Okay, you want to start selling custom t-shirts, home decor, or personalized accessories? print-on-demand might just be what you need. It gives you the freedom to run a business where you never have to worry about storing or shipping products.
But with so many print-on-demand companies out there, how do you choose the right one for your business? It’s more than just selecting a platform that offers the products you want to sell. Factors like pricing, ease of use, and the ability to integrate with your store matter too.
That’s why we’re here to guide you through the top 7 best print-on-demand platforms for beginners, perfect for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to launch or expand their online stores.
We’ll break down the features, pros, and cons of each so you can confidently make an informed choice. So, let’s get started.
Print-on-Demand Platforms: What Are They?
Before diving into the list, let’s briefly explore what print-on-demand platforms are and why they’ve become such a game-changer for entrepreneurs and creatives.
At its core, POD allows you to design products—such as apparel, mugs, or even art prints—and sell them online without worrying about production, storage, or shipping. When a customer places an order, the product is printed and shipped directly to them.
In essence, a customer visits your store and places an order. When you receive the orders, you push them to the POD supplier (this process is usually automated), and the supplier prints the designs, packages them, and ships them to the customer.
This model is similar to dropshipping, and it eliminates upfront costs and reduces the risk of unsold inventory.
So, whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned creator looking to simplify your logistics, POD can be an incredibly versatile and low-risk way to sell unique, custom products.
Let’s now have a look at the best Print-on-demand companies we’ve featured here:
1. Printful
When it comes to print-on-demand platforms, Printful is often the first name that comes to mind.
As one of the most popular and trusted POD platforms, Printful has helped thousands of entrepreneurs launch successful online stores with ease. It boasts an expansive product catalog, with over 340 customizable items ranging from t-shirts to posters, phone cases, and even home goods.
Printful also provides custom branding services for your business. For example, if you want your items to be shipped with a branded package and label, the platform does just that.
Plus, it supports Integrations with major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and Amazon.
Key Features
- Extensive product catalog with a wide range of customizable options.
- User-friendly design maker and mockup generator makes it easy to create and customize product designs.
- Custom branding services to make your business look more professional, such as branded packaging and labels.
- Fulfillment centers in various locations worldwide, ensure fast and reliable shipping to customers globally.
- Integrations with major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and Amazon.
Pros and Cons
Need some motivation? Watch how Ryan made over $100,000 with Printful POD, selling hats.
2. Printify
Printify is another print-on-demand platform that offers flexibility like no other. It partners with numerous print providers, giving you the ability to choose the best one based on product price, shipping speed, and location.
This privilege allows for better control over costs and fulfillment times, which is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs serving a global customer base.
However, depending on the provider you choose, customer service experience might be a little bit inconsistent. Some providers don’t really pay close attention to customer’s complaints.
Apart from that, every other thing is okay. Liora even shared how she uses Printify to grow her Etsy store. And she strongly recommends the platform.
Key Features
- Access to multiple print providers for each product, offering you flexibility in pricing and production.
- Competitive pricing, including a free plan with an option to upgrade for even lower product costs.
- Simple integration with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, allowing for easy store management.
Pros and Cons
3. Gelato
If you plan to sell to an international audience, Gelato is a strong contender.
This print-on-demand platform focuses on global production, meaning products are printed as close as possible to your customers to reduce shipping times and carbon footprints.
In short, Gelato is a great option for entrepreneurs looking to scale their business without the hassle of managing inventories, storage, or upfront costs.
While Gelato’s global reach is highly appreciated, you might sometimes experience issues with late shipping. Users also shared that while Gelato offers potential, customer service can sometimes fall short.
Key Features
- Offers a tiered pricing structure to accommodate businesses at various growth stages.
- An extensive global network of print facilities for faster, more eco-friendly shipping.
- No inventory, storage, or upfront costs—pay only when an order is placed.
Pros and Cons
4. Zazzle
Zazzle is a veteran in the print-on-demand world, providing a platform where creatives can sell their designs on a broad range of customizable products.
This print-on-demand platform stands out for its artist-friendly approach and its dual business model where they offer both a standard and pro version for different user needs.
