Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How Does SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Work?
- How Does Handshake for Suppliers Work?
- How Much Does SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Cost?
- How Much Does Handshake for Suppliers Cost?
- Cost Analysis: SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand vs. Handshake for Suppliers
- User Reviews & Customer Support Insights
- Integrations and Compatibility
- Conclusion
Introduction
From larger industries to small start-ups, dropshipping has reinvented the retail landscape, providing an opportunity for businesses to minimize their inventory and maximize their profits. It’s a simple model: a business promotes and sells a supplier’s products, leaving the hassle of storage, packaging, and shipping to the supplier. Now, let’s shift the spotlight onto two potent dropshipping applications - SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand (launched in December 2018 by SPOD - Spreadshirt Print On Demand) and Handshake for Suppliers (a Shopify brainchild launched in June 2021)─ and see how they stand up against each other.
How Does SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Work?
SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand aims to simplify your dropshipping process, particularly if you're in the custom products business. The app enables you to offer a wide range of custom merch items that are only produced when a customer places an order. This means you have no upfront costs and you only pay when your customers purchase from your store. The primary feature of the app is its print-on-demand ability. This app is quite helpful to businesses at every stage, particularly newcomers who might not have the capital or logistical capacity to stock merchandise. It's also essential for enterprises that cater to niche communities and need customized products in small quantities. An interesting scenario might be a Shopify shop owner looking to sell branded T-shirts. They would simply upload their design, choose the products they want to offer, and SPOD will handle the printing and shipping upon order. It's efficient, cost-effective, and allows business owners to focus on their marketing and customer service.
How Does Handshake for Suppliers Work?
Handshake for Suppliers, on the other hand, operates as a wholesale marketplace. This app connects retailers with one-of-a-kind U.S. brands, thus providing approved retailers a platform to discover novel and high-quality products. The app facilitates wholesale transactions under one integrated platform for managing all your products, orders, and buyers. Offering a range of product categories like Apparel, Jewelry, Beauty, Food & Drink, Stationary, and more, Handshake caters to various business needs. For instance, a home decor store owner can source unique, artisan-made items straight from creators, adding a unique flavor to their store and attracting an audience that values one-of-a-kind items.
How Much Does SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Cost?
In the world of app selection, pricing often demarcates value and features, and let's face it, every business wants to get the most for their money. However, SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand refrains from the traditional scheme of different priced tiers. Rather, it operates on a cost-per-order basis, whereby users only foot the bill for order fulfillment and shipping. There are no hidden fees or additional costs, making it a compelling option for businesses of every size, especially startups just venturing into the world of dropshipping.
How Much Does Handshake for Suppliers Cost?
When it comes to Handshake for Suppliers, the pricing model is similarly straightforward. The platform is free to join for both suppliers and retailers. Suppliers pay a 15% commission fee per order, paid upon order placement. This eliminates the need for monthly or annual memberships, and lets suppliers pay as they earn.
Cost Analysis: SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand vs. Handshake for Suppliers
In comparing the pricing structures, it should be mentioned that both the "pay-as-you-go" models offered by SPOD and Handshake ensure you only pay when you make a sale. This approach aligns perfectly with the dropshipping model, thus offering significant value for money, particularly for new, small and medium-sized businesses.
User Reviews & Customer Support Insights
Is SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Good?
SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand boasts a 4.1-star rating from a total of 710 reviews. The high rating indicates that users find value in its features. It's a safe bet that users appreciate the vast catalog of products and design choices, the fast fulfillment times, and the ease of use of the platform. The transparency in pricing also likely attracts positive reviews. However, just like every platform, there could be areas that users feel could be improved upon. Forward-thinking business owners would do well to consider both the positives and negatives before deciding.Is Handshake for Suppliers Good?
Meanwhile, Handshake for Suppliers has an average rating of 1 star from 37 reviewers. While low, this average is based on a relatively small number of reviews and thus may not be entirely reflective of user sentiment. Potential users might keep this in mind while assessing the value of Handshake for their businesses. Always remember the value of extensive research and endeavor to locate more in-depth reviews that provide detailed feedback.Which App is Better according to users?
If we were to go by the number of reviews and average ratings alone, SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand appears to take the lead. However, it’s crucial to remember the nuances that might affect these metrics. For example, SPOD has been in the market for longer than Handshake, which of course, could mean more accumulated reviews.Integrations and Compatibility
SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Integrations:
SPOD - Print-on-Demand integrates with Order Desk and has its own SPOD API. The tools mentioned have valuable contributions in enhancing how the app runs. Order Desk, for instance, can streamline the order management process, providing businesses with better control over their fulfillment.Handshake for Suppliers Integrations:
While Handshake for Suppliers' data didn't specify any integrations, its integration with the general Shopify platform is given, considering it is developed by Shopify itself. This means all functionalities of Shopify are easily synchronized with Handshake, providing for a seamless operation.Conclusion
SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand offers an easy solution for those who want to sell custom-made products without forking out for inventory costs, and is particularly noted for its diverse product catalog and fast fulfillment times. On the other hand, Handshake for Suppliers allows retailers to source unique, quality products from a marketplace of diverse suppliers. This could be particularly beneficial for businesses that wish to offer exclusive products to attract a niche customer base. Both apps have their strengths, and ultimately, the choice boils down to the individual needs of a Shopify retailer. Your watches of selection must sync with your business goals, product niche, and target audience preferences. Consider all these factors, do your research, and choose wisely! Pair your Shopify store with a powerful dropshipping app and elevate your e-commerce venture to new heights.
Our Top Recommendations For Your Store
Dropshipping is a unique e-commerce avenue. But what if you could elevate its potential? The answer lies not just in the core functionality of your store but in the enhancements you layer on top. Let’s explore.
Product Options by HulkApps
This tool empowers you to offer a wide range of product customizations. With the Product Options by HulkApps, you can create unlimited product options and combinations. It’s designed to handle even the most complex product structures, allowing you to offer more choices to your customers. Imagine not having to worry about inventory adjustments while still catering to diverse customer preferences. It’s all about giving choices without the usual logistical headaches. Learn more.
VolumeBoost by HulkApps
In the dropshipping world, larger order sizes are gold. The VolumeBoost - Volume Discounts app facilitates the creation of discounted prices for bulk purchases. It’s designed to raise the average order value and match custom-tiered pricing to your online store. This app is not just about selling more; it’s about creating a shopping experience where customers feel valued and incentivized to buy in bulk. Find out how.
Metafields Custom Field Master by HulkApps
Custom Field Master, you can create and manage content easily across your store. This tool ensures your product listings are detailed and transparent, fostering trust and reducing those all-too-common customer queries. From in-depth descriptions like sizing information to how-to tips and even videos, this app enhances the shopping experience by providing all the necessary product details. Discover its features.
In conclusion, while dropshipping offers a world of opportunities, the tools you choose can make all the difference. It’s not just about setting up a store; it’s about crafting an experience. Ready to elevate yours?