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5 Ways to Manage Multiple Versions of PHP

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Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/manage-multiple-php-versions/

Managing multiple PHP versions is a common challenge when developing PHP applications, where applications often require different versions due to varying framework dependencies and compatibility requirements. While switching between PHP versions can be daunting, especially at the system level, several tools can streamline this process.

Managing multiple PHP versions for web developmentManaging multiple PHP versions for web development

In this article, we’ll explore effective solutions for managing multiple PHP versions, helping you choose the right tool to simplify your development workflow. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

How to Upgrade PHP to Latest Version

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How to Upgrade PHP to Latest Version

PHP7.4 has been released with a handful of new features — like the arrow function array_map(fn (Foo $foo)… Read more

1. Using Homebrew
Homebrew for managing PHP versionsHomebrew for managing PHP versions

Pros:

Easy installation and management of multiple PHP versions.
Quick switching between versions with simple commands.
Regularly updated and well-maintained.
Works seamlessly on macOS and Linux.

Cons:

Only available on macOS and Linux.
Updating can be slow and rather confusing if you’re not familiar with working with the CLI.

Homebrew, the popular package manager for macOS and Linux, simplifies PHP version management. After installing Homebrew from their official website, follow these steps to set up and switch between PHP versions:

Installing Different PHP Versions

To manage multiple PHP versions with Homebrew, we’ll first tap into Shivam Mathur’s widely-used PHP repository. This repository provides access to various PHP versions that you can install:

brew tap shivammathur/php

Once the repository is tapped, you can install your desired PHP versions. Here’s how to install PHP 7.4, 8.2, and the latest version (currently 8.3):

brew install shivammathur/php/php@7.4
brew install shivammathur/php/php@8.2
brew install shivammathur/php/php

Feel free to install any combination of versions that your projects require. Each version will be stored separately on your system.

Switching Between PHP Versions

While Homebrew allows you to install multiple PHP versions simultaneously, your system can only use one version at a time through its PATH. Think of it like having multiple PHP versions installed in your toolbox, but only one can be your active tool.

Let’s assume you are currently running PHP 8.3, but now you need to switch to PHP 7.4. First, unlink the current version to “disconnect” the currently active PHP version from PATH.

brew unlink php

After unlinking the current version, you can link the other version using the brew link command:

brew link php@7.4

Now, when you run php -v, it will show the active PHP version as 7.4, as you can see below.

Checking PHP version using HomebrewChecking PHP version using Homebrew

Homebrew makes it easy to use multiple PHP versions on macOS and Linux through the CLI. But it also comes with its own set of pros and cons. So consider the following when deciding if Homebrew is the right choice for you.

2. Using PHP Monitor
PHP Monitor for managing PHP versions on macOSPHP Monitor for managing PHP versions on macOS

Pros:

Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Easy installation and management of PHP versions with only a few clicks.
Quick switching between versions with a single click.

Cons:

Only available on macOS.
Requires and depends on Homebrew to manage PHP installations.
Requires Laravel Valet to handle the PHP version per project.

PHP Monitor is a lightweight macOS application designed to help developers manage and switch between different PHP versions easily. It offers a familiar and intuitive UI that appears at the top of your screen, allowing you to switch between PHP versions with a single click. This app integrates with Homebrew, making it easier to manage your PHP setup without using the terminal.

PHP Monitor UI showing available PHP versionsPHP Monitor UI showing available PHP versions

As we can see above, you can view which PHP versions are installed on your machine, the current version active globally, access the PHP configuration file, view the memory limit, and more.

The app also provides a simple way to install and update PHP versions from the Manage PHP Installations… menu.

Managing PHP installations in PHP MonitorManaging PHP installations in PHP Monitor

3. Using PHPCTL
PHPCTL tool for managing PHP versions with DockerPHPCTL tool for managing PHP versions with Docker

Pros:

Platform-independent and portable.
Provides additional CLI tools for new projects, interactive shells, and other popular tools in PHP like PHPCS, PHPUnit, RectorPHP, etc.

Cons:

Requires Docker to be installed on your system.
Requires manual configuration of the .phpctlrc file to switch between PHP versions.
Docker may consume more resources than other solutions.

PHPCTL is a tool designed to help developers easily switch between different PHP versions by leveraging Docker containers. This makes PHPCTL portable and platform-independent, allowing you to manage PHP versions on any operating system that supports Docker. It also provides additional CLI tools, such as phpctl create for new projects, phpctl repl for interactive shells, and phpctl init for configuration setup, among other handy features.

Install PHPCTL

Before getting started, you’ll need Docker installed on your system. Docker Desktop works great, or if you’re on macOS, you might prefer OrbStack.

Once you have Docker installed, you can install PHPCTL using the following command:

/bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://phpctl.dev/install.sh)”

Or, if you have Homebrew installed, you can run:

brew install opencodeco/phpctl/phpctl

This will download the PHPCTL binary to your system and make it executable, allowing you to use the tool right away. The script automatically installs PHPCTL and sets up the necessary paths, so no manual configuration is required.

After installation, you can check if it was successfully installed by running:

phpctl list

This command will list all the subcommands and other information about the current PHP installation, as you can see below.

PHPCTL command listing available subcommands and PHP infoPHPCTL command listing available subcommands and PHP info

You can also run the php and composer commands directly.

php -v
composer -v

These two commands will actually run inside a Docker container. PHPCTL will automatically mount the current directory to the container, so you can work on your project as if you were working on your local machine.

Switching Between PHP Versions

Unlike with Homebrew or PHP Monitor, where you need to run a command or click on the UI to switch to the PHP version, with PHPCTL, you will need to create a file .phpctlrc and specify which PHP version you’d like to run within the given directory.

PHP_VERSION=83

When you run php or composer in the directory, PHPCTL will automatically switch to the PHP version specified in the .phpctlrc file.

That’s all. It’s very convenient and provides a seamless development experience once it is fully configured. However, it also comes with its own set of pros and cons.

4. Using PVM

Pros:

Easy installation and management of PHP versions on Windows.
Very similar to nvm, making it quick and easy to get familiar with.

Cons:

Only available on Windows.
Installation is a bit of a manual process.

PVM simplifies PHP version management on Windows. Similar to Node Version Manager (nvm) but specifically for PHP, PVM eliminates common Windows PATH variable headaches and streamlines switching between different PHP versions.

Install PVM

Download the latest PVM release from the official Github repository. Then, create a folder at C:UsersYourUsername.pvmbin and place the downloaded pvm.exe in this folder.

Lastly, add the .pvmbin folder to your system’s PATH variable through System Properties > Environment Variables.

Once installed, you can use PVM to switch between PHP versions quickly and easily. Since it is heavily inspired by nvm, the commands are similar. Here are some commands to get you started:

Installing PHP with PVM

PVM makes it easier to install multiple PHP versions on Windows. If you need a version that’s not currently installed on your computer, you can use the install command:

pvm install 8.2

…which will download and install PHP 8.2 on your computer.

