Print on Demand Without Shopify: Exploring Alternatives in 2024

Welcome to the Print on Demand revolution, where creativity meets commerce without being confined by the Shopify status quo. Picture this: Your designs, your rules, and your profits—no strings attached. We’re about to unveil some alternative options in the print on demand realm, specifically tailored for forward-thinkers like you. Forget the traditional printing hassles and bid farewell to the Shopify sameness. Intrigued? You should be.

Print on Demand vs Traditional Printing

Let’s start with a reality check: Traditional printing? About as thrilling as watching paint dry. Slow, costly, and feels like staring into the void—limiting in scope, lacking the dynamism that modern businesses crave.

Key differences

Print on Demand (POD)

• On-demand printing, suitable for small quantities.
• Low upfront costs, customizable, quick turnaround.
• Ideal for niche markets, self-publishing, and quick projects.

Traditional Printing

• Larger print runs, higher upfront costs.
• Economical for mass production, high-quality finishes.
• Longer lead times are better for established demand and larger budgets.

In this face-off between tradition and innovation, picture your designs bursting into life with a simple tap on the “Order Now” button. No more getting lost in a sea of pre-printed inventory; it’s not just efficient—It’s a revolution tailored to your creative rhythm.

Pro Tip: Print on Demand doesn’t just create; it minimizes waste, syncing production with actual demand, making it an eco-friendly choice.

What is Shopify?

Before we jump into alternatives for print on demand without Shopify, let’s break down Shopify. Undoubtedly a powerhouse, but is it a one-size-fits-all solution depending on your exact needs?

Shopify: Millions of retailers use this e-commerce platform to manage their online businesses. With Shopify, you can create a website, list items for sale, manage inventory, and plan marketing campaigns.

Pros

• User-friendly interface.
• Provide several beautiful themes at no cost.
• Good customer service.
• The app ecosystem is great with good features.

Cons

• Expensive, the base plan has no features.
• Charges transaction fees which are high.
• Poor international customer service.
• Good features are only on higher plans.
• Shopify only allows 3sets of variants per product.

For example: If you’re selling gadgets in your shop, your options are kinda stuck at three: size, color, and material. If you’re dreaming of more choices, well, tough break.

So now let’s shake things up and question if Shopify is the only best e-commerce store out there in 2024.

Why Explore Print on Demand Without Shopify?

Well, Shopify is good but not perfect so you need to find the best platform that works for you in print on demand without Shopify. Because instead of swimming against the tide, you should find the right tide and swim with it.

Statistic: Blinkstore powers over 9000 individual and creator-run stores in India.

Success Story: From the words of Devanju the creator of Zarc Clothing.

As a 14-year-old who wanted to start a streetwear brand, I did not have the money to invest in creating a brand and that is where Blinkstore came in for the clutch. Blinkstore helped me achieve my dream of creating a clothing brand. The quality of products, support, software updates, and shipping is fabulous.

This demonstrates that there are platforms other than Shopify to consider when it comes to print-on-demand. The issue with popularity is that people choose popular(Shopify) platforms because they believe they are the best. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print on Demand Platform

Selecting the right platform is your North Star. Beyond features, think scalability, ease of use, and customization options. Decode these factors for a compass guiding you to your print on demand haven.

Example: If apparel is your focus, ensure the platform excels in fabric customization.

Let’s get to more in-depth:

Choosing where to make and sell your custom stuff, like T-shirts or mugs, is important. Here are some factors to consider about:

1. Product Variety: Some places let you make not just T-shirts but also hats, cups, and more. It’s like having a bigger toy box!
2. Good Coloring and Printing: Check if the colors look nice and the printing is clear. It’s like making sure your favorite game doesn’t have fuzzy pictures.
3. How They Make It: Some places use different ways to put your design on things. It’s like choosing between markers, crayons, or paints for your art.
4. Profit Margins: See how much it costs to make your things and how much you can charge. You want to make some money, like selling lemonade at a good price.

5. Easy to Use: Pick a place that’s easy to use. It’s like finding a game that’s not too hard to play.

6. Selling Your Stuff: If you want to sell on your own website, check if it’s easy to do. It’s like making a lemonade stand and telling your friends where to find it.

7. Shipping and Fulfillment: Make sure they can send your stuff to your friends fast. Nobody likes waiting forever for a birthday present!

