Building a Print-on-Demand business has turned out to be game-changing for creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators to shape their vision into tangible reality. But as we start digging deep, uncovering the ins and outs of this business, a question looms large: Which print-on-demand company should I choose?

The answer is far from straightforward and is as crucial as the unique designs you conjure. Therefore in this blog, we’ve done the heavy duty for you and come up with a list of 17 PoD companies that you can choose from.

In the following sections, you’ll learn about each platform’s features, pros and cons, and why you should use them. Let’s start with understanding the key parameters to look for while choosing a PoD company.

How Should You Choose a Print-on-Demand Company?

Understanding Your Business Needs

While selecting a PoD platform, analyze whether you’re catering to an eco-conscious crowd or budget-oriented consumers. You’ll want a POD company whose product range, quality, and pricing align with your audience’s expectations.

Evaluating the Product Catalogue of Potential POD Companies

Having a wide range of products at your disposal offers you the freedom to diversify your offerings and cater to different customer segments. Therefore, consider the product catalogue and the degree of customisability the POD companies offer.

Pricing and Profit Margins

Remove the cost structure of different POD companies to determine which offers the best value for your money. Analyze how their pricing might impact your profit margins and look for companies that have no upfront cost and no minimum order requirements. This will provide you with the flexibility to experiment without the burden of unsold stock.

Fulfilment and Shipping Policies

Fast and reliable fulfilment keeps customers happy, while worldwide shipping expands your market reach. That’s why you should pay attention to how these companies handle shipping and returns as well as the quality of their customer support.

17 Best Print-on-Demand Companies

1. Printful

Printful is a comprehensive POD solution, popular for its robust product catalogue, quality of printing, and reliable shipping. One standout feature is their design and mock-up tools, allowing you to visualise your products before committing.

This platform is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking quality and extensive customisation options. It integrates seamlessly with most dropshipping platforms, making it an excellent fit for those already operating online stores.

Pros

• Wide product range
• Excellent print quality
• Direct integration with popular eCommerce platforms
• No minimum order requirement

Cons

• Slightly higher prices compared to other POD services
• Limited branding options

2. Printify

Printify is a top-performing print-on-demand platform offering an extensive network of print providers. This network affords a selection of a wide range of products and printing techniques to its users.

Printify is especially useful for Businesses aiming to optimise costs while delivering a varied and distinctive range of products. Its flexible pricing, expansive product offerings, and diversity in print options make it a lucrative option for entrepreneurs operating in diverse markets.

Pros

• Competitive pricing helps businesses maintain decent profit margins.
• The extensive network of print providers allows a vast range of products and print options.
• Easy integration with various popular eCommerce platforms.
• User-friendly interface, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Cons

• The quality of prints can vary depending on the chosen print provider, requiring businesses to conduct thorough quality checks.
• Printify doesn’t do in-house printing, relying entirely on its network of print providers.

3. Redbubble

Redbubble is a thriving community-driven print-on-demand platform that allows artists and creators worldwide to bring their unique designs to life. It supports a wide array of products, including clothing, stickers, home décor, and stationery. Artists and designers can simply upload their designs, choose the products they want to sell, and set their own margins.

It is perfect for independent artists, graphic designers, and creators who value freedom in setting their own prices and building their brands within a supportive community.

Pros

• Artist-friendly platform with a strong community feel.
• A wide array of product offerings enables diverse creative expressions.
• Allows artists to set their own margins, providing control over profitability.
• Redbubble handles the printing, shipping, and customer service, letting creators focus on design work.

Cons

• While Redbubble offers a global marketplace, competition can be fierce due to the high number of artists on the platform.
• Commission-based systems may result in lower profit margins compared to other PoD platforms.

4. Teelaunch

Known for its quality and diversity, Teelaunch transforms your creativity into tangible products, be it apparel, home goods, or tech accessories. With its easy-to-use design tool, you can upload your artwork, tweak it to fit different products, and get a real-time preview of the final result.

If you’re running a Shopify store and looking to expand your product range with minimal hassle, Teelaunch is an excellent choice. Its unique product offerings, like watches, Bluetooth speakers, and even dog bowls, allow you to stand out in the crowded PoD market.

Pros

• Streamlined integration with Shopify, which simplifies the product creation process.
• A broad product selection, including unique items not found on many other platforms.
• A user-friendly design tool that makes it easy to visualize the final product.

Cons

• Primarily a Shopify app, thus not as suitable for those using other eCommerce platforms.
• Unlike some other platforms, Teelaunch doesn’t have its own marketplace to display your products.

5. CustomCat

CustomCat is another standout player in the print-on-demand industry. Renowned for its extensive product selection and quick turnaround times, CustomCat is an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes that are looking to deliver quality, custom products to their customers promptly.

Pros

• Extensive product catalogue, providing businesses with plenty of options to cater to a diverse customer base.
• Quick turnaround times with 3-day order production.
• Easy API integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

Cons

• While they offer a wide product range, the quality of some products might be inconsistent.
• It does not have a marketplace, so all sales must come from your website or an external platform.