Switching PHP Versions with PVM

If you want to switch to a specific PHP version, use the use command. You must specify at least the major and minor version, and PVM will choose the latest available patch version if it’s not provided.

pvm use 8.2

If you want to switch to a specific patch version, include the patch number as well:

pvm use 8.2.3

That’s all. PVM is a great tool for managing PHP versions on Windows, but it also comes with its own set of pros and cons.

5. Using Valet
Laravel ValetLaravel Valet

Pros:

Easy installation and management of PHP versions on macOS.
Quick switching between PHP versions for different projects.
Works seamlessly with Laravel projects and supports other types of projects like WordPress, Symfony, etc.

Cons:

Only available on macOS.
Requires and depends on Homebrew to manage PHP installations.

Laravel Valet is a lightweight development environment designed specifically for macOS that makes PHP development a breeze. What makes Valet particularly convenient is its built-in PHP version management that allows you to switch between PHP versions for different projects without complex configurations.

Install Valet

To get started, install Valet using Composer as a global package:

composer global require laravel/valet

After installation, run the Valet installation command:

valet install

Switching PHP Versions with Valet

Valet makes PHP version switching simple with the valet use php@version command. For example:

valet use php@8.2

It automatically installs the version via Homebrew if it’s currently missing.

For project-specific PHP versions, you can create a .valetrc file in your project’s root directory with the line php=php@8.2. Then, simply run:

valet use

…and Valet will automatically switch to the PHP version specified in the .valetrc file.

Wrapping Up

With the right tools, managing multiple PHP versions becomes effortless across macOS, Linux, or Windows. Hopefully, this article helps you pick the solution that matches your workflow.

The post 5 Ways to Manage Multiple Versions of PHP appeared first on Hongkiat.

Paddle vs Stripe: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

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Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/paddle-vs-stripe

If you’re setting up an ecommerce business and you need a solution to help you manage payments and revenue, you might be struggling to choose between Paddle and Stripe.

At a glance, they seem to offer similar tools and services. Both options can integrate easily with your ecommerce store and other tools.

Both support subscription management, multiple payment methods, and custom checkout options. They even both offer excellent reporting tools.

But, after testing both options myself, I can say there’s a clear difference between them. Stripe is more of an all-around solution for payment processing.

It’s definitely the more straightforward option for some companies. Paddle is a merchant of record that handles regulatory requirements and compliance for you, streamlines SaaS subscription management, and offers access to unique services.

I created this hands-on comparison guide to ensure you could access all of the authentic insights you need to make the right choice for your business.

All of the products reviewed in our comparison guides are thoroughly tested by technology experts. Visit our research methodology page to learn more.

Quick Verdict

Don’t have time for an extensive comparison? No problem. Here’s my quick verdict:

Paddle is best for B2B SaaS companies who need access to sophisticated billing constructs, automated sales tax calculations, enhanced compliance management, and hands-on support.

It provides more flexible revenue management tools, and gives you access to experts and tools to help you with everything from pricing to customer retention.

Stripe is best for ecommerce companies and subscription sellers who want a streamlined checkout, multiple payment options, and customizable pricing models.

It can be cheaper than Paddle (if you don’t need all the features Paddle offers), and its great for global organizations. Plus, the developer-friendly API makes it easy to integrate Stripe into your ecosystem.

Paddle Pros and Cons

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Specially designed for B2B SaaS companies
Exceptional automatic tax calculation
Multi-currency support
Abandoned cart recovery and retention tools
Consolidated invoicing capabilities
Exceptional value-added services
Highly customizable embeddable checkout

Cons 👎

May have higher fees depending on the features you need
Quite a niche focus
Potential integration issues

Stripe Pros and Cons

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Quick and easy setup for beginners
Developer-friendly with an API integration option
Excellent multi-currency support
Support for in-person payments and payment links
Lower transaction fees
Convenient customer portal
Easy integrations with all kinds of platforms

Cons 👎

Fewer unique services and advanced customer support options
Limited tax automation tools
Extra fees for add-ons that are included in Paddle’s service

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Paddle vs Stripe: Overview

Below, I’m going to compare Stripe and Paddle based on all the factors that matter most to merchants, from key features, to pricing and ease of use.

However, before that, it’s worth noting that Stripe and Paddle don’t offer exactly the same service.

Stripe is a payments processing platform, with software and APIs that allow companies from any industry to send payouts, accept payments, and manage transactions online. It’s similar in a lot of ways to options like PayPal.

Paddle, on the other hand, is a “Merchant of Record”, which gives companies an all-in-one solution for payments, billing, and sales tax automation.

It builds on tools for billing and checkout customization with unique extras like the “Price Intelligently” support team, who can help you choose the right pricing structure for your subscription-based business.

Here’s a quick run-down of the differences to be aware of

ServiceStripePaddle PricingVarying transaction fees, as well as additional fees for subscription management, refunds, and other features.5% plus 50 cents for each transaction, plus fees for additional services.G2 rating4.24.5Payment processingInternational payments, recurring payments, and invoice payments.International payments, recurring payments, and invoice payments.CheckoutCustomizable checkoutCustomizable checkoutEase of useReasonably straightforward for beginnersSlightly more complex, but with more supportCustomer supportBasicExcellentUnique featuresExtensive integration options, developer-friendly APIs, in-person payments, and payment links.Add-on services like “Price Intelligently”, customer retention tools, excellent tax and compliance management.

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Stripe vs Paddle: Core Features

Since Stripe and Paddle are slightly different solutions (targeting different audiences), they don’t have the exact same features, but they can do a lot of the same things.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of some of the main features offered by both Stripe and Paddle.

Payment Processing: Currencies, Payment Methods, and Invoicing

Both Stripe and Paddle support payment processing with multiple currency options, and multiple payment methods.

With Stripe, you’ll need to configure the platform for each of the locations you’re going to be selling in, then Stripe will automatically convert product prices into the right currency for your customer at checkout.

Paddle is very much the same, offering an automatic currency conversion feature at checkout. However, while Paddle supports 29+ different currencies, Stripe supports 135+, which might make Stripe a slightly better option for global companies.

Both companies support a range of payment methods too, such as MasterCard, Visa, Google Pay and Apple Pay.

However, Paddle supports PayPal, and Stripe doesn’t. On the other hand, Stripe supports in-person transactions via the Stripe Terminal, and enables payment links, which are two options Paddle doesn’t offer (from what I can tell).

Paddle and Stripe both offer access to invoicing services, allowing you to create custom invoices, and send them to customers automatically.

They both use similar API solutions to automate accounts receivable, collect payments, and reconcile transactions.

Checkout Options

From a checkout perspective, Stripe certainly makes adding a checkout to your website simple. You can access a prebuilt payment solution that works on any device, and make a few changes to the checkout experience.

