Published Nov 12, 2024 ⦁ 19 min read
11 Best Print-on-Demand Services 2024

11 Best Print-on-Demand Services 2024

Print-on-demand (POD) allows businesses to offer customized products without inventory costs. Key benefits include testing new designs, reducing waste, and focusing on marketing.

Here are the top 11 print-on-demand services for 2024:

  1. Printify - Over 1,000 products, AI design tools, affordable plans
  2. Printful - High-quality printing, global shipping, wide product range
  3. Gelato - Global production network, eco-friendly practices, custom packaging
  4. Redbubble - Artist community platform, commission-based sales
  5. Society6 - Unique artistic products, royalty-based income for artists
  6. Amazon Merch - Direct access to Amazon's marketplace, royalty model
  7. CustomCat - Large product catalog, competitive pricing, fast fulfillment
  8. SPOD - 48-hour production and shipping, eco-friendly practices
  9. Teelaunch - Over 300 products, product personalization tools
  10. Gooten - Global manufacturing network, volume-based discounts
  11. Lulu xPress - Book printing and publishing services for authors

Quick Comparison

Service Pricing Model Product Range Key Features
Printify Free plan, Premium plans Over 1,000 products AI design tools, affordable options
Printful Pay-as-you-go Apparel, accessories, home decor High-quality printing, branded packaging
Gelato Pay-as-you-go Apparel, accessories, home decor Global production, eco-friendly
Redbubble Commission-based Apparel, home decor, wall art Artist community platform
Society6 Royalty-based Apparel, home decor, wall art Unique artistic products
Amazon Merch Royalty-based Apparel, accessories Direct Amazon integration
CustomCat Pay-as-you-go Over 550 products Large catalog, fast fulfillment
SPOD Pay-as-you-go Over 200 products 48-hour shipping, eco-friendly
Teelaunch Pay-as-you-go Over 300 products Product personalization tools
Gooten Pay-as-you-go Over 280 products Global manufacturing, volume discounts
Lulu xPress Pay-as-you-go Books, ebooks Book printing for authors

When choosing a print-on-demand service, consider factors like product quality, pricing, customization options, customer support, integrations, shipping, and user reviews.

Here is a comparison of the top 11 print-on-demand services for 2024:

Service Pricing Product Range Customization Options Shipping Times Customer Support
Printify Free plan, Premium from $29/month 900+ products including CPG AI design tools, embroidery, sublimation Varies by vendor 24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base
Printful Free plan, Premium from $29/month Apparel, accessories, home & living, wall art DTG, sublimation, embroidery, cut & sew 2-5 business days 24/7 email, chat, phone
Gelato Free plan, Premium from $24/month Apparel, accessories, home decor Sublimation, embroidery, personalization studio 90% local production, 2-4 days 24/7 chat, dedicated consulting
Redbubble Commission-based artist marketplace Apparel, stickers, home decor, wall art Print-on-demand 3-7 business days Email, help center
Society6 Commission-based artist marketplace Apparel, home decor, wall art, furniture Print-on-demand 3-5 business days Email, help center
Amazon Merch Royalty-based program Apparel, accessories Print-on-demand Prime 2-day shipping Seller support
CustomCat Product pricing, no monthly fees Apparel, accessories, home decor DTG, dye infusion, sublimation 2-3 business days Email, phone
SPOD Product pricing, no monthly fees Apparel, accessories Digital direct, laser transfer, sublimation 95% within 48 hours Email, chat
Teelaunch Free plan, Premium from $27/month Apparel, accessories, home decor DTG, sublimation, embroidery 3-5 business days Email, chat, knowledge base
Gooten Free plan, Premium from $20/month Apparel, accessories, home decor DTG, sublimation, embroidery 3-5 business days Email, chat
Lulu xPress Book printing, publishing services Books, ebooks, calendars Print-on-demand books 3-5 business days Email, phone

1. Printify

Printify

Printify stands out as a leader in print-on-demand and takes the top spot on our list. Printify is known for its large product catalog and affordable solutions.

Products and Integrations

Printify offers over 1,000 customizable products, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and stationery. They use various printing techniques like direct-to-garment (DTG), sublimation, and embroidery. Printify integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Walmart, and WooCommerce, making it easy to sell your custom designs online.

