The increasing number of e-shoppers have made eCommerce the most profitable activity on the internet. A section of eCommerce that is gaining much popularity and profitability is the print-on-demand business.
The print-on-demand business gives room for artists, designers, and creators to make money off their work. You work with suppliers/manufacturers who print designed products only when customers demand them. However, if you are going to engage in such a business, you need to use a reliable platform.
Printful is one of the most popular print-on-demand websites that offer DTG, embroidery, sublimation, and cut & sew productions. There are more than 300 product types featured on their platform that you can sell. They also support warehousing.
Unlike other POD platforms, Printful seamlessly integrates with a wide range of third-party services. Thankfully, Printful integrates with top online marketplaces and eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and more.
However, there are other print-on-demand websites like Printful. In this post, we will show you 10 of the best print on demand websites like Printful.
Best Print On Demand Websites Like Printful
1. Printify
The Printify platform is one with more than 300 different product types that are ready to be printed on demand. The website was launched in 2015 and currently has about 500,000 registered merchants utilizing their services. Printify has more than 90 print providers in various locations across the globe, some of which are Print Geek, Monster Digital, DTG2Go, and Fifth Sun.
On Printify, you can purchase a T-shirt for as low as $5.62. Also, it has a broad range of products that you can sell. It is a white-label print-on-demand platform, so your products and packages are imprinted with your brand elements.
To use this print on demand website, you have to sign up and select your preferred products. With the mockup generator, you can test your designs on all products and you choose to view how it will appear after printing. After that, publish the selected products to your online store.
Printify will print the products once your customers make a purchase and also ship it to their location. Both flat and live shipping rates are available. You can also get a discount for sample orders.
Nevertheless, Printify integrates with other eCommerce platforms including Etsy, Shopify, eBay, Wix, and WooCommerce. With the Printify API, you can integrate Printify with your custom-built online store.
Give shape to your dropshipping dream. Printify gives you the liberty to create, design and sell your custom prints using 3000 plus products. What's more, it is absolutely free!
What are the Printify differences?
With Printify, you have the option of paying for an upgraded plan with more print-on-demand features. Also, your customers can get their purchased products faster thanks to their 90+ print providers.
Worth Reading: Printify Review
2. Zazzle
Zazzle was launched in 2005 as a print-on-demand platform and online marketplace. The website boasts about 30 million monthly visitors. As an online retailer, you can reach a broad audience and make more money by designing printed products.
Interestingly, Zazzle supports designer, manufacturer, and affiliate account registration. As a designer, you can upload your designs which are then imprinted on various products before you sell them.
Not to mention, you can set the selling prices based on your profitability expectations. If you are not a designer, you can also buy designs and publish them on products for sale.
Base prices for products on Zazzle vary. You can set your profit at any percentage with the max being 99 percent.
However, the maximum you can make from selling Zazzle Heart products is 5 percent. Zazzle completely handles shipping although the retailer will be responsible for it. Conversely, products are shipped faster locally (in the United States) than internationally.
With the Zazzle API, you can integrate Zazzle with your custom online store. Just like Printful, Zazzle has a mobile app that users can use conveniently.
What are the Zazzle differences?
The significant difference between Zazzle and Printful is the integrated marketplace which Zazzle features. Also, the platform is not just for selling print-on-demand services. The platform can be used by designers who want to sell their designs and manufacturers who wish to sell their products. Not to mention, Zazzle also facilitates affiliate marketing so you can make money from sales referrals.
Interesting Post: Zazzle Review
3. Redbubble
Here is another print-on-demand platform that also serves as an online marketplace. This platform was launched in 2006, making it one of the oldest POD platforms on our list.
In the same vein, Redbubble has more than 700,000 registered artists and designers on its platform. You can use the Redbubble platform to sell different printed products such as clothes, caps, phone cases, mugs, and more.
As an easy-to-use platform, you can set up your store after signing up and uploading your designs. Next, you choose your products to sell while the platform enables you to publish up to 60 products on your store.
The products featured on Redbubble are made available by various manufacturers. These manufacturers fix the product price, and then Redbubble adds its service fee to make up the base price. As a result, the base price varies.
The selling margin is set at 20 percent at default, but you can increase or decrease it based on your preference; there is no limit. T-shirts on Redbubble costs around $20, stickers cost less than $5 while home decorations are mostly above $100.
Products are printed and made ready for delivery after customers pay for them. Redbubble can deliver globally as they have various print locations.
What are the Redbubble differences?
With Redbubble, you do not need other eCommerce platforms to sell printed products. Unlike Printful, Redbubble offers no branding so you cannot display your business brand on your products. Also, you can only receive payment when you meet a $20 threshold.
Explore: Redbubble Review
4. Print Aura
The Print Aura platform offers the benefit of print-on-demand and drop shipping. This print on demand website was established in 2012. Designers and online retailers alike utilize it.
It integrates with several eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, OpenCart, etc.
