Everything you need to know to sell print products online
An online print shop, print webshop, or Web2Print platform – they all describe the same concept: an online store where customers can order products that still need to be printed. Think of business cards with personal details, flyers for promotional campaigns, or flags featuring a company logo.
In this blog, you’ll learn everything about an online print shop:
how to get started, what the benefits are, and what makes this webshop truly successful.
What is an online print shop?
An online print shop is a digital platform where visual communication products — such as print materials, signage, textiles, or promotional items — can be configured, personalized, and ordered online.
Here’s how the ordering process typically works in the webshop:
Customers choose a product, personalize it in an online editor or upload their own design, select quantities and finishing options, view real-time pricing and delivery times, and complete their order directly online.
Behind the webshop runs an automated system that supports every stage of the workflow — from quotation and order entry to production, delivery, and invoicing.
An online print shop acts as the digital bridge between customer, supplier, and production, bringing all purchasing and sales processes together in one central place.
When does it make sense to start an online print shop?
An online print shop is especially valuable for companies that produce or manage visual communication materials and want to make them available online. For printers, print managers, and resellers, it’s a logical next step to expand reach, process orders more efficiently, and offer customers a modern way to order print.
Whether you already have a loyal customer base or not — if orders still come in via scattered emails or phone calls, a webshop offers the perfect solution.
With a digital ordering portal, you can streamline processes, minimize errors, and handle significantly more work with the same team.
Such a webshop can be set up in various ways.
It can serve as an extension of a physical print shop or operate as a fully independent online channel. You decide whether to sell your own products, offer items from external suppliers, or combine both. Production can be managed in-house, through a fixed partner, or per order with the producer of your choice.
The benefits of an online print shop
An online print shop not only offers convenience for customers but also provides clear benefits for business owners.
The main advantages at a glance:
- Time savings – fewer manual orders, quotes, and invoices.
- Automation – orders are automatically sent to production.
- System integrations – connect with CRM, accounting, and production partners.
- Personalization – customers can easily design their print products online.
- File control – automatic preflight checks prevent errors and reduce correction rounds.
- New revenue opportunities – reach new markets or expand your product range.
- Low overhead – automated workflows let you operate efficiently with a small team.
- 24/7 sales channel – customers can place orders anytime, even outside business hours.
What do you need to get started?
Anyone looking to start an online print shop needs a few essential building blocks: reliable webshop software, a strong and sellable product range, and a clear understanding of the target audience. A successful webshop requires careful preparation. Ask yourself questions such as:
- Do you want to sell to consumers, businesses, or both?
- Will you offer your own products, work with external suppliers, or combine the two?
Also, think about how your workflow will be organized — from order management and pricing to inventory and delivery.
Once you have this foundation in place, you can look for an online print shop software solution that fits your workflow and growth ambitions.
Common mistakes when starting an online print shop
Setting up a webshop for print can be challenging. Entrepreneurs often encounter these common pitfalls:
- UNCLEAR TARGET AUDIENCE:
The success of your webshop depends on a well-defined audience. Are you targeting consumers, business clients, or both? A clear focus helps with product selection, pricing, and marketing.
- STARTING TOO BIG:
Many new webshop owners try to launch with a full product range. Start small, test what works, and expand step by step.
- LACK OF VISIBILITY:
A webshop without visitors is like a storefront without passers-by. Invest in visibility through Google Ads, social media, and newsletters to attract traffic to your site.
- NO CONTROL OVER PRODUCTION:
Some Web2Print providers only supply software if they also handle production. This limits your flexibility. If independence is important, choose a software partner that lets you manage production your own way.
- UNDERESTIMATING UER EXPERIENCE:
The success of a webshop largely depends on usability. Clear navigation, strong calls-to-action, a reliable ordering process, and responsive support are key. The easier it is to order, the higher your conversion rate.
Online print shop software by Prindustry
There are several software solutions available for setting up an online print shop. One example of a complete webshop platform is the WhiteLabelShop by Prindustry.
The WhiteLabelShop is an all-in-one Web2Print platform with an integrated webshop and management system.
The WhiteLabelShop is a dedicated software platform developed specifically for printing companies, print managers, and resellers. It combines an easy-to-use webshop, a built-in management dashboard, and direct integrations with suppliers, accounting software, and ERP systems. Users can offer their own product range or buy and sell products via a marketplace of external producers. Everything runs under the user’s own brand — from pricing to production setup — ensuring full control over the entire process.
Start your online print shop today
The move to online sales is a natural development for every print business. With the right shop software, you can automate your workflows, expand your reach, and give your customers a modern way to order print products. Your webshop becomes not just another sales channel, but a strategic extension of your business.
Ready to see what your online print shop could look like?
Schedule an online demo of the WhiteLabelShop by Prindustry:
