Ok that's 10 to 15k more than i want to spend. Are there other options for similar functionality?
Sorry to disappoint, but it's not realistic for (what I assume to be) your startup venture. The companies that make a go of web-to-print setups are those that already have high volume and a small team of developers and a sizeable investment in marketing (
at the very least). As a developer and programmer -- and
sign shop owner of 22 years -- I can tell you these kinds of applications are not just expensive to develop, they are even more expensive to maintain (far from anything resembling a "printer's vending machine"). I know, I know... it sucks... we all want an automated profit center. That being said... try looking into some basic web to print setups that don't have high recurring monthly costs (e.g. Wordpress + Custom Product Designer or Zakeke plugins, etc) At least those are low cost enough to feel it out without a heavy commitment.