8. Customer Support: Consider the level of customer support provided by the platform. Responsive and helpful customer service can be vital for troubleshooting and addressing concerns.

9. Your Special Store Look: Some places let you make your store look special. It’s like decorating your room with your favorite posters and colors.

10. What People Say: Read what others say about the place. It’s like asking your friends if a new game is fun before you buy it.

Remember, choosing the right place is like finding the best ingredients for your favorite recipe. It makes everything more fun and tasty!

Start Your Print on Demand Business Without Shopify

Sure, Shopify is the popular kid, but what if a more tailored solution exists? Enter Blinkstore—Free, cost-effective, flexible, seamlessly setting up your Print on Demand strategy. It’s a paradigm shift beyond Shopify’s boundaries.

Forming your print on demand business with Blinkstore takes only 5-10 minutes. Allow us to show you how to launch your print on demand business with Blinkstore 3 steps:

Create a Store on Blinkstore

Visit Blinkstore and create a store by clicking on ‘Get Started’. Now watch the video.

Customize Your Store on Blinkstore

Let’s get started on personalizing your store once it’s been created. Personalizing your store allows you to create a distinct, eye-catching online presence that is consistent with your brand identity. To customize, watch the video.

Design and Add Your Products on Blinkstore

Now that your store has been published and previewed. The following are the steps needed to create and add products to Blinkstore:

1. Go to the store you wish to add products to, then select “Add/Edit products” from the menu on the left.
2. From the catalog list, select the products you wish to sell.
3. Create a custom design file and upload it to the products. To achieve the desired look, you can zoom in or out and drag and move your designs around on the products.
4. You can upload designs to be printed on both the front and back of the product, or all over it (such as coasters, phone covers, and wall posters), depending on which item you are customizing. (for instance, t-shirts).
5. Provide the product’s name, description, and profit margin. Decide what your profit margin should be. 
6. Click on the “Publish” button, the product will be added to your store.

Pro Tip: Get a sneak peek before printing with Blinkstore’s mockup generator Mockey.

Here is a more detailed blog on how to start a print on demand business with Blinkstore.

Top Alternatives to Shopify in India 

As we progress with our Print on Demand endeavors, let us examine several alternatives for Shopify.

1. Blinkstore

Blinkstore can be your creative playground. Blinkstore, has a wide selection of personalized gifts, including swag bags, business presents, and custom clothing, all at an affordable price with excellent quality. Whether you’re searching for swag bag ideas for your team members or corporate gifts for your employees, Blinkstore has you covered. Blinkstore offers a wide range of fully customizable products.

2. Wix

With more than 200 million users worldwide, Wix is a well-known drag-and-drop website builder and e-commerce platform. Wix offers many options for building an e-commerce website. Offering offline sales, drop shipping, services and subscriptions, an online store, and other features is doable. There are also templates for locations, accommodations, events, photographers, and other industries. The business plan starts charging ₹799 a month in India.

3. Fynd Platform

Fynd is among Shopify India’s alternatives. The Fynd Platform is a useful tool for anyone looking to launch or expand an internet business. Fynd Platform simplifies everything for everyone, regardless of experience level. You have unrestricted access to sell your goods on a variety of online marketplaces, including your own website, Amazon, Flipkart, Google, AJIO, Myntra, Facebook, and Tata CLiQ. The largest cross-platform and omnichannel platform in India, Fynd specializes in gaming and cryptocurrency, big data operations, artificial intelligence, machine learning, imaging, and educational solutions.

Three yearly price categories for e-commerce are offered by Fynd Platform: the Standard plan is ₹7,199 per month, the Professional plan is ₹16,199, and the Premium plan is ₹26,999.

4. WooCommerce

For those embedded in the WordPress ecosystem, WooCommerce offers a seamless e-commerce experience. With its flexibility and extensive plugin options, you can customize your Print on Demand venture to fit your brand perfectly.

5. BigCommerce

BigCommerce, a formidable competitor in the market for Shopify alternates, provides Indian companies with more control and customization options. Its extensive toolkit includes features for tracking inventory, managing products, creating websites, and integrating it seamlessly with well-known payment processors. Positive user experience is ensured by the easy-to-use Stencil CLI tool, which guarantees a seamless testing process.