In essence, you can create our designs and sell them on the same platform without needing an external e-commerce store. That’s Zazzle killing two birds with the same stone.
The website is already very popular, meaning you stand a high chance of making sales, even without intense knowledge of E-commerce.
In fact, after taking a paid course from Jen and Elke, Carlos Robles was able to reach $10,000 per month, using Zazzle.
Key Features
- Extensive range of products, from apparel to home goods and accessories.
- Artist and designer-friendly platform with simple setup and management.
- Pro version offers additional tools and features for businesses looking to scale.
Pros and Cons
5. RedBubble
Unlike other print-on-demand sites we’ve listed here, RedBubble is a community-driven platform designed to help independent artists and creators sell their artwork.
RedBubble’s selling point is its built-in marketplace that does much of the heavy lifting by helping you get your designs in front of its existing audience. You can upload your design and be ready to start getting sales.
The platform is particularly appealing for artists who may not have the time or desire to run an entire online store. However, the downside is that the profit margins can be slimmer than running your own print-on-demand site.
Key Features
- Focuses on creative independence, allowing artists to sell their designs across various products like t-shirts, stickers, and home decor.
- No upfront costs—RedBubble takes care of the printing, shipping, and even customer service.
- You earn royalties from each sale, allowing for passive income potential.
Pros and Cons
6. Society6
If you specialize in high-quality art prints and home decor, Society6 might be the best print-on-demand platform for you.
Similar to RedBubble, Society6 focuses on artists and provides a space to sell products like framed prints, wall art, and home furnishings.
The platform is focused on creatives looking to have their work featured on home goods. It offers an excellent avenue for exposure, though it may not offer as much control over your business as other POD platforms.
Key Features
- Primarily focuses on art and home goods, catering to creators who want to sell their artwork on physical products.
- A community-driven platform that supports independent artists and designers.
Pros and Cons
7. Merch by Amazon
Merch by Amazon is Amazon’s print-on-demand service that offers a unique opportunity to tap into Amazon’s enormous customer base. You can design and sell custom apparel directly on the Amazon platform, making it easy to reach millions of potential buyers.
This platform can be highly lucrative if you optimize your listings and understand how Amazon’s search algorithm works. Many entrepreneurs have built successful businesses using this platform, generating steady revenue by capitalizing on Amazon’s massive reach.
For example, Empire Flippers was able to do $93,077.32 in 19 days just by selling print-on-demand products on Amazon with Merch.
The only requirement is for you to have an Amazon account, then sign up for Amazon merch and start selling.
Key Features
- Leverage Amazon’s massive marketplace to reach a broad audience.
- No upfront costs—upload your designs and Amazon handles the rest.
- Simple design upload process with various tools for managing your products.
Pros and Cons
Conclusion
Selecting the right print-on-demand platform can make or break your business. Whether you’re looking for a platform with extensive customization options or a built-in audience, each of these print-on-demand websites has its unique advantages.
The best platform all boils down to what fits your specific needs.
As you weigh your options, think about what matters most for your business. Is it creative freedom, ease of integration, or cost-effectiveness? The right POD platform will not only simplify your processes but also help you reach more customers and grow your brand.
Feel free to share your experiences or questions about these print-on-demand sites in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best print-on-demand platform for beginners?
While the best platform depends on your specific needs, Printful and Printify are highly recommended for beginners due to their ease of use, integrations, and flexibility in product offerings.
How does print-on-demand work?
Print-on-demand allows you to sell custom-designed products without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, the item is printed and shipped directly to them by the POD provider.
Which print-on-demand platform offers the best profit margins?
Printful generally offers the best margins because it allows you to choose from multiple print providers, letting you control your costs more closely.
Is print-on-demand profitable?
Yes, print-on-demand can be very profitable if managed well, especially by choosing the right products, optimizing designs, and marketing your store effectively.
Can I use multiple print-on-demand platforms at once?
Absolutely! Many entrepreneurs use multiple POD platforms to diversify their product offerings and reach a broader audience.
What types of products can I sell on print-on-demand platforms?
You can sell everything from apparel, mugs, and phone cases to home decor, art prints, and accessories. The possibilities are almost endless depending on the platform you choose.
