1. Printify

• Pricing: Free. Printify also offers two paid plans: Premium ($29/mo) and Enterprise (custom pricing), which offer up to 20% off on every product.
• Shipping: Printify works with printing partners in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and China, saving you shipping costs. Most orders leave the printing facilities within 2-7 business days of order submission.
• Integrations: Major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces like Shopify, Wix, eBay, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Etsy, Walmart, Squarespace, and PrestaShop. You can also integrate with Printify API for a custom solution.
• Product category highlights:
  • Bella+Canvas 3001 and Gildan 5000 t-shirts
  • Hoodies and other apparel for children
  • Accessories like hats, backpacks, custom tote bags, and footwear
  • Home decor items, pet accessories
• Best for: Individuals with varying experience levels, from beginners and skilled merchants to those who want to personalize their products.

Unlike other print-on-demand companies, Printify lets merchants choose their Print Providers based on location, shipping speed, and fulfillment costs.

The Printify Catalog has 1,300+ products and a free Product Creator that lets artists and creatives design their products in the app. Upload ready-made designs, add creative fonts with the Text Editor, or use Shutterstock integration to browse millions of low-cost images. 

Printify offers direct-to-garment printing (DTG), all-over printing (AOP), direct-to-film (DTF), and embroidery. It also includes other custom branding options such as packaging inserts. Merchants set their own prices and keep higher profit margins compared to most platforms.

2. Printful

• Pricing: Printful offers a free version and a paid plan – Printful Growth ($24.99/mo).
• Shipping: Printed products are ready to leave the facility within 2-5 business days from their US, Mexico, or Europe fulfillment centers, implementing cost-effective shipping.
• Integrations: Print-on-demand marketplaces and platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Wix, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Webflow, Ecwid, PrestaShop, BigCommerce, Amazon, and eBay.
• Product category highlights: 400+ Print-on-demand products, like men’s and women’s t-shirts and other clothing, kidswear, and accessories.
• Best for: Brand builders who want to develop custom merchandise for their eCommerce store or business enterprise.

Printful is one of the most established print-on-demand websites, offering a wide selection of print-on-demand products with strong branding tools for online sellers.

Known for its in-house production, Printful controls much of its product quality and fulfillment, rather than relying solely on third-party print providers. This setup gives it more consistency and flexibility across printing options.

Printful also offers warehousing fulfillment, storing your non-Printful products and fulfilling your orders.

For added value, Printful offers product photography services, helping merchants create professional branding assets. Create custom branding through inside labels, packing inserts, and other packaging extras.

3. SPOD

• Pricing: Free to join and no setup costs.
• Shipping: SPOD has factories in the US and Europe, and ships within 48 hours of placing the order.
• Integrations: SPOD integrates best with Shopify. They also offer WooCommerce, Squarespace, and Magento. Order Desk allows integration with eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. SPOD API is also available.
• Product category highlights: Adult and children’s clothing, workwear, pajamas, and accessories such as phone cases, backpacks, stickers, and buttons.
• Best for: Individuals and on-demand businesses who need fast turnaround. Guaranteed 48-hour (or faster) fulfillment.

SPOD is built for speed – all orders are fulfilled within 48 hours. It’s an external app that charges for the order value and shipping costs, depending on the delivery type (standard, premium, or express) and the product value.

It’s also good for non-designers, as they offer 50K+ free designs to use on print-on-demand products.

4. Redbubble

• Pricing: Redbubble is free. 
• Shipping: Ships from third-party printers in Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the US – based on delivery location and product type. Redbubble offers standard and priority shipping at an additional cost.
• Integrations: Because Redbubble is a marketplace and not an eCommerce platform, they don’t offer integrations; instead, customers buy products straight from their website.
• Product category highlights: Everything from custom apparel, such as t-shirts and accessories, to phone cases, stickers, and more.
• Best for: Artists and creatives who don’t want to build a website or open their own store. It’s also great for newbies, as the site is fairly easy to use.

This print-on-demand company doubles as a marketplace – you don’t need your own website, but you get to keep your cut of the profits. On the downside, there are no options for custom branding.

The designer receives an “artist margin” of 10-30% of the purchase price.

Buyers don’t purchase from you directly – they buy Redbubble products with your custom designs. Redbubble keeps all customer information and contact details.

5. JetPrint

• Pricing: JetPrint is free.
• Shipping: All orders are air-freighted from China with guaranteed 3-day production and 7-day global express delivery.
• Integrations: Shopify and WooCommerce.
• Product category highlights: 400+ apparel, shoes, watches, tapestries, bags, and more.
• Best for: Creating unique custom rugs, watches, tote bags, and shoes using direct-to-garment, screen printing, sublimation, and heat-transfer techniques.

JetPrint makes POD profitable, thanks to its geography. All products are made and printed in China.

JetPrint has a simple mockup generator for uploading and placing designs onto products. It stands out from other print-on-demand services by offering a wide selection of shoes and sneakers.

JetPrint is well-rated on the Shopify App Store, making them a trustworthy print-on-demand service.

6. Gelato

• Pricing: Gelato offers four pricing tiers: free, Gelato+ ($25/mo or $249/year), Gelato+ Gold ($129/mo or $1285/year), or a custom pricing Platinum model.
• Shipping: Gelato uses a global network of printers, so items are fulfilled as close to your customer as possible. Depending on the subscription type, they offer 20-25% shipping discounts to paid subscribers.
• Integrations: Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, and Gelato API.
• Product category highlights: Wall art – posters, canvases, acrylic, aluminum, wood prints, calendars, and cards. Basic apparel items like t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops are also available.
• Best for: Sellers focused on high-quality print-on-demand wall art and sustainability. Gelato encourages on-demand production to reduce waste.

Gelato is a print-on-demand platform that uses third-party printing services. It features an easy-to-use product editor and integrates with Canva for ordering straight from the app.

Shopify users can customize products during checkout. Gelato also supports manual order entry – no online store required.

7. Apliiq

• Pricing: Apliiq is free.
• Shipping: Apliiq provides different shipping options, including international shipping to 150+ countries. They ship from two US warehouses located in LA and Philadelphia.
• Integrations: Shopify and WooCommerce. The Apliiq website also doubles as a marketplace.
• Product category highlights: Apliiq specializes in streetwear – hoodies, t-shirts, hats, pants, jackets, kidswear, and patches. They encourage merchants to work with their artists to design clothing and labels.
• Best for: Building a branded streetwear line with artist-driven customization.

This print-on-demand service offers diverse printing methods: digital printing, screen printing, embroidery, and appliqué (create your design from fabric and stitch it to custom products).

All Apliiq’s printing techniques are environmentally friendly – non-toxic, vegan-friendly, organic, non-hazardous, and biodegradable.

You have various customization options, including custom clothing tags, custom packaging, and packaging slips. However, these are only available if you have 250+ orders per month.

8. Spreadshirt

• Pricing: Free to create an account and start designing; no monthly fee. Base price for each product, as well as additional costs for customization.
• Shipping: Spreadshirt offers international shipping. The cost depends on the destination and package weight. The company’s website also has a delivery estimator.
• Integrations: Spreadshirt integrates with popular eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Wix, Etsy, and WooCommerce, and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Product category highlights: T-shirts and other clothing and accessories for all ages, home and living items, and stickers. 
• Best for: Artists and designers who want to monetize their designs with online sales.

Spreadshirt is a print-on-demand company that lets users create and sell custom clothing and accessories. Upload designs, choose products, and sell them on the Spreadshirt marketplace or through their print-on-demand store (Spreadshop).

This print-on-demand company has a partner program that lets businesses and organizations create custom merchandise for their employees or members.

9. Teelaunch

• Pricing: Teelaunch is free, with a base price for all custom products and additional customization costs.
• Shipping: Teelaunch provides international shipping. Printing facilities in the US, Europe, and Asia offer quick turnaround and low shipping costs.
• Integrations: eCommerce platforms and print-on-demand marketplaces like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and API.
• Product category highlights: Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), accessories, drinkware, home goods, jewelry, kitchenware, and pet products.
• Best for: Entrepreneurs offering unique, giftable products and looking for low-effort branding.

Teelaunch offers print-on-demand services, letting users create and sell high-quality products under their own brand.

