Ecommerce Stack
Print-on-Demand Stack
Sell custom-designed products with zero inventory
$52/mo
Base monthly cost
$468–$1100
Realistic year 1 total
5
Tools in this stack
What's in this stack
Shopify Store platform
Basic ($39/mo)
$39/mo
Printful Print & fulfillment
Free (pay per order)
Free
Canva Design creation
Pro ($12.99/mo)
$13/mo
Klaviyo Email marketing
Free (250 contacts)
Free
Google Analytics Analytics
Free
Free
Transaction fees
Shopify Payments: 2.9% + 30¢. Printful production cost per item ($8-25 depending on product).
Hidden costs to budget for
- ⚠Production cost eats into margins (t-shirt costs $8-15 to produce)
- ⚠Shipping costs ($4-8 domestic, more international)
- ⚠Sample orders for quality checking ($10-30 each)
- ⚠Mockup photos may need upgrading for conversions
Strengths
- ✓Your own designs = unique brand (not commodity products)
- ✓No inventory, no upfront product cost
- ✓Higher perceived value than dropshipping
- ✓Can build a real brand over time
Weaknesses
- –Margins still thin (typically 20-40% after production + shipping)
- –Shipping 3-7 days (better than dropshipping but not Amazon)
- –Limited product types (apparel, accessories, home decor)
- –Design skills needed (or budget for designers)
Who this stack is for
Best for: Artists, designers, content creators, and anyone with a following who wants merch. Better long-term brand potential than dropshipping.
Not ideal for: People without design skills or a creative angle. Also not ideal if you need very high margins.
Considering the alternative?
Compare with: Dropshipping Starter Stack →Sources: www.shopify.com, www.printful.com
Last updated: 2026-05-26. Prices may change — always verify on official sites before purchasing.