For instance, you can change fonts, colors, and block shapes.

Plus, Stripe will automatically translate checkout language into the right language for your customer, based on their location.

Paddle’s checkout option is a little more advanced. You can create a custom checkout for your store that you can embed into a webpage or use as a pop-up overlay.

Like Stripe, Paddle’s checkout translates languages automatically for your customer.

However, unlike Stripe, Paddle gives you dozens of different customization options. You can adjust virtually every aspect of your Checkout, including which payment options to offer to different customers based on their location.

Subscription Management

As mentioned above, both Stripe and Paddle are great for selling subscriptions – but Paddle was specifically designed for B2B SaaS companies.

Stripe gives you a handful of basic subscription options, ideal for ecommerce, such as flat-rate billing, multi-price billing, per-seat billing, usage-based billing and flat-rate and overage billing.

If you need more advanced subscription settings, you’ll need to consider using an integration with a tool like ChargeBee.

Paddle, on the other hand, gives you comprehensive control over your subscription strategy. You can create fixed, tiered, per-seat, and metered subscription options, and combine different rules and strategies for various users.

If you work with Paddle’s “Price Intelligently” team, they can even give you suggestions on how to package your products and price different tiers and options to increase your revenue.

On top of that, Paddle offers support for things like free or paid trials, and allows you to automatically apply pro-rated amounts to bills when customers change a plan mid-cycle.

In my opinion, Paddle is a much more feature-rich option for subscription-based businesses.

Reporting and Analytics

From a reporting and analytics perspective, both Stripe and Paddle have their benefits. Stripe gives you access to a suite of tools you can use to create accounting reports (like balance sheets).

Plus, you can access flexible dashboards and customizable reports to analyze transactions, revenue, payment methods, currencies, and customer behavior.

Stripe even integrates with various BI tools for more advanced data analytics too. You can even integrate Stripe with tools like QuickBooks and Xero for simplified accounting.

Paddle also gives users an excellent range of customizable dashboards and reports, specifically focused on supporting subscription based businesses.

You can review active customers and transaction rates, alongside insights into customer behavior.

What really makes Paddle stand out is the “Profitwell” system, which gives you advanced tools for monitoring churn rates, upgrades and downgrades, recurring revenue, revenue per customer, and more.

You can even access benchmark data from 30,000 SaaS brands, and use real-time insights to adjust your pricing strategy within Paddle.

Tax, Compliance, and Fraud Prevention

Stripe purchased TaxJar to help users calculate sales tax, VAT, and GST. You can automate various tax calculation tasks with Stripe, but you’re responsible for making decisions and ensuring you collect the right amount of tax yourself.

You also need to file and remit your own taxes.

Paddle, as a merchant of record, handles tax and remittance globally for you. It takes full liability for sales tax, and ensuring everything is calculated accurately.

The company also handles chargeback management on behalf of its companies. They’ll automatically respond to chargeback requests, gather data to support your case, and provide reports you can use.

Stripe does have chargeback management capabilities, such as a Radar tool that helps you to identify high-risk transactions.

You’ll also get reports and evidence packages to support your dispute cases, but you may need to pay extra for custom support.

From a fraud prevention perspective, both companies are excellent. Paddle leverages machine learning techniques and advanced algorithms to identify and mitigate risks.

The system analyzes various data points like purchasing patterns and IP addresses to detect suspicious activities. Plus, you can set your own fraud filters on your system.

Stripe takes a multi-layered approach to fraud prevention. The company’s Radar tool uses machine learning to analyze risk in each transaction in real-time.

Plus, like Paddle, Stripe allows you to set customizable rules and create block-lists if you need to build your own fraud prevention strategies.

Integration Options

Both Paddle and Stripe are pretty flexible. Paddle can integrate with most of the top ecommerce platforms, CRMs, marketing tools, and accounting platforms. You also get dedicated options like Paddle for WooCommerce or Paddle for EDD.

Stripe is a little more versatile overall. You can easily connect with virtually any ecommerce system, subscription management tool, marketing app, or accounting system.

Plus, there are extensive APIs and SDKs available for custom integrations. Paddle does have an API system too – but it’s a little more restricted than what you’ll get from Stripe.

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Paddle vs Stripe: Pricing

Here’s where things start to get really tricky. At first Paddle seems more expensive than Stripe, with a transaction fee starting at 2.9% plus 30 cents for most credit cards and wallets.

Paddle, on the other hand’s pay-as-you-go pricing starts with fees of 5% plus $0.50 per transaction.

The difference is that this fee includes access to all of Paddle’s tools for subscription management, tax compliance, currency conversion, reporting and more.

Alternatively, with Stripe, you’ll need to pay extra for things like currency conversion (1%), and tax calculation. There are also extra fees for things like 3D-secure transactions, which are included with Paddle.

That means you could actually save money using Paddle, if you need to use all the features it has to offer. However, it’s worth noting Paddle has some extra fees to consider too.

For instance, you will need to pay extra for access to things like the “Price Intelligently” team, and certain cart abandonment recovery features.

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Ease of Use and Customer Support

Overall, I actually think both Paddle and Stripe are very user-friendly. However, the niche nature of Paddle might make it slightly more complex for some users to understand at first.

There are a lot of different customizable features to explore within Paddle, so you may spend a little more time experimenting with the toolkit.

Stripe is generally considered the more straightforward alternative, although I do think you need some developer knowledge to take full advantage of everything the system has to offer.

The good news is that Stripe does have extensive documentation to help you with integrations and using the APIs.

In fact, both Stripe and Paddle offer access to fantastic self-help resources, including guides and community forums.

However, I do think Paddle goes a little further than Stripe to deliver phenomenal customer support. Although Stripe does offer phone support for premium users – something I couldn’t find with Paddle, the Paddle team offer unique service packages.

For instance, as mentioned above, if you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can work with Paddle’s “Price Intelligently” team and they’ll help you choose the perfect pricing structure for your SaaS products.

These additional services give Paddle a slight edge in my opinion, if you’re looking for a lot of expertise to help you grow your business.

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Paddle vs Stripe: The Verdict

Ultimately, it’s hard to compare Stripe and Paddle on a “like for like” basis. Although they offer access to similar features and capabilities, they target very different user groups.

I think Stripe is probably the most versatile payment processing solution, appealing to a wide spectrum of business leaders. However Paddle is definitely the better choice for B2B SaaS companies.

Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on the size of your business, your target audience, and the types of products you’re going to be selling.

The post Paddle vs Stripe: The Ultimate Comparison Guide appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.

Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes”

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Original Source: https://abduzeedo.com/adobe-illustrator-2025-splash-screen-illustration-trufs-weird-fishes

Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes”
Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes”

abduzeedo1104—24

Discover how TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” splash screen for Adobe Illustrator 2025 celebrates creativity with vibrant, minimalist illustration.