Teelaunch has a library of pre-made, customizable designs. The company offers various customization options, including adding text and images to products. 

Teelaunch offers branded packing slips and labels, helping sellers deliver a more personalized customer experience.

10. Gooten

• Pricing: Gooten is free.
• Shipping: Global fulfillment by hundreds of third-party manufacturers. Shipping costs are calculated based on the customer’s location and delivery method.
• Integrations: BigCommerce, Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and API plugin. Also manual one-off orders.
• Product category highlights: 150+ products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, leggings and other apparel, bandanas, notepads, blankets, bags, custom drinkware, and more.
• Best for: New sellers who want a simple interface and an easy-to-grasp product range

Gooten is user-friendly and offers a limited yet high-quality custom goods to sell under your brand, primarily to shoppers in the US. It partners with vetted print providers and provides reliable support.

They also launched the VIM (Very Important Merchant) loyalty program in 2020, the first of its kind in the print-on-demand industry. It’s recognized as a reliable option for scaling brands.

11. Zazzle

• Pricing: Signing up is free. For additional benefits, get Zazzle Plus ($19.95/year) or Zazzle Plus Premium ($49.95/year). 
• Shipping: Products are produced in the US and shipped domestically and internationally. Most orders are fulfilled from San Jose, California. Find shipping costs and times here.
• Integrations: Zazzle doesn’t integrate with any platforms or marketplaces.
• Product category highlights: 1300+ Products, from apparel and accessories to home goods, office items, and digital downloads.
• Best for: Those who need a wide selection of customization possibilities and want to sell their designs online.

Zazzle is a popular print-on-demand service thanks to its massive product selection. It allows you to sell tangible goods and digital products. Sellers set their own royalty rates and earn income as Zazzle Creators.

Printing options include direct-to-garment, engraving, embroidery, sublimation, screen printing, and heat transfer.

Zazzle’s setup includes a template system, royalty settings, and product tagging, which is less beginner-friendly. But once your store is set up, selling is automated and low-maintenance.

12. Lulu xPress

• Pricing: Signing up is free. Use their pricing calculator for accurate product prices and shipping rates. Bulk discounts available.
• Shipping: Delivers within 3-5 business days worldwide from the US, Canada, Europe, or the UK.
• Integrations: Shopify.
• Product category highlights: Magazines, print books, comic books, and calendars.
• Best for: Authors, illustrators, and creatives who want to earn money by self-publishing products such as books or calendars.

Lulu xPress differs from other print-on-demand platforms with self-publishing for customizable print products like books, magazines, calendars, and comic books. It’s a good choice for writers, photographers, and creatives who want to sell their own books, magazines, calendars, and more.

It lets you transform digital products into physical goods. Lulu xPress distributes printed books to Amazon, the Ingram network, Barnes & Noble, and other channels, but they take a 50-60% distribution fee off the listing price.

Medium types

• Paintings
  Original paintings represent more than 80% of high-end contemporary art auction sales, proving that traditional art mediums like acrylic paintings continue to dominate the upper-tier market.
  
  The increasing popularity of online art platforms helps expand the global market for paintings, making it easier for both established and emerging artists to reach collectors worldwide.

• Limited edition prints
  Art prints are a fantastic choice for buyers and creators like painters and photographers. They are more affordable and accessible to a wider audience than one-of-a-kind pieces, making prints easier to market and sell.
  
  Print sales also help you generate passive income, especially when using Print on Demand. Leveraging Printify, you can repurpose your work on canvas or postcards with exceptional color accuracy and detail using fine-art quality Giclee digital printing.

Giclée Art Print

By Generic brand

From $8.89 From $6.54 with Printify Premium

14 sizes Print Pigeons

Fine Art Prints (Passepartout Paper Frame)

By Generic brand

From $10.11 From $7.44 with Printify Premium

4 sizes 1 colors Prodigi

Fine Art Postcards

By Generic brand

From $0.89 From $0.67 with Printify Premium

2 sizes Prodigi

Fine Art Posters

By Generic brand

From $7.42 From $5.46 with Printify Premium

35 sizes Print Clever

Can you start dropshipping for free?

Absolutely. Start a dropshipping business with no money, then scale as you grow. The important thing is to be strategic about using the right platforms and tools.

If you want to know how to start dropshipping for free and actually grow it into a profitable dropshipping business, start by making the most of these free resources.

• Print on Demand – With Printify dropshipping, your customers’ orders cover product and shipping costs, so there’s no need to stock or manage inventory.
• Free dropshipping tools – Use platforms like GIMP, Canva, or Adobe Express to design products and marketing content.
• Free dropshipping store platform – Launch a Printify Pop-Up Store to start selling immediately without monthly fees, subscriptions, or hosting costs.
• Marketing with zero budget – Build organic traffic with search engine optimization, social media content, and email marketing to attract customers without spending on ads.

How does the dropshipping business model work with Print on Demand?

Print on Demand takes the traditional dropshipping model and gives it a creative edge.

It lets you sell custom-designed products under your own brand, with all the benefits of dropshipping. That means automated fulfillment, no inventory, and no fuss.

• Unique product customization – With Printify, you can create and sell over 1,300 personalized items that appeal to your audience and dropshipping niche.
• No production or shipping hassles – Once you start selling products, your partner in the supply chain prints and ships directly to your customer.
• Flexible product testing – Since there are no upfront costs, it’s easy to test multiple ideas, pricing strategies, and designs to see what works.
• Higher perceived value – Offering custom products helps you stand out in the market, charge a higher selling price, and increase customer satisfaction.
• Built-in scalability – Easily connect your dropshipping store to platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and TikTok Shop, automate workflows with free tools, and expand your product range in just a few clicks.

Choose a niche

Picking the right niche is where everything begins. A niche is a specific group of people who share the same interests, problems, or passions. When you speak directly to that group, your chances of building a successful business go way up.

The easiest way in? Start with what you already know.

• Love cooking? Create gear for at-home chefs.
• Obsessed with travel? Design products fellow wanderers will love.
• Into gaming, gardening, or astrology? There’s a niche for that – and they’re looking for what you can offer.

You’re not trying to sell to everyone – just the right people. Choosing a niche you actually care about makes it way easier to research, connect with your audience, and stay motivated long term.

Research market demand

Keep up with industry trends to make data-driven decisions that set your dropshipping business up for success.

Use free online services like Semrush or Google’s Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords in your niche. Get valuable insights on search volume, pricing, demand, and trending topics.

Evaluate your competition

Before opening your own store, take a look at what the top players are doing right and where they’re falling short.

This helps you spot real gaps in the market and determine how your dropshipping store can offer something better or more niche.

Check out competitors’ products, pricing, branding, and shipping times.

• Do they use trustworthy suppliers?
• How strong is their visibility on search results and social media platforms?
• If you’ve got the budget, order something from them. See what the customer experience is like, from the checkout process to product quality.

Catering to a dropshipping niche with low to moderate competition makes it easier to stand out and build a profitable eCommerce business with real, long-term potential. The goal isn’t to copy – it’s to outdo the competition.

Research products

Want your dropshipping store to actually make money? Solid product research is a non-negotiable.

Look for high-demand items that speak to your niche and have room for healthy profit margins. Don’t just pick what looks cool – aim for products with real traction, low return rates, and a proven sales history.

• Scan marketplaces to spot best-selling products in your category.
• Compare features, pricing, and reviews to see what potential customers love.
• Track emerging trends to stay ahead of the curve and keep your product line fresh.

Always weigh uniqueness against market saturation. If something’s too mainstream, your products will get drowned out. If it’s too niche, you might struggle to find buyers. 

Use these insights to lock in your competitive pricing strategy – high enough to make a profit, low enough to attract sales.

Use social media

Follow forums, hashtags, comment sections, and viral posts to see what your target audience actually cares about.

• Track niche discussions that are picking up speed.
• Note the questions people are asking – those are product opportunities.
• Watch what content gets the most likes, shares, and saves.

Join Facebook groups, lurk on Reddit, scroll TikTok, and read Instagram comments. It’s free market research, and it’ll help you spot gaps and create products that people already want.

Find dropshipping suppliers

Look online to see which suppliers other dropshipping businesses use. Find reliable partners with experience, positive reviews, and transparent policies.

