Welcome back, everyone! If you're dipping your toes into the world of print on demand, choosing the right platform to host and sell your designs can be a game-changer. Today, we’re breaking down the major differences between using Shopify and other popular print on demand sites like Redbubble, TeePublic, Amazon Merch on Demand, and Etsy.

Pricing: Shopify vs. Other Platforms

The first big difference to consider is cost. Opting for Shopify means you’ll pay at least $39 per month to keep your website active. Shopify provides a customizable storefront, but it doesn't handle the actual printing and shipping of products. You need to integrate print on demand services like Printful or Printify, which are free to install but will charge you per order.

On the other hand, platforms like Redbubble and TeePublic are completely free to use. You upload your designs and they take care of everything else, from printing to shipping. However, Etsy is slightly different—there’s no monthly fee but they charge $0.20 per listing.

Marketing: Do You Need to Bring Your Own Traffic?

This is where you see a huge divide between Shopify and other platforms. With Shopify, the responsibility of drawing traffic and marketing falls entirely on you. You need to be proactive with SEO, ads, and social media to get customers to your site.

Platforms like Redbubble, TeePublic, and Amazon, however, have built-in customer bases. They feature your designs in their marketplaces, which receive massive organic traffic—Redbubble alone averages about 10 million visitors per month!

Customer Service: Who Handles the Hassles?

If you hate the nitty-gritty of customer service, then this will be crucial for you. With Shopify, all customer service duties—from addressing shipping errors to handling returns—are your responsibility.

Conversely, sites like Amazon and Redbubble handle customer service on your behalf, allowing you more freedom from daily operational tasks.

Active vs. Passive Management

Choosing Shopify can be ideal if you dream of building a distinct brand and are prepared for active involvement. This path requires continuous marketing efforts and hands-on management. In contrast, using platforms like Redbubble or Amazon can be largely passive. Once your designs are uploaded, these platforms do much of the heavy lifting, letting you earn income with minimal ongoing work.

Special Case: Etsy

Etsy straddles the line between platforms like Shopify and more passive sites. While it offers a thriving marketplace that attracts over 100 million visitors monthly, sellers must still manage their own customer service—though Etsy takes care of all the marketing.

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

If your goal is to establish a comprehensive brand and you're ready to actively engage with your business, Shopify is the way to go. It allows for a higher level of customization and direct customer engagement.

For those looking to generate passive income across multiple niches with minimal fuss, platforms like Redbubble or TeePublic might be the answer. They allow you to capitalize on their existing traffic and take marketing and customer service off your hands.

So, think about what kind of business you want to run, how involved you wish to be, and choose the platform that fits your vision. Remember, your choice will shape your business journey! Happy selling, and here's to your success in the print-on-demand world!