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Top 11 Print on Demand Shopify Apps: Must-Have Tools for Ecommerce Success

February 22, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

When it comes to eCommerce success, choosing the right tools can be a game-changer. Dive into our guide on the top 11 print on demand Shopify apps, each offering unique features to cater to your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Printful: The feature is best for established businesses seeking automated order fulfillment and a wide product range.
  • Printify: The feature is best for Shopify Entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking competitive pricing and a diverse product catalog.
  • Spocket – US & EU Dropshipping: The feature is best for businesses of all sizes, prioritizing reliable and swift deliveries, especially in the US and EU markets.
  • Zendrop – Dropshipping & POD: The feature is best for small to medium businesses that value optimized product sourcing and faster shipping.

5 Essential Features Your Shopify POD App Must Have

What makes a POD app stellar? Let’s walk through these essential features.

  • Ease of Integration: You need an app that plays nicely with your Shopify store. You’re an artist, a designer, or an entrepreneur, and you don’t have time to deal with integration headaches. And for established businesses, you need a smooth transition that doesn’t interrupt your busy operations. The same goes for large retailers needing quick, clean, and hassle-free integration. So, ensure the app you choose integrates like a dream.
  • Broad Product Range: Your app should offer a ton of different products ready to showcase your designs. Whether t-shirts, mugs, or pillows, more options mean more ways to express creativity. And for existing businesses, it’s a goldmine to diversify your offerings and attract more customers. 
  • High-Quality Printing and Fulfillment: No matter how good your design is, if it’s not printed well, it won’t sell. Your POD app needs to ensure top-notch printing quality and reliable fulfillment. This way, your customers get a fantastic product every single time, translating into repeat purchases and rave reviews.
  • Automated and Scalable Operations: The app should automatically process orders, manage inventory, and handle shipping. It’s like having your assistant, allowing you to focus on creating more incredible designs. This is a godsend for small and medium businesses to stay flexible and risk-free, while large retailers can comfortably manage high volumes of orders.
  • Robust Customer Support: A great POD app offers a fantastic support team to help navigate any bumps in the road. Whether you’re just starting, managing an eCommerce business, or running a large-scale retail operation is crucial. Having that extra support makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable. 

11 Best Print on Demand Shopify Apps

Printful: Print on Demand

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Why we like it 

Printful smoothly integrates with Shopify, making the setup process a breeze, no matter the size of your operation. The broad product range invites your creativity to run wild and caters to varied customer demands. Besides, Printful’s top-tier quality guarantees that every design comes to life to ensure customer satisfaction. In addition, their stellar customer support is ready to assist you whenever you need a hand. 

Rating: 

Printful: Print on Demand has a rating 4.6/5.0 with 4341 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Hassle-free Integration: Printful syncs seamlessly with your Shopify store. Without technical hiccups, you can focus on your art, design, or business operation.
  • Extensive Product Catalog: From t-shirts to posters, Printful offers an extensive range of products ready to become the canvas for your creative designs. This variety allows businesses of all sizes to diversify their product offerings.
  • Top-Quality Printing: The app ensures every design is printed with precision and care, at least 150 DPI, making your creations look their best. This attention to quality translates to satisfied customers and positive reviews for your store.
  • Scalable and Automated Operations: It handles order processing, inventory management, and shipping – all automated. This frees you up to concentrate on what you do best – creating stunning designs or managing your growing business.
  • Reliable Customer Support: Whether you’re a newbie designer or a large-scale retailer, you’ll appreciate having a responsive team solving any issues promptly and effectively.

Pros and cons

ProsCons
Extensive product catalog
High-quality printing
Zero inventory risks
Excellent mockup generator
Custom duty charges for international deliveries

Read on: Printful Reviews: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons in 2023

Who should use it?

Printful is a powerful solution for businesses of varying sizes across multiple sectors.

  • Startups: Particularly those led by artists and designers. This platform takes care of production and inventory management. Therefore, it allows them to concentrate on designing unique, marketable products.
  • Existing small to medium Shopify businesses: Especially those looking for a seamless way to diversify their offerings. The vast product selection empowers these businesses to explore new designs and ideas. And its user-friendly interface facilitates business growth without the associated risks.
  • Large-scale retailers: Those looking to expand into new markets or delve into personalized products. Printful’s robust, scalable, and designed to support large operations.
  • Unique designs and customization industry: Fashion, home decor, and accessories will appreciate Printful’s commitment to print quality and product variety. 