Vet each supplier carefully to make sure they meet your requirements and offer the products you need. Get some samples to evaluate quality, and look closely at partnership terms before committing.

Our Product Catalog makes it easy to find reliable dropshipping suppliers and view their prices, average production time, and ratings from other store owners. Plus, you can easily order samples directly from your Printify dashboard.

Start designing

The next step on how to start dropshipping for free is to use Printify’s Product Creator to scale, layer, and personalize designs with free graphics, fonts, and patterns. 

Don’t have an existing design to upload? No problem. Our AI Image Generator creates one-of-a-kind images from text prompts. Once everything’s ready, we’ll place them on realistic mockups to add to your product listings.

Set up your online store

Choosing a platform for your store will depend on your goals. Consider your budget, audience, and personal preferences. 

Let’s look at how some of the most popular options compare.

Optimize your store for conversions

If you’re running a stand-alone store, optimizing your shop to drive more checkouts is crucial. 

Here are some ways to turn more browsers into buyers:

• Use a mobile-friendly design – Mobile eCommerce sales will hit around $2.9 trillion in 2025, so make sure your website is easy to navigate across different devices.
• Add clear calls to action (CTA) – Use bold and direct messages like “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” to encourage visitors to take action.
• Prioritize above-the-fold content – Place key info like your brand logo, headline, primary CTA, and new drops at the top of the page so it’s visible without scrolling.
• Encourage engagement – Get visitors to interact by signing up for your newsletter, following you on socials, and coming back to shop again.

Market your dropshipping business

Don’t have a big marketing budget to spend on ads? There are plenty of free ways to attract shoppers to your online store.

Here are some free marketing strategies to consider:

• SEO – Include relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and meta tags to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results.
• High-quality product images – Use high-resolution images that show your products from multiple angles. Add alt text with relevant keywords to enhance accessibility and improve SEO.
• Social media marketing – Engage with your audience on social media like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Pinterest. Post photos, videos, and share new product drops to drive traffic to your store. 
• Influencer marketing – Tap into existing communities, grow your online visibility, and quickly build trust with potential buyers in your niche.
• Content marketing – Create niche-related content, like blogs and informational videos, to establish yourself as an authority in your industry.
• Email marketing – Build a mailing list of subscribers to send them exclusive deals, regular updates, promotions, and content related to your products. 
• Social proof – Display customer reviews, ratings, and user-generated content to build trust and credibility with your audience.

Manage orders

While you don’t need to manage inventory or ship products yourself, you can still streamline your dropshipping operations with the right solutions. 

For example, use tools like Track123 for order tracking to save time and scale faster.

If you’re using POD for dropshipping, Printify has many helpful order management features:

• Automatic order approval. We automatically process orders within 24 hours. You can also set automatic approval within one hour, at a specific time of day, or switch to manual approval.
• Order routing. If you enable order routing in your store, we’ll select the best Print Provider for each order to help you save on production and shipping costs.
• Multiple shipping options. We partner with reliable carriers like USPS, FedEx, and DHL to bring you the best shipping prices and fastest deliveries in the industry.

Provide good customer service

Excellent customer service helps build a loyal customer base, improve customer satisfaction, and set you apart from competitors.

Here’s how to ensure customer satisfaction that will encourage repeat business:

• Speed – Try to respond to all customer messages within the first 24 hours.
• Friendliness – Address customers by name and use language and tone that creates a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
• Proactivity – Anticipate customer needs and address possible issues before they happen.
• Consistency – Maintain high standards of service across all channels.
• Gratitude – Consider offering free shipping or adding small freebies and branded packaging inserts with thank-you notes to their orders to show appreciation.
• Feedback – Encourage customers to rate your store and products, and use their input to improve your offerings.

Create a Printify account

Sign up with Printify to gain access to free design tools, over 1,300 customizable products, and seamless dropshipping solutions.

Pick and design your products

Browse our Catalog to find dropshipping products to sell online. Then, head to our Product Creator to upload existing designs or make new ones with our free graphics, fonts, and pattern creator.

Connect your online store

Use our integrations to sell on platforms and marketplaces like Shopify, Etsy, TikTok Shop, and eBay. Want to launch a free online store? Open a Printify Pop-Up Store.

Set prices and publish

Factor in production, shipping, and marketing costs before setting a retail price. We recommend a 40% profit margin by default, but you can adjust this to earn even more.

1. Product focus

Since eBay and Amazon serve different product niches, identifying your product category will help you choose the right platform.

Besides top-selling products like apparel, eBay’s marketplace is ideal for selling unique, vintage, or collectible items. Its auction-style listings attract online shoppers looking for rare or one-of-a-kind items.

On the other hand, Amazon excels as the go-to platform for new, mass-produced goods, letting you offer a wide range of products. 

Its focus on fast delivery and a standardized product catalog makes it ideal for third-party sellers, dropshippers, high-volume operations, and white-label products.

2. Ease of store setup

eBay is designed for simplicity, making it an excellent choice for beginners and individual sellers to get products online quickly. eBay requires sellers to meet its basic selling standards policy but offers the flexibility to list items without needing a dedicated store.

For those seeking more structure, eBay Seller Hub offers tools like detailed analytics and inventory organization through eBay Stores.

In contrast, Amazon provides a more structured setup process that’s ideal for professional sellers and larger businesses.

Seller Central offers comprehensive tools to manage listings and inventory and track sales.

3. Design and layout options

How you present your online store directly impacts its ability to attract loyal customers and drive sales.

eBay is a better choice for those who want to stand out visually, as it offers more freedom to customize listings and store layouts.

Use HTML or third-party tools like inkFrog to design customized listing templates, create banners, and add branding elements to your eBay store. 

Amazon uses a standardized layout for all sellers. While this gives buyers a consistent shopping experience, it limits branding opportunities. 

However, sellers can make their Amazon shop stand out with a multi-page storefront, A+ Content, and a brand story section to attract customers.

4. eCommerce tools

When deciding what is better, eBay or Amazon, consider the scale and goals of your eCommerce business. 

eBay offers a straightforward approach to selling, focusing on features like multi-user account access and simplified inventory management. 

However, these tools may lack the advanced functions needed for high-volume operations.

In contrast, Amazon provides advanced tools for inventory management through the Seller Central dashboard that caters to larger eCommerce businesses. 

FBA lets you store products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers while the marketplace handles shipping on your behalf, making it easier to expand operations.

5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Unlike Amazon, which heavily relies on its internal search algorithm, eBay gives sellers more flexibility to optimize their listings for external search engines like Google.

eBay’s SEO strategy emphasizes the importance of well-crafted titles, descriptions, and keywords to rank higher in search results and attract buyers beyond the platform.

Amazon has a highly structured SEO system based on its internal algorithm. Sales history, product reviews, and fulfillment methods heavily influence rankings. 

Since this system is automated, it gives sellers less control over SEO and limits your ability to attract traffic from outside sources.

6. Pricing

Carefully analyzing your business model and goals, along with the platform’s subscriptions and payment processing fees, will help you decide between Amazon vs eBay.

Budgeting is crucial for reaching your profit margin goals and setting competitive prices.

eBay sellers can list up to 250 items per month for free. Beyond that, seller fees include a $0.35 insertion fee per listing and final value fees of 13.25% for most product categories.

Subscribe to eBay Stores to get reduced expenses. The monthly subscription fees are $7.95/month or $4.95/month with a yearly renewal.

Amazon’s fee structure includes subscription fees, referral fees, and fulfillment costs. Professional sellers pay a monthly fee of $39.99, while Individual sellers are charged $0.99 per item sold.

Referral fees vary depending on category and are a percentage of the final sale price, including shipping costs. Sellers using FBA also incur monthly storage fees and other charges for inventory management.

7. Analytics

Access to performance metrics helps you drive more sales on any online marketplace. When comparing Amazon vs eBay, each platform provides unique tools to support sellers.

eBay’s Seller Hub gives insights on performance analytics, sales trends, and customer engagement to help you identify trends and improve listing strategies.

Amazon sellers, in contrast, have access to advanced analytics through Seller Central. These include detailed reports on customer behavior, trends, inventory health, and ad campaign performance. 

For FBA users, additional insights help you manage fulfillment operations efficiently.

