Let’s talk DecoNetwork vs Shopify—because if you’re launching a DTF printing website, you’ve probably looked at both. On paper, Shopify looks like the obvious choice. It’s everywhere, it’s got flashy themes, and you can be online in an afternoon.
But here’s the kicker: Shopify wasn’t built for custom DTF printing businesses. It’s a generic e-commerce platform, which means the minute you need real print shop tools—like artwork approvals, mockup automation, or production tracking—you’re stuck duct-taping together third-party apps and hoping they don’t break.
Shopify might be great for dropshipping t-shirts or selling pre-made merch. But if you’re taking custom artwork, quoting jobs based on print size, and trying to manage a production calendar? That’s where things get messy, fast.
So before you sink hours into building a Shopify store that still can’t handle the way a DTF print shop actually works, it’s worth asking: is there a better way?
Spoiler: There is. And it’s called DecoNetwork.
Shopify Is Great—But Not For A DTF Printing Website
Let’s give credit where it’s due: Shopify is a powerhouse for general e-commerce. If you’re selling candles, electronics, or bicycles, Shopify can get you online fast with clean templates and thousands of apps to customize your store.
But here’s the problem—Shopify wasn’t built for DTF printing.
If you’re a decorator dealing with customer-uploaded artwork, mockups, print-ready file requirements, and production deadlines, Shopify won’t do the heavy lifting. Want to automatically generate product mockups from client files? That’ll require a plugin. Need to approve artwork before printing? Another plugin. Want to schedule production? Yet another app. And each one costs money, needs setup, and can break at any time.
It’s not that Shopify is bad. It’s just that it’s not made for custom printing businesses. You’ll spend more time piecing things together than actually fulfilling orders. And when it’s 10 PM and a customer sends a blurry JPG, good luck getting the system to flag it before it ends up in production.
If you’re launching a DTF printing business online, you need more than a storefront—you need a system that understands the difference between a PNG with transparency and a low-res screenshot from Instagram.
DecoNetwork vs Shopify: What Makes DecoNetwork Better For DTF?
Here’s where the DecoNetwork vs Shopify debate really gets interesting. DecoNetwork is built specifically for apparel decorators, and that includes DTF printers. It’s not just an e-commerce platform—it’s a full business operating system for custom print shops. You don’t need to bolt on apps to approve artwork, generate mockups, or manage production. DecoNetwork does it all out of the box.
When a customer uploads their design, DecoNetwork checks the file type and resolution automatically—no more chasing down pixelated screenshots. It even creates instant product mockups so customers see exactly what they’re ordering. That means fewer questions, fewer mistakes, and way fewer headaches for you.
Need to approve artwork before printing? It’s built in. Want a production calendar that tells your team what’s due and when? Already there. Selling blanks from S&S, SanMar, or TSC? DecoNetwork integrates directly with their catalogs, so your site stays updated with real-time inventory and pricing.
Meanwhile, on Shopify? You’ll spend hours searching for plugins just to do what DecoNetwork gives you from day one—and you’ll pay extra every month to keep it running.
DecoNetwork vs Shopify: DTF Printing Features
Let’s cut through the DecoNetwork vs Shopify hype. If you’re building a DTF printing website, you don’t just need a “store”—you need a print production machine that lives online. Here’s how Shopify stacks up against DecoNetwork when it comes to running a real DTF business.
| Feature | Shopify | DecoNetwork |
|---|---|---|
| DTF Printing Support | Needs 3rd-party apps. | Fully built-in DTF printing specific toos for print shops. |
| Artwork Upload Rules | Basic. No resolution check. | Set file types, DPI, and auto-reject bad files. |
| Automatic Mockups | Needs 3rd-party apps. | Auto-generate mockups from customer uploads. |
| Artwork Approval System | Needs 3rd-party apps. | Built-in approval flow with one-click customer feedback. |
| Production Management | Needs 3rd-party apps | Live production calendar and job tracking. |
| Supplier Catalog Integration | Limited to dropshipping. | Real-time product catalogs from S&S, SanMar, BTC, and more. |
| E-Commerce Website | General-use storefront. | Fully customizable storefront for DTF printing. |
| Pricing Rules for Printing | Not built for pre-print pricing. | Set exact pricing based on size, colors, quantity, and more. |
DecoNetwork isn’t trying to be everything for everyone—it’s focused on making life easier for apparel decorators and DTF printers. That’s the difference.
With Shopify, you’re building a patchwork of apps. With DecoNetwork, you’re getting a purpose-built system that connects your online orders, production floor, and customer experience without babysitting it.
When Shopify Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t For DTF Printing)
Shopify does make sense for some folks. If you’re just drop-shipping generic products or running a brand with no customizations, it’s a solid bet. Clean themes, lots of apps, and solid checkout tools? All good stuff.
But here’s the catch: Shopify wasn’t built for decorators. Especially not DTF print shops.
Once you step into the world of custom orders, client-uploaded artwork, mockup previews, and production tracking, Shopify starts to fall apart. You’re suddenly stuck duct-taping together third-party tools just to do basic stuff like artwork approvals or pricing based on print size.
Even worse? Every app you add creates more chances for things to break—and adds to your monthly bill.
So here’s the rule of thumb:
- If you sell pre-made products with zero customization, Shopify can work great.
- If you print custom DTF transfers, offer personalization, and manage production workflows, Shopify becomes a mess fast.
And that’s where DecoNetwork flips the script. It’s not just a website—it’s the full system. Artwork rules, product mockups, pricing per square inch, approvals, and production calendars—all built in, all print-shop-ready.
The Takeaway: DecoNetwork vs Shopify For DTF Printing
At the end of the day, this isn’t about bashing Shopify—it’s a great e-commerce tool. But if you’re serious about launching and growing a DTF printing business, you need more than a storefront. You need automation. You need control. You need a platform that gets how print shops actually work.
DecoNetwork is built from the ground up for decorators—and that includes DTF print shops. You don’t need plugins to approve artwork, generate mockups, manage orders, or keep your production team in sync. It’s all in one system, ready to go.
So if you’re tired of juggling apps, chasing customers for files, or pricing jobs by hand… it’s time to upgrade your workflow and run your DTF business like a pro.
Request your free DecoNetwork demo today and see what happens when your website actually works for your print shop—not against it.
