Selling Shirts Online: Should You Choose a Platform or Build Your Website?

In the digital age, selling shirts online has become a booming business trend. However, newcomers often face a crucial decision: should they use an existing e-commerce platform or build their website? Each option has pros and cons; the best choice depends on your business goals, resources, and strategies. Let’s explore both options to determine the optimal approach.

1. Popular E-Commerce Platforms for Selling Shirts

1.1. Teechip

Teechip is a print-on-demand (POD) e-commerce platform that allows users to design and sell custom products online. Below is an overview of Teechip’s fees and policies:

Fees:

• Base Product Cost:
  • Teechip charges a base cost per product, which includes production, printing, and order processing fees.
  • The base cost varies depending on the product type, colour, size, and printing method.
  • Sellers can set their retail prices, and their profit is the difference between the retail price and the base cost.
• Platform Fees:
  • Teechip does not charge registration or maintenance fees.
  • They primarily earn revenue through the base cost of products.
• Payment Processing Fees:
  • Payment processing fees apply when customers make purchases. These fees vary based on the payment method used.

Policies:

• Intellectual Property Rights:
  • Sellers are responsible for ensuring their designs comply with copyright and trademark laws.
  • Teechip prohibits the sale of products that infringe on intellectual property rights.
• Return and Refund Policy:
  • Teechip offers refunds or replacements for defective products or orders that do not match the description.
  • Sellers can establish their return policies but must adhere to Teechip’s minimum requirements.
• Shipping Policy:
  • Teechip manages order fulfilment and shipping.
  • Shipping times vary depending on the delivery location and shipping method.
• Content Policy:
  • Teechip enforces strict content guidelines to prevent offensive or inappropriate listings.

1.2. SenPrint

SenPrint is a POD platform that primarily serves the Vietnamese market.

Fees:

• Base Product Cost:
  • SenPrint charges a base cost that includes manufacturing, printing, and fulfilment expenses.
  • Prices vary by product type, colour, size, and printing technique.
  • Sellers set their prices and keep the difference between the retail and base costs.
• Platform Fees:
  • Similar to other POD platforms, SenPrint does not charge registration or maintenance fees.
  • The company generates revenue through product base costs.
• Payment Processing Fees:
  • Payment processing fees apply when customers place orders.
  • Fees vary depending on the payment method used.
• Shipping Fees:
  • SenPrint implements its shipping policies, with shipping costs applied per order.

Policies:

• Intellectual Property Rights:
  • Sellers must ensure their designs are original and do not violate copyright laws.
  • SenPrint strictly prohibits intellectual property infringement.
• Return and Refund Policy:
  • SenPrint provides refunds or replacements for defective or incorrect products.
  • Sellers must comply with SenPrint’s return and refund policies.
• Shipping Policy:
  • SenPrint handles order fulfilment and shipping logistics.
  • Delivery times depend on the shipping method and location.
• Content Policy:
  • SenPrint enforces strict content guidelines to maintain quality standards.

1.3. ShopBase

ShopBase is a comprehensive e-commerce platform offering tools and services to help businesses build and manage online stores.

Fees:

• Base Product Cost:
  • ShopBase’s pricing model follows the standard POD format, covering manufacturing and fulfilment expenses.
  • Product costs vary depending on specifications.
  • Sellers can adjust retail prices to maximize profit.
• Platform Fees:
  • ShopBase does not charge upfront registration fees.
  • The platform generates revenue from the base cost of products.
• Payment Processing Fees:
  • Transaction fees apply depending on the payment method used.
• Shipping Fees:
  • Shipping fees vary based on the customer’s location and chosen delivery method.

Policies:

• Intellectual Property Rights:
  • Sellers are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright laws.
  • ShopBase enforces strict intellectual property policies.
• Return and Refund Policy:
  • Refunds and replacements are available for defective products.
  • Sellers must comply with ShopBase’s return guidelines.
• Shipping Policy:
  • ShopBase handles shipping logistics.
• Content Policy:
  • ShopBase has strict guidelines to maintain quality control.

2. Why You Should Build Your Website Instead of Relying on Platforms

While platforms offer convenience, they come with limitations. Building your website offers greater control, brand recognition, and profitability.

2.1. Establishing a Strong and Professional Brand

• Complete Control Over Design and User Experience:
  • A self-hosted website allows you to customize every aspect, from layout to content, ensuring a unique brand identity.
• Enhanced Credibility and Trust:
  • A professionally designed website builds customer trust and fosters long-term relationships.
• Differentiation from Competitors:
  • A unique online presence helps your business stand out in a crowded market.

2.2. Maximizing Profits

• No Commission Fees:
  • Unlike platforms that take a percentage of sales, a self-owned website ensures you keep all profits.
• Flexible Pricing and Promotions:
  • You can adjust pricing and run promotional campaigns without restrictions.
• Customer Data Collection:
  • A website enables detailed customer behaviour analysis, helping refine marketing strategies.
• SEO Optimization:
  • Complete control over SEO ensures higher visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic to your store.

2.3. Greater Control and Flexibility

• Efficient Inventory and Order Management:
  • Integrating advanced inventory management tools streamlines operations.
• Marketing Tool Integration:
  • Your website allows for seamless integration with email marketing, social media, and digital advertising tools.
• Scalability:
  • As your business grows, your website can evolve to meet new demands.

3. Final Thoughts

While building a website requires an initial investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. A self-hosted website strengthens brand identity, maximizes profits, and provides greater business control. At Hacecommerce, we offer website development services tailored to your business needs. Get started today!

Additionally, Hac Ecommerce offers a range of comprehensive services designed to support and empower businesses operating in the POD (Print on Demand) industry. These services include fulfillment solutions, payment account rentals, and design cloning, all of which are tailored to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs in this niche.