Pricing Plans

Printify has a flexible pricing structure:

Plan Cost Features
Free $0/month Unlimited product designs, integrations with up to 5 stores
Premium $29/month or $300/year 20% discount on all products, support for up to 10 stores, access to Printify Connect
Enterprise Custom pricing Unlimited stores, dedicated account management, custom API integration

Customer Reviews

Customers like Printify for its easy-to-use interface, wide range of products, and affordable options. Many appreciate starting a print-on-demand business without upfront inventory costs. However, some reviews mention inconsistent product quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Large product catalog Inconsistent product quality
Affordable pricing options Does not offer phone support
Integrations with popular e-commerce platforms Limited customization and branding options
Automatic order fulfillment and shipping
User-friendly interface and design tools
No upfront inventory costs

2. Printful

Printful

Printful is known for its high-quality printing and global shipping.

Products and Customization

Printful offers a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and wall art. Their printing techniques include direct-to-garment (DTG), sublimation, embroidery, and cut & sew. With over 300 customizable products, Printful provides many options for creating unique designs.

Pricing Plans

Printful operates on a print-on-demand model, where you only pay for the products you sell. They offer a free plan with no monthly fees and premium plans starting at $29/month. Premium plans include extra features like design resources, discounted pricing, and dedicated support.

Customer Reviews

Printful has positive reviews for its high-quality products, efficient shipping, and helpful customer support. Customers like the convenience of Printful's dropshipping model and the ability to scale their business without managing inventory.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Wide range of customizable products Limited product line compared to some competitors
Integrates with popular eCommerce platforms Higher pricing than some print-on-demand services
Global shipping capabilities Shipping times can vary based on location and demand
No minimum order requirements Inconsistent product quality
Excellent customer support

3. Gelato

Gelato

Products and Sustainability

Gelato offers a wide range of products, including apparel, wall art, mugs, phone cases, and stationery. They have a global production network in over 32 countries, which helps deliver products faster and reduces emissions by printing closer to customers.

Pricing Plans

Gelato uses a pay-as-you-go model with no upfront fees or minimum orders. Prices vary by product:

Product Type Price Range
Apparel $8.95 - $40
Accessories $4.92 - $17.85
Home & Living $1.94 - $34.76

Shipping starts at $4.92 per product.

Subscription plans:

Plan Benefits
Gelato+ Up to 50% discount on shipping
Gelato+ Gold Further discounts and dedicated support

Custom branding options:

Option Cost
Labels $0.34 each
Packaging inserts $1.17 each

Customer Reviews

Customers like Gelato for its global reach, wide product range, and focus on reducing emissions. Some find the prices higher compared to bulk printing.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Global production network Higher per-unit cost than bulk printing
No inventory costs Limited control over printing quality
Wide range of products Shipping times vary by location
Reduced emissions with local production Product variety may not cover all needs
Custom packaging options
Subscription plans with discounts

4. Redbubble

Artist Platform

Redbubble is a platform for artists to sell their designs on various products like apparel, accessories, and home decor. Artists can easily upload their artwork and customize products through a user-friendly interface. The platform supports a community where artists can connect, share their work, and get feedback. Redbubble's global reach helps artists access a worldwide customer base.

Pricing and Royalties

Redbubble allows artists to set their own profit margins. Artists decide their markup on top of the base product price, giving them control over their earnings. Redbubble operates on a commission-based system, handling manufacturing, shipping, and customer service. There are no upfront costs or listing fees.

Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate Redbubble's wide range of unique products and the ease of purchasing artwork. Artists like the platform's easy-to-use interface and flexible pricing. However, some customers have noted longer shipping times for certain products, and artists have mentioned increased competition in specific categories.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Wide range of products Increased competition in specific categories
Artists set their own profit margins Longer shipping times for some products
Global customer base Limited control over printing quality
Community for artists to connect
Easy-to-use interface
No upfront costs or listing fees

5. Society6

Society6

Products and Artist Support

Society6 offers a variety of products for artists to showcase their work, including art prints, wall hangings, and home decor items like throw pillows and shower curtains. Artists can upload their designs, which are then applied to the selected products.

Society6 focuses on supporting artists by providing tools and resources to help them market their work. Artists can create their own online storefronts, connect with other creatives, and get support from Society6's team.

Pricing and Royalties

Society6 uses a royalty-based system where artists earn a commission on each sale. The platform sets a fixed royalty rate for most products, usually around 10% of the retail price. This provides a consistent income stream but gives artists less control over pricing compared to platforms like Redbubble.

Society6 may run site-wide or product-specific discounts, which can reduce the artist's royalty rate without prior notice. This can affect the artist's earnings.

