Why Avoid Shopify for Print On Demand in 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Growing Print-on-Demand Industry
3. Choosing the Right Platform
4. Why Some People Avoid Shopify
   • Reason 1: Cost of Shopify
   • Reason 2: Building a Store with Shopify
   • Reason 3: Driving Traffic to a Shopify Store
5. Understanding the Benefits of Shopify
   • Benefit 1: Customization and Branding
   • Benefit 2: Ownership and Control
   • Benefit 3: Targeted Advertising and Traffic Generation
6. Conclusion

Introduction

If you've ever watched my channel before, you're probably wondering what is going on with this video title. In today's video, I'm going to be sharing with you all of the reasons that you should avoid using Shopify in the year 2023 to sell print-on-demand products. I started my first store in the year 2016, and in this video, I'm going to be sharing with you some of the things that I have learned to hopefully help you out. We'll also talk about some of the good things about Shopify as well. So, whether you are already running a store or just beginning to research print-on-demand, this video should be helpful in guiding your decision-making process.

The Growing Print-on-Demand Industry

The print-on-demand business model is experiencing significant growth, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of over 26% until the year 2030. This indicates a massive potential for profitability in the industry, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs. However, the crucial question for anyone considering starting a print-on-demand store is where to build their online platform. With various competing voices and platform options like Amazon, Etsy, Teespring, Redbubble, and Shopify, it's important to understand the pros and cons of each.

Choosing the Right Platform

When it comes to selecting the right platform for your print-on-demand store, there are several key factors to consider. These factors include cost, ease of use, customization options, traffic generation, and ownership and control. In this article, we will focus specifically on Shopify and explore the reasons why some people choose to avoid it, as well as the benefits it offers as a print-on-demand platform.

Why Some People Avoid Shopify

Reason 1: Cost of Shopify

One of the major reasons why people hesitate to use Shopify is the fact that it requires a financial investment. Unlike other platforms, such as Etsy, where you can create an account and start uploading designs for free, opening a Shopify store comes at a cost. However, it's important to note that while Shopify does have a monthly subscription fee, it also offers promotions and free trial periods that can significantly reduce the initial expenses.

Reason 2: Building a Store with Shopify

Another reason people tend to avoid Shopify is the perception that building a store on the platform requires more effort and technical skills. Unlike platforms like Etsy, where the focus is primarily on uploading designs, Shopify requires users to construct their own store from scratch. This includes designing the layout, adding product descriptions and images, and building out product pages. While this can seem daunting to some, others view it as an opportunity to create a unique and personalized brand experience for their customers.

Reason 3: Driving Traffic to a Shopify Store

With Shopify, sellers are responsible for driving their own traffic to their websites. Unlike platforms like Etsy, where products are shown alongside others in search results, Shopify store owners must actively promote their store and product pages. This can be done through various methods, such as social media marketing, influencer collaborations, content creation, and targeted advertising. However, this can be viewed as an advantage rather than a disadvantage, as it allows sellers to have more control over their brand, customer base, and the overall shopping experience.

Understanding the Benefits of Shopify

While there are valid reasons to be cautious about using Shopify as a print-on-demand platform, it's essential to consider the potential benefits it offers.

Benefit 1: Customization and Branding

One of the significant advantages of using Shopify is the ability to customize your store's design and branding. Unlike platforms like Amazon, where sellers have limited control over the appearance of their product pages, Shopify provides users with the freedom to create a unique and cohesive brand experience. This includes the option to design your space to showcase your products effectively, communicate with your target audience, and create a specific vibe that resonates with your customers.

Benefit 2: Ownership and Control

By using Shopify, sellers have full ownership and control over their store and customer base. Unlike other platforms that can impose restrictions or even suspend accounts, Shopify allows users to build their own brand identity and establish direct relationships with their customers. This ensures that sellers have more control over their business's future and are not solely reliant on third-party platforms.

Benefit 3: Targeted Advertising and Traffic Generation

With Shopify, sellers can leverage social media and targeted advertising to promote their products and generate traffic to their store. This is especially beneficial in a time when social media platforms have become an integral part of many people's shopping experience. By creating engaging content, running ads, and collaborating with influencers, Shopify sellers have the opportunity to reach their target audience and drive quality traffic to their store.

Conclusion

While there are valid concerns about the cost, effort, and responsibility associated with using Shopify as a print-on-demand platform, it offers numerous benefits that can outweigh these concerns. The ability to create a personalized brand experience, own and control your business, and leverage targeted advertising to generate traffic are just a few reasons why Shopify can be an excellent choice for entrepreneurs in the print-on-demand industry.

In conclusion, it's crucial to evaluate your specific needs and goals when deciding on the right platform for your print-on-demand store. Consider the pros and cons of each platform, explore different marketing strategies, and choose the option that aligns best with your vision and resources. Remember, building a successful print-on-demand business requires not only the right platform but also dedication, creativity, and a deep understanding of your target audience.

Highlights:

• The print-on-demand industry is experiencing significant growth, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of over 26% until 2030.
• Choosing the right platform for your print-on-demand store requires consideration of factors such as cost, customization options, traffic generation, and ownership and control.
• While some people hesitate to use Shopify due to its cost and the effort required to build a store, it offers benefits such as customization, ownership, control, and targeted advertising.
• Shopify allows sellers to create a unique brand experience, own their customer base, and drive traffic through social media, influencer collaborations, and targeted advertising.
• Ultimately, the right platform depends on your specific needs, goals, and resources, but Shopify can be an excellent choice for entrepreneurs in the print-on-demand industry.