TPOP or Shopify: which to choose for your online store?

Find out how TPOP compares to Shopify and how both solutions can meet your e-commerce needs. Are you looking for a simple platform, controlled costs and a print on demand (POD) service that's already integrated? Then you've come to the right place. This article presents the strengths of each option, with a focus onSustainability, affordability and catalog management.

Looking for an alternative to Shopify?

Shopify is one of the major players in online sales. Its success is based on a clear interface, a rich application store and the ability to easily host a professional store. Since its creation in 2006, Shopify has enabled millions of entrepreneurs to launch their brands on the web, offering a variety of themes and a wide range of marketing tools.

However, to access all its features (premium themes, automations, advanced inventory management options, etc.), it's often necessary to multiply monthly subscriptions or paid modules, which can add to your monthly charges and impact your margin. What's more, Shopify doesn't offer an integrated POD service: you'll have to use a third-party application if you want to sell print-on-demand products.

This is where TPOP really comes into its own: the solution combines the creation of a turnkey e-commerce site with an already operational POD service. It stands out in particular for its zero commission on sales, its transparent pricing structure and its eco-responsible approach (zero plastic packaging, water-based inks, green hosting). What's more, TPOP offers a free import tool from Shopify, so you can quickly switch from one platform to another without losing time or data.

Features table

feature	TPOP	Shopify
Free offer	✓	✓
E-commerce site design included	✓	×
Integrated POD service	✓	×
Free import tool from Shopify	✓	-
No registration fees	✓	×
No commission on sales	✓	×
Direct payment from customer (no deductions)	✓	×
Eco-responsible commitment (zero plastic, inks)	✓	×
Hosting and subdomain included	✓	✓
SEO optimization (AMP, tags, images)	✓	✓
Wide choice of third-party applications		✓
CSS, design and theme customization	✓	✓
Dedicated, responsive customer support	✓	✓

In this comparative table, we note TPOP's positioning in the print-on-demand and eco-responsibility segments, with a no-fee, no-commission model. Shopify, on the other hand, remains a market heavyweight thanks to its comprehensive ecosystem of apps and themes.

TPOP's strengths

Simplified website creation

TPOP offers a ready-to-sell environment. You can set up your store in just a few minutes, including hosting and a free sub-domain. The clear, intuitive configuration interface lets you activate essential pages (legal notices, general sales conditions, etc.) without getting lost in a multitude of menus.

This simplicity doesn't prevent you from delving deeper into the design: you can customize the store's appearance, add your logo, choose your colors, and even tweak the CSS if you subscribe to the Unlimited offer. The aim: to get off to a good start quickly, while retaining the option of upgrading.

Integrated print-on-demand

Unlike Shopify, which requires the installation of an external module to print your products, TPOP natively integrates POD. You create your visuals (t-shirts, hoodies, bags, shells, etc.), upload them to the platform, and TPOP takes care of printing, quality control, packaging and shipping to your end customer. No logistics to manage on your side, no stock to store.

As a bonus, the TPOP catalog focuses on responsible products: water-based inks, organic textiles, zero plastic packaging... All strong arguments to differentiate your brand in a market increasingly sensitive to ecological impact.

Transparent rates and zero commission

One of the things that stands out about TPOP is the total absence of commission on your sales. You keep all the money paid by your customers, and TPOP only charges you for production and dispatch costs. Your cash flow is therefore not burdened by transaction fees or mandatory subscriptions.

Of course, TPOP offers paying packages (Unlimited, BUSINESS) to unlock advanced features (custom domain, SEO blog, non-POD product sales, etc.). But if you want to stick with the FREE offer, you can sell your creations online for free.

Shopify import tool

For those reluctant to make the transition, TPOP has developed a free import tool that retrieves your Shopify products (listings, descriptions, visuals) in just a few clicks. This feature makes migration much easier: you don't have to start from scratch, and you can test the TPOP platform without fear of losing key information.

This is a significant advantage if you already have a substantial catalog. By importing your product files and descriptions, you save precious time. The import link guides you step by step, making the switchover smooth and immediate.

Strong environmental commitment

At a time when corporate social responsibility (CSR) is gaining ground, TPOP is committed at every stage: water-based inks, organic cotton textiles, zero-plastic shipping, recyclable envelopes and packaging, eco-responsible accommodation... So many practices that appeal to consumers who care about protecting the planet.