Printify: Print on Demand

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Why we like it

What makes Printify stand out is its expansive network of print providers. It’s a game-changer for businesses, especially artists, designers, and innovative eCommerce entities, allowing them to diversify their product offerings. Furthermore, its competitive pricing structure offers a significant advantage. Printify’s cost-effectiveness makes it possible for businesses at all stages to improve their profit margins while delivering quality to their customers.

Rating: 

Printify: Print on Demand has a rating 4.4/5.0 with 1929 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Wide Selection of Products: This means more opportunities for creative entrepreneurs and businesses to apply your unique designs across different product categories. It lets you test the market’s response to your designs on various items without significant investment.
  • Extensive Network of Print Providers: This is particularly beneficial for businesses aiming to provide unique and varied product offerings, helping to set you apart from competitors.
  • Mockup Generator: This feature allows you to visualize your designs on chosen products before making a final decision. For businesses, this means reduced risk of unsold inventory. And for artists, it provides a clear picture of how their artwork will translate onto different mediums.
  • Automated Fulfillment and Shipping: Your businesses will have more time to focus on marketing and design. This feature is crucial for scalability, particularly for growing eCommerce businesses and large-scale retailers.
  • Competitive Pricing Structure: Printify’s pricing caters to businesses of all sizes. This is especially advantageous for startups and SMEs looking to optimize costs and large-scale retailers seeking to improve profit margins.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Wide network of print providers
Large product catalog
Cost-effective pricing
Automated fulfillment and shipping
Quality variations between providers
Limited customer support
Limited control over the production process
Vary shipping times 

Read more: Printify Review: Pricing, Features, Products, Pros & cons

Printful vs Printify: Which Print-on-demand is Better?

Who should use it?

  • Startups and Small to Medium-Sized Shopify Businesses: It brings unique designs to market without the burden of upfront costs or inventory management. These businesses can leverage Printify’s diverse product selection and print provider network to create an exciting product range.
  • Large-Scale Shopify  Retailers: They can benefit from Printify’s automated fulfillment and shipping processes. This enables efficient handling of high-order volumes and seamless integration into existing workflows. Large-scale retailers in fashion, accessories, and home decor industries can use Printify’s extensive network to diversify their product line.
  • Creative Professionals and Artists selling on Shopify: It offers a platform to showcase and monetize their designs without the hassle of production logistics. Printify’s mockup generator lets artists preview their work on different products.

Spocket ‑ US & EU Dropshipping

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Why do we like it

Spocket stands out for its extensive network of suppliers offering US and EU products. Its selection of quality vetted suppliers and streamlined shipping process makes it an excellent choice for businesses targeting customers in these regions, regardless of their size. Moreover, Spocket’s user-friendly platform and integration with Shopify allow businesses to manage their dropshipping operations efficiently.

Rating: 

4.7/5.0 with 4101 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Regional Specialization: Spocket’s focus on the US and EU markets allows businesses to offer products that cater to these audiences’ specific tastes and preferences.
  • Quality Vetted Suppliers: Spocket’s strict vetting process for suppliers ensures that the products offered are of high quality, providing peace of mind to businesses about their product offerings.
  • Streamlined Shipping: Spocket simplifies shipping, reducing logistical complexities and helping businesses ensure timely product deliveries.
  • One-Click Product Import: With Spocket, you can easily import products to your Shopify store with just a single click. This saves time and streamlines the process of adding products to your catalog.
  • Real-Time Inventory and Pricing Updates: It ensures that you have accurate information about product availability and costs. This helps to avoid situations where customers place orders for products that are out of stock or face unexpected price changes.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Quality vetted suppliers
Streamlined shipping
Fast shipping and reliable fulfillment
Limited to certain markets

Who should use it?

  • Region-Specific Shopify Retailers: Businesses focused on penetrating or expanding in the US and EU markets will find Spocket’s suppliers and shipping times beneficial.
  • Quality-Focused Businesses: For those prioritizing quality over quantity, Spocket’s vetted suppliers can provide the high-standard products they need.
  • Startups to Medium-Sized Shopify Businesses: Spocket’s simplified shipping process can enhance operational efficiency.
  • Shopify Retailers and Dropshippers: It streamlines the dropshipping process, allowing businesses to focus on marketing and customer acquisition.

Zendrop ‑ Dropshipping & POD

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Why we like it

Zendrop caters well to the needs of businesses looking for an all-in-one platform for print-on-demand and dropshipping services. Its fast shipping times and integration with Shopify make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes that seek a streamlined solution to their eCommerce needs. Additionally, Zendrop’s dedication to providing top-notch customer support ensures that businesses have the assistance they need to succeed.