Customer Reviews

Customers like Society6's range of artistic items and the ease of purchasing products. The platform's user-friendly interface is also praised. However, some customers have noted longer shipping times and limited customization options. Some artists have reported issues with customer service and communication.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Variety of products Fixed royalty rate for most products
Artist-focused platform Reduced royalties during site-wide discounts
Easy design application Limited customization options for some products
User-friendly interface Longer shipping times reported
Global customer base Customer service concerns from some artists
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6. Amazon Merch on Demand

Amazon Merch

Amazon Integration

Amazon Merch on Demand connects directly with Amazon's marketplace, letting you reach a huge audience. You upload your designs, and Amazon prints them on products like apparel, phone cases, and home decor. Amazon handles production and shipping, making it easy for you.

You also get access to Amazon's analytics tools, which help you understand customer behavior and sales trends. This can help you improve your designs and business strategy.

Pricing and Royalties

Amazon Merch on Demand uses a royalty-based model. You set the retail price, and Amazon takes a fee. The royalty rate is usually between 15% and 30% of the retail price.

Amazon sets base prices for each product, and you add your royalty on top. This means you have some control over pricing, but your profit margins might be lower than on your own e-commerce site.

Customer Reviews

Creators and customers generally like Amazon Merch on Demand. Creators find it easy to use and appreciate the large customer base. Many report good sales and positive experiences.

Customers like the product quality, variety of designs, and fast shipping. However, some note that prices can be higher compared to other print-on-demand services, likely due to Amazon's fees.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Direct access to Amazon's marketplace Limited control over pricing and profit margins
Large customer base Strict content guidelines and design requirements
Reliable production and shipping Competition with other sellers
Useful analytics tools Higher prices for customers
No upfront costs or inventory Potential design copyright issues

7. CustomCat

CustomCat

Printing Technology and Products

CustomCat uses DIGISOFT™ printing technology, including direct-to-garment (DTG), embroidery, and dye-sublimation. This allows for precise color replication on apparel without needing pre-printing or inventory storage.

CustomCat offers over 550 customizable items, including:

  • Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, jackets
  • Accessories: Bags, footwear, luggage tags, face masks, jewelry
  • Home goods: Rugs, drinkware, blankets, wall art, towels

The platform integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce for easy product synchronization and order fulfillment.

Pricing Plans

CustomCat offers three pricing plans:

Plan Cost Features
CustomCat Lite Free Access to DIGISOFT™, unlimited product creation, customer support, private seller forum
CustomCat Pro $30/month or $25/month billed annually All Lite features, 20-40% product discounts, exclusive promotions, early access to new products
Enterprise Custom Pricing All Pro features, 30-50% product discounts, custom API access, dedicated account manager

Product prices vary based on the item and quantity ordered. For example, a Gildan Unisex T-shirt costs $9.58-$15.58, while an Eco Tri-blend T-shirt Hoodie ranges from $29.95-$32.95.

Customer Reviews

Users praise CustomCat for its user-friendly interface, wide product selection, and competitive pricing. Many appreciate the fast order fulfillment and shipping times, as well as the high-quality print results.

However, some users note limitations with the design tool, such as the lack of an external image library and limited customization options. Additionally, support is not available 24/7, and there are fewer integration options compared to some competitors.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Extensive product range Limited design tool capabilities
Reasonable pricing and discounts No 24/7 support
Easy integration with popular e-commerce platforms Fewer integrations than some competitors
Fast order fulfillment and shipping Limited customization for customer returns
High-quality printing results

8. SPOD

SPOD

Shipping and Sustainability

SPOD is known for its fast production times, processing, printing, and shipping orders within 48 hours. With production facilities in the US and Europe, SPOD ensures quick deliveries worldwide.

SPOD focuses on eco-friendly practices, using water-saving printing methods and vegan inks. They ship orders in plastic-free packaging and donate or upcycle returned items.

SPOD offers over 200 customizable products, including:

  • Apparel
  • Accessories
  • Home goods
  • Eco-friendly items (organic cotton, recycled polyester)

Pricing Plans

SPOD uses a pay-as-you-go model with no monthly fees. Prices depend on the product and order quantity, with discounts for larger orders.

Product Type Price Range
T-shirts From $8
Sweatshirts $20 - $33

Shipping costs vary based on the delivery method and order value.

Customer Reviews

Customers praise SPOD for its high print quality, fast shipping, and easy-to-use platform. However, some note that pricing can vary based on product type and customization.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Fast 48-hour production and shipping Pricing varies by product and customization
Eco-friendly practices Limited production outside the US and Europe
Wide range of products Limited branding options
User-friendly platform Customer support could be more responsive
High-quality printing

9. Teelaunch

Teelaunch

Products and Integrations

Teelaunch offers over 300 products, including apparel, wall art, accessories, and lifestyle items. Unique items include Bluetooth speakers, monogrammed handbags, and color-changing mugs. They use direct-to-garment printing, cut-and-sew all-over printing, and laser etching for products like tumblers and cutting boards.

