Explore the best platforms to launch and scale your print on demand store with Shopify

Shopify has emerged as one of the leading eCommerce platforms for entrepreneurs and creatives looking to start their own online stores. When combined with print on demand (POD) services, Shopify offers a powerful and efficient way to sell custom-designed products without the need for inventory management or upfront costs. This article explores the best print on demand Shopify apps and services, helping you make the right choice for your business.

What is Print on Demand and Why Use Shopify?

Print on demand is a business model where products are only printed when an order is placed, eliminating the need for inventory management, warehousing, or upfront investment in large quantities of stock. For entrepreneurs, this means less risk and more flexibility. By integrating print on demand with Shopify, sellers can create custom products like t-shirts, mugs, posters, and more without handling the production or shipping themselves.

Shopify is one of the best eCommerce platforms for POD because it offers seamless integration with multiple POD services, powerful tools for marketing and sales, and the ability to scale your business easily. Whether you're a designer, artist, or just someone looking to get started in eCommerce, Shopify's versatility and easy-to-use interface make it the perfect platform for print on demand businesses.

Best Print on Demand Shopify Apps

Choosing the right print on demand app is crucial to the success of your Shopify store. Here are some of the most popular and highly rated POD apps that integrate seamlessly with Shopify:

1. Printful
Printful is one of the most well-known POD services for Shopify. It offers a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and office supplies. Printful also integrates with Shopify in just a few clicks, making it easy for users to design, sell, and ship products.

Some of the key features of Printful include its high-quality printing options, global fulfillment centers, and automated order processing. Additionally, Printful offers a mockup generator, which helps you visualize your designs on products before listing them in your store. The platform also integrates with various marketplaces, making it easy to sell on multiple channels like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay.

2. Printify
Another top choice is Printify, which also offers a wide variety of products and printing options. Printify's network of printing partners spans across the globe, giving store owners access to competitive pricing and faster shipping times. This service provides users with the ability to choose the best print provider based on factors like location, cost, and print quality.

One of Printify’s standout features is its large catalog of products, which includes unique items such as socks, phone cases, and wall art. With over 300 products to choose from, Printify is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to offer a diverse range of custom goods. The app also integrates smoothly with Shopify, and provides real-time order tracking, making it a top contender for POD services.

3. SPOD (Spreadshirt Print on Demand)
SPOD is another fantastic POD service for Shopify users, known for its fast turnaround times and high-quality printing. SPOD claims to fulfill orders in as little as 48 hours, making it a great option for businesses focused on quick shipping. With a vast catalog of apparel, accessories, and home products, SPOD caters to a wide range of niche markets.

What sets SPOD apart is its focus on speed and quality. SPOD boasts a 95% customer satisfaction rate and offers great customization options, including a wide range of printing techniques like direct-to-garment (DTG) and sublimation printing. It also has an easy-to-use design tool and robust Shopify integration, making it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to scale quickly.

4. Gooten
Gooten is another top contender for print on demand on Shopify. Similar to other services, Gooten allows entrepreneurs to sell custom products without holding inventory. Gooten has a strong network of partners, offering competitive pricing and various shipping options. It offers an easy-to-use platform, and its integrations with Shopify are straightforward.

What makes Gooten unique is its focus on automation. With its “auto-order” feature, Gooten automatically processes and fulfills orders when they come in, ensuring that store owners can focus on marketing and customer acquisition rather than logistics. The app also integrates with other sales channels, allowing users to expand their businesses across multiple platforms.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print on Demand Service

While all the print on demand services listed above are great options, it’s important to consider several factors when selecting the best fit for your Shopify store. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Product Range
Different POD services offer different product catalogs. Some focus on apparel, while others may offer a broader selection of products like accessories, home goods, or office supplies. Before committing to a POD service, make sure that it provides the types of products that align with your business and target audience.

2. Printing Quality
Product quality is critical when it comes to customer satisfaction. Research each POD service’s printing methods, whether they use direct-to-garment (DTG), screen printing, or sublimation, and read reviews to get a sense of product quality. High-quality prints will lead to better customer experiences and fewer returns.

3. Fulfillment Speed
Shipping times can make or break your customer satisfaction ratings. If you're selling products that require quick delivery, opt for a POD provider with fast fulfillment times. Some services offer same-day processing, while others may take longer. Be sure to choose a provider with fulfillment centers located near your target market to reduce shipping delays.

4. Pricing and Profit Margins
Each POD service has different pricing structures, and these will directly impact your profit margins. Be sure to consider both the base costs for products and shipping fees when calculating your pricing strategy. Also, look for hidden fees, such as setup fees or subscription costs, that could affect your profitability.

How to Scale Your Print on Demand Shopify Store

Once you’ve chosen the right POD provider and launched your Shopify store, the next step is scaling your business. Here are a few tips to help you grow:

1. Leverage Social Media Marketing
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are powerful tools for marketing your print on demand products. Use high-quality visuals and engaging content to showcase your products and build a community around your brand. Consider running paid ads targeting your ideal audience to increase your reach.

2. Optimize Your Store for SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is vital for driving organic traffic to your Shopify store. Make sure your product descriptions are keyword-rich, your images are optimized for fast loading, and your store’s structure is easy to navigate. Blogging and content marketing can also help increase visibility and drive more customers to your store.

3. Offer Exceptional Customer Service
Providing excellent customer service is key to retaining loyal customers and generating positive reviews. Respond quickly to customer inquiries, offer hassle-free returns, and go the extra mile to ensure your customers are happy. A strong reputation can lead to repeat sales and word-of-mouth marketing.

In conclusion, Shopify is an excellent platform for entrepreneurs looking to start or scale a print on demand business. The combination of low-risk business model, powerful integrations with POD services, and easy-to-use tools makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced sellers. By choosing the right POD service, optimizing your store, and leveraging marketing strategies, you can build a successful and profitable online business in 2024.