Rating: 

4.8/5.0 with 6132 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Fast Shipping: Zendrop boasts fast shipping times, allowing businesses to promise and deliver products to customers promptly.
  • Seamless Integration with Shopify: Zendrop streamlines businesses’ product listing and order management processes as a Shopify-integrated solution.
  • Unlimited Product Imports: With Zendrop, businesses can list unlimited products, allowing them to experiment and expand their product range freely.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Fast shipping times
Shopify integration
Unlimited product listings
Higher subscription cost for premium features

Who should use it?

  • Existing Shopify Businesses: If your business is already on Shopify and you’re looking for a seamless solution for dropshipping and print-on-demand, Zendrop’s integration with Shopify is beneficial.
  • Fast-Paced Shopify Retailers: Businesses prioritizing fast delivery to provide a superior customer experience will find Zendrop’s quick shipping times advantageous.
  • Small to Large eCommerce Shopify Businesses: Zendrop’s unlimited product listings cater to all.

ShineOn: Print On Demand

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Why we like it

ShineOn: Print On Demand offers a unique proposition – focusing solely on custom jewelry. This niche focus makes it an ideal platform for businesses targeting customers who appreciate personalized jewelry pieces, making it suitable for independent artists, designers, and smaller niche eCommerce businesses.

Rating: 

ShineOn maintains a strong reputation within the Shopify community, reflected in its outstanding rating of 4.9/5.0 based on 570 user reviews and feedback.

Features

  • Jewelry-Specific Products: ShineOn focuses exclusively on jewelry, offering a wide range of customizable products such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings. This specialization ensures that jewelry entrepreneurs have access to a variety of high-quality pieces tailored to their customers’ preferences.
  • Customization Options: ShineOn allows businesses to offer personalized jewelry with customizable engravings, photos, or birthstones. This feature greatly benefits customers who seek unique, sentimental pieces, allowing them to commemorate special moments or express their individuality.
  • Product Quality: ShineOn’s commitment to top-notch craftsmanship ensures that jewelry pieces meet the highest standards. This feature builds trust with customers.
  • Efficient Order Fulfillment: ShineOn’s automated order processing and fulfillment system streamline operations, saving time and ensuring orders are promptly delivered.
  • Branding and Packaging: ShineOn offers branding and packaging options, allowing businesses to create a unique unboxing experience. Customized packaging enhances the perceived value of the jewelry and adds a personal touch.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Niche product specialization (Jewelry)
High-quality materials
Customer engraving option
Shopify Integration – smooth order management
Good profit margins due to unique product
No upfront costs – suitable for startups
Limited product range (only jewelry)
Limited shipping in some regions

Who should use it?

  • Artists and Designers Selling on Shopify: Those with unique design ideas for jewelry will find ShineOn’s product specialization beneficial.
  • Niche Shopify Businesses: For businesses focusing on selling personalized products, especially in the jewelry category, ShineOn is a perfect match.
  • Gift Retailers: Businesses that cater to customers looking for personalized gifts, especially for special occasions, can leverage ShineOn’s custom engraving option.

Apliiq ‑ Print On Demand

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Why we like it

Apliiq – Print On Demand is a stand-out solution for Shopify entrepreneurs, especially those with a flair for fashion and creative designs. Its unique focus on high-quality apparel production and a range of customization options make it a top pick for anyone aiming to launch or diversify a clothing line without needing physical inventory management.

Rating: 

4.7/5.0 with 430 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Custom Apparel Creation: Apliiq offers various clothing styles that businesses can customize with unique designs. Hence, artists and designers monetize their creations in a viral market segment – fashion.
  • Brand Labels: With Apliiq, businesses can add brand labels to their products, giving each item a premium and personalized feel. This is especially advantageous for startups looking to establish their brand identity in the competitive online marketplace.
  • Inventory Management: Apliiq manages inventory, reducing business overheads and operational complexities. This feature benefits small to medium enterprises seeking scalability and flexibility.
  • Dropshipping: Once an order is placed, Apliiq takes care of production, packaging, and shipping. This feature is tremendously helpful for eCommerce businesses looking to automate their fulfillment process and focus more on their core operations – designing and marketing.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Wide range of apparel styles for customization
Addition of personal brand labels to products
Comprehensive inventory management
Efficient dropshipping service for ease of fulfillment
Limited to apparel, no other product types
Long time shipping over competitors
The higher price point for products
No global production facilities

Who should use it?

