Platform Overview
Amazon Overview
Amazon Merch on Demand offers access to Prime customers but has application requirements and tiered royalty rates.
Shopify Overview
Shopify with Printful or Print Aura gives full design control and higher per-unit margins with no approval limits.
Fee Comparison
| Aspect | Amazon | Shopify | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Requirements | Tiered approval (10-500) | None | Shopify open to all |
| Royalty/Profit | $3.19-$15.00 | Variable (you set price) | You control margins |
| Design Limits | 100-500 (tiered) | Unlimited | Shopify unlimited |
| Prime Eligibility | Yes | No (unless using FBA) | Amazon advantage |
| Integration Required | N/A | Printful/Print Aura | Shopify needs apps |
| Product Types | Amazon catalog | Vast customization | Shopify more options |
| Shipping Control | Limited | Can offer free shipping | Shopify flexibility |
Our Recommendation
Shopify is better for creative control and unlimited designs. Amazon Merch is better for Prime access and passive sales through search.
Key Takeaways
What to Consider
- Platform fees are only part of the equation - factor in fulfillment, shipping, and your time.
- Consider your product type and target audience when choosing between Amazon and Shopify.
- Use our Profit Calculator to estimate exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shopify cheaper than selling on Amazon or eBay?
Shopify charges $29-$299/month for hosting but 0% transaction fees with Shopify Payments. A seller doing $10,000/month saves ~$200-1,700/month in transaction fees vs Amazon. However, you must generate your own traffic â no built-in buyers like Amazon or eBay. Break-even depends on your ability to drive traffic organically.
What transaction fees does Shopify charge?
Shopify charges 0% transaction fee when using Shopify Payments. External payment gateways add 0.5-2% per transaction. This is a major advantage over Amazon and eBay which charge 8-17% and 13-15% respectively. At $50K monthly revenue, this saves $4,000-$8,500/month in fees.
Data Methodology & Disclaimer
Fee data and benchmarks in this article are sourced from official platform documentation and cross-referenced with publicly available rate schedules as of April 2026. Calculations use standard fee formulas; individual results vary based on product category and specific listing details.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Check the latest rates at each platform's official seller fees page. Fee structures reflect publicly available information as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify current rates before making financial decisions.