Are you looking for the best ecommerce platforms for your print on demand store? The best ecommerce platform for your print on demand store should offer seamless integrations, robust marketing tools, and user-friendly interfaces. At amazingprint.net, we understand the importance of selecting the right platform to streamline your print on demand business.
This guide explores top ecommerce solutions, offering insights into their features, pricing, and benefits. Discover the ideal platform to enhance your online store, optimize your operations, and elevate your brand’s presence with excellent user experience, multiple sales channel integrations, and customizable design options.
1. What is Shopify and Why Should I Use It For My Print-on-Demand Store?
Shopify is the leading ecommerce platform for print-on-demand stores because it offers a wide range of integrations, robust marketing features, and an easy-to-use interface. Shopify simplifies the process of managing your online store, automating tasks, and focusing on crucial aspects like marketing and customer service.
1.1 What Integrations Does Shopify Offer for Print-on-Demand?
Shopify offers integrations such as Printful, Printify, SPOD, Apliiq, and Teelaunch, along with over 400 other print-on-demand apps. These integrations provide extensive automation, allowing you to concentrate on marketing and customer service.
1.2 What Marketing Tools Does Shopify Provide?
Shopify provides marketing tools such as free Google Ads, Facebook & Instagram Ads, and TikTok Ads apps, along with email marketing capabilities and over 2,000 marketing apps. It also stands out as the only ecommerce platform with YouTube integration, enabling content creators to link their Shopify store and display products directly below their videos.
1.3 How Easy Is It to Set Up a Print-on-Demand Store on Shopify?
Shopify simplifies the setup of your print-on-demand store with its user-friendly platform, even for those new to online store building. Numerous Shopify tutorials are available to guide you through the process.
1.4 What is Shopify Pricing?
Shopify’s pricing plans include:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Products | Turnover Limit | Transaction Fee | Admin Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39 | Unlimited | None | 2% | 2 |
| Standard | $105 | Unlimited | None | 1% | 5 |
| Advanced | $399 | Unlimited | None | 0.5% | 15 |
Shopify does not impose annual turnover limits on any plan, but it charges transaction fees on payments received through third-party gateways like PayPal or Amazon Pay. Using Shopify Payments waives this fee.
1.5 What Are The Pros and Cons of Using Shopify?
Here are the pros and cons of using Shopify:
Pros
- 24/7 support
- No turnover limits
- Easy-to-use admin dashboard
- Excellent theme customization
- Wide selection of themes
- Large number of print-on-demand apps
- Good selection of marketing features
Cons
- Transaction fees
- Support is not highly rated
1.6 Who is Shopify Ideal For?
Shopify is suitable for designers, entrepreneurs, and content creators looking to start a print-on-demand business, offering numerous print-on-demand integrations and marketing features. For further details, read our comprehensive Shopify review at amazingprint.net.
2. Why Consider BigCommerce As An Alternative to Shopify For Your Print-on-Demand Store?
BigCommerce is a strong alternative to Shopify, offering robust print-on-demand capabilities for businesses of all sizes. While it focuses on enterprise-level ecommerce, its Essentials plan provides small and medium-sized businesses with a great selection of tools to start selling online.
2.1 What Integrations Does BigCommerce Provide?
BigCommerce offers integrations with Printful, Printify, Printy6, Teelaunch, and Gelato, among 15+ other print-on-demand apps. This ensures you have access to all the major players in the print-on-demand industry.
2.2 What Marketing Tools Are Included With BigCommerce?
BigCommerce includes marketing tools such as selling via Facebook & Instagram, Google Shopping, built-in SEO features, and email marketing. While it doesn’t offer as much as Shopify, it provides a solid foundation for marketing your print-on-demand products.
2.3 How User-Friendly Is The BigCommerce Platform?
The BigCommerce platform is designed to be user-friendly and easy to get started with, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
2.4 What Are The BigCommerce Pricing Plans?
BigCommerce offers several pricing plans:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Turnover Limit | Transaction Fee | Admin Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $29.95 | $50,000 | None | Unlimited |
| Standard | $79.95 | $180,000 | None | Unlimited |
| Advanced | $299.95 | $400,000 | None | Unlimited |
BigCommerce is similar to Shopify in monthly cost, but it has annual turnover limits, which are some of the smallest in the industry. For larger stores, you can upgrade to the Advanced Package or a custom enterprise package. BigCommerce doesn’t charge any transaction fees and offers a selection of 65 pre-installed payment gateways.
2.5 What Are The Pros and Cons of BigCommerce?
The pros and cons of BigCommerce are as follows:
Pros
- Easy-to-navigate dashboard
- 24/7 support
- Ability to sell on social media
- Bulk product editor
- Very good order management system
- Good number of print-on-demand apps
Cons
- Performance issues
- Small annual turnover limits
2.6 Who is BigCommerce Best Suited For?
BigCommerce is best for those who prefer not to use Shopify but want similar features. It’s also ideal for businesses looking to add print-on-demand alongside their existing products. To learn more, check out our full review of BigCommerce at amazingprint.net.