This approach is not limited to products: customer support, communication and platform management in general adopt the same principle of impact reduction. At the same time, TPOP is banking on optimized printing and delivery times, to limit CO₂ emissions while ensuring reliable service.

Proactive assistance and support

TPOP doesn't leave merchants alone with their questions: an exhaustive help center, video tutorials, a free academy and responsive customer support are there to guide users, even beginners. You'll learn how to configure your store, manage your designs and optimize your sales. The TPOP team responds quickly to emails and messages, fostering a long-term relationship based on trust.

This support is particularly useful when you're just starting out in e-commerce and discovering the world of POD. Every detail counts: choosing products, adjusting margins, promoting on social networks... TPOP provides resources to help you progress, while remaining focused on what's most important: satisfying your customers.

Why merchants prefer TPOP over Shopify

Clear, affordable pricing

Shopify offers several monthly plans, sometimes with additional commissions or costs if you use third-party payment gateways. With TPOP, you know what you're getting into: no commissions, no hidden fees. The various subscriptions remain optional to unlock more advanced features, but the FREE formula is already suitable for many novice designers.

Unified Print on Demand

At Shopify, setting up a POD involves connecting to an external service (Printful, Printify, etc.). In this case, you need to multiply the number of dashboards, synchronizations and updates. TPOP, on the other hand, manages everything natively: you design your visuals, the platform produces and dispatches orders immediately, with automated tracking. A peace of mind that appeals to entrepreneurs in search of simplicity.

Free import tool for your Shopify products

If you're already a Shopify user, the transition may seem complex. TPOP has made it smoother with an automated import module. With a single click, your Shopify products find their way onto TPOP, without having to recreate or upload everything manually. This makes it much easier to get started, and saves time.

Promoting eco-responsibility

Customers are increasingly demanding transparency and respect for the environment in their purchases. TPOP sets itself apart by offering organic products, plastic-free packaging and green accommodation. This global commitment reassures your buyers while reinforcing your brand image. Shopify, on the other hand, leaves this choice to the discretion of merchants and third-party apps.

Close, human support

While Shopify has a responsive customer service team, TPOP is more specialized, often offering a more human and personalized relationship. The team really supports merchants as they grow. Responses are prompt, and a detailed FAQ is there to resolve most common questions. This tailor-made support often makes all the difference, especially in the early stages.

Controlled development possibilities

TPOP offers three formulas: FREE, Unlimited and BUSINESS. You start where you want and upgrade at your own pace. With Shopify, on the other hand, you have to choose between several plans (Basic, Shopify, Advanced, etc.) and sometimes consider paid apps for specific needs. The TPOP approach has the advantage of grouping e-commerce and POD functionalities in the same package, without dispersion.

FAQ

1. Can I really sell for free with TPOP? Yes, the FREE formula allows you to set up your store without any compulsory subscription. You'll only have to pay the production and shipping costs associated with POD orders . There's no commission or percentage on your sales.
2. How do I import from Shopify? TPOP offers a free import tool that copies your product files (text, images) in just a few clicks. This allows you to migrate quickly, without having to re-enter each reference or manually reload each visual.
3. Can I customize as much as I can with Shopify? TPOP includes several visual customization options, and as of the Unlimited package, you can modify your store's CSS. There's also an SEO blog module for generating content, and you can add your own domain name.
4. How long does it take to ship a POD? Once an order has been validated, TPOP generally processes printing and shipping within a few working days. Exact lead times vary according to destination, but the platform always strives to strike a balance between responsiveness and respect for ecological standards.
5. Are the products truly eco-responsible? TPOP selects organic textiles and favors water-based ink printing techniques. Parcels are shipped in plastic-free packaging, and accommodation is designed to reduce carbon impact. The aim is to guarantee a green approach from start to finish.
6. Do I need a business account to receive payments? No, you can set up your own payment methods (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) and receive money directly from your sales. TPOP does not charge any commission and does not intervene in the financial flow between you and your customers.
7. Can I sell products other than those from TPOP? Yes, from the Unlimited offer onwards, you can add physical or digital products other than POD. In this way, you can combine your own catalog with that of TPOP, all in the same management space.
8. Are there any geographical limits to shipping? TPOP ships internationally, with transport methods adapted to each region. Shipping rates are calculated according to country and total weight, and transparently communicated in your dashboard.