Percentage vs flat fee add-on pricing — which is cheaper?
Flat fee wins at almost every volume above $2,000/mo in customized sales. Percentage apps like Kickflip (1.95% starting per developer response on the Shopify App Store) or Zakeke (fee variants on some plans) can be cheaper only at very low volumes — under $1,500/mo in customized sales. At $10k/mo, 1.95% = $195/mo in fees alone. Print It My Way maxes at $24.99/mo Unlimited flat with no transaction fees.
Step-by-step setup
- Calculate your monthly customized sales. Total custom orders × average value.
- Multiply by percentage app's fee rate. $10k × 1.95% = $195/mo in fees.
- Compare against flat-fee alternative. Print It My Way max $24.99/mo.
- Pick the winner at your volume. Flat wins above ~$2k/mo custom sales.
Break-even math
| Monthly custom sales | 1.95% transaction fee | Flat $24.99 (Print It My Way Unlimited) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | $9.75 | $24.99 | Percentage |
| $1,500 | $29.25 | $24.99 | Flat (barely) |
| $5,000 | $97.50 | $24.99 | Flat |
| $10,000 | $195 | $24.99 | Flat (7x savings) |
| $25,000 | $487.50 | $24.99 | Flat (20x savings) |
| $100,000 | $1,950 (if rate stayed) | $24.99 | Flat (rate decreases with volume — check current rate) |
When percentage can win
- Very low volume ($500-$1,500/mo custom sales)
- Uncertain future volume — no commitment to flat
- App's differentiator (3D configurator) justifies the fee
When flat wins
- Above $2,000/mo in customized sales (clear break-even)
- Growing store — flat means fees don't grow with success
- Predictable cash flow
Hidden costs of percentage pricing
Percentage apps often also charge a base subscription on top of the transaction fee. And the percentage may apply to gross (not net) sales — so returns don't reduce it.
Print It My Way is flat-fee
Every tier: Free ($0), Basic ($7.99), Pro ($13.99), Unlimited ($24.99). No percentage of custom sales. Ever.
Skip the percentage tax
Print It My Way is flat at every tier. Real permanent Free plan.
Install Print It My Way — Free No-transaction-fee roundup →Frequently asked questions
What's the break-even between percentage and flat fee?
Around $1,500-$2,000/mo in customized sales. Above that, flat is cheaper.
Does Kickflip's 1.95% decrease with volume?
Yes per their developer response — the starting rate decreases at higher volumes. Check current rate.
Does Zakeke charge transaction fees?
Fee variants on some plans per zakeke.zendesk.com. Verify current terms.
Do percentage apps charge a base subscription too?
Yes typically. Percentage is on top of a monthly subscription.
Is Print It My Way ever percentage-based?
No. Flat-fee at every tier including Free.