8. Marketing tools

Stand out on Amazon and eBay with exclusive deals and well-crafted marketing strategies to attract online shoppers. 

Is eBay better than Amazon in terms of marketing? It can be if you want straightforward, cost-effective advertising options. Tools like Promoted Listings and eBay Ads are simple ways to enhance product visibility in search results.

Plus, eBay promotion strategies like bundle discounts and targeted offers make it easy to build loyalty and increase purchases.

Amazon advertising has tools like Sponsored Products and Brand Ads for more precise customer targeting. They integrate with Seller Central, providing insights to refine campaigns. 

The marketplace’s vast customer base gives you access to a broader audience, making it suitable for business growth through well-executed advertising campaigns.

9. Customer support

For customer service, Amazon focuses on automated solutions that support streamlined operations and seller growth, while eBay provides flexibility in dispute handling.

eBay has guides and tools to resolve common customer support issues, while live chat and email support are available for more complex cases. 

However, eBay’s support can feel less comprehensive for high-volume businesses managing multiple seller accounts. Resolving disputes about an item sold often requires the seller to communicate directly with the buyer, which can be time-intensive.

Amazon handles customer service for FBA orders to reduce the burden on merchants, maintaining customer satisfaction through chat, phone, and email support. Non-FBA sellers can opt into the Customer Service by Amazon program for similar assistance.

If you choose to handle customer support yourself, note that unresolved issues can impact seller accounts due to strict Amazon seller policies.

10. Scalability

eBay’s flexibility is fantastic for sellers developing their own brand identity, offering customizable listings and pricing models.

However, scaling on eBay means hands-on management due to limited automation tools. You’ll independently handle logistics, inventory, and customer interactions.

With a moderate global reach and a 3% US market share, eBay is less suitable for rapidly growing businesses needing to reach an extensive audience.

Meanwhile, as one of the leading online selling platforms, Amazon provides a structured ecosystem designed for high-volume sellers. 

Services like FBA simplify logistics, leaving businesses to focus on scaling operations. A vast global customer base of over 3 billion visitors and comprehensive analytic and marketing resources mean rapid growth, but this comes with higher costs and strict seller policies.

Natural language processing (NLP)

Natural language processing is the foundation of human-AI communication, allowing machines to understand and respond to text or voice in a way that feels intuitive. For eCommerce companies, this means better customer interactions – whether through chatbots, virtual assistants, or AI-powered search functions.

When an online shopper types “black hoodie under $40” or asks a voice assistant for size options, NLP AI helps decode the intent and deliver relevant results. This leads to a faster, more seamless customer experience – and ultimately, higher conversion rates.

Where it helps: Chatbots, voice commerce, review monitoring, automated FAQs, customer support.

Generative AI

Generative AI in eCommerce is a game-changer for productivity. It automates tasks like writing product descriptions, creating social media posts, and designing ads – saving time while ensuring consistency across your marketing strategy. This technology can also create visuals and videos, helping eCommerce retailers enhance their product listings and captivate potential customers with compelling content. 

Where it helps: Automated content creation, image generation, ad copy, email marketing, listing optimization.

Machine learning (ML)

Machine learning is at the core of most AI tools used in eCommerce. It enables deep data analysis, identifies patterns in purchase history, and learns from past customer behavior. Over time, ML algorithms improve their predictions, offering personalized recommendations, pricing optimization, and smarter inventory decisions.

ML also drives big data insights, improving customer engagement, boosting sales, and streamlining backend operations. 

Where it helps: Recommendation engines, fraud detection, churn prediction, automated discounts, and demand forecasting.

Deep learning

A more advanced form of ML, deep learning uses multi-layered AI algorithms to process massive volumes of consumer data, often mimicking how the human brain works. This is especially useful for recognizing images, interpreting tone in customer feedback, and detecting patterns in human behavior.

In the eCommerce sector, deep learning powers AI tools like visual search, where users can upload an image and instantly find a product match. It also drives high-performing voice assistants and predictive analytics used to improve the online shopping experience.

Where it helps: Visual search engines, sentiment analysis, voice commerce, product tagging, predictions for logistics, and historical sales data.

1. Pricing optimization

AI in eCommerce enables dynamic pricing strategies that adjust prices in real time based on consumer demand, supply, and historical data. These AI tools help eCommerce websites decide which products to discount, when, and by how much – leading to a more efficient sales process and better margins.

While major eCommerce retailers like Amazon already rely heavily on pricing optimization, affordable options for smaller sellers are still emerging. Here are a few providers offering dynamic pricing technology:

• Accenture – Pricing per consultation. 
• Omnia Retail – Free trial; pricing available upon consultation.
• Stackline – Pricing available upon consultation.

2. Chatbots and virtual assistants

Chatbots and virtual assistants use natural language processing (NLP) to interpret online shoppers’ questions and respond in real time. While they can’t fully replace human support, they handle routine tasks efficiently – saving time and improving customer interactions.

Used wisely, these AI-powered tools enhance existing support systems by answering common questions and allowing your team to focus on more complex issues. For best results, implement them as part of an omnichannel enhanced customer service strategy.

Popular tools include:

• SnapCall – From $249/month for advanced AI-powered support.
• ChatHub – A freemium option that connects with multiple chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, and Bing.

By integrating AI in eCommerce, these tools can help improve customer interactions and reduce response times.

3. Product recommendations

Product recommendations based on customer behavior are one of the most common eCommerce features using artificial intelligence. It’s everywhere, from Amazon and eBay to Etsy and Starbucks.

Many eCommerce platforms and website builders offer plugins that deliver personalized recommendations based on past customer behavior, browsing history, and product descriptions. The quality of these suggestions depends on the strength of the machine learning algorithms behind them.

The goal is to deliver an enhanced customer experience while increasing the accuracy of marketing campaigns and streamlining the sales process.

Sellers on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay benefit from built-in tools, but independent eCommerce websites can also access AI-powered recommendation tools through apps and plugins.

Some of the best Shopify plugins for product recommendations using AI include: 

• Dialogue AI Personalization – From free to $399 per month.
• Visely Product Recommendations – From $199 per month. 
• Personalized Recommendations by Glood.ai – Free plan available. 

WooCommerce store owners can benefit from many AI plugins with free plans or requiring only one payment. Some of the best-rated options include: 

• The official WooCommerce Product Recommendations – From $8.25 per month.
• Related Products for WooCommerce by WebToffee – From $89-199 per year, paid on the developer’s website.
• AI Product Recommendations for WooCommerce by divcoderPlugins – One payment of $21.

4. Fraud detection and prevention

Online interactions are increasingly vulnerable to fraud, which led to $44 billion in losses worldwide in 2024. Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics, making detection an ongoing challenge.  

Machine learning algorithms are the ideal countermeasure. They can significantly reduce financial losses by analyzing millions of transactions in real time, quickly identifying suspicious patterns, and adapting to new fraud strategies.

ML can catch anomalies that would take humans much longer to spot – like attempts to enter invalid postal addresses, which may signal identity theft or redirected orders aimed at stealing personal data. 

Implementing AI tools also helps detect phishing attacks, payment fraud, document forgery, fake reviews, and even ad fraud. 

While companies like Amazon use their own built-in systems to avoid fake reviews, smaller businesses can turn to tools like Fakespot – a free Chrome extension that specializes in detecting fake reviews and scams across several marketplaces.

Some AI-powered tools for fraud prevention include Nethone, Integral Ad Science, or ZenGRC. 

While some of these systems may be costly for small businesses, investing in a strong fraud prevention strategy early can save far more in the long run.

5. Customer segmentation

Customer segmentation groups people by traits like behavior, demographics, or preferences. AI-powered eCommerce tools use machine learning to analyze customer data, spot market trends, and improve over time. Advanced systems apply NLP and sentiment analysis to refine targeting and messaging. 

The result? Smarter product recommendations, more relevant content, and a personalized shopping experience that increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Google Analytics and Trends are the most popular tools that provide advanced insights. Zigpoll also helps generate customer insights by organizing surveys and analyzing responses on its platform.

6. Inventory management

AI-powered inventory management helps eCommerce businesses balance stock based on sales trends, historical data, and projected demand, reducing waste and avoiding shortages. 