6. Zazzle

Zazzle was established in 2005 and combines technology and creativity to turn artistic ideas into real-life products. They offer a diverse range of items, including clothing, mugs, posters, home décor, and customized fabric to suit different styles and preferences.

Zazzle is a solid choice for both new and seasoned designers. Novices will appreciate its intuitive design interface and strong community support. At the same time, experienced designers will value the extensive product range, which opens up multiple avenues for creative exploration and business expansion.

Pros

• Extensive catalogue of products for a broader creative scope.
• User-friendly Design Tool simplifies the design process.
• Great for both beginners and experienced designers due to its versatile features.

Cons

• Payout rates are lower compared to some other PoD platforms.
• It might take a while to stand out in Zazzle’s crowded marketplace.

7. Printy6

Printy6 distinguishes itself with its user-friendly interface. Even for beginners in the field of print-on-demand, the process of designing, creating, and selling is streamlined and intuitive.

It also offers direct integration with Shopify, making it an ideal choice for sellers who already have a Shopify store or plan to establish one.

Pros

• Wide range of product offerings catering to various customer needs.
• User-friendly interface simplifies the process of product design and creation.
• Direct integration with Shopify, ideal for sellers with or planning to have a Shopify store.
• Automated order processing and shipping management free up time for sellers.

Cons

• Limited platform integrations – currently, only integrate directly with Shopify.
• Lesser-known brand compared to some competitors, which may affect customer trust.

8. Apliiq

Apliiq specialises in high-quality custom clothing. It sets itself apart by offering unique customisation options and a genuine focus on quality, making it a great choice for businesses that want to sell premium custom apparel.

Pros

• High-quality, unique customization options such as patches and embroidered designs.
• Integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
• Wide range of products from various brands catering to different customer preferences.

Cons

• Higher pricing due to the focus on quality and unique customization options.
• It may not be suitable for businesses looking for non-apparel print-on-demand products.

9. AOP+

AOP+ is an innovative and specialised print-on-demand platform that takes a unique approach to the PoD industry. It focuses on all-over-print products, allowing businesses to create unique, eye-catching designs that cover the entire surface of a product.

With AOP+, you can apply designs across a wide array of products, including clothes, home goods, and accessories. Whether you’re creating a dramatic hoodie or a dazzling pillow cover, AOP+ empowers you with the tools to design without boundaries.

Pros

• Specialises in all-over-print products for distinctive designs.
• Integrates with multiple eCommerce platforms for seamless management.
• Automated order fulfilment system for efficient handling of printing, packaging, and shipping.

Cons

• Limited to all-over print designs, which may not suit businesses looking for more traditional print options.
• The design process can be complex for beginners due to the expansive nature of all-over print.

10. ShineOn

ShineOn is a unique player focusing primarily on custom jewellery. It allows businesses to create unique pieces that look beautiful and carry a special meaning, making them perfect gifts or keepsakes.

It enables you to design personalized jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Their interface is simple and intuitive, allowing even beginners to create stunning pieces with ease.

Pros

• Specialises in personalised jewellery, enabling businesses to offer unique, high-value items.
• The intuitive interface makes the design process straightforward.
• Handles everything from manufacturing to shipping, providing a hassle-free experience for businesses.

Cons

• The focus on jewellery might be limiting for businesses wanting a wider product range.
• Requires a specific target audience interested in personalised accessories.

11. Vistaprint

Vistaprint has been in the business for over 20 years, demonstrating a robust track record and reputation in the print-on-demand industry.

Its extensive range of products, covering everything from business cards to apparel to promotional materials, makes it a perfect choice for businesses seeking to cater to various consumer needs and preferences.

This platform is ideal for a broad spectrum of businesses, from entrepreneurs starting their brands to established companies seeking a reliable PoD service for promotional materials.

Pros

• Extensive range of products that caters to various business needs.
• User-friendly design tool with the flexibility of uploading own designs or using pre-existing templates.
• High-quality printing services that faithfully reproduce your designs.

Cons

• Vistaprint doesn’t offer a typical dropshipping service; hence, it may not be the best fit for eCommerce businesses looking for complete PoD solutions.
• Pricing can be higher compared to other PoD platforms.

12. SPOD

SPOD, standing for Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand, benefits from an established presence in the market leveraged to deliver a competent and comprehensive service to its users.

A cornerstone of SPOD’s functionality is its impressive production speed. Boasting an average production time of only 48 hours, SPOD is among the fastest services in the print-on-demand sector. This speedy turnaround time enables businesses to deliver products to their customers on time, which can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Pros

• Exceptionally fast production time, with an average of just 48 hours.
• Wide range of customizable products, allowing businesses to diversify their offerings.
• User-friendly Mock-up Generator, enabling businesses to design and visualize their products accurately.
• Easy integration with Shopify, making it a convenient option for Shopify users.

Cons

• Compared to some competitors, SPOD has a limited number of product options.
• International shipping can be more expensive and slower than local shipping.