3. Is Wix Suitable For Launching a Small Print-on-Demand Store?
Wix is a low-cost alternative to Shopify and BigCommerce, making it appealing to smaller print-on-demand stores. It combines a full website builder with a selection of integrations and marketing tools.
3.1 What Kind of Integrations Can I Expect with Wix?
Wix provides integrations with Printful, Printify, Gelato, and Printy6, alongside nine additional print-on-demand apps.
3.2 What Marketing Tools Does Wix Offer?
Wix includes marketing tools like Facebook & Instagram Ads, email marketing, and SEO tools. While Wix may not offer as many integrations or marketing tools as Shopify or BigCommerce, its pricing makes it a strong contender.
3.3 How Does Wix Pricing Compare to Other Platforms?
Wix offers competitive pricing plans:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Products | Turnover Limit | Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $27 | Unlimited | None | None |
| Unlimited | $32 | Unlimited | None | None |
| VIP | $59 | Unlimited | None | None |
Wix stands out for its affordability, offering unlimited products, no annual turnover limits, and no transaction fees on all plans.
3.4 What Are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Wix?
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Decent set of features
- Full site customizer
- Competitive plan pricing
- Large theme selection
- 24/7 support
Cons:
- Hosting performance
- Workflow isn’t optimal
- Limited template changes
3.5 Who is Wix Best For?
Wix is perfect for individuals or businesses aiming to start a print-on-demand website on a budget. It offers a full website builder, along with a good selection of integrations and marketing tools at a reasonable monthly price. For an in-depth look, check out our full review of Wix at amazingprint.net.
4. Why Should I Use Ecwid For My Existing Website for Print-on-Demand?
Ecwid is an excellent choice for integrating print-on-demand products into an existing website, offering a quick and easy way to start selling. It also provides a website builder for creating a simple online store.
4.1 How Well Does Ecwid Integrate with WordPress?
Ecwid offers excellent integration with WordPress, making it ideal for bloggers looking to monetize their content with print-on-demand. It requires just one plugin, and the checkout process is fully secure.
4.2 What Integrations Does Ecwid Offer for Print-on-Demand?
Ecwid’s integrations are somewhat limited, but it includes Printful and Printy6, providing essential connections for print-on-demand services.
4.3 What Marketing Tools Does Ecwid Provide?
Ecwid provides effective marketing tools, including Facebook & Instagram Ads, Google Ads, TikTok Ads, and email marketing through MailChimp.
4.4 What About The User Experience with Ecwid?
Ecwid is known for its ease of use, with a well-designed interface and simple, easy-to-navigate dashboard pages. This makes it a great option for businesses seeking a reasonably priced, user-friendly shopping cart.
4.5 What Are The Ecwid Pricing Plans?
Ecwid’s pricing plans include:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Products | Turnover Limit | Transaction Fee | Admin Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venture | $25 | 100 | None | None | 1 |
| Business | $45 | 2,500 | None | None | 2 |
| Unlimited | $105 | Unlimited | None | None | Unlimited |
Ecwid also offers a completely free package, which is limited to selling up to 5 products and doesn’t include all platform features. It has no turnover limits or transaction fees and offers over 30 payment gateways.
4.6 What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Ecwid?
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Ecwid:
Pros:
- Multi-channel selling
- Great integration with WordPress
- No transaction fees or turnover limits
- Free package available
- Easy-to-use admin dashboard
- Very good product and order management tools
Cons:
- Limited SEO features
- Some basic features only available on higher-tier plans
- Basic website builder
- Small number of print-on-demand apps
4.7 Who is Ecwid Best For?
Ecwid is ideal for individuals or businesses with an existing website who want to add a fully-hosted checkout. It’s also a great option for bloggers looking to add print-on-demand due to its excellent WordPress integration. More details can be found in our full review of Ecwid at amazingprint.net.
5. Why is WooCommerce a Solid Self-Hosted Option for Print-on-Demand?
WooCommerce, paired with WordPress, is a top-notch self-hosted solution for print-on-demand, offering extensive integrations and marketing options.
5.1 What Kind of Print-on-Demand Integrations Does WooCommerce Have?
WooCommerce offers a wide array of integrations, including Printful, Printify, Printy6, SPOD, and Hoplix, along with numerous other print-on-demand plugins.
5.2 What Marketing Tools Does WooCommerce Offer?
WooCommerce provides various marketing tools, such as integrations for Facebook & Instagram, Google, Pinterest, and TikTok, plus email marketing and numerous marketing plugins.
5.3 How Many Plugins Should I Expect to Install to Run My WooCommerce Store?
Setting up a WooCommerce store requires installing multiple plugins, including payment gateways, to start taking orders.
5.4 What Are Some of The Drawbacks of WooCommerce?
Many print-on-demand plugins for WooCommerce have lower ratings compared to apps from the same company on other platforms.
5.5 How is WooCommerce Priced?
The WooCommerce plugin is free, but you’ll need to pay for WordPress hosting. Additional plugins and themes may also require payment.
