Discover the top Shopify apps for running a successful print on demand business with ease.

Starting an online store with print on demand (POD) services has become increasingly popular due to its low upfront cost and scalability. Shopify, being one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, has integrated numerous apps to make the POD process seamless for entrepreneurs. This article will introduce some of the best Shopify apps for print on demand, offering detailed insights into their features, benefits, and how they can help you run a profitable business.

What is Print on Demand and Why Shopify?

Print on Demand (POD) is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to sell custom-designed products without holding any inventory. When a customer places an order, the product is printed and shipped directly from a third-party supplier. This model eliminates the need for bulk purchasing and storage of inventory, making it a low-risk way to start an e-commerce business.

Shopify is one of the most preferred platforms for POD entrepreneurs because it offers an easy-to-use interface, a wide range of integrations, and a robust ecosystem of apps that streamline various aspects of your business. Shopify apps help with everything from product design to marketing and shipping, making it easier to scale your POD business. Let’s explore some of the most popular print on demand Shopify apps that you can integrate into your store.

Top Print on Demand Shopify Apps

When looking for the best print on demand apps for your Shopify store, it’s essential to consider factors like product variety, ease of use, quality, pricing, and customer support. Below are some of the top-rated apps that you can integrate into your Shopify store:

1. Printful
Printful is one of the leading POD apps on Shopify, offering a wide range of customizable products, including apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. One of the standout features of Printful is its global fulfillment network, allowing you to ship products to customers worldwide.

With Printful, you can easily integrate your store with their platform, create product designs using their mockup generator, and start selling right away. The app also offers a range of design tools and product samples to ensure that your products meet your quality standards. Printful handles everything from printing to shipping, leaving you to focus on marketing and growing your business.

2. Teespring (Now Spring)
Teespring, now rebranded as Spring, is another popular print on demand app designed for Shopify merchants. It offers a similar service to Printful but is more geared toward creators and influencers looking to monetize their brand through custom-designed products. Spring allows users to create and sell products without any upfront costs, making it an excellent option for beginners.

Spring also features integration with social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, which is ideal for marketing your POD business. The app enables easy customization of products such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more. Additionally, Spring offers a direct-to-customer fulfillment service, ensuring that your products are printed and shipped with minimal effort on your part.

3. Gooten
Gooten is another robust POD app that offers a wide range of products for your Shopify store. Gooten stands out because it integrates with a variety of suppliers around the world, providing you with an extensive product catalog and fulfillment options. The app also offers automatic order processing and real-time order tracking, which can enhance the customer experience.

One of the most notable features of Gooten is its scalability. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your business, Gooten provides a seamless platform for growth. The app supports various printing methods, including screen printing, embroidery, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Gooten’s flexible pricing structure allows you to control your margins, ensuring profitability while providing quality products to your customers.

4. SPOD (Spreadshirt Print on Demand)
SPOD, which is part of the Spreadshirt family, is another great option for POD entrepreneurs. It boasts a high-speed production process, with a promise of 48-hour turnaround times for most products. SPOD offers a vast selection of products, including apparel, accessories, and home items, and provides design tools to help you create custom designs effortlessly.

One of SPOD’s standout features is its focus on fast fulfillment. For merchants who want to offer quick delivery to customers, SPOD’s efficient production and shipping system can help you achieve faster turnaround times. Additionally, the app integrates seamlessly with Shopify, ensuring that all orders are processed efficiently and automatically. SPOD is a great choice for sellers looking for both speed and variety.

Key Features to Look for in a Print on Demand Shopify App

While selecting a POD app for your Shopify store, there are several key features you should consider to ensure you’re choosing the best option for your business:

1. Product Variety and Customization Options
Different POD apps offer different ranges of products. Some may specialize in clothing, while others offer a wider variety of items like phone cases, mugs, home decor, and more. When selecting an app, make sure it offers a diverse range of products that align with your brand and customer preferences. Also, look for customization options that allow you to add unique designs to your products easily.

2. Ease of Use and Integration
Choose a POD app that integrates seamlessly with Shopify. The best apps are user-friendly and allow you to create, customize, and launch products without much technical expertise. Integration with Shopify should be smooth and straightforward, with real-time syncing for product availability, inventory, and orders.

3. Fulfillment Speed and Quality
One of the most critical factors for your business’s success is product quality and fulfillment speed. Look for apps that offer high-quality printing and materials to ensure that your customers are satisfied with their purchases. Fast order fulfillment is also crucial to maintaining a good customer experience and increasing repeat business.

4. Pricing and Profit Margins
Pricing is essential when choosing a POD app. Consider both the base costs of the products and the shipping fees, as these will affect your profit margins. Many POD apps offer tiered pricing based on volume, so take advantage of these structures as your business grows. Make sure the app you choose offers competitive pricing while still allowing you to set a profitable retail price for your products.

How to Integrate Print on Demand Apps with Your Shopify Store

Integrating a POD app into your Shopify store is usually a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:


Install the App: Go to the Shopify App Store, search for your preferred POD app, and click the “Install” button.
Connect Your Shopify Store: Once the app is installed, follow the prompts to connect your Shopify store with the app. You may need to grant necessary permissions for the app to access your store data.
Create Products: After installation, use the app’s design tools to create and customize your products. You can upload your designs and choose which products you want to sell.
Set Up Pricing: Set your retail prices and margins for each product, ensuring you account for production and shipping costs.
Sync Your Products: Once everything is set, sync your products with your Shopify store. Your products will appear on your online store, ready to sell.


After your products are synced, you can start promoting them to your customers. The POD app will handle production and fulfillment, allowing you to focus on growing your brand.

Conclusion

Print on demand is an excellent business model for entrepreneurs looking to enter the e-commerce space with minimal investment. Shopify offers a variety of POD apps, each with unique features to help you succeed. Whether you choose Printful, Teespring, Gooten, or SPOD, these apps offer powerful tools to create and sell custom products without the need for inventory. By choosing the right POD app for your business needs, you can build a successful Shopify store and enjoy the benefits of the growing e-commerce market.