The Adobe Illustrator 2025 splash screen opens with a statement: creativity meets minimalism. Designed by TRÜF Studio, the “Weird Fishes” artwork that greets users embodies Adobe’s tools while making an instant visual impact. This splash screen not only excites users about the app but also showcases Illustrator’s dynamic possibilities, creating a memorable start to the creative process. Here’s a look at the creative vision, tools, and collaboration behind this unique splash screen update.

“Weird Fishes”: A Showcase of Creative Tools

TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” centers on playfully stylized fish, created using Adobe Illustrator’s updated typography and 3D tools, which highlight the 2025 release’s expanded capabilities. This splash screen is a celebration of how Illustrator can bring out unique textures, gradients, and typographic designs, making it feel like a blend of traditional and digital artistry. The design follows Adam G’s distinctive style—minimal yet quirky, with each element purposefully crafted to show off Adobe’s creative potential.

The splash screen, as Adobe intended, isn’t just a loading screen. It’s a reminder of what Illustrator users can “Dream Up.” As Alex Fernald and Gleren Meneghin, Adobe’s staff designers, emphasized, the splash screens are not only entry points into the app but connections to Adobe’s creative community. They bring in commissioned art, linking Illustrator users to other creators while inviting exploration of the software’s capabilities.

Balancing Art and Function in the Design

This splash screen’s journey began the old-fashioned way—on paper. This initial sketching phase gave TRÜF the freedom to experiment with the composition, exploring the balance of shapes and lines. Once refined, the concept moved into Illustrator, where TRÜF fully explored the software’s features to enhance the digital version. In a brief, 90-second process video, TRÜF showcased their workflow from sketch to the finished splash screen, a rare peek into how minimalist, impactful design comes together.

A User-Centric Approach to Illustration

Adobe’s splash screens, including “Weird Fishes,” are a result of ongoing feedback from users. Through surveys sent to product teams, Adobe designers Alex and Gleren learned the nuances that users valued in the loading screen—like minimal launch delays and artist recognition. This feedback shaped the design, ensuring the new splash screens would spotlight the artist while maintaining the program’s efficiency.

To make the splash screen visually immersive, Adobe made adjustments based on past feedback. The artwork was enlarged, and the artist’s name appears in a larger, bold typeface, creating a clearer hierarchy that celebrates both the art and artist. As the Adobe Spectrum design system evolved, so did the splash screens, aligning with modern standards while preserving Adobe’s commitment to showcasing diverse creative voices.

Reflecting Adobe’s Evolution with Modern Minimalism

Historically, Illustrator splash screens have evolved alongside the Adobe brand. From early versions in the 1980s, featuring iconic art references, to today’s community-focused pieces, these screens highlight a shift from static visuals to dynamic creative introductions. Adobe’s recent redesign, led by Fernald and Meneghin, reimagined this format to center both the artist and the Adobe brand, using clean type and colors while expanding the visual space for the artwork. This shift reaffirms Adobe’s mission to foster connections within its creative ecosystem.

The splash screens across Adobe products are meant to offer a consistent brand experience, but each one also tells a unique story, showcasing the latest in illustration and design through collaboration with Studio team artists. Adobe’s team expanded the artwork’s size, adjusting its specs back to 2019 dimensions to create a more immersive user experience. The Adobe wordmark in red stands beside the product name in black, emphasizing the connection between Adobe and its creative community.

The Legacy and Future of Adobe Splash Screens

“What’s next?” is a question Adobe’s designers are always answering. With the 2025 Illustrator splash screen’s debut at Adobe MAX 2024, Adobe introduced the latest evolution in Creative Cloud. These splash screens remain essential touchpoints, showcasing new work, enhancing user experience, and connecting each user to Adobe’s creative network.

TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” invites Illustrator users to think beyond the ordinary. It’s a nod to the creative possibilities the software enables, a tribute to digital and analog techniques, and a reminder that every creative journey begins with opening Adobe Illustrator.

This splash screen illustration is a subtle invitation for creatives to make the most of Illustrator’s tools and capabilities, setting the stage for inspired design from the moment they open the app.

Illustration artifacts

Image from the Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” article on Abduzeedo Image from the Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” article on Abduzeedo Image from the Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” article on Abduzeedo Image from the Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” article on Abduzeedo Image from the Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” article on AbduzeedoImage from the Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” article on Abduzeedo Image from the Adobe Illustrator 2025 Splash Screen Illustration: TRÜF’s “Weird Fishes” article on Abduzeedo

Pillow manufactured by Adobe. Photo courtesy of Adobe

Teespring vs Redbubble (2024): What You Need to Know

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Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/teespring-vs-redbubble

Redbubble and Teespring are leading print-on-demand platforms that enable creators to sell custom products without handling production or shipping.

Redbubble operates as a large standalone marketplace established in 2006, focusing on artistic products, while Teespring offers a unique campaign-based approach with over 50 product options and comprehensive support services.

Print on Demand companies, like RedBubble and Teespring give business leaders the opportunity to create their own products to sell to customers, without having to worry about things like designing and shipping items themselves.

Both Redbubble and Teespring offer a fantastic platform to creatives, with access to tons of wonderful products.

Quick Verdict

Choose Redbubble if you want immediate access to a large, established marketplace and prefer a straightforward selling process without significant marketing requirements.

Its simple pricing structure and diverse product range make it perfect for creators who prioritize reaching customers quickly over building a distinct brand.

Opt for Teespring if you’re focused on building a lasting brand and don’t mind the campaign-based approach. Its comprehensive design tools, pricing assistance, and multiple payment options make it ideal for sellers willing to put in marketing effort and who can confidently meet minimum sales thresholds.

While it requires more work to find customers, it offers better tools for brand development and long-term growth.

Redbubble vs Teespring: Pros and Cons

There are a lot of points to consider when you’re choosing a POD solution for making money online.

You need a solution that helps you to earn organic traffic through things like Google shopping, as well as something that’s affordable and easy to run.

Compared to other competitors like eBay and Etsy, Redbubble and Teespring offer a more focused selling experience.

Here are some pros and cons to help you choose the best print on demand company for your t-shirt designs.

Redbubble Pros and Cons

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Massive pre-existing marketplace and customer base
Strong SEO presence and organic traffic
Simple percentage-based markup pricing
Fast customer support (4-hour response time)
Quick setup and easy-to-use platform
Wide variety of unique products (stationery, home décor)

Cons 👎

Limited brand building opportunities
No integration with existing ecommerce platforms
Can’t customize storefront extensively
No free shipping options
3-day production time

Teespring Pros and Cons

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Built-in designer tool with free artwork available
Multiple payment options
Strong brand-building focus
Pricing recommendations and profit calculators
USPS shipping for US orders
In-house design expert support
Live chat support available

Cons 👎

Minimum sales threshold required before printing
Longer shipping times (14 days domestic, 3 weeks international)
More marketing effort needed
Limited support hours on weekends
Success depends on meeting campaign goals

What is Redbubble?