Teelaunch's product personalization tool allows customers to add names or upload photos. The platform also generates high-quality product mockups, including lifestyle photos for some items.

Teelaunch integrates with Shopify and Etsy, making it easy to sell products on these platforms.

Pricing Plans

Teelaunch operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no subscription fees. Pricing varies based on the product and customization options, with discounts for larger orders.

Product Category Price Range
T-shirts From $10
Accessories $15 - $45
Home Decor $20 - $80

Shipping costs depend on the product, quantity, and destination. Production typically takes 3-6 business days before shipping from facilities in the US, Canada, or the UK.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for Teelaunch are mixed. Many praise the high-quality prints, vibrant colors, and fast shipping times. However, some have experienced below-average product quality and long production times. There are also reports of difficulties with customer service, citing poor responsiveness and lack of helpful resolutions.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Wide range of products Limited integration options
Product personalization tool Below-average customer service
High-quality mockup generator Inconsistent product quality
Competitive pricing Long production times for some orders
Shopify and Etsy integration Limited self-help resources

10. Gooten

Gooten

Products and Manufacturing

Gooten offers over 280 customizable products, including:

  • Apparel
  • Wall art
  • Home decor
  • Drinkware
  • Accessories

Their global network includes over 50 manufacturers in 70+ locations, ensuring fast and cost-effective fulfillment. Gooten uses various printing techniques like DTG, dye-sublimation, cut & sew, inkjet digital printing, UV printing, woven, and embroidery. This allows for high-quality customization across many products.

Gooten's mockup generator helps you visualize designs before submitting orders. They also offer white-label services, allowing custom neck labels for a branded experience.

Pricing Plans

Gooten operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no setup or monthly fees. You only pay when a customer places an order. Prices in Gooten's catalog include the item cost and printing your design.

Gooten offers discounts based on your quarterly performance and VIM (Volume Incentive Membership) status. Higher order volumes unlock more perks and discounts, with four tiers: Insider, Plus, Pro, and Elite.

For a white-label experience, custom neck labels cost $2 each. Gooten also offers a white-label support package with monthly costs based on your VIM status, order volume, and support requests.

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise Gooten for high product quality, fast turnaround times, and reliable support. However, some report inconsistencies in product quality and longer production times.

While Gooten's shipping costs are often competitive, some customers find them higher than expected, especially for international orders.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Extensive product catalog Higher shipping costs for some orders
Global manufacturing network Inconsistent product quality reported
Various printing techniques Longer production times for some orders
Mockup generator Limited integration options
Volume-based discounts Limited self-help resources
White-label services

11. Lulu xPress

Lulu xPress

Lulu xPress is a print-on-demand service for authors and self-publishers. It offers a simple way to print and distribute books in both physical and digital formats.

Publishing Services

Lulu xPress provides:

  • Book Printing: Upload book files and order printed copies on demand. Options include paperback, hardcover, and various binding styles.
  • eBook Creation: Create and distribute eBooks in formats like EPUB and PDF.
  • Global Distribution: Sell books through major online retailers and bookstores worldwide.
  • Customization Options: Control over book design, including trim size, paper type, and cover finish.
  • Author Services: Additional services like editing, cover design, and marketing support.

Pricing Plans

Lulu xPress uses a pay-as-you-go model with no upfront costs or monthly fees. Pricing is based on book specifications, print quality, and quantity. A pricing calculator on their website helps estimate costs.

Volume discounts are available for bulk orders.

Customer Reviews

Authors generally praise Lulu xPress for its ease of use, fast turnaround times, and high-quality printing. However, some report inconsistencies in print quality for complex books and longer shipping times during peak periods.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Specialized for authors and self-publishers Potential print quality issues for complex books
Wide range of customization options Occasional delays in shipping during peak periods
Global distribution through major retailers Limited integration with external platforms
No upfront costs or monthly fees Formatting requirements may require extra effort
Transparent pricing calculator
Volume discounts for bulk orders

Choosing a Print-on-Demand Service

When picking a print-on-demand service, consider these key factors to find the best fit for your business:

Product Quality

Product quality is crucial for customer satisfaction and your brand's reputation. Order samples to check print quality, material durability, and overall finish. Look for issues like fading, cracking, or peeling.

