Introduction

Print-on-demand (POD) services have revolutionized the way businesses approach inventory, order fulfillment, and product customization. For operators of POD services, workflow automation tools are essential in streamlining the ordering process, syncing with e-commerce platforms, and managing customer relations. These tools can free up time to focus on design, marketing, and expanding product offerings. Here are seven top tools that can enhance the efficiency of print-on-demand operations.

1. Bizway

• What is it? A business management platform that utilizes AI to enhance the user experience and provide a thorough suite of tools tailored for operators in the print-on-demand industry.
• Key Features: AI Assistants, task automation, comprehensive project monitoring, KPI dashboards, and analytical insights.
• Pros: AI capabilities tailor workflows and analysis, broad toolkit for business and operational management, and a user-friendly design.
• Cons: Potential learning curve for full AI feature adoption, might be more suited to small to medium-sized businesses.
• Pricing: Starter plan at $49/mo, with the Scale plan at $99/mo, and Portfolio at $199/mo.
• Best For: Print-on-demand service operators seeking AI-powered automation for crafting a seamless order-to-fulfillment process.

2. Printful

• What is it? A print-on-demand drop shipping and fulfillment service that lets businesses sell custom products without inventory.
• Key Features: Product personalization tool, mockup generator, warehousing & fulfillment, integration with major e-commerce platforms.
• Pros: No upfront costs for inventory, automatic order import for fulfillment, worldwide shipping, and easy integration with sales channels.
• Cons: Product costs can be higher compared to bulk purchasing, limited to Printful's product selection.
• Pricing: Costs are per item ordered plus shipping; no monthly fees.
• Best For: E-commerce businesses looking for a full-service POD solution to automate their print orders and delivery.

3. Printify

• What is it? A print-on-demand platform for entrepreneurs and businesses to create and sell custom products around the world.
• Key Features: A network of print providers, custom product design tools, automatic order routing for fulfillment, e-commerce integrations.
• Pros: Wide product selection, multiple print providers for competitive pricing, simple platform for order and production tracking.
• Cons: Depending on the provider, production and shipping times can vary, some quality control is out of the merchant’s hands.
• Pricing: Free to use, merchants pay for the products they order; a Premium subscription is available for additional benefits.
• Best For: POD businesses that want flexibility in product offerings and vendor options to fulfill customer orders.

4. Shopify

• What is it? An e-commerce platform designed for businesses of all sizes to set up an online shop and manage sales.
• Key Features: Online store builder, sales channel integration, inventory management, extensive app store for add-ons, and full sales analytics.
• Pros: User-friendly interface, wide range of third-party app integrations for print-on-demand services, robust inventory and sales management.
• Cons: Monthly fees and transaction charges may apply, extended features may require additional subscription services.
• Pricing: Plans start at $29/month.
• Best For: Print-on-demand operators focusing on seamless integration of storefront and fulfillment services within one platform.

5. Zapier

• What is it? An online automation tool that connects your favorite apps and services, making it possible to automate repetitive tasks involved in print-on-demand workflows.
• Key Features: Automated workflows, known as Zaps, that connect apps, and customizable to fit various sales and fulfillment processes.
• Pros: Easy automation for non-technical users, rich in integrations, flexible and capable of handling complex workflows.
• Cons: May become costly with premium plans for more complex automations and large-scale operations.
• Pricing: Free for basic workflows; paid plans start at $19.99 per month for more premium features.
• Best For: Businesses in print-on-demand seeking to connect and automate workflows across sales, production, and customer management platforms.

6. WooCommerce

• What is it? An open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress websites, used by businesses, including those offering print-on-demand services.
• Key Features: Product listings, order management, payment gateways, customizable and extendable with plugins.
• Pros: High degree of customization, robust community and support, and integration with numerous POD fulfillment service plugins.
• Cons: Requires a WordPress site and might necessitate technical skills for setup and customization.
• Pricing: WooCommerce is free to use; costs for hosting, themes, and additional plugins vary.
• Best For: Print-on-demand store owners who want complete control over their e-commerce environment within WordPress.

7. Ordoro

• What is it? An all-in-one e-commerce logistics platform that facilitates shipping, inventory, and everything in between for print-on-demand operations.
• Key Features: Shipping label creation, inventory management, dropshipping & fulfillment, and batch printing.
• Pros: Comprehensive suite for managing orders and shipping, supports various carrier integrations, offers workflows for dropshipping.
• Cons: Pricing tier based on shipping volume; may have a learning curve for mastering all features.
• Pricing: Plans start at $59 per month.
• Best For: Print-on-demand services looking for all-in-one shipping software with inventory management capabilities.