Explore the best platforms for creating and selling custom products with print on demand services.

If you're looking to start a print on demand (POD) business, choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial for your success. With the rise of custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, POD has become a popular way for entrepreneurs to build businesses without holding inventory. However, with so many e-commerce platforms out there, selecting the best one can be overwhelming. This guide will break down the top platforms to help you choose the best fit for your print on demand business.

1. Shopify: The Most Popular E-commerce Platform for POD

When it comes to building an online store, Shopify stands out as one of the best platforms for print on demand. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, Shopify offers seamless integration with various POD services, such as Printful, Printify, and Gooten. Shopify is especially ideal for entrepreneurs who want a professional-looking online store with minimal setup time.

Shopify's features include drag-and-drop design tools, customizable themes, and a vast app marketplace that makes it easy to enhance the functionality of your store. Additionally, Shopify's secure payment processing system and reliable customer support make it a go-to choice for many POD business owners. With flexible pricing plans ranging from $29/month to $299/month, Shopify offers options for businesses of all sizes.

Furthermore, Shopify's scalability is a key benefit. As your business grows, you can easily upgrade to a higher plan with more features, such as advanced analytics, more shipping options, and priority customer support. Shopify also allows for integration with multiple sales channels like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook, enabling you to expand your reach beyond your website.

2. WooCommerce: Best for WordPress Users

WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress, making it the best choice for anyone already familiar with or using the WordPress platform. It’s an open-source solution that gives you full control over your online store. As a WordPress plugin, WooCommerce offers the flexibility to customize your website however you want, and it's free to install. However, you'll need to pay for hosting and any additional premium features or themes.

WooCommerce supports a wide range of print on demand services like Printful and Printify, making it a great option for POD sellers. The integration process is smooth, and you can manage everything directly from your WordPress dashboard. Plus, WooCommerce offers tons of extensions and plugins to enhance your store's functionality, from SEO tools to marketing automation software.

One of WooCommerce's standout features is its cost-effectiveness. While the initial setup is free, there can be costs associated with premium themes, plugins, and hosting. However, if you're on a budget and already familiar with WordPress, WooCommerce is a fantastic choice. For larger stores, WooCommerce can also scale easily by upgrading hosting plans and adding more features as needed.

3. Etsy: Best for Sellers Looking for a Built-in Marketplace

If you're looking for an e-commerce platform that already has a built-in customer base, Etsy is the way to go. Known for its handmade, vintage, and unique items, Etsy is a popular marketplace for sellers in the print on demand industry. While Etsy doesn't provide the same level of customization as Shopify or WooCommerce, it offers an easy-to-use platform with a low barrier to entry.

One of Etsy's biggest advantages is its massive audience. With millions of active buyers, Etsy offers exposure that can be difficult to achieve when starting from scratch with your own e-commerce website. Etsy also integrates well with popular POD providers like Printful and Printify, allowing you to easily connect your Etsy shop to your POD services and automate order fulfillment.

However, Etsy charges listing fees and transaction fees, which can add up quickly. If you're selling a high volume of products, these fees might eat into your profit margins. Nonetheless, Etsy is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a low-risk way to enter the POD market. It’s also a great choice for sellers who don’t want to manage the complexities of building and maintaining an independent website.

4. BigCommerce: A Scalable Option for Growing POD Businesses

BigCommerce is another popular e-commerce platform that works well for print on demand businesses. Known for its scalability, BigCommerce is a good choice for sellers who expect their businesses to grow quickly. Like Shopify, BigCommerce integrates seamlessly with POD services like Printful, Printify, and T-Pop, making it easy to automate product fulfillment and shipping.

One of the standout features of BigCommerce is its comprehensive built-in features. Unlike other platforms that require you to install third-party apps, BigCommerce includes tools like abandoned cart recovery, advanced shipping options, and professional-grade SEO features right out of the box. This makes it a great option for sellers who want more control over their store without having to rely on additional apps or extensions.

BigCommerce also supports multi-channel selling, so you can sell across various platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook. The platform offers a range of pricing plans starting from $39.95/month, which includes essential features such as a mobile-friendly design, unlimited products, and access to powerful analytics. As with Shopify, BigCommerce is highly scalable, which makes it a good choice for businesses aiming for long-term growth.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Platform for Your POD Business

Choosing the best e-commerce platform for your print on demand business depends on your unique needs, goals, and budget. Shopify is ideal for those who want an all-in-one solution with great customer support, while WooCommerce is a good choice for WordPress users who prefer flexibility and control. Etsy offers an easy way to tap into an existing marketplace, and BigCommerce is a great option for sellers planning to scale their business.

Regardless of which platform you choose, ensure it integrates well with your chosen print on demand provider and offers the features that will help you grow your business. Keep in mind that your success in the POD market also depends on your ability to market your products effectively, optimize your store for conversions, and deliver excellent customer service. With the right platform and strategy, you can build a successful print on demand business that generates steady income.


This article provides a detailed comparison of the best e-commerce platforms for print on demand businesses, highlighting their key features and benefits. Each platform is assessed for specific needs, helping entrepreneurs make an informed decision about which one suits their business model.