Redbubble is a huge standalone and Australian-based print-on-demand marketplace which has experienced incredible growth over the years with user-submitted design items.

Redbubble started life in 2006, with a dream of giving independent artists new ways of selling their creations. Today, there are tons of creative people selling their products through this service.

Redbubble offers stunning high-quality prints on a wide range of product items, like shirts, phone cases, and canvases. There’s also access to a range of features to make your life easier too.

What is Teespring?

TeeSpring is another print on demand service, similar to RedBubble. The free platform is a little different to some print on demand offerings, however.

With TeeSpring, you can create and sell more than 50 kinds of products with zero upfront risk or cost. Everything is managed for you, from printing to customer service and shipping.

Teespring is a great choice for tons of different designers. If you have a great idea that you want to get onto a product, TeeSpring will help you bring your concept to life with everything from printing to shipping, order fulfilment, customer service, and more.

All you need to do is choose the items you want from the catalog and add your design.

Redbubble vs TeeSpring: How They Work

As mentioned above, though RedBubble and TeeSpring are both tools for print on demand selling, they’re a little different in the way they operate.

Redbubble

Redbubble is a convenient and simple print-on-demand platform, which is completely standalone. This means you’re not going to add your app to things like Shopify or WooCommerce.

Unfortunately, Redbubble’s standalone nature means you can’t just install the functionality into your existing online store and use it to sell custom products.

However, you can still build a following for your designs by loading up custom ideas and creations.

You can manage your whole collection within the Redbubble website, and list the things you want to sell to a huge number of pre-existing customers.

This means that you spend a lot less time marketing your solution and finding potential customers.

The biggest downside here is that you won’t really be able to build your brand on a website like RedBubble.

You’ll need to look for other ways to develop your name, and you don’t get your own dedicated site to work with, unless you build one separately.

The good news is that signing up for and using Redbubble is extremely simple.

You can sign up for an account with the service, upload your custom creations, and place your custom designs on any products you choose..

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Teespring

Teespring is simple to work with and use, just like Redbubble, but it takes a slightly different approach.

If you haven’t experimented with Print on Demand in the past, this is one of the best platforms to get started with. You can learn how everything works slowly.

TeeSpring allows you to create and sell over 50 different kinds of products with minimal initial risk and cost, because the service handless everything for you. You can create items and use the TeeSpring “boosted” network and community to find potential customers.

You start by signing up for a free account on TeeSpring’s website and entering your details. Once you’re ready, you enter your account information to create your account, and choose the product you want to sell from a list of options.

TeeSpring has its own in-built designer tool where you can add images, text, and art onto your chosen product.

If you don’t have your own creations to load up, that’s fine too. There’s free artwork available to help get you started.

As you build, the tool will show you the cost of printing your design, so you’re not going to end up with a nasty surprise. If you like the created product when you’re done, you can set the minimum sales marker.

The minimum sales is where TeeSpring differs the most from Redbubble. TeeSpring requires you to set the number of items you need to sell for definite, before your design is printed or shipped.

If you don’t reach that minimum amount, the service will not print or ship your items. This means it’s important to ensure you pick a reasonable number.

TeeSpring does help you out with things like choosing the right prices too. You can get recommendations for pricing options, and you can modify your earnings per sale.

TeeSpring will show you what kind of profit you’ll make if you reach your goal.

When you’re ready to list your product, all you need to do is write descriptions for your items that you think will help to attract your buyers.

You can then click launch and your product will go live. Make sure you promote and market your product as often as possible to get more people to pay attention to it. You’ll be paid when your campaign meets its minimum expected sales.

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What Can You Print with Teespring and RedBubble?

Choosing the right company to support you in your ecommerce journey means finding a solution to sell all the products you love.

Redbubble offers a wide variety of items, including things you probably wouldn’t find on other print on demand sites, such as stationary, home décor, bags, gifts, and so much more. There are various product categories to choose from, such as:

Home accessories

Accessories

Men/women

Kids and babies

Wall art and décor

Stickers and stationery

Bags and Totes

Teespring has a similarly diverse product catalogue, complete with a wide variety of product options to choose from, focusing mainly on wearable items and fabrics.

You’ll be able to access all kinds of clothing like V-neck shirts, hoodies, socks, and more. There are also some other less common product types like canvasses, flags, pillow cases and so on. Options include:

Wall art

Sweatshirts and hoodies

Tank tops

V-neck shirts

Socks

Beach towels

Mugs

Accessories

Flags

Some products are priced statically according to the size and the kind of content you want to showcase on the item. Other products have a more dynamic pricing structure, which means it changes based on the number of minimum orders in the expected sales section.

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FeatureRedbubblePlatform TypeStandalone marketplaceCampaign-based platformTarget UsersIndependent artists, designersCreators, entrepreneurs, brand buildersSetup CostFreeFreePricing ModelBase price + percentage markupFlat price + customizable profit marginProduct RangeWide variety (art, home décor, apparel, stationery, accessories)50+ products (focus on apparel and accessories)Design ToolsBasic upload systemBuilt-in designer with free artworkMarketing RequiredMinimal (built-in audience)Significant self-promotion neededProduction TimeUp to 3 daysBased on campaign completionShipping (US)Tracking available, no free optionUSPS shipping, up to 14 daysInternational ShippingAvailable with trackingHDL shipping, up to 3 weeksCustomer Support4-hour response time, help centerLive chat (8AM-9:30PM EST), email support, design expertsPayment OptionsDirect deposit, PayPalMultiple payment methodsPayment Cycle15th to 15th monthlyAfter meeting campaign minimumBrand BuildingLimitedStrong focus, more controlMarketplace TrafficHigh organic traffic, strong SEORequires more marketing effort

Redbubble vs Teespring: Pricing

Here’s a comparative pricing table for Redbubble and Teespring:

Price AspectRedbubbleTeespringPlatform FeeFree to joinFree to joinProduct PricingBase price + your markup percentageFlat base price + your profit marginExample Base PriceT-shirt: Varies by style and qualityPhone case: $10 base priceProfit CalculationKeep 100% of markupKeep 100% of margin above base pricePayment Methods– Direct deposit (selected countries)Multiple payment optionsMinimum PayoutNo minimum thresholdMust meet campaign minimum salesPayment Cycle15th to 15th monthlyAfter campaign completionVolume DiscountsNot specifiedAvailable for high-volume sellersAdditional CostsShipping costs (no free option)– Double-sided printing costs extraPricing ControlCan set markup percentage across all productsCan set individual product pricesSpecial Features– Apply markup to all categories– Dynamic pricing based on order volume

Expenses are always going to be a significant part of your decision-making strategy when choosing a brand or tool to work with.

Redbubble has a pretty simple pricing policy, starting with a standard base price for every product. You can then set your markup per item as a percentage and apply it to all categories and products.

You’ll be charged for Redbubble to create and ship the base price of the product, and you get to keep the remaining cash left over.