You can sell your printed designs on over one hundred products on Print Aura. This includes products like shirts, bags, hats, phone cases, and more.
Similarly, shirts are sold for $10 – $15, and bags are sold at an average of $17. Other products like phone cases and hats cost about $10 – $15.
After uploading your designs, they can be tested on these products before publishing using its design tool. Conversely, you can use its design tool to create basic designs as an alternative to uploading.
As a print-on-demand service provider, Print Aura handles product printing and shipping after receiving payment. Your customers pay directly to you, and then you order the products from Print Aura using the customers’ information. As a result, you will be billed for shipping and not your customers. Hence, you can add the shipping cost to your selling price.
The services offered by Print Aura are global, so your products can reach almost any customer. The platform is white-label, so it does not feature any Print Aura branding.
What are the Print Aura differences?
With Print Aura, you can create better mockups as the mockup generator has expansive features. Also, you can get cheaper products on Print Aura. However, Print Aura only offers packaging branding, so you cannot brand products.
Also Read: Print Aura Review
5. CustomCat
Operating since 1999, CustomCat is a website that provides print-on-demand and fulfillment services with a worldwide reach. On the website, there are over 500 products from various brands that you can print your designs on.
Not to mention, this print on demand website supports DTG and embroidery printing. You need to upload your designs, select products, and fulfill orders. Thankfully, it features a design tool that you can utilize for creating product designs. Products available on CustomCat include t-shirts, jewelry, accessories, laptop sleeves, etc.
CustomCat carries out paperless manufacturing, so products are printed and shipped to customers faster. This process is automatically started once your customers purchase products from your online store. Once the product is shipped, tracking emails are sent to the customer automatically.
The platform can be used for free though it has limits. A paid plan is available for access to richer product catalog lists and as a new user, you are granted a 14-day trial after which you will be charged a monthly fee.
You can use CustomCat with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and BigCommerce platforms. Also, it features an API that supports integration with your custom-built online store.
What are the CustomCat differences?
CustomCat has more product categories than Printful. Also, their order fulfillment is faster when compared with Printful. Not to mention, the CustomCat platform enables you to upload bulk designs on different products.
Interesting Comparison: CustomCat Review
6. Printsome
This is a print on demand platform like Printful that is based in London. There are about 17,000 registered customers with Printsome with offices in Barcelona and the UK. The website has been running for about six years now, and their service focuses on a specific product category, i.e. t-shirts.
T-shirts are supplied from different brands and in different sizes and colors. Base prices for these products are not revealed, and you can only get them after sending a quote request to Printsome. Nevertheless, their reply is swift so you will get the prices within 30 minutes.
Using the website is easy and fast due to bulk printing support. While publishing the products to your store, you can set the product buying margin that suits your business. You can sell your on-screen, digital, and embroidery design prints. Notably, you can sell any product type that Printsome has in stock.
Most people recommend Printsome because of its swift shipping durations. Local shipping (within the UK) is handled within 3 to 5 days while international shipping takes around 8 – 12 days. Hence, Printsome can reach customers worldwide.
The primary e-commerce integration supported by Printsome is Shopify.
What are the Printsome differences?
While Printful offers different product categories, Printsome supports selling only t-shirts. Nevertheless, t-shirts prices on the Printsome platform are more affordable. Also, they support bulk printing.
Also Read: Best Printify Alternatives
7. Teespring
Teespring (now known as Spring) is an eCommerce company that provides print-on-demand print and dropshipping services. It was founded in 2011 and can be used to create and sell printed products for free.
Interestingly, they have a vast product catalog, which enables you to publish up to 50 different products. Designs can be created with the built-in design tool. Alternatively, you can upload custom designs as well.
You can fix your ideal product price based on your profit margin. Also, you get paid for your margin once orders are paid for by customers. Thankfully, Teespring handles the production and shipping tasks. Products can be shipped globally to more than 180 countries.
What are the Teespring differences?
Teespring and Printful are not much different. Conversely, Teespring integrates with YouTube, which enables designers to drive more sales directly from YouTube. Also, it integrates with other third-party services as well.
Interesting Comparison: Printify vs Teespring
8. Spreadshirt
This is a print-on-demand website and marketplace that enjoys up to 100,000 daily visitors. There are about 200 product types on the platform, such as t-shirts, bags, hoodies, etc. You can make money by selling your designs on these products.
The cost of t-shirts on Spreadshirt goes for $16 – $30 while hoodies & sweatshirts are around $34 – $50. Pillowcases and mugs are affordable at less than $15. However, these are selling prices with designs, and the base prices are much lower.
Designs can be created on products with the customize tool. Also, you can sell your products on the Spreadshirt marketplace. Alternatively, you can sell on your online store by using the Spreadshirt API.
Spreadshirt delivers primarily within the US and Europe, and they have standardized shipping rates.
What are the Spreadshirt differences?
On Spreadshirt, no branding is offered. But, you will get cheaper products on Spreadshirt than Printful. For instance, a t-shirt is sold at a base price of less than $6.