Pricing and Profit Margins

Evaluate the pricing structure and calculate your potential profit margins. Some services charge base prices per product, while others take a percentage of sales. Consider costs like shipping, production fees, and any subscription plans. Use profit calculators to estimate your earnings.

Product Range and Customization

Check the variety of products offered, from apparel and accessories to home goods and stationery. A wider selection allows you to expand your offerings. Review the available customization options, such as printing techniques, branding, and packaging.

Customer Service and Support

Reliable customer support is important for handling issues like order mistakes or product defects. Look for services that offer responsive assistance through multiple channels, like email, phone, or live chat. Read reviews to gauge the quality of their customer service.

Integrations and Ease of Use

If you plan to sell through your own website or marketplace, check if the print-on-demand service integrates with your chosen platform. User-friendly tools for design, order management, and tracking can streamline your operations.

Shipping and Fulfillment

Evaluate the service's shipping capabilities, including delivery times, costs, and geographic coverage. Efficient fulfillment and fast shipping can significantly impact customer satisfaction, so prioritize services with reliable and cost-effective options.

User Reviews and Reputation

Research the service's reputation by reading user reviews, testimonials, and case studies. Look for feedback on print quality, customer service, and overall satisfaction. A well-established service with positive reviews can provide peace of mind.

Summary and Recommendations

Choosing the right print-on-demand service is key for your business. Here are some recommendations based on different needs:

For Beginners and Low Budgets

Service Features
Printify Wide range of over 900 products with a free plan. Allows unlimited designs and store creation.

For Consistent High-Quality Printing

Service Features
Printful In-house production facilities with strict quality control. Offers extensive customization options like branded packaging.

For Diverse Product Offerings

Service Features
CustomCat Access to one of the largest catalogs of print-on-demand products.

For Fast Turnaround Times

Service Features
SPOD 95% of orders shipped within 48 hours, ensuring timely delivery.

For Seamless Integration

Service Features
Printify and Printful Both integrate with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.

For Eco-Friendly Options

Service Features
TPOP Zero-plastic packaging, recycled materials, and ethical labor practices.

For Artists and Creatives

Service Features
Redbubble and Society6 Artist-focused platforms that allow designers to sell their artwork on various products and earn royalties.

Key Factors to Consider

Factor Description
Product Quality Order samples to check print quality, material durability, and overall finish.
Pricing and Profit Margins Evaluate pricing structures and calculate potential profit margins. Consider costs like shipping and production fees.
Product Range and Customization Check the variety of products and available customization options.
Customer Service and Support Look for services with responsive assistance through multiple channels.
Integrations and Ease of Use Ensure the service integrates with your chosen platform and offers user-friendly tools.
Shipping and Fulfillment Evaluate shipping capabilities, including delivery times, costs, and geographic coverage.
User Reviews and Reputation Research the service's reputation by reading user reviews and testimonials.

Ultimately, the best print-on-demand service depends on your specific business goals, product range, budget, and priorities. Consider these factors to make an informed decision that aligns with your brand's vision.

FAQs

What is the best site for print-on-demand?

Some of the best print-on-demand sites are:

Service Features
Printify Over 900 products and a free plan for beginners.
Printful High-quality printing and many customization options.
Gelato Global reach and integrates with major e-commerce platforms.
CustomCat Large catalog of print-on-demand products.

The best site depends on your needs, such as product quality, pricing, and customization options.

Which platform is best for print-on-demand?

Top print-on-demand platforms include:

Platform Features
Printify Best for fast shipping speeds.
Printful Best for white labeling and branded packaging.
Gelato Best for global reach and international orders.
Redbubble Best artist-driven community platform.
Society6 Best for unique product offerings.
Amazon Merch on Demand Best for integration with Amazon's marketplace.

The best platform depends on your priorities, such as product range, artist support, or shipping times.

What's the best platform to sell print-on-demand?

Some of the best platforms to sell print-on-demand products include:

Platform Features
Gelato Extensive product catalog and global reach.
Printify Wide range of products and easy integration.
Printful High-quality printing and customization.
Redbubble Artist-focused with a large community.
Society6 Unique and creative product offerings.
Amazon Merch on Demand Seamless integration with Amazon.
Prodigi High-quality prints and global shipping.
JetPrint Specializes in watches and accessories.
Zazzle Customizable products and easy-to-use platform.
Merchize Wide range of products and competitive pricing.
Sellfy Simple setup and digital product options.

These platforms offer features like extensive product catalogs, high-quality printing, and global reach. The best platform depends on your specific business needs.

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