Learn how Shopify enables print-on-demand businesses to thrive in the e-commerce world.

Shopify has become one of the most popular platforms for entrepreneurs looking to build and scale their online stores. With a range of features and integrations, it provides a comprehensive e-commerce solution. But does Shopify support print on demand? This article dives into the details of Shopify's capabilities for print-on-demand businesses, how the system works, the benefits of using Shopify for print on demand, and the best apps to get started.

What is Print on Demand?

Print on demand (POD) is a business model that allows you to sell customized products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without needing to keep inventory. Instead of ordering large quantities upfront, products are only created when a customer places an order. This eliminates the need for warehousing and upfront investment, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to test new designs or product concepts.

In the context of Shopify, print-on-demand services integrate seamlessly into your store, enabling you to sell custom products without the hassle of production, shipping, or handling. You simply need to design your products, connect with a POD supplier, and Shopify takes care of the sales process, from order placement to payment processing.

How Shopify Enables Print on Demand

Shopify doesn't directly offer print-on-demand services, but it facilitates integration with a wide range of third-party apps that specialize in POD. These apps make it incredibly easy to set up and manage a print-on-demand business. Some popular apps include Printful, Printify, and Gooten, which allow you to offer a vast array of custom products.

When you connect a POD app to your Shopify store, the process becomes largely automated. After a customer places an order, the POD supplier receives the details and begins production. Once the item is printed, packed, and shipped, the supplier sends tracking information to the customer. As a store owner, you don't need to worry about managing the physical products or inventory—it's all handled by the third-party supplier.

Shopify makes the process even smoother by providing a user-friendly dashboard where you can track your sales, manage orders, and communicate with your POD provider. Additionally, Shopify's payment gateway processes all transactions, and you can easily integrate shipping options, taxes, and promotions.

Benefits of Using Shopify for Print on Demand

There are numerous advantages to using Shopify for your print-on-demand business. Below are some of the key benefits:


No Inventory Risk: Since products are only made when an order is placed, there is no need to invest in inventory or worry about unsold stock. This significantly reduces financial risk.
Low Startup Costs: With POD, there’s no need for significant upfront investment in inventory, equipment, or a physical store. You can start with just a few designs and grow as you make sales.
Scalable Business Model: As your business grows, Shopify makes it easy to scale up. You can add new products, optimize your store for conversions, and integrate with more POD providers as needed.
Automated Operations: Most aspects of your business, from order fulfillment to shipping notifications, are automated. This allows you to focus on growing your brand, not on day-to-day operations.
Global Reach: Shopify integrates with global POD providers, which means you can sell products to customers around the world. You won’t need to worry about international shipping logistics, as your POD partner will handle it.


All of these advantages make Shopify an ideal platform for entrepreneurs looking to enter the print-on-demand industry. Its ease of use and flexibility allow you to focus on design and marketing while leaving fulfillment to trusted suppliers.

Best Print on Demand Apps for Shopify

To fully take advantage of Shopify’s print-on-demand capabilities, you’ll need to choose the right POD app. Here are some of the most popular and highly rated apps that integrate seamlessly with Shopify:


Printful: One of the most popular POD services, Printful offers a wide variety of products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and prints. It also provides high-quality printing and fast shipping. Printful has no monthly fees, making it a great choice for small businesses.
Printify: Similar to Printful, Printify offers an extensive range of products and connects with a network of print providers worldwide. Printify allows you to choose the supplier that offers the best price and shipping time for your target market, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking for flexibility.
Gooten: Another strong contender, Gooten provides a wide range of print-on-demand products. It also offers automated workflows and is known for its reliable customer service. Gooten’s international network of suppliers ensures that you can offer fast shipping across the globe.
TeeLaunch: Ideal for businesses focusing on apparel and accessories, TeeLaunch offers a wide variety of customizable products, with competitive pricing and excellent integration with Shopify.
SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand): Known for fast production times, SPOD boasts some of the quickest turnaround times in the POD industry. If speed is important to your business, SPOD could be the right choice for you.


Each of these apps has its own unique features, so it’s important to explore them to find the best fit for your specific business needs. Whether you’re looking for variety, cost-effectiveness, or speed, Shopify’s ecosystem of POD apps ensures that you can build the business of your dreams with ease.

Conclusion: Shopify and Print on Demand Make a Powerful Combo

In conclusion, Shopify is an excellent platform for launching and running a print-on-demand business. While Shopify doesn’t directly offer print-on-demand services, its integration with third-party POD apps makes it easy for entrepreneurs to sell custom products online without dealing with inventory management, production, or fulfillment. The benefits of using Shopify, such as low startup costs, scalability, and automation, combined with the wide variety of available POD apps, make it a powerful tool for anyone looking to enter the e-commerce world with minimal risk.

If you’re ready to start your own print-on-demand store, Shopify provides all the tools you need to succeed. Simply choose a POD app, set up your store, and start selling your custom-designed products to customers around the world.