Unlike traditional methods, which rely on manual tracking, AI systems automate the process and run continuously. With smart logistics and warehouse robotics, businesses can analyze data, manage stock more efficiently, and respond to supply chain issues faster. 

Amazon sellers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States can use Intellify’s AWS Solutions, which provide consulting services.

There are solutions for all budgets, including: 

• QuickBooks – Subscriptions from $3.50 per month.
• TallyPrime – One-time payment of $630.
• Fishbowl Inventory  – Request a demo first.

7. Supply chain optimization

Supply chain optimization goes hand-in-hand with inventory management, using AI tools and machine learning for demand forecasting and early issue detection. The supply chain connects every step of production and delivery, and managing it means balancing factors like customer demand and capacity. 

With enough data, AI can make smarter, faster predictions. Many eCommerce platforms, including tools like Fishbowl, combine inventory and supply chain features to improve speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

8. Visual search and image recognition

Visual search uses AI systems to let users search with images instead of text – perfect for moments when you don’t know a product name, but know what it looks like. 

Shoppers often screenshot items from social media, then use visual search to find similar products online. AI algorithms analyze pixels, shapes, colors, and patterns, matching them to items in your catalog. As these AI systems train on larger datasets and apply deep learning, visual search becomes more accurate, offering a more intuitive online shopping experience and increasing customer loyalty.

This technology is powered by machine learning and image recognition, with major tools including: 

• Google Lens  
• Bing Visual Search
• Pinterest Lens. 

eCommerce retailers, like Amazon (StyleSnap), Cyder, Aliexpress, and ASOS, also use this technology. 

Another example is Printify’s AI Image Generator – an OpenAI-powered tool that lets users create unique, high-quality designs for print-on-demand products by simply entering descriptive text prompts.

Integrated directly into Printify’s Product Creator, it allows merchants to generate custom artwork in various styles, such as anime, line art, or 3D modeling, and apply it to items like t-shirts, mugs, and posters without needing external design software.

9. Sentiment analysis

Sentiment analysis (or emotion AI) uses artificial intelligence to detect emotions in written text. It identifies if customer feedback is positive, neutral, or negative. For eCommerce businesses, these tools scan reviews, surveys, emails, and social posts to label them as positive, neutral, or negative. This data helps brands improve customer satisfaction, fine-tune messaging, and even predict churn before it happens.

Tools like Medallia, Brandwatch, and Social Searcher analyze reviews, social posts, and surveys, providing actionable insights to guide marketing campaigns and boost customer engagement. Pricing varies greatly, and most services offer some sort of free trial.

10. Voice commerce

Voice commerce is where voice tech meets eCommerce. Think Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant helping customers shop using their voice. These tools use natural language processing (NLP) and AI-generated content to interpret commands and guide the purchase process hands-free.

Still growing, voice commerce taps into several technologies, from synthetic media to natural language generation. Big-name brands like Starbucks and The North Face have already launched successful voice-enabled experiences.

Here’s how it works: 

First, voice is converted to text. Then, NLP analyzes customer intent and suggests products based on purchase history, behavior, or preferences, offering a personalized shopping experience.

Beyond convenience, voice biometrics can be a game-changer for accessibility and may help boost conversion rates. Some platforms even use voice biometrics for secure payments. One of the strongest examples of AI in eCommerce is Amazon, which uses artificial intelligence for personalized recommendations, voice shopping via Alexa, and smart inventory management.

That said, AI-powered voice tools raise privacy concerns, especially around customer data collection. So while voice commerce is promising, it’s still evolving, and worth watching as AI in eCommerce continues to grow. Companies like Just Call offer AI voice assistants with pricing available on consultation.

1. Create a TikTok business account

Before you can start promoting your products, you’ll need to set up a business account to access TikTok’s marketing tools and reach the right audience from the start.

Step 1: Download and open TikTok

If you haven’t already, download the TikTok app and sign up or log in using your business email or linked social media accounts.

Step 2: Switch to a business account

Tap the profile icon at the bottom right to access your profile. To view your account settings, open the menu by tapping the three lines at the top right, then select Settings and Privacy. Under Account, tap Switch to business account and choose the Business option.

Step 3: Select your business category

Pick a category that best describes your business. This helps TikTok show your content to the most relevant users. Some common TikTok categories include:

• Clothing and accessories
• Beauty
• Arts and crafts
• Electronics
• Education and training
• Finance and investing

Once you’ve completed these steps, your TikTok business account is ready. TikTok also gives you access to built-in analytics tools to help track performance and optimize your TikTok content strategy.

2. Make your first impression count

Before you create content, make sure your business account is optimized. With 62% of TikTokers under 30 – you’ve got to think – and act – like your audience. That means everything on the TikTok app needs to be short, sharp, and engaging. This includes your profile page.

Brand your profile photo appropriately

Your TikTok profile image and business name are the first things users see, so keep them consistent with your branding across platforms. 

The profile picture should be visually related to your other social platform profiles, using the same color palette and style.

The optimal dimensions for a TikTok account photo are 200 x 200 pixels. Consider simplifying the details, so the image looks good on the small thumbnail icon.

To improve visibility and engagement, make sure your TikToks include clear video information, such as captions and descriptions.

Make your bio short and catchy

The maximum allowed TikTok bio length is 80 characters. That’s about 10 to 20 words – try to make it half that. There are two ways you can go about it:

• Describe your business – Amazon’s bio is “we’d give you five stars,” Wendy’s bio is “Sir, this is a Wendy’s TikTok,” LinkedIn’s is “Let’s Tok about your career.” If they can make it work, so can you.
• Promote upcoming campaigns – Make your bio seasonal and timely, and update it frequently. Present an upcoming sale, event, feature, and anything else you have going on. 

Link with intent

You can link directly to your eCommerce store, but that’s not always the most effective way to track performance or guide users based on your content’s intent.

If your TikTok content focuses more on increasing brand awareness or sharing business insights, consider linking to another social media platform, a short video ad, or even an article about your business.

Alternatively, if you’re using your account to spotlight products, a dedicated catalog or landing page is often a smarter choice.

3.Prepare a TikTok marketing strategy

TikTok has redefined digital advertising, favoring content that feels real over traditional product pitches. Today’s younger audiences are sharp, skeptical, and quick to spot anything that feels overly polished or salesy. 

When creating TikTok ads, lean into a less commercialized approach – one that speaks their language.

Prioritize transparency, authenticity, and content that reflects real life. That’s where genuine value – and real connection – live.

Align your strategy with your business goals

Start by identifying the type of content you’ll create for a results-driven approach. These TikTok content ideas for business can help you match each piece of content to a specific objective:

• Increase brand awareness – Share engaging content that highlights your brand’s strengths and presence in the social space.
• Build engaged communities – Connect with the TikTok community by curating content for your niche. Collaborate with like-minded creators and speak directly to your audience.
• Sell products and services – Promote your offerings with targeted content around discounts, seasonal campaigns, product launches, and sales opportunities.
• Gather audience feedback – Use prompts, questions, or comments to invite feedback on your products and services, showing you’re listening and ready to improve.
• Provide educational content – Create helpful tutorials, how-tos, and step-by-step guides to support customers and even offer tips to fellow business owners.

Select your target audience

Make sure TikTok’s audience demographics align with your target audience. 60% of app users are female, and 40% are male. Of those, 80% are between the ages of 16-34.

Contrary to popular belief, TikTok isn’t just for teens. It’s steadily gaining popularity among older age groups, making it a valuable space for a wider range of businesses and audiences.

Thanks to TikTok’s algorithm, content is curated around niche interests: dancing, fashion, arts and crafts, cooking, fitness, and more. To make your ads resonate, think about the specific audience most likely to be interested in your content, and align your style with the formats and trends they already enjoy.

If you’re marketing to a global audience, don’t forget to factor in language preferences and cultural nuances. Tailoring your message helps you connect better with viewers around the world.

Choose relevant hashtags

Explore trending tags and use the right keywords or hashtags to help TikTok understand and promote your content to your ideal audience.

Stick to hashtags that reflect your brand and content, and avoid stuffing unrelated or overly generic ones. Strategic use of trending tags can help you gain more reach and attract new followers.

Team up with TikTok influencers

TikTok thrives as a social platform built around communities of shared interests – many of which are shaped by popular influencers.

