The Best Print-on-Demand Companies of 2024
- Printful: Best for white labeling
- Printify: Best for shipping speed
- Gelato: Best for global reach
- Redbubble: Best artist-driven community
- Society6: Best for unique products
- Amazon Merch on Demand: Best for Amazon integration
Best for White Labeling
Printful
Type
Company
Turnaround time
Varies by product
Minimum order quantities
Yes
Company
Varies by product
Yes
Editor's Take
Printful serves as more than just a fulfillment partner; it acts as an extension of your brand. With the ability to personalize a sweeping selection of over 300 products, Printful elevates white labeling to an art form. This is not merely about slapping a logo on a T-shirt; it’s about creating a unified and memorable brand experience. You can customize packing slips and even the tracking page, letting your brand’s voice reverberate through every touchpoint of the customer journey.
Further sweetening the deal, Printful has fulfillment centers worldwide, ensuring consistent product quality and faster shipping. The company also offers tiered growth memberships, offering businesses at various stages cost-effective solutions for scaling, from product discounts to personalized product transfer assistance.
Who should use it:
Entrepreneurs and businesses that prioritize brand consistency from product to packaging.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive customization options open up creative possibilities
- Multiple global fulfillment centers guarantee speed and quality
- Tiered memberships designed for growth offer cost advantages
- Custom packaging enhances the unboxing experience, adding a brand flair
- Personalized tracking page keeps the brand voice consistent even post-purchase
- Personalized branding features add to overall costs
- Limited compatibility with certain e-commerce platforms restricts reach
Best for Shipping Speed
Printify
Type
Company
Turnaround time
Two to three business days for local delivery
Minimum order quantities
No
Company
Two to three business days for local delivery
No
Editor's Take
In a saturated market of print-on-demand solutions, Printify sets itself apart through a unique trifecta: speed, selection and scale. It leverages a global network of print providers, which not only democratizes access to a myriad of high-quality products but also optimizes for local printing—translating to faster shipping times. For businesses, this means being able to meet customer expectations in an era where shipping speed can make or break a sale.
With over 900 product options, customization goes beyond the pedestrian T-shirt or mug; you can cater to niche markets or diversify your product offerings easily. Its automatic routing functionality during peak seasons also ensures that you’re not bottlenecked by demand, allowing for business scalability that many platforms promise but fail to deliver.
Who should use it:
Businesses that require a quick go-to-market strategy coupled with a diverse product selection.
Learn more:
Read our full Printify review.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive product catalog offers flexibility in merchandising
- Automatic routing functionality efficiently handles high-demand periods
- Compatibility with major e-commerce platforms facilitates easier store integration
- Competitive pricing structure boosts profitability
- Global network of printers means fast delivery
- Absence of a guided design service may intimidate non-designers
- Minimum sales volume for rebate on migrated products
Best for Global Reach
Gelato
Type
Company
Turnaround time
Varies by product
Minimum order quantities
No
On Gelato's Website
Company
Varies by product
No
Editor's Take
Gelato facilitates print-on-demand with a global footprint, offering production in 32 countries. By localizing both production and delivery, it aids e-commerce businesses in reducing shipping time while focusing on sustainability—no wastage, no leftover stock. Gelato is compatible with major e-commerce platforms, allowing quick integration of your online store.
The platform doesn’t just act as an intermediary but produces on-time deliveries of more than 10 million orders across diverse product categories. The risk-free model requires no minimum orders or upfront fees, making it accessible for businesses at various stages. Additionally, Gelato ensures quality through cutting-edge technology and sustainably sourced materials.
Read more:Check out our detailed Gelato review.
Who should use it:
E-commerce entrepreneurs looking to scale globally with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Pros & Cons
- Localized production cuts down shipping time and costs
- No upfront fees or minimum orders create a low-risk environment
- 24/7 customer support ensures timely problem resolution
- Scalability across 32 countries allows global reach
- Compatibility with major e-commerce platforms for quick store integration
- Limited to a print-on-demand model may not suit all business types
- The absence of a native marketplace for designers may limit audience reach
Best Artist-Driven Community
Redbubble
Type
Marketplace
Turnaround time
Two to three business days until dispatch
Minimum order quantities
No
Marketplace
Two to three business days until dispatch
No
Editor's Take
Redbubble fosters a symbiotic relationship between artists and consumers. Its interactive platform allows creators from all walks of life to upload their designs, which then find a place on a multitude of products—from apparel to home decor. Unlike some competitors, Redbubble prints these designs one at a time, minimizing waste and emphasizing sustainability. This commitment not only benefits the planet but also ensures that each item maintains its unique charm.