This is why it’s important to think carefully about the profit margin you’re going to choose for each of your products.

When you’re ready to cash out your earnings, Redbubble can send direct deposit payments to certain countries and bank accounts, but if this isn’t available in your country, you can always access your cash through PayPal instead.

The payment cycles run from the 15th to the 15th of each month. Ensuring your banking details are correct will save you unnecessary hassle.

Teespring is a free-to-use service with a flat price charge for every product you want to create. Once again, this makes it reasonably easy to choose a possible pricing option for each item you want to create and maintain a decent revenue.

You could, for instance, buy a phone case at the base price of $10 and sell it for $20, which would give you a $10 profit. The design you choose will determine how much you need to pay. Double-sided printing, for instance, will usually cost more.

Pricing discounts can also reduce the price on base items, but this will be dependent on how many sales you made the month before. There’s no guarantee you’ll get any discounts if you’re not a major seller with Teespring.

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Redbubble vs Teespring: Shipping

Now it’s time to take a look at shipping – or more specifically, how much you can spend on shipping, and how long it takes for products to reach your customer.

A fast shipping process is essential if you want to connect with your customers and maintain their loyalty.

Selling products through Redbubble or Teespring isn’t the same as shipping a t-shirt through a site like Amazon.

The speed with which you can deliver merch will depend on the POD shipping options you choose, and where the item is going.

With Redbubble, and Teespring, it’s worth remembering that you’re not just selling existing products on your ecommerce platforms, you’re waiting for a manufacturer to customize the item.

On Redbubble the creation process will take up to 3 days depending on the design and product type.

Each shipped order you send out can be tracked on the “Where’s my Order” page. This makes it easier for you to build a storefront where your customers can track their purchase without having to reach out to customer support.

Unfortunately, there’s no free shipping option, so you will need to make sure you’re choosing a price that your customers can afford when shipping is added on.

With Teespring, you do get the added benefit of automatically shipping with the USPS service within the US.

However, it can still take up to 14 days for the package to be fully delivered. International deliveries will use HDL, which can take up to 3 weeks for delivery.

Just like other POD options such as Teepublic, CafePress, Zazzle or Spreadshirt, The exact length of shipping time will depend on a few things.

Your print on demand website will generally offer different speeds depending on where you’re shipping to. You may also have to charge extra for different products if they weigh more.

New designs added to a cart from different listings or manufacturers will also come with separate shipping calculations. There are also customs regulations to consider.

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Redbubble vs Teespring: Customer Support

One of the biggest challenges with dropshipping companies like Teespring and Redbubble, is that even though you’re not responsible for shipping items to your customers, you are responsible for customer support.

This means that you need a decent support team on the other hand of the software you use for shipping and design tools. You’ll also need to ensure you confirm the product quality before you add an item to your store page.

Redbubble benefits from a pretty responsive support team. You should get a response to all of your queries within around 4 hours at most.

If you have issues with shipping costs, supporting subscribers, or uploading products, you can also find guidance in the help center, where a knowledgebase is available to answer your questions.

Teespring also has a reasonably effective customer service team, to assist you with building the perfect template for your new business.

Teespring’s agents can support sellers on the site through email messages, but you will need to provide a link to your listing for better guidance.

There are also extra seller support services, like knowledgebase articles to help you with things like calculating shipping costs, deciding between different types of print (like screen printing), and more.

You can even get design support through in-house experts to ensure you have everything you need to sell t-shirts and other custom creations.

The amount of support you can get and when it’s available will depend on a few different things. For instance, you can get live chat from 8am to 9:30pm EST if you have the launcher. Email responses are available from Monday to Friday at the same hours, although you only get from 9 am to 5:30 pm on the weekends.

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Redbubble and Teespring Alternatives

If neither Teespring nor Redbubble seem suitable for your needs, then there are always additional alternatives to consider. Some of the top options include:

Printful

Printful is the leading print on demand solution for most of today’s business owners. The service offers excellent mock-up design, plenty of ways to customize your products, and a host of ways to build an effective brand.

There are no subscription fees to worry about, you just pay for the cost of the item you want to create for your customers.

Printful has a hose of printing types to choose from, user-friendly backend, and a discount on sample orders to get you started.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Lots of options for products
Good range of integrations with existing tools
Fantastic tool for generating mockup designs
User-friendly back-end interface
20% discount with sample orders

Cons 👎

Pricey in some cases
Shipping settings can be complicated.

Printify

Printify is similar to Printful in a lot of ways, though there are a few differences. For instance, with Printify, you still get hundreds of products to choose from to help you build your brand. However, with this service, you also get access to things like “Premium” subscriptions. The subscription service means you can access more product designs every month and get a discount on your products.

There are various printing options to choose from with Printify, a great level of customer service, worldwide shipping, and so much more.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Lots of global vendors to choose from
Wide range of product options to choose from
Various printing options available
Good for wholesale selling
Subscription service available

Cons 👎

Difficult to make your brand stand out
Not the most reliable vendors in some cases

Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt is another handy print on demand solution which allows you to sell through an existing marketplace or build your own new store.

There’s a variety of customization options to help you create the ultimate products, and a payment option via PayPal too.

Spreadshirt can be a little more expensive than some POD options depending on what kind of design elements you want to implement.

However, like Redbubble, you do get the benefit of accessing a pre-existing marketplace, so it’s easier to find customers from day one.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Great range of selling options, including brandable opportunities
Customization options to make you stand out
PayPal payments available
Decent commission options available
Existing marketplace to reduce advertising needs

Cons 👎

Can be expensive for some designs
You’ll still need to build a store that makes an impact

Sellfy

Sellfy is a POD solution designed for newbie entrepreneurs that want a complete online store and to start selling immediately. Sellfy furnishes its users with a fully hosted and customizable website, 40 POD product offerings, built-in marketing tools, and cross-selling capabilities.

The monthly subscription starts at $29 a month for unlimited products. The program also lets you sell digital products and subscriptions and set up email automations.

Sellfy also comes with a 3D mockup generator for creating and editing products. You can even customize Sellfy’s POD products with embroidery, direct-to-garment printing, and labeling options. 

Sellfy handles the fulfillment and shipping of its POD products, of which you can expect an average fulfillment time of five working days.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Sellfy boasts a user-friendly interface
Users get access to their own fully hosted customizable website
Sellfy’s pricing is pretty competitive
Its fulfillment times are pretty reasonable
Users benefit from built-in marketing tools and analytics
You get access to a 3D mockup generator

Cons 👎

Sellfy doesn’t offer many native integrations
Sellfy’s product range is relatively small compared to other PODs
You can’t choose which fulfillment center your products are processed in.

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Redbubble vs Teespring: Which is Best?

Choosing the right solution to create your mock-up products and sell creative items online can be more complex than it seems, particularly with so many options out there. With everything from Merch by Amazon to Printify to help you make your impact, how do you decide which option is best?