  • Budding Fashion Designers: Apliiq is a perfect platform for Shopify entrepreneurs interested in launching their clothing line, particularly those with a strong focus on streetwear or urban fashion.
  • Clothing Retail Startups: For new businesses looking to offer a unique range of high-quality, branded apparel, Apliiq’s emphasis on customization and quality makes it an ideal choice.
  • Growing Apparel Brands: Established small to medium businesses seeking to elevate their brand by adding personalized labels to their clothing line would find Apliiq beneficial.
  • Limited Edition Clothing Retailers: Large-scale retailers looking to offer their customers exclusive, limited edition apparel can use Apliiq to bring their designs to life effortlessly.

Gelato: Print on Demand

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Why we like it

Gelato offers a global production and shipping network, making it an excellent choice for businesses that cater to international markets. We appreciate Gelato’s global reach, extensive product range, and user-friendly interface. This global reach enables businesses to deliver products swiftly to their customers, regardless of location.

Rating: 

4.4/5.0 with 204 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Global Production and Shipping: Gelato’s global network ensures quick production and delivery times, a great advantage for businesses with an international clientele.
  • Wide Product Range: From apparel and home decor to promotional materials, Gelato offers various products for businesses to print designs. Thus businesses can cater to different market segments and preferences.
  • Quality Control: Gelato maintains a certain quality standard across its network, ensuring businesses can confidently sell products without worrying about inconsistent quality.
  • Seamless Integration with Shopify: Gelato seamlessly integrates with Shopify. This integration facilitates smooth order processing and automates printing and shipping workflows.
  • Sustainable Printing Practices: They prioritize responsible sourcing, minimize waste, and utilize energy-efficient technologies. 

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Global production and shipping network
Good for international businesses
User-friendly interface
Wide range of products
Integration with popular e-commerce platforms
Changeable product quality
Limited customization options
Slow customer service Higher pricing compared to some competitors

Who should use it?

  • International Shopify Retailers: Businesses aiming to cater to a global audience without worrying about international shipping complexities will benefit Gelato’s global production and shipping network.
  • Medium to Large Shopify Businesses: Medium to large-scale businesses looking to offer various products with fast delivery times should consider Gelato.
  • Corporate Gifting and Promotional Companies: Businesses in the promotional product and corporate gifting industry can utilize Gelato’s wide product range and global reach.

BestDealer Dropshipping&POD

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Why we like it

BestDealer Dropshipping&POD is a highly competitive solution for budget-conscious startups and small businesses that aim to make a mark in the eCommerce industry. Its cost-effective product range can appeal to a broader audience, providing an edge in today’s saturated online market.

Rating: 

4.8/5.0 with 392 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Competitive Pricing: BestDealer offers products at competitive prices, making it easier for startups to enter the market and offer attractive prices to their customers.
  • Dropshipping Service: It handles all the inventory and shipping operations, letting businesses focus on their core operations.
  • Product Curation: BestDealer curates a range of popular products, simplifying the product selection process for businesses.
  • Wide Selection of Products: BestDealer offers a diverse range of products for dropshipping and print-on-demand, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. It allows businesses to cater to different tastes and preferences.
  • Automated Order Fulfillment: When an order is received, it is automatically processed, printed, and shipped to the customer, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. This feature enables businesses to provide efficient and reliable service to their customers.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Competitive product prices
Efficient dropshipping service
Simplified product selection
Seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms
Automated order fulfillment
Limited product range
Limited global reach
Limited shipping options for certain regions

Who should use it?

  • Deal-focused Retailers: Businesses that aim to entice customers with competitive deals and discounts might find BestDealer’s low-priced product range beneficial.
  • Budget-conscious Startups: Startups that are financially constrained but want to impact the market significantly would benefit from BestDealer’s user-friendly platform and comprehensive services. It provides the tools to set up and manage an online business quickly.
  • Small-scale eCommerce Businesses: Its seamless integration, automated order fulfillment, and competitive pricing enable these businesses to expand their product range, attract new customers, and increase revenue.

Teelaunch: Print on Demand

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Why we like it

Teelaunch, with its extensive product range and cost-effective pricing, is particularly advantageous for small and medium-sized businesses. It allows them to experiment with various product designs without worrying about inventory costs. Its attention to detail makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and comprehensive print-on-demand solution.

Rating: 

4.3/5.0 with 627 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Diverse Product Range: Teelaunch offers a broad range of products, from apparel and home decor to novelty items, offering businesses numerous creative avenues.
  • Affordable Pricing: Teelaunch’s competitive pricing structure allows businesses to maintain healthy profit margins while offering attractive prices to customers.
  • Order Automation: Teelaunch automates the entire order process, from printing to shipping, ensuring a seamless business operation.
  • Easy-to-use Mockup Generator: This feature saves time and resources by eliminating the need for extensive physical product samples. So businesses can easily create custom product designs and visualize how they will look before launching them to the market. 

