Which eCommerce Platform Is Best For Print-On-Demand?

Introduction.

Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business has become one of the easiest ways to step into the eCommerce world.

With no need for inventory, minimal upfront costs, and the freedom to create custom designs, POD gives you the tools to build a brand without a warehouse full of stock. But one big question often comes up when you’re starting: Which eCommerce platform should I choose?

This question matters because the right platform can make or break your business. From ease of use and pricing to integration options and customer support, picking a platform that fits your goals is key.

The good news? There’s a platform for everyone. But sorting through all the options can feel overwhelming.

I’ll break things down in simple terms so you can figure out which platform might suit you best. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to look for in a platform and what each one has to offer.

What Is Print-On-Demand, and Why Does It Matter?

Print-on-demand is a business model where products (like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags) are printed and shipped only after someone places an order.

This eliminates the need to buy and store products in advance. Instead, you focus on creating designs and marketing, while a third-party company handles printing and shipping.

This model matters because it lowers risk. You’re not stuck with unsold stock, and you don’t need a large upfront investment.

Plus, it’s perfect for creatives who want to share their art, entrepreneurs who want to test ideas, or anyone exploring side income.

However, the success of a POD business doesn’t only depend on your designs or marketing. The platform you choose is just as critical.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an eCommerce Platform

When you’re choosing an eCommerce platform for your POD store, here are a few things to think about:

1. Ease of Use

Starting a POD store shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. Look for platforms with user-friendly interfaces that help you build and customize your store without needing to code.

2. Integration with POD Services

Many platforms work seamlessly with popular POD companies like Printful, Printify, or Gooten. Check if the platform you’re considering integrates easily with your chosen POD provider.

3. Pricing

Costs can include monthly fees, transaction fees, and extra charges for features or apps. Make sure the pricing structure aligns with your budget.

4. Design Customization

Your store should reflect your brand. Check if the platform allows enough customization to make your store stand out.

5. Scalability

As your business grows, you’ll need features like advanced analytics, marketing tools, and support for more products. Choose a platform that can grow with you.

6. Customer Support

Issues will come up—it’s just part of running a business. A platform with reliable support can save you a lot of frustration.

Top eCommerce Platforms for Print-On-Demand

Let’s look at some of the most popular platforms and what makes each one a strong (or weak) option for POD businesses.

1. Shopify

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, and for good reason. It’s user-friendly, customizable, and integrates seamlessly with almost all major POD services.

Pros:

Over 6,000 apps to enhance your store.
Excellent themes and design options.
Strong integration with Printful, Printify, and others.
Reliable customer support.

Cons:

Monthly fees start at $39, plus transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments.
Some advanced features may require paid apps.

Best For: Entrepreneurs who want a professional, scalable store with lots of customization options.

2. Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace rather than a standalone platform, but it’s a favorite for POD sellers due to its built-in audience of millions of buyers looking for unique products.

Pros:

No need to drive traffic; Etsy’s audience is already there.
Easy to set up.
Low upfront costs (listing fees start at $0.20 per item).

Cons:

High competition within the marketplace.
Fees can add up (transaction fee of 6.5%, plus others).
Limited customization compared to standalone stores.

Best For: Creatives who want to test designs or sell on a smaller scale.

3. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress that turns your site into a fully functional eCommerce store. It’s open-source, which means endless customization possibilities.

Pros:

Free to use (you just pay for hosting, domain, and plugins).
Integrates well with Printful and Printify.
Full control over your site.

Cons:

Steeper learning curve.
Requires some technical skills or willingness to hire help.
Hosting and maintenance can become expensive.

Best For: Those comfortable with WordPress who want full control over their site.

4. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a robust platform built for growth. It’s packed with features and offers great flexibility for sellers looking to scale.

Pros:

No transaction fees.
Great for scaling businesses.
Strong integration with POD services.

Cons:

Higher starting cost ($39 per month).
Limited free themes.

Best For: Growing businesses that need more advanced features.

5. Squarespace

Squarespace is well-known for its beautiful templates and ease of use. While it’s not as feature-packed as Shopify or BigCommerce, it’s a solid choice for smaller stores.

Pros:

Stunning templates for a professional look.
Straightforward setup process.
Supports Printful integration.

Cons:

Limited scalability for larger stores.
Fewer eCommerce-specific features.

Best For: Small businesses or creatives who value aesthetics.

6. Redbubble

Redbubble is a marketplace like Etsy but specifically for POD. It handles everything from product creation to shipping.

Pros:

Zero setup required.
Built-in audience of buyers.
Hands-off fulfillment process.

Cons:

Limited control over pricing and branding.
Margins can be lower than with standalone platforms.

Best For: Artists or designers looking for a no-fuss option to sell POD products.

FAQs

1. Can I switch platforms later?

Yes, but it can be a hassle. Migrating products, customer data, and designs takes time, so it’s best to pick a platform you’re comfortable with from the start.