Redbubble and Teespring both have a lot to offer. Redbubble is one of the largest print-on-demand companies in the world, with a massive user base to help you find customers straight away. There are tons of ways to boost your sales opportunities on Redbubble, and you even get a decent amount of support from the customer service team.

Teespring also has a great approach to customer service, and it’s ideal for posting your own designs online to gain sales. Teespring even offers a lot more payment options than Redbubble, so you can connect with customers and let them buy your products in a range of ways.

However, Redbubble does do more of the work of finding customers for you than Teespring, thanks to it’s pre-existing SEO standing and impact on the market.

Teespring is likely to be a good choice for anyone who wants to build a strong brand, while simultaneously keeping costs low. Redbubble is effective at giving you access to a pre-existing audience, so you don’t have to do as much work to market your new products.

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Shopify vs Shipstation: Which Offers Better Shipping Services?

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Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/shopify-vs-shipstation

On a broad scale, they’re very different solutions. Shipstation focuses exclusively on order fulfillment and shipping services, whereas Shopify is a world-leading ecommerce platform.

Shopify is one of my favorite platforms for sellers, offering extensive scalability, omnichannel selling solutions, and a host of business management features.

Since Shipstation doesn’t offer most of the features available from Shopify, I decided to take a more focused approach with this guide.

I decided to compare the shipping services offered by both companies, looking at everything from shipping costs and suppliers, to ease of use, and scalability, to bring you this comprehensive comparison guide.

Let’s dive in.

Quick Verdict, Pros and Cons

Both Shopify and Shipstation offer excellent shipping services to business owners, with a lot of overlapping features and solutions.

Shipstation is likely the better option for much larger companies selling through multiple channels, but it can come with a steep learning curve.

Shopify’s integrated shipping services are a more convenient, user-friendly option for smaller companies.

The platform comes pre-configured with tons of shipping solutions, and you can even connect to other logistics tools and apps through the Shopify app marketplace.

Shopify Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Fantastic ease of use for beginners

Versatile platform for omnichannel selling

Intuitive AI and automation features

Excellent flexibility via the Shopify app store

Massive discounts with specific shipping partners

All-in-one business management solution

Cons:

Some limitations on scalability for larger companies

Fewer shipping carriers than Shipstation

Shopify shipping isn’t available for other ecommerce platforms

Shipstation Pros and Cons

Pros:

Dedicated shipping solution that integrates with various platforms

Excellent automation capabilities

Powerful order management and batch shipping tools

Proactive alerts and insights

Higher discounts from some partners

Great branding options

Cons:

Higher learning curve for beginners

Can be expensive as an add-on service for tools like Shopify

Extra business management tools require a separate platform

Shopify vs Shipstation: The Shipping Features Comparison

Ultimately, I don’t think Shipstation can ever live up to Shopify for companies in search of a comprehensive commerce platform.

Shipstation doesn’t offer access to a website builder, marketing tools, CRM tools, or inventory management directly.

However, there is a lot of overlap between Shopify Shipping and Shipstation. Here’s a quick, yet comprehensive insight into what both solutions have to offer.

Core Shipping Features

Let’s start with the basics, Shopify Shipping and Shipstation offer a similar bundle of features for businesses in search of order fulfillment solutions.

The biggest difference is that Shopify gives you an all-in-one platform for managing order fulfillment in the same environment where you run your store, host marketing campaigns, and track inventory.

With Shipstation, you get a dedicated “add-on” solution for shipping and order fulfillment that can integrate with more than 70 different ecommerce channels.

It’s a standalone system that works alongside various sales channels, CRM, ERP, and accounting platforms.

Notably, that doesn’t mean Shopify isn’t flexible. You can use Shopify Shipping alongside your omnichannel sales strategy, integrating Shopify with social media channels and marketplaces.

You can also use it in conjunction with third-party logistics and order fulfillment apps, from POD platforms like Printful, to dropshipping tools.

Both tools also come with access to extensive order management tools. You can combine multiple orders to be sent to the same address, split orders when items are going to different locations, and create your own bespoke shipping rules.

Both platforms also allow you to set up automatic alerts for order combinations, inventory issues, and more.

I do like the fact that with Shopify Shipping, you can check the shipment status of products within Shopify directly, rather than having to log into third-party sites, however.

Shipping Carriers and Insurance Options

When it comes to shipping carriers you can choose from, Shopify and Shipstation both offer a lot of options.

Shopify shipping works with a range of popular carriers, from UPS and USPS, to DPD, DHL Express, FedEx, Sendle, Evri, and Canada Post.

Shipstation does offer a lot more options though. There are more than 50 carriers available to choose from worldwide, which is ideal if you’re running a global business.

Notably, Shopify does allow companies to expand their options with integrations (including an integration for Shipstation).

The good news is that both companies commit to accelerating your order fulfillment process. You can buy and print shipping labels within both platforms, prepare parcels in advance, and optimize your workflows to deliver better experiences to your customers.

In terms of insurance for shipments, both companies allow you to add optional coverage to packages. When you’re buying shipping labels, you can quickly add extra insurance to high-risk parcels.

Shopify customers using Shopify Payments get $200 of insurance on each eligible label for free. Shipstation calculates the cost of your insurance automatically for each parcel.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation Options

Notably, Shopify’s ever-evolving AI features aren’t really focused on the fulfillment and shipping landscape. Most of the tools on the platform, like Shopify Magic, are designed to help you create content, change product image backgrounds, or enhance customer support with FAQs.

However, you can use AI for deeper insights into how to optimize your shipping and fulfillment strategies. Plus, Shopify Sidekick provides step-by-step guidance to help you build your shipping rules.

Shipstation doesn’t offer many advanced AI features either, but like Shopify, it helps users to enhance their shipping strategy with AI-powered insights.

From an automation perspective, I think Shipstation has a slight edge – at least for most users. Most Shipstation plans come with access to advanced automation solutions.

You can automatically assign specific carriers and services to parcels based on order weight, choose default settings for international deliveries, and insure orders automatically.

Plus, you can adjust live carrier rates for customers when they visit your checkout page.

Shopify also offers some great automation options. You can customize shipping strategies with bulk order fulfillment, automatic USPS Scan form creation, and pickup scheduling.

Plus, you can automatically calculate shipping fees for customers in real-time.

However, the most advanced automation capabilities are reserved for Shopify Flow users. Shopify Flow allows you to use shipping related activities as triggers for certain actions.

For instance, when a customer pays for expedited shipping, you can send an automatic email to your warehouse team.

While this is excellent, learning how to use Shopify Flow and connect various services and tools can be a little complicated at first.

Ease of Use and Scalability

Both Shopify and Shipstation are extremely user-friendly solutions for business owners. They each give sellers access to an intuitive environment where they can set up international shipping strategies, and manage various business operations.