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Diverse product range
Affordable pricing
Automated order processing
Easy-to-use mockup generator
Global warehousing and fulfillment
Changeable printing quality
Longer shipping times
Limited customization options compared to specialized niche platforms

Who should use it?

  • Creatives and Artists: Those with unique designs and artworks they wish to sell on various product types would find Teelaunch’s diverse product range beneficial.
  • Small to Medium eCommerce Businesses: Businesses that want to offer a comprehensive product range at affordable prices without the inventory management hassle should consider Teelaunch. Its competitive pricing and extensive product catalog enable businesses to remain competitive while customizing items to their customer base.
  • Gift and Novelty Item Retailers: Teelaunch offers them numerous customization options on unique products.
  • Online Retailers: Teelaunch’s high-quality printing, global warehousing, and fulfillment services can benefit online retailers. These features can offer visually appealing products while enjoying efficient order fulfillment and worldwide shipping.

CustomCat: Print on Demand

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Why we like it

CustomCat is an excellent choice for businesses looking for variety and the ability to test multiple product types, making it suitable for eCommerce businesses of all sizes. We particularly appreciate CustomCat’s user-friendly platform, extensive product catalog, and seamless integration with Shopify. 

Rating: 

4.2/5.0 with 550 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Wide Product Range: With over 500 products, businesses can test a wide variety of offerings to see what resonates best with their customers.
  • Integration with Shopify: CustomCat integrates smoothly with Shopify, making the process of adding and managing products easier.
  • Customization Options: The service offers a wide range of customization options, allowing businesses to create unique products that reflect their brand.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Wide product range
Smooth integration with Shopify
Many customization options
No minimum orders required
Competitive pricing offers good profit margins
Expensive shipping
Limited international shipping options
Slower order fulfillment during peak times

Who should use it?

  • Shopify Startups to Medium-Sized Businesses: With a wide product range, no minimum order requirements, and competitive pricing, CustomCat suits businesses of various sizes, particularly those in their early stages looking to test different products.
  • Shopify Businesses Seeking Unique Products: The multitude of customization options available means that businesses seeking to offer unique, branded products will find CustomCat particularly beneficial.

Dropshipman: Dropshipping&POD

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Why we like it

Dropshipman provides a seamless blend of dropshipping and print-on-demand features, which allows businesses to manage a diverse product portfolio efficiently. Its emphasis on automating many aspects of dropshipping and print-on-demand makes it a good fit for entrepreneurs and businesses that value automation and efficiency.

Rating: 

4.9/5.0 with 1401 reviews on Shopify.

Features

  • Automated Features: Dropshipman automates a variety of tasks, including order fulfillment and inventory management, saving time for businesses.
  • Seamless Integration with Shopify: As with many other services, Dropshipman integrates with Shopify, simplifying the process of managing products.
  • Product Customization: Dropshipman allows businesses to customize their products, providing an opportunity to offer unique products.

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Automated many aspects of dropshipping
Easy integration with Shopify
Product customization allowing
Multiple suppliers support 
Product tracking feature
Time to understand the automation process
High subscription costs for premium features

Who should use it?

  • Shopify Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs seeking to establish a diverse range of products without investing too much time in order management and fulfillment will find Dropshipman’s automation helpful.
  • Businesses of all sizes: From startups to larger enterprises, any business looking to streamline its product management process through automation will benefit from Dropshipman’s features.
Yes, print-on-demand can be highly profitable on Shopify. It offers a low-risk business model since you don’t have to maintain an inventory or deal with physical production. Instead, products are created only when an order is made. Your profit depends on your pricing strategy – the difference between the cost of the print-on-demand service and the price at which you sell your products.
To add Printful to Shopify, follow these steps:
  1. Go to the Shopify app store and search for “Printful.”
  2. Click on “Add app.”
  3. You will be redirected to Printful’s website. If you already have a Printful account, click on “Log in.” If not, create a new account.
  4. After logging in, you will be asked to confirm that you want to install the app. Click on “Install app.”
  5. Once installed, you can connect your Shopify store to Printful and start uploading your designs.
Yes, Printful automatically fulfills orders on Shopify. When a customer places an order on your Shopify store, it is automatically sent to Printful, where it is printed, packed, and shipped. You don’t have to order each product manually, but you can set up Printful as a fulfillment service in your Shopify settings.

Final Words

Leveraging the right print-on-demand Shopify app can simplify your eCommerce journey, allowing you to focus on your core business while taking care of production, shipping, and logistics. Remember, your choice depends on your specific needs and objectives. Do your due diligence and choose the best tool for your business model, products, and target audience. Here’s to your eCommerce success!


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.