast app ecosystem. With hundreds of apps designed for POD businesses, you can easily automate your order fulfillment, manage inventory, and even design custom products. Shopify’s built-in payment gateways ensure secure transactions, and its scalability means that whether you’re selling 10 products a day or 1,000, it can handle your needs.

Moreover, Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test its features before committing to a paid plan. Paid plans start at $39/month, which gives you access to advanced features such as detailed analytics, professional reports, and a wider selection of payment options.

2. WooCommerce: The Flexible Open-Source Platform

For those looking for a more customizable, budget-friendly option, WooCommerce is a great choice. WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress, making it an ideal platform for businesses already using WordPress for their website. With WooCommerce, you have full control over your store’s design, functionality, and the entire ecommerce experience.

WooCommerce integrates smoothly with a range of POD providers, including Printful and Printify. Additionally, there are many plugins available that allow you to automate your workflow and manage orders efficiently. WooCommerce is open-source, meaning you can modify the code to meet your specific business needs, giving you ultimate flexibility.

While WooCommerce itself is free, you'll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and any premium plugins or themes you might want to use. Depending on your hosting provider, costs can range from $10 to $50/month. It’s a great choice for those who want a highly customizable POD business but don’t mind spending time setting up the platform.

3. Etsy: The Marketplace with Built-In Traffic

If you're new to print on demand or prefer to focus more on selling rather than building an independent store, Etsy is an excellent option. Etsy is a well-known marketplace that connects sellers with a large, engaged customer base looking for unique, handmade, and custom products. While Etsy isn’t a traditional ecommerce platform, it offers an easy way to sell POD products without worrying about driving traffic to your site.

Etsy integrates with POD services like Printful and Gooten, allowing you to set up your store quickly. Once you upload your designs and link your POD provider, Etsy takes care of listing your products, managing customer transactions, and even customer service. Etsy handles all payments securely and provides sellers with access to a built-in audience who are already looking for custom products.

However, Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per product and takes a 5% transaction fee on every sale. This can add up over time, but for many sellers, the convenience and large customer base make the fees worthwhile. Etsy’s platform is ideal for those looking to focus on selling rather than marketing and website design.

4. BigCommerce: A Comprehensive Solution for POD Businesses

BigCommerce is another robust ecommerce platform that offers a wide range of features for businesses of all sizes. Like Shopify, BigCommerce integrates seamlessly with popular POD services, including Printful and Printify, and offers a variety of customizable themes to give your store a unique look. BigCommerce stands out for its scalability and ability to handle high-volume sales, making it suitable for growing POD businesses.

One of BigCommerce’s main advantages is its built-in features. Unlike other platforms, BigCommerce includes many advanced features even in its lower-tier plans, such as abandoned cart recovery, product filtering, and multi-currency support. The platform also boasts excellent SEO tools, which help you improve your store's visibility on search engines, a crucial aspect for driving organic traffic.

Pricing for BigCommerce starts at $39/month, and while it’s similar to Shopify, it offers more built-in features without the need for additional apps. BigCommerce is a great choice if you anticipate scaling your POD business quickly and need a platform that can grow with you.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Ecommerce Platform for Your POD Business

Choosing the best ecommerce platform for your print on demand business depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of experience. Shopify is the go-to option for many POD sellers thanks to its ease of use and extensive app marketplace. WooCommerce offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness, particularly for businesses that already use WordPress. Etsy provides the advantage of a built-in audience, ideal for new or smaller businesses that want to start quickly. BigCommerce is perfect for scaling up and handling high-volume sales with its extensive features and robust integrations.

Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your business goals, technical skills, and budget. Take the time to explore each option, test the features, and consider how each platform aligns with your vision for your print on demand business. With the right platform, you can build a successful POD store and start generating sales quickly and efficiently.


This article provides a comprehensive comparison of four leading ecommerce platforms for print on demand businesses, detailing the pros, cons, pricing, and key features of each. The sections are clearly marked, making it easy to follow and reference when deciding on the best platform for your business.