13. Gelato

Gelato is a robust global print-on-demand network that has been making waves in the print-on-demand industry for its expansive reach and rich feature set. It is designed for entrepreneurs and businesses with an international focus who aim to deliver high-quality custom products to their customers, regardless of location.

What sets Gelato apart is its global printing network across 30 countries. This not only allows for speedy delivery to virtually any location in the world but also reduces shipping costs and the environmental impact of shipping. For businesses looking to scale internationally, Gelato provides a strong platform to achieve this easily and efficiently.

Pros

• Extensive global printing network, allowing for fast delivery and lower shipping costs.
• A wide range of product offerings provides businesses with more options to appeal to a diverse customer base.
• Flexible API integration, making it adaptable to various eCommerce platforms.
• Strong commitment to reducing the environmental impact of shipping.

Cons

• Its expansive offerings and functionalities may come with a learning curve for new users.
• As of now, it does not offer a free plan.

14. CafePress

CafePress has been transforming user designs into diverse products ranging from clothing and home decor to personalized gifts since the early 2000s. With its expansive product catalogue and vibrant user community, CafePress is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced designers in the PoD realm.

It offers an integrated marketplace where your products can reach a wide audience right off the bat. This feature can help reduce the marketing burdens for designers just starting.

Pros

• An integrated marketplace provides an instant audience for your products.
• Wide range of quality product offerings and print options.
• User-friendly interface makes it easy to turn designs into products.

Cons

• Not the cheapest option in the PoD market, which may not suit businesses on a tight budget.
• The platform’s royalty system can be complex to navigate for new users.

15. Prodigi

Prodigi offers a unique, scalable, and comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to sell custom products worldwide. It provides businesses with an expansive global print network. What this means for your business is a significant advantage: local production and delivery, no matter where your customers are.

By producing orders closest to the delivery address, Prodigi minimises shipping costs, reduces delivery times, and lowers carbon emissions. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses aiming to deliver worldwide.

Pros

• Wide-ranging global print network offering local production and delivery.
• Robust and adaptable API for seamless integration.
• Eco-friendly with reduced shipping costs and carbon emissions.

Cons

• More complex to set up and may require technical expertise.
• Customisation options for products may be more limited compared to other platforms.

16. Contrado

Contrado champions creativity by giving artists, designers, and creators a dynamic platform to bring their designs to life. In a market that’s often dominated by mass production, Contrado distinguishes itself by focusing on high-quality, handmade products that resonate with discerning consumers.

Designers who value quality over quantity and aim to target a more discerning customer base will find Contrado particularly appealing.

Pros

• Over 450 unique, customisable products offer extensive creative options.
• High-quality, handmade products appeal to discerning customers.
• Provides a fully customisable online store for enhanced brand consistency.

Cons

• Higher price points may deter cost-conscious consumers.
• The platform’s focus on quality over quantity may not suit sellers seeking to sell in high volumes.

17. Lulu

Lulu is a specialised print-on-demand platform known for its forte in the self-publishing industry. It’s a solution for businesses or individuals seeking to print and distribute their books, comics, calendars, or photo books.

With Lulu, users have complete creative control over their product as it allows the publication of various types of print material, including ebooks and hardcover or paperback books. The quality of the printed materials is high, making Lulu an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing quality.

Pros

• High-quality print products, ideal for books and other print materials.
• Broad distribution network reaching various online retailers.
• Total creative control over the design and production of your product.

Cons

• Not the best fit for businesses focused on apparel or other non-book print products.
• Some users may find the platform less user-friendly than competitors.

Conclusion

After studying all of the above Print-on-Demand platforms, you might have realised that every player weaves a unique story. Some enchant us with their global reach, others captivate us with their exclusive focus on all-over print products, and some mesmerise us with their niche concentration. But each one promises to transform your creative potential into a tangible success.

The choice, ultimately, rests in your hands. But remember, the key is not just to choose but to choose wisely. Every POD platform has unique features, and the success lies in syncing your business’s beat with theirs.

FAQs

What is a print-on-demand provider?

A print-on-demand provider allows individuals or creators to create and sell custom products without maintaining inventory or stocks. The PoD provider handles printing, shipping, and customer support on behalf of creators to help them build a successful Print-on-Demand business.

Can you make money with print-on-demand?

Yes, you can make money with a Print-on-Demand business. On average, you can make around $1000 to $5000. This figure can go way up if you sell quality products, have the right platform and fulfilment partner, and have the right marketing tactics.

What is Amazon print-on-demand called?

Amazon’s Print-on-Demand service is known as Merch-on-demand. It allows businesses, individuals, and creators to create and sell branded products on Amazon.

Does India have Printify?

Yes, Printify does operate its business in India, and it is trusted by around 5,00,000 merchants all over the country.

What is the best POD platform?

Printful is considered the best Print-on-Demand platform by millions of creators, individuals, and creators. It is known for its broad product catalogue and extensive eCommerce integrations, making it ideal for businesses seeking variety.

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