Artists can exercise complete control over pricing, meaning they’re not merely participants but decision-makers. Additionally, the platform offers anti-piracy measures and watermark features, which aim to safeguard the creative integrity of uploaded works, though this doesn’t stop particularly crafty thieves.
Who should use it:
Artists looking to monetize their creative works while retaining pricing and design control.
Pros & Cons
- Varied product offering appeals to a diverse consumer base
- Sustainability initiatives reduce waste and environmental impact
- Flexible pricing options put artists in the driver’s seat
- Anti-piracy measures aim to protect intellectual property
- A global customer base increases artist visibility and earning potential
- Vulnerable to art theft and reselling on other platforms
- Artists require active promotion for visibility amidst heavy competition
Best for Unique Products
Society6
Type
Marketplace
Turnaround time
Varies by product
Minimum order quantities
No
Marketplace
Varies by product
No
Editor's Take
Society6 operates as both a company and a marketplace, acting as a mediator between artists hungry for exposure and consumers in search of unique, high-quality print-on-demand products. Artists upload their original designs onto the platform, and Society6 takes on the heavy lifting—fulfillment, shipping and customer service. This hands-off approach allows artists to focus on their craft while gaining access to a global audience. What sets Society6 apart from competitors is not just its sheer variety of products—from home decor to apparel to tech accessories—but also its focus on individual creators.
While many platforms offer print-on-demand services, Society6 adds an extra layer by actively involving artists in pricing and design customization. Plans come at different tiers to suit varying needs, offering tools for pricing control and sales analytics. This flexibility empowers artists to be active players in selling their art, as opposed to passive participants. For consumers, this translates to products that are not just visually appealing, but also have a personal touch, making Society6 an ideal choice for those looking to enrich their lives with art that has a story.
Who should use it:
Artists seeking a simplified way to sell their work and consumers looking for artistically rich, quality products.
Pros & Cons
- Variety of artistic products extends reach for creators and offers more options for buyers
- Artist-centered pricing and customization features afford creators greater control
- Global shipping services expand the artist’s customer base significantly
- Offloads logistical burdens, such as manufacturing and customer service, from artists
- Provides a networking and resource-sharing platform for the artist community
- Overwhelming product catalog can deter prospective buyers
- Heavy reliance on self-promotion and external marketing for artist success
Best for Amazon Integration
Amazon Merch on Demand
Type
Marketplace
Turnaround time
Varies by product
Minimum order quantities
No
Marketplace
Varies by product
No
Editor's Take
Amazon Merch on Demand integrates print-on-demand services directly into Amazon’s platform, offering a unique advantage: instant access to a broad and diverse audience. The ease with which an artist can get started is striking; you simply upload your designs, pick a product type and color and Amazon does the rest. This is not just about printing and shipping; it’s also about product management. Each product you create gets its own page on Amazon, linking back to the retail giant’s customer base.
With Prime Shipping, artists don’t have to worry about delivery speed, and the “no inventory risk” feature eradicates the stress of unsold stock. Earning is simplified through a royalty model, allowing artists to focus on what they do best—creating. Through Amazon’s analytics tools, artists can also get actionable insights into their best-selling designs. All these details speak to a model built around simplifying the business side of art, allowing the creators to allocate their energy towards the creative process.
Who should use it:
Artists and brands looking to leverage Amazon’s extensive customer base without the hassle of logistics.
Pros & Cons
- Direct integration with Amazon boosts product visibility and customer reach
- Zero upfront costs alleviate financial burdens for artists
- Eligibility for Prime Shipping ensures quick delivery for customers
- Royalty-based earnings give creators peace of mind
- Analytics tools offer insights into design performance
- High level of competition due to Amazon’s extensive marketplace
- Strict content policies can limit creative freedom
How To Choose the Best Print-on-Demand Company
Selecting the right print-on-demand company is not a decision to be taken lightly; it can significantly influence the trajectory of your business. Various factors come into play, from essential features and customization options to ease of use and support services. Let’s dig into the specifics.