However, using Shopify Shipping will be much easier than learning how to manage Shipstation if you already have a Shopify website.

The solution is already integrated with the Shopify admin, and allows users to easily generate and print shipping labels and packing slips, and track orders without leaving their dashboard. Plus, you get the added benefit of being able to manage other aspects of your business in the same place.

With Shopify Shipping, everything from your inventory and product data to your online storefront is all available to manage in the same ecosystem.

The downside is that while Shopify integrates with thousands of other tools for marketing, logistics, accounting and more, you can’t connect Shopify’s shipping services with any other ecommerce platform.

Shipstation, on the other hand, is a specialized shipping platform. It doesn’t offer full ecommerce features or website building capabilities, but it does integrate with various platforms, from Shopify to WooCommerce, Squarespace, BigCommerce, Amazon and Ebay.

Customer Support, and Customer Ratings

Finally, let’s take a look at user reviews and customer service. On G2, Shopify and Shipstation have similar scores.

Shopify has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and Shipstation has a score of 4.3. Notably, though, Shopify’s score is based on more than just its shipping capabilities.

For customer support, Shopify offers 24/7 assistance through email, chat, and phone on every plan. Users can also access countless self-help resources, such as blogs, tutorials, webinars, and videos. Shipstation offers chat and email on most plans, and phone support for more expensive plan users.

It also has a great community forum, and an online help center packed with product and feature, troubleshooting, and integration guides.

Shopify vs Shipstation: Fees and Pricing

Here’s where things get a little tricky, in my opinion. If you’re already a Shopify customer, Shopify Shipping is included on every Shopify pricing plan.

That includes the $5 per month Starter plan, the $39 per month Basic plan, $105 per month Shopify plan, and $399 Advanced Shopify plan. You can also get extra discounts and features with Shopify Plus.

Shipstation requires an extra monthly subscription on top of the cost of any ecommerce platform you’re using.

You can use the app for free if you’re only shipping up to 25 products a month. After that, prices start at $9.99 per month for up to 50 shipments, and range up to $229.99 per month for up to 7,500 shipments.

Shipping Discounts

Notably, both Shopify Shipping and Shipstation can help you save money on order fulfillment too.

Shopify offers up to 88% off shipping rates with certain partners like USPS, UPS, and DHL Express, although your discounts will vary depending on your plan.

Shipstation offers similar discounts. For instance, with UPS, you can get up to 83% off daily rates, 77% off ground shipping, and 72% off next-day and second-day delivery.

Shipstation vs Shopify: The Verdict

Obviously, Shopify is the more comprehensive platform for ecommerce companies overall. However, from a shipping perspective, both Shipstation and Shopify have their pros and cons.

Shipstation is definitely the better option for large scale businesses with global audiences.

Shopify, however, is the better option for companies in search of a cost-effective, intuitive, and convenient solution for managing order fulfillment in the Shopify ecosystem.

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How to Handle HTTP Requests in Flask

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Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/handle-http-requests-flask/

In our previous article, we covered how to create simple pages in Flask and use Jinja2 as the templating engine. Now, let’s explore how Flask handles requests.

Understanding how HTTP requests work and how to manage them in Flask is key, as this allows you to build more interactive and dynamic web apps, such as building a form, API endpoints, and handling file uploads.

Flask HTTP requests illustrationFlask HTTP requests illustration

Without further ado, let’s get started.

So, What’s an HTTP Request?

An HTTP request is a message sent, usually by a browser, to the server asking for data or to perform an action. For example, when you visit a webpage, your browser sends a GET request to the server to retrieve the page’s content.

There are several different types of HTTP requests, and Flask can handle all of them, including GET to retrieve data, POST to send data to the server like submitting a form, PUT to update existing data on the server, and DELETE to delete data from the server.

Handling Requests in Flask

Flask makes handling requests straightforward by using routes. In our previous articles, we used routes to create static and dynamic pages. By default, routes only respond to GET requests, but you can easily handle other HTTP methods by specifying them in the route.

Assuming we have a contact page at /contact, we probably would want the page to handle both GET and POST requests to allow users to load the page, as well as to submit the form. To make the page handle these two HTTP methods, we can pass in the methods argument, for example:

@app.route(‘/contact’, methods=[‘GET’, ‘POST’])
def submit():
if request.method == ‘POST’:
data = request.form[‘input_data’]
return render_template(‘contact.html’, data=data)
return render_template(‘contact.html’)

In this example, users can load the /contact page. When the form is submitted, Flask retrieves the form data and passes it to the contact.html template. Then, within the template, you can access and process the data using Jinja2 templating.

Working with Query Parameters

Data may be passed to a URL via query parameters. This is commonly found on a search page where the search query is passed as a query parameter. These are the parts of the URL after a ?, like /search?query=flask. Flask makes it easy to access query parameters with the request.args dictionary, for example:

@app.route(‘/search’)
def search():
query = request.args.get(‘query’)

# Meilisearch
# See: https://github.com/meilisearch/meilisearch-python
result = index.search(query)

if query:
return render_template(‘search.html’, result=result)
return ‘No search query provided.’

In this case, when a user visits /search?query=flask, we take the query and use it to retrieve the search result, which is then passed to the search.html template for rendering.

Handling JSON Data

When building an API, we need the data delivered in JSON format. Flask provides a simple way to handle JSON data in requests with the jsonify function. Here’s an example of handling JSON data:

from flask import jsonify

@app.route(‘/api/data’)
def api_data():
return make_response(jsonify({“message”: ‘Success’}), 200)

Handling File Uploads

Flask also makes handling file uploads easy, using the request.files object.

@app.route(‘/upload’, methods=[‘GET’, ‘POST’])
def upload_file():
if request.method == ‘POST’:
file = request.files[‘file’]
file.save(f’/uploads/{file.filename}’)
return redirect(url_for(‘index.html’))

In this example, when a user submits a file via the form, Flask saves the file to the specified directory and then redirects the user to the homepage.

Request Headers and Cookies

Sometimes you also need to get headers or cookies from the request in your app, such as for passing authentication or tracking user data. Flask provides easy access to headers through request.headers and cookies through request.cookies. Here’s a basic example of how we use it to authenticate for an API endpoint:

@app.route(‘/api/data’)
def check():
auth = request.headers.get(‘Authorization’)
nonce = request.cookies.get(‘nonce’)

# Simple authentication check
if auth == ‘Bearer X’ and nonce == ‘Y’:
return jsonify({“message”: “Authenticated”}), 200
else:
return jsonify({“message”: “Unauthorized”}), 401

Wrapping up

Flask makes handling HTTP requests a breeze. Whether you’re working with basic GET requests, handling form submissions with POST, or dealing with more complex scenarios like JSON data and file uploads, it provides the APIs, functions, and tools you need to get the job done. We’ve only scratched the surface of Flask’s request-handling capabilities, but hopefully, this gives you a solid foundation to start building your own Flask apps.

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