Shopify Print on Demand Cost: What You Really Need to Know in 2025

If you're planning to start a print-on-demand (POD) business on Shopify, one of the first questions you'll likely ask is: How much does it actually cost? In this guide, we'll break down all the key expenses you should expect—from Shopify subscription fees to product fulfillment costs and everything in between.

Whether you're just starting out or planning to scale your POD business, understanding the full cost structure will help you make smarter financial decisions and maximize your profit margins.

What Is Shopify Print on Demand?

Print on Demand (POD) is a business model where products are only printed and shipped after a customer places an order—meaning no inventory, no warehousing, and much lower risk.

Shopify acts as your online storefront, while third-party Print on demand software like Printful, Printify, Gelato, or Ichiba Oneplatform handle the printing and fulfillment.

This model is popular because it’s scalable, low-cost to start, and perfect for solo entrepreneurs or small teams.

Shopify Pricing Plans for POD Stores

To launch a POD store, you’ll need a Shopify subscription. Here’s a quick breakdown of Shopify’s pricing (as of 2025):

• Starter – $5/month (limited features)

• Basic – $39/month (recommended for most new POD stores)

• Shopify – $105/month

• Advanced – $399/month

If you're just starting out, the Basic plan is usually more than enough. It gives you access to essential tools like customizable themes, secure checkout, and the ability to install POD apps.

Transaction Fees:

If you don’t use Shopify Payments, you’ll be charged an extra 2.0%–0.5% per transaction depending on your plan.

Cost of Using Print on Demand Apps

Most POD apps are free to install but charge you when an order is placed. Below are some popular options and their pricing:

POD App	Monthly Fee	Notes
Printful	Free (Pro: $49/mo)	Pay-per-order, wide product selection
Printify	Free / Premium $29/mo	Premium lowers product base cost
Gelato	Free / Plus $14.99/mo	Global fulfillment centers

💡Note: You don’t pay upfront for products—only when a customer buys from your store.

Product & Shipping Costs

Here’s a quick look at average product pricing from popular POD platforms:

• T-Shirts: $7–$12

• Hoodies: $20–$30

• Mugs: $5–$9

• Tote bags: $8–$15

Shipping Fees depend on location and product type. For example:

• Domestic: $4–$6

• International: $8–$12

Let’s say you sell a t-shirt for $25:

• Base cost: $9

• Shipping: $5

• Total cost: $14

• Profit: $11

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides Shopify and product costs, here are a few other expenses to budget for:

• Domain name: ~$14/year (optional but recommended)

• Marketing tools/apps: $5–$30/month (e.g., email marketing, upsells)

• Advertising (Meta, Google Ads): Highly variable, but plan for at least $100–$200/month to test effectively

• Design costs: Free with Canva or AI, or $5–$50/month if hiring a designer

How to Keep Costs Low as a Beginner

Starting a Shopify POD business doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips to minimize your initial investment:

• Stick with free plans on POD apps (upgrade later if needed)

• Use free design tools like Canva or Midjourney for product art

• Leverage organic marketing (TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest) to avoid high ad spend at the start

• Start with just a few quality products instead of dozens

Total Estimated Startup Cost

Here’s a ballpark estimate to help you plan:

Cost Item	Amount
Shopify Basic Plan	$39/month
POD App	$0 (free plan)
Domain (optional)	~$14/year
Initial Ads Budget	$100–$200
Total	~$150–$250

You can start lean and reinvest profits as you grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I start POD on Shopify for free?

You can test Shopify with a free trial, but you’ll need to pay for a plan to sell products live.

2. Do I need to pay for Printful or Printify upfront?

No—these platforms are free to use, and you only pay when you get orders.

3. Which POD app is cheapest?

Printify Premium offers the lowest base cost, but Gelato is also affordable for international shipping.

4. Do I need to upgrade to Shopify’s higher plans?

Not unless you have high volume. Most beginners do well with the Basic plan.

Final Thoughts

Shopify Print on Demand is one of the most accessible ways to start an eCommerce business in 2025—but knowing your costs upfront is key to success.

By starting with a lean setup, choosing the right shopify POD apps, and keeping your overhead low, you can build a profitable store without burning through your budget.

Ready to launch? Get started with Shopify’s free trial and test your first product idea today.