Print on Demand (POD) is an innovative business model that allows entrepreneurs and businesses to sell custom-designed products, such as t-shirts, without having to manage inventory. Instead, these items are printed and shipped once a customer places an order. This model provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to venture into the world of e-commerce without the typical hassles associated with managing physical stock. In this review, we will examine 15 leading POD service providers, focusing on their origin, product range, printing costs, interface operation, shipping options, and overall pros and cons.
Printful [https://www.printful.com]
About the Company
Printful, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been in operation since 2013. It offers a wide range of products for printing, including t-shirts, hoodies, posters, and more. They work with various shirt brands like American Apparel, Gildan, and Bella + Canvas.
Printing Costs
Printful’s pricing depends on the product selected, but their prices are competitive, and they offer volume discounts.
Interface and Implementation
Printful’s interface is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. The platform provides numerous graphic design options, including the ability for customers to upload their designs.
Shipping Options
Printful offers worldwide shipping. Costs and delivery times vary based on location, but they generally ship within 3-6 business days.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of products
- Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms
- Volume discounts
Cons:
- Shipping costs can be high for certain locations
- Limited customization options compared to some other POD services
Printify [https://printify.com]
About the Company
Printify, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Riga, Latvia, is a transparent print-on-demand network connecting merchants and print providers. They offer a wide variety of products to print on, including t-shirts from brands like Gildan, Next Level, and Bella + Canvas.
Printing Costs
Printify operates on a tiered pricing system, offering a free plan for beginners and paid plans for more advanced users. They are known for their competitive prices, which vary depending on the chosen print provider.
Interface and Implementation
Printify’s platform is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for businesses to design and manage their products. The mockup generator provides a realistic preview of your product, and direct integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy simplifies the selling process.
Shipping Options
Printify offers worldwide shipping, with costs and delivery times varying based on the selected print provider. Typically, the delivery times range between 7-15 business days.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Diverse product offerings
Cons:
- Shipping costs and delivery times can vary widely
- Quality may differ between print providers
Gooten [https://www.gooten.com]
About the Company
Gooten is a globally distributed print-on-demand company that launched in 2015. Based in New York City, they offer a wide array of products for printing, including many types of t-shirts. They work with a network of manufacturers and vendors, ensuring a diverse range of products.
Printing Costs
Gooten operates on a cost-per-product model. The prices are competitive and vary depending on the product and the selected vendor.
Interface and Implementation
Gooten’s platform is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward process for designing and managing products. The platform integrates smoothly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy, allowing for efficient order management and fulfillment.
Shipping Options
Gooten provides worldwide shipping. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the chosen vendor and the customer’s location. Generally, the delivery times range from 10-14 business days.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Diverse range of products due to a broad network of vendors
- Competitive pricing
- Seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms
Cons:
- Delivery times can be longer compared to some competitors
- Quality may vary depending on the chosen vendor
Teespring [https://teespring.com]
About the Company
Teespring, founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, California, is a platform that allows anyone to create and sell custom products. They offer an extensive range of products for printing, including t-shirts from various brands.
Printing Costs
Teespring operates on a cost-per-product model, with prices varying depending on the product. However, they are known for their competitive pricing.
Interface and Implementation
Teespring’s platform is user-friendly, with a design tool that allows for customization of products. They provide a storefront for users to sell their products, making it easy for both designers and customers.
Shipping Options
Teespring offers worldwide shipping, with costs and delivery times varying based on location. Generally, the delivery times range from 9-12 business days in the US, and 10-16 business days internationally.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Competitive pricing
- Provides a storefront for easy selling
Cons:
- Delivery times can be longer compared to some competitors
- Limited integration with e-commerce platforms
Zazzle [https://www.zazzle.com]
About the Company
Zazzle, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a print-on-demand company that allows designers to sell their artwork on hundreds of products. They offer a wide variety of t-shirts and other apparel for printing.
Printing Costs
Zazzle operates on a cost-per-product model, with prices varying depending on the product and design complexity. They also offer volume discounts, which can make larger orders more affordable.
Interface and Implementation
Zazzle’s platform is designed for ease of use, with a user-friendly design tool for creating and managing products. They also provide a marketplace for artists to sell their designs.
Shipping Options
Zazzle provides worldwide shipping, with costs and delivery times varying based on the product type and the customer’s location. They offer several shipping options, including express delivery for rush orders.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of products
- User-friendly interface
- Volume discounts available
Cons:
- Prices can be higher compared to some competitors
- Quality may vary depending on the product
Society6 [https://society6.com]
About the Company
Society6, established in 2009 and based in Santa Monica, California, is a print-on-demand platform that allows artists to sell their designs on a variety of products. They offer a diverse range of t-shirts and other apparel for printing.
Printing Costs
Society6 operates on a cost-per-product model, with prices set by the artist plus a flat fee for the product itself. This allows artists to control their earnings.
Interface and Implementation
Society6’s platform is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward process for uploading designs and managing products. They also provide a marketplace for artists to reach a global audience.
Shipping Options
Society6 provides worldwide shipping. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the product type and the customer’s location. They offer several shipping options, including standard and expedited delivery.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Artist-controlled pricing
- Global artist community
- Wide range of products
Cons:
- Prices can be higher compared to some competitors
- Delivery times can vary depending on the location
Redbubble [https://www.redbubble.com]
About the Company
Redbubble, founded in 2006 and based in Melbourne, Australia, is a global online print-on-demand platform that allows artists to sell their artwork on a variety of products. They offer an extensive range of t-shirts and other apparel for printing.
Printing Costs
Redbubble operates on a cost-per-product model, with prices set by the artist plus a base price for the product itself. This pricing model allows artists to control their profit margins.
Interface and Implementation
Redbubble’s platform is easy to use, providing a straightforward process for uploading designs and managing products. They also provide a marketplace where artists can showcase their work to a global audience.
Shipping Options
Redbubble provides worldwide shipping. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the product type and the customer’s location. They offer standard and express shipping options.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Artist-controlled pricing
- Extensive range of products
- Global artist community
Cons:
- Prices can be higher compared to some competitors
- Delivery times can vary depending on the location
CafePress [https://www.cafepress.com]
About the Company
CafePress, founded in 1999 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the oldest print-on-demand services that allows users to design and sell a wide range of products. They offer a variety of t-shirts and other apparel for printing.
Printing Costs
CafePress operates on a cost-per-product model, with prices varying depending on the product and design complexity. They are known for their affordable pricing.
Interface and Implementation
CafePress’s platform is user-friendly, providing an easy-to-use design tool for creating and visualizing products. They also provide a marketplace for users to sell their designs.
Shipping Options
CafePress provides worldwide shipping. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the product type and the customer’s location. They offer several shipping options, including standard and rush delivery.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of products
Cons:
- Quality may vary depending on the product
- Delivery times can be longer compared to some competitors
