Everything You Need to Know About Integrating Print on Demand with Shopify

In the world of e-commerce, entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to print-on-demand (POD) services as a way to sell custom products without holding any inventory. Shopify, being one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, has become a go-to option for setting up online stores. But how do you leverage POD on Shopify? The answer lies in using print on demand apps designed to streamline the process. In this article, we will dive deep into the best POD apps for Shopify, explaining how they work, their features, and why they can be a game-changer for your store.

What is Print on Demand (POD)?

Print on demand (POD) is a business model where custom products are printed and shipped only after a customer places an order. Unlike traditional retail or bulk inventory models, you don’t need to purchase or store any products upfront. The POD provider handles the printing, packing, and shipping for you. This means you can offer a variety of custom products—like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more—without worrying about inventory management or large upfront costs.

For Shopify users, POD services are integrated with the platform through third-party apps, allowing you to easily add customizable products to your online store. When a customer makes a purchase, the app automatically sends the order to the POD provider, who then takes care of the printing and fulfillment process. The result? You can run a custom product store with minimal overhead and risk, making it an attractive option for new and experienced entrepreneurs alike.

Why Use Print on Demand Apps with Shopify?

Shopify is an excellent platform for creating online stores due to its user-friendly interface and wide range of features. However, when it comes to offering custom products, using a POD app makes the process much easier. Below are a few reasons why you should consider integrating print on demand apps with your Shopify store:


Low Investment and Risk: As mentioned earlier, the POD model requires no upfront investment in inventory, making it an ideal business model for new entrepreneurs.
Variety of Products: With POD apps, you can offer a wide range of custom products without worrying about storage or supply chain logistics. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, or home décor, there’s something for every niche.
Automated Order Fulfillment: Once an order is placed, the app takes care of printing and shipping automatically, freeing up your time for other aspects of your business.
Customization: You can design your own products with unique graphics, text, and branding, making your store stand out from the competition.


These advantages make print on demand apps a great tool for Shopify store owners who want to focus on design and marketing without dealing with inventory management or fulfillment complexities.

Top Print on Demand Apps for Shopify

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of POD, let's take a look at some of the top print on demand apps that integrate seamlessly with Shopify. These apps vary in terms of product offerings, pricing, and features, but they all provide an easy way to run a print-on-demand business from your Shopify store.

1. Printful

Printful is one of the most popular and widely used POD services for Shopify. Known for its high-quality products and excellent customer support, Printful offers a wide variety of items, from apparel to home goods. The app integrates easily with Shopify and offers a simple interface for adding custom designs to products. Printful also has warehouses in North America and Europe, ensuring faster fulfillment and shipping times.

Some key features of Printful include:

Over 300 custom products to choose from
No upfront costs or minimum order requirements
Custom branding options (labels, packaging, etc.)
Automatic order fulfillment and tracking updates


Printful is particularly great for businesses that want to scale quickly and provide high-quality products to their customers. With its extensive catalog and strong reputation for reliability, it’s a top choice for many Shopify merchants.

2. Printify

Printify is another leading print-on-demand app for Shopify. It offers a wide selection of products and is known for its flexibility, as it works with multiple print providers around the world. This enables Printify to offer more affordable shipping rates, especially for international orders. The app also integrates seamlessly with Shopify, allowing you to design products and manage orders easily.

Key features of Printify include:

Access to a network of print providers worldwide
Variety of products ranging from apparel to wall art
Competitive pricing and bulk order discounts
Easy-to-use design tools and mockup generator


Printify is ideal for those who want flexibility in terms of product selection and pricing. If you’re planning to reach an international audience or want to offer unique products that aren’t available elsewhere, Printify is a solid choice.

3. SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand)

SPOD is known for its fast shipping times, often fulfilling orders within 48 hours. It also offers a broad range of customizable products, particularly in the apparel category, and has a strong emphasis on speed and quality. SPOD's app integrates well with Shopify and provides easy product customization and branding options.

Features of SPOD include:

Fast production and shipping times (2-5 days average shipping)
Wide range of customizable apparel and accessories
Customization options for packaging and branding
Live shipping rate calculation to keep customers informed


If fast fulfillment and reliable shipping are important to you, SPOD might be the best option for your Shopify store. Its speed and customization options can give you an edge in the highly competitive e-commerce space.

How to Choose the Right Print on Demand App for Your Shopify Store?

Choosing the right POD app for your Shopify store largely depends on your business goals and requirements. Consider the following factors when making your decision:


Product Selection: Look for an app that offers the products you want to sell. Whether it's clothing, accessories, or home decor, ensure that the app can provide a wide variety of high-quality items.
Pricing and Margins: Compare pricing structures and see which app offers the most competitive rates. Some apps might offer better shipping rates, while others may have lower base product prices.
Shipping Speed: If fast delivery is a priority for you, choose a POD provider that can fulfill orders quickly. Look at reviews and feedback on fulfillment times.
Integration and Ease of Use: Make sure the app integrates smoothly with Shopify. Most popular POD apps are user-friendly, but you should check for any features that may be important to your workflow.
Customization Options: If branding and customization are important for your store, choose an app that offers product labels, packaging customization, and mockup generation tools.


By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to select the POD app that aligns with your business model and goals.

Conclusion

Integrating print-on-demand apps with your Shopify store offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs looking to create a custom product line without the burden of managing inventory. From well-known options like Printful and Printify to more niche providers like SPOD, there are plenty of choices for building a profitable print-on-demand business. By choosing the right app, you can offer a unique range of products to your customers, automate the fulfillment process, and focus on growing your store. The POD model has revolutionized the way people do business online, and with the right tools, you can take full advantage of this opportunity.