5.6 What Are The Pros and Cons of WooCommerce?
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Free to install and use
- Highly flexible
- Large theme selection
- Numerous plugins available
- Easy-to-use admin dashboard
Cons:
- Requires several plugins for full functionality
- Limited technical support
5.7 Who is WooCommerce Best For?
WooCommerce is ideal if you want complete control over your website, thanks to its self-hosted and open-source nature. It offers a wide range of plugins for both print-on-demand and marketing. Learn more in our full WooCommerce review at amazingprint.net.
6. What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Ecommerce Platform for My Print-on-Demand Business?
Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your print-on-demand business involves several considerations to ensure it supports and enhances your business operations.
6.1 Should I Choose a Hosted or Self-Hosted Platform?
Deciding between a hosted and self-hosted platform is crucial. Hosted platforms offer ease of use and managed services, while self-hosted options provide more control and flexibility.
6.1.1 What is a Hosted Platform?
Hosted ecommerce platforms, also known as SaaS (Software as a Service), include a website builder, web hosting, and support. These platforms typically operate on a subscription basis, with monthly or annual fees. All technical aspects are managed for you.
6.1.2 What is a Self-Hosted Platform?
Self-hosted platforms require you to buy your own hosting and install the software. While the software might be free, hosting and SSL certificates will incur costs. Support is minimal, requiring you to manage the technical aspects yourself or hire a developer.
6.2 What Integrations and Features Are Essential for Print-on-Demand?
Integrations and features are vital for automating the order fulfillment process. Ensure your chosen platform supports integrations with your preferred print partners and offers robust marketing tools.
6.3 What Payment Options Should I Offer My Customers?
Offering multiple payment options can enhance your store’s conversion rate. Include options like PayPal, credit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
6.4 How Important is Ease of Use?
Ease of use is crucial for saving time and avoiding headaches. Consider the setup process, theme customization, integration functionality, and inventory/order management. Trying out a few platforms before committing can help ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
7. What’s The Best Way To Get My Print On Demand Store Started?
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial for your print-on-demand business. While the cheapest option might seem appealing, it could cost you more time and money in the long run. Take the time to explore different options and select the one that best supports your business goals.
7.1 Which Platform is The Editor’s Choice?
Shopify is the top choice for starting a print-on-demand website, offering numerous print-on-demand apps, a strong selection of marketing features, and ease of use. Learn more at amazingprint.net.
FAQ About Ecommerce Platforms for Print on Demand Stores
8.1 Which Ecommerce Platform is the Most Affordable for Print on Demand?
Wix is known for being a budget-friendly option, offering a range of features at a lower cost compared to platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce. Its plans include unlimited products, no transaction fees, and no annual turnover limits, making it attractive for startups.
8.2 Can I Use a Free Ecommerce Platform for Print on Demand?
Yes, Ecwid offers a free plan that allows you to sell up to five products. While it’s a good starting point, it has limited features compared to paid plans. For a fully functional store, you might need to upgrade to a paid option.
8.3 What Are The Key Integrations I Should Look For in a Print on Demand Platform?
Key integrations include those with popular print-on-demand services like Printful, Printify, and Gelato. These integrations automate the process of order fulfillment and production, streamlining your business operations.
8.4 Which Platform Offers The Best SEO Tools for My Print on Demand Store?
BigCommerce is well-regarded for its built-in SEO tools, helping your store rank better in search engine results. These tools include customizable URLs, metadata editing, and more, which can significantly improve your store’s visibility.
8.5 How Important is Mobile Optimization for a Print on Demand Store?
Mobile optimization is crucial as many customers shop on their smartphones. Ensure your chosen platform offers mobile-responsive themes and designs, providing a seamless shopping experience on all devices.
8.6 What Customer Support Options Should I Expect From An Ecommerce Platform?
Look for platforms offering 24/7 support, extensive documentation, and active community forums. Reliable customer support is essential for resolving issues quickly and keeping your store running smoothly.
8.7 How Can I Migrate My Existing Store to a New Ecommerce Platform?
Most platforms offer tools or plugins to help you migrate your products, customer data, and other information from one platform to another. Consider hiring a professional if the migration process seems too complex.
8.8 What Security Features Should I Look For in an Ecommerce Platform?
Essential security features include SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and fraud protection. These features protect your customers’ data and ensure secure transactions on your site.
8.9 How Do I Handle Returns and Exchanges on a Print on Demand Store?
Establish a clear policy for returns and exchanges, and make sure your chosen platform supports easy management of these processes. Communicate your policies clearly to your customers to manage expectations and build trust.
8.10 What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Print on Demand Store?
Common mistakes include neglecting marketing, not optimizing product listings, and failing to provide excellent customer service. Focus on these areas to set your store up for success.
Start Your Print-on-Demand Journey Today
Ready to launch your print-on-demand business? Visit amazingprint.net for comprehensive guides, detailed comparisons, and creative inspiration. Explore our resources to find the perfect platform and start creating and selling your unique designs today. Let us help you turn your ideas into reality. Contact us at Address: 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States. Phone: +1 (650) 253-0000.