To tap into this network, create content that interacts with well-known creators and connects your brand to the wider TikTok community. Duets, shared music clips, and trend-inspired posts are great ways to join the conversation authentically.

Alternatively, consider influencer marketing through paid collaborations to promote your products or services in a way that feels natural and resonates with their followers.

Turn comments into conversations

Engage with active TikTok users who post questions or reactions in your comments. These user interactions can provide valuable insights for improving your content.

Observe and like entertaining comments and reply to user concerns. Use the feedback to note whether your structure, prompts, or video framework needs to be optimized.

Develop a posting strategy

TikTok recommends posting content one to four times a day. This lets you test different types of content and what works best. Posting more than that risks flooding a user’s feed with too much marketing content.

Your TikTok videos must be consistent and posted according to your audience’s time zone. On weekdays, the best time to post on TikTok is early in the morning or late in the evening. For weekends, aim for the afternoon.

Plan ahead with a content calendar to stay on top of TikTok trends. 

While TikTok doesn’t allow post scheduling in-app, you can use third-party tools like Later, Hootsuite, or Metricool to schedule posts in advance and stay consistent. 

4. Engage with the target audience using relevant content

Know your target audience

Every time you open TikTok, the content magically caters to your preferences. That’s the algorithm at play. To get its attention, you need a very specific idea of your TikTok audience, what their niche is, and how you can compete with the content they already consume.

TikTok is an entertainment site first

Always consider how your marketing gets people’s attention. Unlike other social media business accounts, TikTok users expect your brand to entertain, not offer deals. Share your process of creating custom merch, bedazzle them with amazing designs, and be playful and fun without shifting from your brand voice.

Follow trends and challenges

83% of TikTokers have posted a video. TikTok will never run out of new trends you can hop onto. When a trending sound blows up, a new hashtag takes off, or a viral challenge hits the feed – move fast. Join in early and add a clever, on-brand spin that ties back to your business.

5. Start creating without overthinking video quality

TikTok tends to favor videos that feel real and unpolished over highly produced or overly edited media. Users aren’t necessarily looking for flashy formats or hard sells – they respond better to content that feels genuine, relatable, and easygoing.

To stand out on TikTok, focus on how you create high-quality content: with clear storytelling, strong relevance, and visual clarity that keeps viewers watching.

Think simple and authentic, not scripted and commercialized. Bring out your office pet, or offer a duet with a TikTok follower. Being authentic and transparent can help your brand build trust within the TikTok community and connect with users who value originality.

6. Tap into TikTok ads

TikTok offers several ad formats, including In-Feed Ads, TopView, Brand Takeovers, Branded Effects, and Hashtag Challenges. To get started, make sure you’re using a TikTok Business Account, then create a TikTok Ads Manager account, set your budget and goal, and connect your store to track conversions.

Keep your ads fun and engaging – TikTok rewards creative storytellers over hard-selling. If you plan to run ads, focus on content with replay value, a clear hook, and links in captions rather than in the video itself. 

Consider running Spark Ads, which let you boost existing organic content while retaining its original engagement metrics.

1. Save time and money

AI automates duties like data entry, inventory management, scheduling, and even answering common customer questions. This leads to reduced costs, better use of resources, and frees up time for you to focus on other tasks.

2. Improve customer service

With AI-powered chatbots and support tools, you can answer questions, resolve customer issues, and deliver personalized responses anytime. This creates better customer experiences without requiring 24/7 staffing.

3. Enhance decision-making

AI tools can analyze complex data systems to uncover trends, find solutions, and lead to smarter decisions. Whether you’re testing ad campaigns or planning your product line, AI offers deeper insights than traditional spreadsheets ever could.

4. Drive marketing success

From email automation to social media scheduling and ad targeting, AI tools can help you generate more leads at a lower cost.

5. Support growth

As your business grows, your systems need to scale. AI can help manage that growth with tools for managing inventory, automating tasks, and smarter communications.

6. Boost efficiency and accuracy

AI improves efficiency and enhances bottom lines by handling complex tasks quickly and accurately – no more human error in manual calculations or form-filling.

1. Amarra: Enhancing eCommerce operations with AI

Amarra, a New Jersey-based formalwear distributor, integrated AI into its operations to improve efficiency and customer service. By using ChatGPT for product descriptions, they reduced content creation time by 60%. Additionally, their AI-powered inventory management system decreased overstocking by 40%, and chatbots now handle 70% of customer inquiries.

2. 3 Men Movers: Improving safety and efficiency in logistics

Texas-based moving company 3 Men Movers adopted AI technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency. AI-driven cameras detect distracted driving, achieving a 91% accuracy rate, while advanced routing software optimizes delivery routes, leading to a 4.5% reduction in accidents within three months.

3. Happy & Glorious: Streamlining marketing efforts with AI

Kate Tompsett, owner of the UK-based gift shop Happy & Glorious, uses ChatGPT to assist in writing product descriptions and blog posts. This AI tool helps overcome writer’s block and maintains her brand’s authentic voice, enhancing marketing efficiency without additional staffing.

4. Notice Ninja: Automating compliance with AI

Phoenix-based compliance firm Notice Ninja developed an AI-powered platform to automate the processing of tax notices. The system scans and captures data from notices, routing them to the appropriate departments – increasing efficiency and reducing manual errors.

5. Afiniti: Providing AI CFO services to small businesses

Afiniti started by delivering AI-driven financial management tools tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), but now serves major clients from Accenture to AT&T. Their AI agents handle various financial operations – banking, analytics, and more – giving SMBs easy, efficient control over their finances.

For marketing

AI marketing tools help small businesses create engaging content, analyze performance, and target the right audience. These tools use machine learning and large datasets to optimize campaigns, generate social media posts, and even write high-converting product descriptions.

• Jasper – AI-powered content creation for blogs, ads, and email marketing. Great for small business owners who want to generate persuasive copy quickly.
• Copy.ai – Create product descriptions, email sequences, or social media captions in seconds with this generative AI tool.
• Surfer SEO – Combines AI with keyword data to help your content rank better in search engines.
• AdCreative.ai – Generates high-performing ad creatives and banners using AI, improving click-through rates and ad ROI.

For customer support

AI can significantly improve customer experiences by providing instant replies, automating help desk interactions, and resolving common questions 24/7. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants help reduce pressure on your team and deliver personalized support at scale.

• Tidio – A live chat and AI chatbot solution designed for small businesses. It uses AI to answer common customer questions and manage support tickets.
• Zendesk AI – Offers AI-powered ticketing, automated responses, and customer intent detection.
• Freshchat by Freshworks – Automates customer communications across channels and uses AI to route customer issues to the right agent.

For product research and planning

AI can help small businesses analyze trends, find solutions faster, and make better decisions based on real-time data. These tools help uncover what customers want, identify product gaps, and manage inventory more efficiently.

• Exploding Topics – Uses AI to detect emerging product trends before they go mainstream.
• TrendSpider – Offers AI-assisted technical analysis and market insights for eCommerce and product research.
• Shopify’s AI Reports – Built-in analytics that use AI to help business owners plan inventory and understand customer behavior.
• Google Trends – Not purely AI, but still powered by machine learning, and a great free tool to identify search interest and seasonality.

For automation and workflows

AI-powered software can automate repetitive tasks like data entry, order management, content scheduling, and customer follow-ups. This allows you to focus more on growth, creativity, and client needs instead of manual processes.

• Zapier – Connects your apps and automates workflows without coding. Perfect for automating emails, customer updates, or syncing orders between platforms.
• Make – A flexible automation tool that allows you to create more complex workflows than Zapier, especially useful for eCommerce.
• Notion AI – Helps small businesses automate note-taking, project planning, and brainstorming.
• Microsoft Power Automate – An AI-powered automation platform with deep integration into Microsoft tools and services.

Image generators: Creative freedom with responsibility

Image creation is one of the fastest-growing uses of generative AI among small businesses. Entrepreneurs are using AI to create marketing visuals, product mockups, and even digital artwork for sale. However, not all tools are equal, and not all outputs are safe to use commercially.

