Industry solution
Shopify store setup for print on demand businesses
Print on demand removes stock from the equation: a design is printed only when a customer orders it. But it adds a partner to every order, with their own production times, shipping origins, product quality and costs.
We set up Shopify stores for print on demand businesses so products sync correctly from the print provider, customers see realistic delivery information and pricing leaves a margin after every cost.
Illustrative diagram
- Customer ordersIn your Shopify store
- Order sentThrough the provider app
- PrintedProvider's production time
- ShippedFrom the provider's location
- Tracking returnedCustomer notified
How a print on demand store works
A print on demand provider connects to Shopify through an app. You create products in the provider's system, choosing base items such as T-shirts or mugs and placing your designs, and the app creates matching products in your Shopify store. When a customer orders, the order is sent to the provider, who prints and ships it.
Because the provider handles production and shipping, their product catalogue, print quality, locations and timings shape your store. Choosing the provider is therefore part of store setup, not a separate decision.
Working out your margin
Print on demand margins can be thinner than they look. List every cost per order.
| Cost | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base product and printing | Print provider | Varies by product, print method and provider |
| Shipping to the customer | Print provider | Depends on provider location and destination |
| Payment processing | Payment provider | Per order |
| Shopify plan and apps | Shopify and app providers | Monthly, spread across orders |
| Returns and reprints | You | Budget for a share of orders |
Use the provider's current price list. We help set retail prices but do not quote providers' costs.
Choosing a print provider
Check
- Order samples of your best designs before launching
- Where they print and ship from, compared with where your customers are
- Production times they state
- How they handle misprints and damaged items
Compare
- Product range and sizes available
- Print methods and quality on your samples
- Price of base products and shipping
Being honest about delivery times
Customers of print on demand stores wait for two things: production and shipping. A delivery estimate that only mentions shipping will be wrong every time. Product pages and the shipping policy should combine the provider's stated production time with shipping times for each destination.
If a provider can print in several countries, routing orders to the nearest location can shorten delivery. Whether this is available depends on the provider and the product.
Common print on demand pitfalls
Illustrative examples.
Mockups that oversell
Mockup colours look brighter than printed results, leading to disappointment and returns.
Sync errors
Products edited in Shopify instead of the provider app drift out of sync.
Unclear returns
A returns policy written for stocked products does not match the provider's terms for printed items.
Mockups, samples and accurate images
Print providers generate mockups automatically, which makes launching quick. Mockups are idealised, though: colours can look more vivid on screen than in print, and fabric texture does not show. Customers who receive something different from the image are more likely to return it or complain.
Ordering samples of your main products and photographing them gives you images that reflect the real result. Many stores use mockups for the full range and real photos for best sellers, adding more real photos as sales justify the cost of samples.
Questions about Shopify store setup for print on demand businesses
Which print on demand provider should I use?
It depends on your products, your customers' locations and print quality on samples. We help compare options but recommend ordering samples before deciding.
Should I edit products in Shopify or in the provider's app?
Usually in the provider's app, so products stay in sync. We explain which fields are safe to edit in Shopify.
Can I use more than one provider?
It is possible, but each product must be connected to the right provider, and shipping becomes more complex when an order contains items from both.
How should I price print on demand products?
Start from the total cost per order, including shipping, payment and a returns allowance, then add your margin.
What returns policy should a print on demand store have?
One that matches what your provider will accept for misprints and damage, and states your terms for change-of-mind returns.
Do I need my own product photos?
Provider mockups can start you off, but photos of real samples are more convincing and set accurate expectations.
Can a print on demand store be set up quickly?
Connecting a provider and creating first products can be quick. Choosing the provider, testing samples and setting accurate prices and delivery information take longer and are worth doing first.
Do I need to hold any stock?
Not for print on demand products. If you also sell items you stock yourself, shipping and fulfilment need planning for mixed orders.
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