Best Shopify Print on Demand Apps for Beginners
One of the most popular ways for entrepreneurs and content creators to make money online is through print-on-demand.
This ecommerce business model, similar to dropshipping, allows you to sell customized products without purchasing and storing inventory, which translates to less risk and a lower initial investment when starting an online business.
To start a Print on Demand business, most entrepreneurs choose the Shopify eCommerce platform, the market leader with the most significant number of Print on Demand apps in its official app store.
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the best Shopify Print on Demand apps for Beginners, detailing their key features and what you can expect from each one.
The Best Print on Demand Apps for Shopify
- Gelato: the best all-around app for Shopify.
- Printify: best for product selection with over 1,000 references.
- Printful: best if you’re looking for a company with its own production facilities.
1. Gelato Print on Demand
Gelato Print on Demand is a free print-on-demand company with an average rating of 4.8/5 in the Shopify App Store.
With Gelato, you can sell a wide range of products, from personalized items like photo books and art prints to sports and activewear from premium brands like Nike, Champion, and Under Armour, all while enjoying eco-friendly production options and excellent product quality.
One of Gelato’s strengths is its network of local production partners in 32 countries, which reduces production and delivery times compared to other print-on-demand companies. You can expect delivery of the product to your customer in about 5 days.
Additionally, if you value sustainability and customer service, Gelato is the best option, as it has local production networks and support in English.
Gelato features
- Guaranteed delivery in 5 days (instead of 7-14 days with other companies).
- Over 140 local production facilities in 32 countries.
- Built specifically for Shopify with 1-click integration.
- Lower carbon emissions per order through local printing with Gelato.
- Connect your catalog to other online marketplaces simultaneously, such as Etsy.
- Automatic product migration from other platforms.
- Mockups, stock images, and customization tools.
Gelato Print on Demand pricing
You can start for free with Gelato and upgrade to their premium plan, Gelato+, as you get a decent number of orders.
- Gelato Free: Free forever with integrations for Shopify, Etsy, and more.
- Gelato+: $23.99/month (monthly billing) or $19.99/month (annual billing).
- Gelato Platinum: Custom pricing model.
2. Printful
Unlike Gelato and Printify, the Latvian-based company Printful stands out for its own production facilities, which are distributed across Europe, America, and Asia.
For example, Printful has its own production and logistics center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as facilities in California and other locations across the US.
While Printful offers greater control by managing its own production facilities and advanced branding services, Gelato stands out for its focus on sustainability, next-business-day production, and more accessible premium customization tools.
For sellers who prioritize fast delivery, eco-friendly production, and a streamlined experience, Gelato represents the most efficient and cost-effective solution on the market.
3. Printify
Printify is a print-on-demand company worth considering if you’re looking for extensive product variety and competitive pricing.
When comparing Gelato vs Printify, Gelato stands out as the best option for selling wall art and paper products, automatically assigning the closest provider to the customer to guarantee delivery in 3 to 5 days, with local and sustainable production.
Although Printify offers over 1,000 products, it requires manual selection of print providers, which can impact shipping times and costs based on the provider’s location.
This also applies when comparing Printify and Printful, though Printful offers superior quality control by operating its own production facilities rather than relying on third-party providers.
Printful and Printify recently merged, although they operate independently, so you can expect better discounts and a wider variety of products.
👉 You can get more information in our Printify review or in the guide on how to connect Printify with Shopify.
How to Choose the Best Print on Demand App for Shopify
When selecting the right Print on Demand app for Shopify, it’s essential to consider factors such as Shopify App Store reviews, available product options, and production and shipping timelines.
1. Real user reviews: Check the ratings from other entrepreneurs already using the service in the official Shopify App Store, including both positive experiences and potential areas for improvement for each app.
2. Ease of use: Look for user-friendly solutions with native Shopify integration (all of these companies can be connected easily, even without prior e-commerce experience).
3. Product catalog: Make sure the POD platform has a product catalog and provider network suited to your market niche and location.
4. Cost structure: Analyze how much it costs to create a Print on Demand store with Shopify. Most Shopify Print on Demand apps offer free plans with no upfront investment (you only pay when you make sales).
5. Customization tools: Look for platforms that include visual editors, mockup generation, AI-powered images, and graphic elements for your designs.
6. Production and shipping times: Delivery timeframes are crucial for customer satisfaction. Prioritize print-on-demand companies that guarantee fast delivery within five business days, such as Gelato Print on Demand.
7. Automated fulfillment: Choose a Print on Demand app for Shopify that handles the entire production, packaging, and shipping process, allowing you to focus on promoting your online store.
8. No upfront inventory model: The main advantage of print on demand is not having to invest in stock. Confirm that you can start without purchasing products in advance and that there’s sufficient stock to meet your customers’ demand.
Conclusion
That concludes our guide to the Best Shopify Print on Demand Apps and how to select the right option for your business.
From Gelato’s on-demand printing network to Printful’s seamless integration capabilities, there’s a solution for every need and budget.
After testing all three options mentioned in this guide, I found that Gelato is my favorite for selling print-on-demand products with Shopify. I chose Gelato Print on Demand for its network of local producers and guaranteed fast shipping.
Additionally, if you’re concerned about reducing your carbon footprint while delivering exceptional service to your customers, Gelato enables you to stand out from the competition.
We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect Shopify Print on Demand app for your needs. Best of luck with your store!
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