The Power of Print-On-Demand
Pros and Cons of different types of Print on Demand:
1. Printful
Pros:
High product quality and variety (clothing, accessories, home decor, etc.)
No upfront fees or minimum order requirement
Integrates easily with popular eCommerce platforms (Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce)
Worldwide shipping and fast fulfillment times
Excellent branding options (custom labels, packaging)
Cons:
Higher base costs, leading to lower profit margins
International shipping can be costly and lengthy in some regions
2. Printify
Pros:
Access to a large network of print providers worldwide
Competitive pricing with flexible shipping options
Large catalog of products, including clothing, accessories, and home goods
Easy integration with popular eCommerce platforms
Free plan with the option to upgrade to premium for discounts
Cons:
Quality and fulfillment times vary by print provider
Customer support is not always as fast as competitors
3. TeeSpring (now called Spring)
Pros:
No upfront costs and easy to get started
Good platform for selling custom T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and more
Built-in marketplace with access to a large audience
Custom storefronts with tools for marketing and promotion
Simple and beginner-friendly interface
Cons:
Limited product selection compared to others
Higher prices can result in lower profit margins
Less integration with external eCommerce platforms
4. Redbubble
Pros:
Marketplace exposure with a large, active customer base
Wide range of products from apparel to home decor, stickers, and phone cases
Great for artists and designers looking for a pre-existing audience
No upfront costs or setup fees
Cons:
Low profit margins, with high competition in the marketplace
Limited control over branding, packaging, and customer communication
Lack of integration with personal eCommerce stores
5. Zazzle
Pros:
Huge product variety with unique customization options
Marketplace with built-in traffic
Great for selling customizable items like invitations, home decor, and accessories
Good range of royalty options for sellers
Cons:
Complex royalty structure
Limited control over the final price, which can affect profits
Slower payout process
6. Gooten
Pros:
Large catalog of products, including unique items like baby gear, accessories, and more
Competitive pricing with international print providers
Great for high-volume sellers due to volume-based discounts
Simple integration with platforms like Shopify and Etsy
Cons:
Product quality may vary depending on the print provider
Less brand recognition than some other services
Limited branding options for sellers
Best Print-on-Demand Services (Ranked):
Printful – Best overall for quality, variety, and integrations
Printify – Best for price flexibility and variety of providers
TeeSpring/Spring – Ideal for beginners with built-in marketplace
Redbubble – Best for artists looking for exposure in a competitive marketplace
Zazzle – Excellent for selling customizable products with a built-in audience
Gooten – Great for sellers who want flexibility and high-volume options
Conclusion:
Printify offers excellent pricing and flexibility for those who want access to different providers, though it requires more management.
If you're just starting out, TeeSpring/Spring and Redbubble provide easy entry points with built-in audiences but with lower profit margins and less control over branding.