• Midjourney is popular among Etsy sellers, digital artists, and print-on-demand creators for generating unique visuals and concepts. However, it’s trained on a broad, web-scraped dataset that may include copyrighted material. Its outputs should be used carefully and never assumed to be automatically license-safe.
• Printify’s Image Generator allows merchants to create product designs directly within the platform. It’s optimized for commercial use within Printify’s ecosystem, but verifying originality is still good practice, especially if reselling designs elsewhere.
• Adobe Firefly stands out as the safest option for small businesses. Adobe uses a dataset of Adobe Stock, openly licensed content, and public domain material, making it relatively reliable for commercial projects.

Best practices when using AI-generated images:

AI-generated content relies on massive training datasets, sometimes including copyrighted or proprietary work. That’s why small businesses have to use image generators responsibly: 

• Always read each tool’s terms of use and licensing rules.
• Avoid relying solely on AI for final assets intended for resale.

Run a reverse image search on platforms like Google Images, TinEye, or Berify to check for lookalikes or potential copyright conflicts before publishing or selling.

1. Cost and learning curve

Even though many AI tools offer free plans or affordable pricing, advanced features can be costly. For small businesses on a budget, evaluating the return on investment is critical. Plus, understanding how to properly use AI-powered tools can take time, especially for non-technical users.

2. Ethical concerns and data privacy

AI technology relies on large amounts of information, some of which may include sensitive data like customer contact details or purchase history. Businesses must ensure they’re handling data responsibly and in compliance with privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA, as well as avoiding data breaches. Ethical concerns around bias in AI algorithms are also worth considering.

3. Risk of overdependence

AI can streamline many complex tasks, but it doesn’t replace human intelligence or emotional nuance. Businesses that rely too heavily on AI risk losing their personal touch, especially in areas like customer service or brand storytelling.

4. System limitations and inaccuracies

AI tools are only as good as the data they’re trained on. Sometimes, they can misinterpret requests, deliver generic results, or provide outdated information. These complex systems still need human oversight to ensure accuracy and relevance.

1. Identify areas that need support

Are you spending too much time on marketing? Struggling with inventory management or data entry? Start by pinpointing which tasks could benefit from automation or insights.

2. Pick the right AI tools

Choose AI solutions that fit your current business stage. For marketing, try Copy.ai or Jasper. For support, consider Tidio. For product research, use Exploding Topics or Google Trends to find solutions that align with your niche.

3. Use AI to deliver personalized customer experiences

Integrate AI chatbots or email tools that deliver personalized offers and respond to customer needs in real time. This boosts engagement and helps answer questions faster.

4. Automate your workflows

Use Zapier or Make to connect your eCommerce platforms with fulfillment providers and email tools. This helps reduce operational costs and frees up time to concentrate on your brand.

5. Keep testing and improving

Track your AI usage and monitor what’s working. AI evolves fast, so stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to adjust your tools or strategies.

Small business entrepreneurs can embrace AI without being tech experts. Many platforms now come with built-in AI, giving you immediate access to smarter tools that lower costs and improve performance.

How do you make money with dropshipping?

Your profit margin is the difference between what customers pay you and the cost of the fulfillment process. 

For example, if you sell a notebook for $10 and it costs $3 to make and $2 to ship, you keep $5. That’s a 50% profit margin.

A big advantage of running a dropshipping store is that you don’t need warehouse space, which means less financial risk and business expenses.

1. Select a niche

For your new business to start generating sales from dropshipping, you’ll need to find a niche.

This is a specific market segment that caters to a targeted group of people with particular interests or needs.

Here’s how to identify and target a niche.

2. Analyze the market

Once you’ve chosen a niche, it’s time to do some in-depth market and product research. This will highlight potential opportunities and challenges, help you assess product demand, and perfect your sales strategy to better reach your business goals.

Follow market trends

Stay updated on emerging trends to anticipate shifts in consumer behavior and adapt your sales strategy accordingly.

For example, if you’re in the fashion niche, monitor current styles and follow popular social media influencers to align your products with the latest in the industry.

3. Select a dropshipping supplier

Your dropshipping supplier can make or break your business, so carefully review your options before entering a dropshipping agreement contract.

Since you’ll have limited control over product quality and shipping times and costs, it’s important to vet suppliers with a good reputation, competitive prices, and reliable customer service.

Order a few sample products and evaluate the quality and delivery times. This is especially important if you plan to sell personalized merch like custom clothing or consumer products.

Partner with a few dropshipping businesses to maintain a steady product supply and reduce risks associated with supplier errors.

4. Decide where to sell

Once you’ve selected your suppliers, look for a selling channel that best aligns with your objectives and target market. Here are the types of platforms to consider.

5. Sort out your finances

Now that we’ve covered the fun parts of how to get into dropshipping, let’s go through getting your finances in order.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare to launch a dropshipping business.

6. Get a business license

Getting a business license is important to run your dropshipping store as a legal entity. 

Whether you’re setting up as a Sole Proprietorship or forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), consult local authorities and legal professionals to understand the specific requirements in your area. 

License, permit, and certification laws vary depending on your business structure and location.

Related article

Do you need a business license to sell on Etsy?

Once your Etsy store starts making a consistent profit in sales, you can be legally obligated to apply for a license through your local government.

7. Market your dropshipping business

Attract customers and grow sales by marketing your dropshipping business. Here are some key strategies to consider to help drive traffic to your store.

Build a social media presence

Social media is a fantastic tool for reaching your target audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can help you showcase products and drive engagement.

Share high-quality images and videos, interact with your followers, and leverage platform-specific features like Instagram Stories and TikTok challenges.

Use advertising tools

Paid advertising tools like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads can help you reach a wider audience. 

They let you target specific demographics, making it a smart way to drive traffic and increase sales. Experiment with different ad formats like video or carousel ads to see what gives the best results. 

8. Monitor and optimize

It’s essential to monitor and fine-tune your operations regularly to keep your dropshipping business running smoothly and growing effectively.

Track financial performance

Regularly monitor your financial metrics like revenue, expenses, and profit margins. Track sales tax and VAT collected through your online store to maintain accurate reporting and compliance.

Use accounting software to keep accurate records and generate financial reports.

Low startup costs

Dropshipping eliminates the need for large upfront investments in inventory, warehousing, and shipping logistics – significantly reducing the financial risk of launching a new business.

Flexible profit margins

Source products at wholesale rates and set your own retail price to make a higher profit.

Keep in mind that you may need to set lower profit margins in highly saturated markets due to intense competition. 

However, if you go with Print on Demand instead of traditional dropshipping, you can set higher prices on unique, custom products.

Multiple dropshipping suppliers

Dropshipping gives you the flexibility to work with various suppliers for a broader product selection – helping you easily adjust to market trends.

With Printify, you have access to overseas suppliers through a global network of Print Providers – all offering a wide range of high-quality products and fast shipping times.

Scalable growth

Dropshipping lets you expand your product offerings and reach new customers without the constraints of physical inventory.

It’s easy to sell new items, test product quality, and enter new markets without financial risk.

1. Start with selecting a niche

Finding your niche is non-negotiable if you want to start a stationery business that actually sticks (pun 100% intended). Without a niche, you’re throwing glitter in the wind and hoping it lands somewhere profitable.

A niche shapes your target audience, your products, your marketing strategy, and even where you sell (hello, online store vs boutique stationery shops). 

Need inspiration? Here are some stationery niche ideas that are more specific than just “cute notebooks”:

• Eco-friendly personal stationery made from recycled materials
• Wedding invitation business with hand-painted art prints
• Pet-themed planners and greeting cards
• Stationery for gamers: pixel-perfect designs, to-do lists, and sticker packs
• Witchy, zodiac-inspired stationery design and spell-tracking journals
• Graduation and college-themed organization kits
• Minimalist branding kits for small businesses

How to narrow it down:

Start with a broad category like “wedding stationery business” or “custom office supplies,” then stalk the data. 

• Use Google Trends to see what’s hot, or tools like Semrush and eRank (great for Etsy sellers) to uncover search volume, trending keywords, and what’s popping in the invitation business or wedding industry. 

See what potential customers are looking for – not just what you think they want. Find the overlap between what people search for and what lights you up. That’s your stationery sweet spot.