With monthly pricing starting at ₹2420 and pricing up to ₹24946, BigCommerce is an affordable option for companies looking to gain an online competitive advantage.

6. Big Cartel

One of the well-liked Shopify alternatives in India is Big Cartel, a cloud-based e-commerce platform that makes it simple and reasonably priced for producers and artists to sell their products online. It has grown to be a popular choice for independent artists and small businesses since its founding in 2005.

The basic free plan has five product limits, a personalized domain name, a modifiable theme, delivery tracking, and other features that are necessary to operate your store. For an initial monthly fee of ₹835, there are paid options to add more products, access more services, and integrate with Google Analytics.

7. Ecwid

Ecwid presents itself as a simplified option for online businesses. It provides a user-friendly platform that appeals to companies looking for functionality without compromising on simplicity. When it comes to adding an online store to a website or blog, Ecwid is superior to Shopify. Ecwid’s business plan is ₹1649 per month.

8. Dukaan

Dukaan comes next on our list of the top Shopify substitutes in India. An easy-to-use and useful eCommerce platform designed for Indian business owners is called Dukaan. Top Shopify replacement, it offers robust eCommerce functionality and scalability. Vendors can use the mobile app on Dukaan to manage their online store while on the go in under a minute. Dukaan makes it simpler for Indian small businesses to establish an online presence by offering them complete control over their storefronts and no sales fees.

9. Squarespace

One of the best Shopify alternatives in India is Squarespace, a platform that allows businesses to create professional-looking websites and online storefronts. Founded in 2004, it has grown into one of the most well-known website builders with over 4 million active projects.

The ₹1920/month Business plan includes almost everything you’ll need to create an eCommerce store for your company. 

10. PinnacleCart

PinnacleCart is an excellent website builder in comparison to Shopify. It offers a powerful web platform with additional features and customization options. It’s an excellent choice for beginners due to its easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, which is straightforward to operate. Because of its affordability, it’s also a great option for small business owners. Its built-in SEO makes it ideal for businesses looking to increase their online presence.

PinnacleCart offers three subscription options: Standard, Advanced, and Free. The Standard plan costs ₹6671 per month, the Advanced plan costs ₹16682 per month, and the Free plan costs nothing.

Difference Between Online Shop and Marketplace

As you go through your print on demand without Shopify quest, the choice between an independent online shop and a marketplace becomes crucial. An independent shop offers more control and brand presence, while a marketplace provides built-in traffic and exposure.

Key Difference

Online Shop:

• Autonomy: Full control over design and brand.
• Direct Interaction: Personal customer engagement.
• Traffic Efforts: Self-promotion and marketing.

Marketplace:

• Immediate Exposure: Tap into an existing audience.
• Simplified Setup: Quick start, ready-made infrastructure.
• Credibility Boost: Leverage marketplace trust.

Takeaway:

• Online Shop: Autonomy and direct relationships.
• Marketplace: Immediate exposure and simplified setup.

Using Marketplaces Instead of Shopify

Using marketplaces for print on demand without Shopify is an option to consider. Here are some options to check:

Etsy

If you’re looking to showcase your custom creations in a vibrant marketplace, Etsy could be your stage. Known for its handmade and vintage goods, Etsy provides a ready-made audience for your unique products.

Amazon

When thinking of market reach, it’s hard to overlook the giant—Amazon. Leverage the vast customer base and logistics network of Amazon to take your customized products to a global audience.

Facebook Marketplace

In the realm of social commerce, Facebook Marketplace shines. Connect with local buyers, build a community around your brand, and let your customized products sparkle on the world’s largest social network.

Zazzle

If artistic expression is your forte, Zazzle is your ally. Specializing in customizable products, Zazzle allows you to turn your art into a variety of merchandise, reaching a global audience.

Conclusion

As we bid farewell, we hope you have a clear understanding that there are other platforms to consider besides Shopify. While there are platforms such as Blinkstore that are completely free, why not consider starting your business with Binkstore? 

Lastly, Selecting a platform that fulfills your needs is crucial. You should carefully review their requirements and consider factors like pricing, scalability, customization options, and support before selecting the best Shopify alternatives in India for your online operations.

Related Resources for You to Check Out:

• Print On Demand India – 14 Best Print On Demand Websites 2023
• 12 Best Print On Demand Sites For Artists (2023 Update)

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about print-on-demand without Shopify.