Learn how to set up, manage, and scale a print on demand store using Shopify's powerful platform

In recent years, print on demand (Print on demand) has become an increasingly popular business model for entrepreneurs looking to sell custom products without holding inventory. Shopify, one of the most well-known e-commerce platforms, provides an easy-to-use interface for building and managing a Print on demand business. In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of starting a print on demand store on Shopify, from setting up your store to choosing the right print-on-demand suppliers. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to launch your own Print on demand store with Shopify.

What is Print on Demand?
Print on demand is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to sell customized products, such as t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, without worrying about inventory or fulfillment. With Print on demand, your supplier only prints and ships the product once an order is placed. This model allows you to focus on creating designs and marketing your brand, while your supplier handles the manufacturing and logistics. Shopify makes it easy to integrate Print on demand services and build a fully functional online store with minimal upfront costs.

Setting Up Your Shopify Store for Print on Demand
To get started with a print on demand business on Shopify, you’ll first need to sign up for a Shopify account. Shopify offers a free trial, so you can explore the platform before committing to a plan. Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll need to choose a theme for your store. Shopify offers a variety of themes, both free and paid, to match the style and aesthetic you want for your brand.

Next, you’ll need to connect a print on demand app to your Shopify store. Some of the most popular Print on demand apps include Printful, Printify, and Gooten. These apps integrate directly with Shopify, allowing you to automate the process of creating and fulfilling orders. Simply upload your designs, select the products you want to sell, and when a customer places an order, the app will take care of the printing and shipping for you.

Choosing the Right Print on Demand Supplier
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a Print on demand store is choosing a reliable print-on-demand supplier. The right supplier can impact product quality, shipping times, and overall customer satisfaction. When evaluating Print on demand suppliers for your Shopify store, consider the following factors:


Product Quality: Order samples from different suppliers to assess the quality of their prints and products.
Shipping Time: Look for suppliers who offer reasonable shipping times, especially if you’re selling internationally.
Product Variety: Ensure the supplier offers a range of products that align with your niche.
Price: Compare the cost of products and printing fees to ensure your profit margins are healthy.


Each supplier has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to find one that aligns with your business goals. Printful, for example, offers a wide range of products and integrates seamlessly with Shopify, while Printify offers more affordable options and an extensive network of suppliers around the world.

Marketing Your Print on Demand Store
Once your Shopify store is set up and your products are live, it’s time to focus on driving traffic and sales. Marketing is crucial for a successful Print on demand business, and Shopify provides various tools to help you promote your products effectively. Here are some key marketing strategies for growing your print-on-demand store:


Social Media Advertising: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for showcasing your products to a targeted audience. Use eye-catching images and engaging content to capture attention.
Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers in your niche to promote your products. Influencers can help you reach a larger audience and build trust with potential customers.
Email Marketing: Build an email list to keep customers engaged and encourage repeat purchases. Use Shopify’s email marketing tools to send personalized promotions and product updates.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your Shopify store for search engines to attract organic traffic. This includes optimizing product descriptions, using relevant keywords, and improving your site’s speed.


Additionally, offering discounts, running limited-time promotions, or creating seasonal campaigns can help generate excitement around your store. As your business grows, you can invest in more advanced marketing strategies, such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising or retargeting ads to bring customers back to your store.

Scaling Your Print on Demand Business
Once you’ve established your print on demand store and are generating consistent sales, it’s time to think about scaling. Shopify offers tools and apps to help you expand your business. For example, you can use apps to automate your order fulfillment, manage customer relationships, and analyze sales data. As you scale, consider expanding your product line or offering personalized items to cater to a broader audience.

Another way to scale your business is by expanding to new markets. Shopify allows you to sell in multiple currencies and languages, making it easy to reach international customers. Additionally, you can integrate with marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy to increase your visibility and sales potential.

Finally, don’t forget to regularly review your business metrics to identify areas for improvement. Use Shopify’s built-in analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as conversion rate, average order value, and customer retention rate. This data will help you make informed decisions and fine-tune your business strategy.

In conclusion, starting a print on demand store with Shopify is an excellent way to enter the world of e-commerce with minimal upfront investment. By choosing the right supplier, setting up your store correctly, and focusing on effective marketing, you can create a thriving online business. With time and dedication, your Print on demand store can become a profitable venture with the potential for significant growth.