2. Write a business plan (aka your stationery empire blueprint)

Okay, so you picked your niche – woohoo! Now, it’s time to map out your business plan. Think of it as your GPS for how to start a stationery business without spiraling into “how did I lose money selling cute planners?” territory.

Your business plan helps you stay focused, realistic, and ready to attract customers. It’ll also help when applying for a business license, business insurance, or opening a business bank account (all the grown-up stuff).

Your stationery business plan should include:

• Your niche and dream target audience
• Market research (What’s trending? Who’s buying?)
• Products and pricing (and any printing equipment needs)
• Budget, ongoing expenses, and startup costs
• Sales channels (Etsy? Own website? Brick-and-mortar store?)
• Marketing magic (influencer marketing, social media, more)
• How you’ll be managing inventory and spending money wisely

Simple, powerful, and totally worth doing.

3. Register your business

Registering your new business isn’t just a formality. It protects your personal assets, builds trust, and unlocks doors to things like loans, partnerships, and insurance.

First, pick your business structure. In the US, here are your main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – Simple and fast, but no liability protection for your business plans.
• Partnership – Good for teams, sharing responsibilities and risk.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Flexible and protects your assets (a favorite for stationery businesses).
• Corporation – Best for big plans and investors.

You’ll likely need:

• A business license
• An EIN (Employer ID Number) for taxes and banking
• Registration with your state or country

Some companies, like ZenBusiness, assist in registering LLCs and declaring taxes. Also, check our Help Center for FAQs about taxes worldwide.

4. Create a brand identity (your stationery, your vibe)

Your stationery business isn’t just what you sell – it’s how you make people feel. A strong brand identity sets you apart from other stores and gives customers a reason to spend money with you.

Start with market research: 

1. What do other stationery companies look like? How do they speak? What colors, fonts, and vibes do they use? 
2. Check their online stores, read customer reviews, and see how they connect with your target market – especially if you’re offering niche goodies like wedding invitations or working with wedding planners.

Next, craft your own brand:

• Name: Use the Shopify Name Generator or DomainWheel to brainstorm.
• Logo and visuals: Try Placeit or hire a professional on Fiverr.
• Tone of voice: Are you playful? Classy? Minimalist? Make sure it fits your vibe.

Keep it cohesive across your own website, socials, and packaging. Consistency builds trust – and trust is the base of a successful stationery company.

5. Choose products for your custom stationery business

When we say stationery, we’re talking about a whole world of creative tools – not just paper. Think journals, greeting cards, posters, pens, markers, and sticky tape. 

• Our Bestsellers page highlights demand for custom notebooks, journals, and posters.
• While industry data claims writing instruments and organizational supplies to be top choices.

If these products fit your niche, consider adding them to your catalog.

Next, decide on your approach. Will you start a stationery business with hands-on production and inventory?

If so, you’ll need reliable suppliers – try UPrinting for custom paper goods or Paper Source Wholesale for high-quality basics. Just know: this route means more ongoing costs and time managing stock since you’ll have to print and ship products yourself.

Want an easier, low-risk path? Choose Print on Demand and partner with Printify! 

With over 1,300 products – including customizable stationery staples – you can design for free, launch your online store, and sell without printing or packing a thing. 

Our Catalog features calendars, custom notebooks, posters, sticky notes, and other accessories – all made to order.

Desktop Calendar (2025 grid)

By Generic brand

From $6.23 From $4.59 with Printify Premium

1 sizes District Photo

Wall Calendars (2025)

By Generic brand

From $10.16 From $7.47 with Printify Premium

2 sizes District Photo

Bookmark

By Generic brand

From $5.81 From $4.41 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Imagine Your Photos

Wall Calendar (2025)

By Generic brand

From $28.17 From $20.72 with Printify Premium

1 sizes Print Pigeons

Vertical Desk Calendar (2025)

By Generic brand

From $23.72 From $17.45 with Printify Premium

1 sizes Print Pigeons

Hardcover Journal Matte

By Generic brand

From $9.30 From $6.84 with Printify Premium

1 sizes District Photo

Spiral Notebook – Ruled Line

By Generic brand

From $8.05 From $5.81 with Printify Premium

1 sizes SPOKE Custom Products

Do a little market research, choose products your target market will love, and build a standout stationery company.

6. Design your stationery items

With products picked, it’s time to bring your ideas to life. This step is all about designing one-of-a-kind stationery products that will wow the market. How?

• Use design software. If you’re a Photoshop pro or an Illustrator ace, go wild. Professional tools like Adobe give you complete creative control and top-tier polish.
• Digitize your own art. Got sketchbooks full of doodles, watercolors, or lettering? Scan or snap them, clean them up, and boom – instant unique designs for your stationery company.
• Hire a professional. No time or design mojo? No problem. Browse platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find talented designers who can make your vision a reality.
• Use Printify’s Product Creator. No expertise? No stress. Our free tool lets you design directly in your browser – complete with an AI image generator, pattern tool, multi-language text editor, hundreds of fonts, and a massive free graphics library. It’s beginner-friendly and ridiculously fun.

Your stationery items are your brand’s voice – so make them bold, beautiful, and totally you.

7. Decide where to sell and set up a store

You’ve got a stationery business – now, where’s it gonna live? Good news: you’ve got options.

Brick and mortar. Love the idea of a local shop? Set up a cozy corner or pop-up in your city. Great for connecting with local schools and establishments, event hosts, and folks who need that perfect wedding invitation ASAP.

Marketplaces. Sites like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon are excellent for reaching ready-to-buy shoppers. They bring the traffic – you bring the charm. Ideal if you’re just starting out or testing new products.

Standalone online stores. Want total control over your brand? Build your own site using platforms and builders like Shopify, Wix, or WooCommerce. It’s your space, your rules, and your chance to shine with a fully customized online store.

Not sure where to begin? Check out our step-by-step guides:

• How to start an Etsy shop
• How to start a Shopify store
• How to set up WooCommerce
• How to set up an eBay store
• How to set up an Amazon storefront

Whatever sales channel you choose, make sure it fits your vision, your lifestyle – and your stationery goals.

8. Price your custom stationery products and optimize your listings

Let’s talk money – because even the cutest stationery business won’t run on glitter alone.

• If you’re creating and selling products yourself, make sure your pricing covers all the costs – materials, packaging, shipping, time, and any sneaky overhead costs like studio rent and printer ink.

• Using Printify? You’re in luck. You get to set your own prices and profit margins (we recommend at least 40%). Your listings sync directly to your store – just pick a product, design it, and boom, you’re live. No inventory, no stress.

But great prices won’t matter if your listings get lost in the internet void. So, let’s make them pop.

Listing optimization tips:

• Titles: Make them clear, descriptive, and searchable (e.g., “Custom Floral Wedding Invitation Set” instead of just “Stationery”).
• Descriptions: Tell a story. Mention product details, materials, use cases, and what makes it unique.
• Tags and keywords: Use specific terms shoppers search for (e.g., “bridesmaid gift,” “pastel planner,” “study supplies”).
• Photos: Use high-quality mockups and lifestyle images showing your designs in real-world settings.

The goal? Make your product irresistible and easy to find. Optimize, test, and update regularly.

9. Develop a marketing plan

Your stationery business is live – now it’s time to shout it from the (digital) rooftops.

Marketing turns your cute designs into loyal customers. Here’s how to make that happen:

Social media – Share product photos, customer reviews, and creative videos on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Use relevant hashtags, post consistently, and engage with your followers to grow a community around your brand.

Email marketing – Collect emails with pop-ups, freebies, or discount codes and send newsletters, product launches, and promos using tools like Mailchimp or MailerLite. Keep it short, visual, and full of personality.

Content marketing and SEO – Monetize a blog or add content to your product pages with helpful tips (like wedding invitation trends or productivity hacks). Use keyword research tools like Google Trends or Semrush to find what your audience is searching for.

Paid ads – Launch targeted ads on Google, Instagram, or Etsy using product photos, reviews, or short videos. Use tools like AdScale, set a small daily budget to test what works, and scale what converts.

Influencer and affiliate marketing – Find micro-influencers on Instagram or TikTok using hashtags or platforms like Collabstr or Upfluence. Reach out with a clear pitch and offer free products, affiliate commissions, or collab deals.

The key? Stay consistent, be real, and focus on what your dream customers care about.