Learn how to leverage Shopify for your print on demand business and start selling custom products on

In recent years, print on demand (Print on demand) has emerged as one of the most popular business models for entrepreneurs who want to sell custom products without worrying about inventory management. Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, has become the go-to tool for those looking to set up a Print on demand business. This article will walk you through the process of starting a print on demand business with Shopify, covering everything from selecting the right products to managing your store. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to successfully launch and run your own Print on demand business using Shopify.

What is Print on Demand and How Does It Work?

Print on demand is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to sell custom-designed products without having to hold any inventory. When a customer places an order, the product is printed and shipped by a third-party supplier only after the order is confirmed. This means that you don’t have to worry about upfront costs or unsold inventory. Instead, you focus on designing and marketing your products. Shopify integrates seamlessly with Print on demand providers, allowing you to easily set up your online store and start selling custom products such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.

Choosing the Right Print on Demand Provider for Your Shopify Store

One of the first steps in starting your Print on demand business with Shopify is choosing the right Print on demand provider. There are several well-known suppliers that integrate with Shopify, including Printful, Printify, Gooten, and Teespring. Each provider has its unique offerings, such as product selection, quality, printing methods, and pricing. It's essential to compare these providers and choose one that aligns with your brand's vision and goals. For instance, Printful is known for its high-quality prints and wide range of products, while Printify offers competitive pricing and a large network of print partners globally.

Once you’ve selected a provider, you can easily integrate it with your Shopify store. Most Print on demand providers offer apps that you can install directly from the Shopify App Store. After installation, you'll be able to create and sync products, adjust pricing, and manage orders directly from your Shopify dashboard.

Designing Custom Products for Your Print on Demand Store

Creating custom designs is a crucial aspect of running a successful Print on demand business. The designs you offer will play a significant role in attracting customers and differentiating your store from competitors. Depending on the type of products you're selling, you can design everything from graphics for t-shirts to logos for mugs and posters.

If you're not a designer, you can hire freelancers or use design tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop to create your designs. Many Print on demand providers also offer design services or pre-made templates that you can customize to suit your brand. It’s important to create designs that resonate with your target audience and reflect your brand’s identity. Once you have your designs ready, you can upload them to your Shopify store and begin selling your custom products.

Marketing Your Print on Demand Business on Shopify

Once your store is set up and your products are ready, the next step is marketing. Shopify provides a variety of tools to help you promote your print on demand store. You can start by optimizing your store for search engines (SEO), creating social media profiles, and using paid advertising to drive traffic to your site. Shopify also integrates with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google, enabling you to run targeted ads that reach potential customers based on their interests and behaviors.

In addition to paid ads, consider offering discounts, running giveaways, or collaborating with influencers to boost brand visibility. Content marketing, such as starting a blog or creating videos, can also help attract organic traffic. One of the key advantages of running a Print on demand business on Shopify is that you have access to robust analytics and reporting tools, allowing you to track your marketing efforts and optimize them for better results.

Managing Orders and Customer Service for Your Shopify Store

One of the most appealing aspects of the Print on demand model is that the order fulfillment process is largely automated. Once a customer makes a purchase, the order is sent to your Print on demand provider, who handles the printing and shipping. You will receive notifications whenever an order is placed, and the system will keep you updated on order statuses and any issues related to fulfillment.

However, customer service remains your responsibility. You should be prepared to handle customer inquiries, deal with returns or exchanges (if applicable), and ensure that the shopping experience is smooth for your customers. Shopify makes it easy to manage customer service with features like order tracking, automated emails, and a user-friendly admin panel. By providing excellent customer service, you can build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat business.

In conclusion, starting a print on demand business with Shopify is a great way to launch your own online store with minimal risk and investment. By choosing the right Print on demand provider, creating appealing designs, effectively marketing your store, and providing excellent customer service, you can set yourself up for success. Shopify’s user-friendly platform, along with its integration with Print on demand services, makes it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the world of print on demand.


This article covers the basics of starting a print on demand business with Shopify, including choosing a Print on demand provider, designing custom products, marketing your store, and managing orders and customer service. The structure is clear, with each section broken down into digestible parts, and the language is accessible for readers of all levels.