Check Out: Best Print On Demand Sites That Are Cheaper Too
9. Teelaunch
Teelaunch is a simple print-on-demand platform founded in 2014 with fulfillment locations in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. Apart from printing and shipping products to your customers, they also offer liaison services in cases where there are misunderstandings.
Teelaunch has a wide range of products, including t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, phone cases, and canvas. T-shirts are sold for $10 – $15 while sweatshirts go a bit higher at $18 on average. Mugs sell for $5 – $7 while blankets and featured gadgets sell for up to $45. You can create mockups with their product mockup generator.
Furthermore, Teelaunch offers DTG, sublimation, and cut & sew production. The platform is white-label but only offers branding on packaging and not on the products.
Fulfillment is started minutes after customers make the purchase. The shipping rates are flat. Local shipping rates are $4 per product, while international shipping rates are about $10 per product.
Thankfully, Teelaunch allows you to order product samples before selling. For integration, Teelaunch supports Shopify and Etsy.
What are the Teelaunch differences?
A notable difference between Printful and Teelaunch is that Teelaunch offers better profit margins. Also, sample orders can be made on both Printful and Teelaunch, but Teelaunch offers better discounts.
Also Read: Printify vs Teelaunch
10. SunFrog
On the SunFrog platform, you can create and sell designs on clothing such as t-shirts, shirts, and hoodies. It is a single niche print-on-demand website, and currently, it prides itself on having over 2 million featured designs.
You can use any of the featured design templates to sell printed products. Alternatively, you can create your designs directly on the platform or upload your designs. Although clothing is the primary focus on SunFrog, you can also sell designs on phone cases and a few other products.
You can set the selling prices of shirts with your designs; it could be anywhere around $19 to $35. SunFrog handles shipping both locally and internationally with flat rates. T-shirts cost about $4.99 for shipping, and it’s about $7.99 for hoodies.
Integration with other platforms is not directly supported unless you make use of the SunFrog API. Thankfully, the website has a shopping platform that facilitates sales of custom printed products.
What are the SunFrog differences?
SunFrog specializes only in clothing and apparel. Also, SunFrog is a shopping platform that does not integrate with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, etc. However, you can integrate Sunfrog with your custom-built online store.
You Might Want To Read: Printify vs Printful
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Printful The Best Option?
Printful is among the top – if not the – most used print on demand companies. From its offerings, there’s about everything you need to start a print on demand business selling your custom products and good print quality.
Furthermore, the platform makes print on demand profitable with no upfront costs and order minimums. Nevertheless, the best option for you depends on how you want to run your POD business.
Take, for instance, as an independent artist, you may not want to launch a full eCommerce / print on demand store. You may simply just want to showcase and make money from your original designs.
Printful requires that you must integrate with a third-party eCommerce platform and then link your store. With platforms like Redbubble and Zazzle, you can just create your account and start selling immediately.
Conversely, if you want to launch a full eCommerce business, Printful might just be the best option for you. With Printful, you enjoy white label delivery so you can brand your print on demand products.
Another POD alternative is that there is a wide variety of Printful products and you enjoy warehousing services. Furthermore, you can set your retail prices to be any percentage of the base prices. This implies that the income you make is in your hands.
Can You Make A Living Off Print On Demand?
Is print on demand profitable? Well, print on demand really is profitable. However, like any other business, it’s only profitable when done right.
A huge percentage of the internet user population buy products online; about 2.14 billion people in total. While several online entrepreneurs are cashing out from the industry, others are also losing out.
Print on demand is a much less risky eCommerce model than traditional eCommerce. As a print on demand merchant, you only act as a middle man between manufacturer/wholesale and potential customers.
The major aspects that you have to pay for is setting up your store and the products’ base price. You don’t have to keep inventory or facilitate the shipping process. The print on demand company will handle the entire process.
Unless you choose to order a test sample, you’ll not see the products you sell until it gets to your customer. You’re not liable if anything goes wrong with the shipping or printing. The print on demand company also handles this.
In other words, print on demand enables you to make profits while creating the products and spending less. So yes, you can work full time and make a living as a print on demand merchant.
Nevertheless, to make the most out of your print on demand marketplace, you need good marketing strategies and customer insight.
Final Thoughts
It is always good to have options when starting an online business such as the print-on-demand business. Several decisive factors need to be considered as there are different platforms available, each with a difference.
You often hear Printful whenever print-on-demand is mentioned as the platform has gotten popular over the years. Whereas Printful offers reliable services, there are several alternatives as listed above you can opt for.
From our top picks, the best alternative to consider is Printify. It is the best because it offers similar services to Printful with some worthwhile additions such as more products and fulfillment locations in Europe, America, and Asia.
Also, Printify has up to 90 printing facilities. This means that products will be produced and shipped to customers faster. Importantly, branding is completely white-label with Printify so you can sell products and your brand as well.
I am Brian. I started my first e-commerce company in college designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using Print-On-Demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7 figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you get succeed.