Essential Features
- Quality of print: The resolution, coloring and material quality directly impact customer satisfaction. Look for companies that provide samples or have a reputation for high-quality output.
- Product variety: Offering a selection of products, such as clothing, home decor and stationery, can make your store more appealing. Some companies specialize in a particular niche, such as organic materials or metal prints.
- Custom branding: The ability to add your brand logo on packaging and invoices helps maintain a consistent brand image.
- Global shipping: Companies with worldwide shipping options can help you reach a global audience without logistics headaches.
- API integration: For businesses with existing e-commerce platforms, API integration ensures that orders and inventory sync automatically between platforms.
Ease of Use
- User interface (UI): A straightforward, easy-to-navigate dashboard can save you time and prevent frustration.
- Design tools: Built-in design tools should offer enough flexibility to adjust image size, layout and other customization options without requiring a separate design software.
- Order management: Real-time tracking and order modification features will help you manage your business more effectively.
Additional Considerations
- Security: Data encryption and secure payment gateways protect both you and your customers from fraudulent activities.
- Integrations: The ability to integrate with other e-commerce platforms or marketing tools can streamline your operations.
- Customer support: Prompt and helpful support can make or break your experience. Look for companies that offer multiple channels of communication, such as chat, email and phone support.
Marketplace vs. Companies
The distinction between print-on-demand marketplaces and companies significantly impacts your control over the product and branding, the extent of your customer reach and the responsibilities you have to shoulder. Let’s dissect these key differences in detail:
Control Over Product and Branding
- Companies: Offer greater latitude in product customization, from materials used to packaging. For instance, Printful allows you to add custom labels and packing slips, which can bolster your brand identity.
- Marketplaces: Such as Redbubble, generally offer standardized products, limiting the degree to which you can influence product quality or presentation.
Customer Reach
- Companies: Place the onus on you to attract and retain customers. While this means more effort in marketing, it also affords you a dedicated customer base that interacts directly with your brand.
- Marketplaces: Expose your products to their existing customer base, which can be massive if you consider platforms such as Amazon Merch On Demand. However, customers buying your product here may not even be aware of your brand, making repeat business less likely.
Operational Responsibilities
- Companies: Usually require you to handle customer service, returns and sometimes even the ordering process, thereby demanding a more hands-on approach. Gelato, for example, lets you take control of customer data but expects you to manage customer interactions.
- Marketplaces: Take care of customer service and logistics, allowing you to focus purely on the creative aspect. They manage everything from printing to customer queries, relieving you of these responsibilities.
Financial Considerations
- Companies: May require a subscription or offer tiered services that can influence your profit margins. Some offer discounted rates for bulk orders.
- Marketplaces: Usually take a commission from each sale, which can sometimes be a considerable slice of your profits. Society6 sets the retail price for most products, leaving you to earn the artist margin.
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Methodology
Instead of adhering to a conventional scoring system, this guide takes a different route. It employs a specialized methodology derived from an in-depth understanding of the print-on-demand sector. The intent is to go beyond mere numbers, offering you nuanced evaluations that are often missing in purely quantitative analyses. Drawing from both industry expertise and hands-on experience, our approach zeroes in on factors most relevant to you as a business owner or creator. Here’s how each factor was analyzed to best serve your needs:
- Product quality: Quality forms the backbone of any reputable brand. We assessed reviews of print and material quality against established industry metrics to help you avoid compromises that could hurt your reputation.
- Customization options: The uniqueness of your brand should manifest in your products. Our evaluation looks at how platforms enable you to make your mark, be it through packaging, labeling or product variety.
- Operational flexibility: Operational ease and control are key for efficiently running a business. We gauge the degree of autonomy you have over shipping, API integrations and order management with each platform.
- Financial viability: Maintaining a healthy bottom line is indispensable. This guide scrutinizes fees, commissions and any hidden costs to offer you a transparent view of each platform’s financial implications.
- Customer reviews and ratings: To supplement our expertise-based insights, we considered verified customer reviews. These help to broaden the perspective by factoring in experiences from other users.
- Niche features: Unique selling propositions or specialized capabilities of each platform are considered for their value-added potential, adding an extra layer to your decision-making process.
By focusing on these key factors, this guide aims to offer a rich, well-rounded view that directly correlates with the practical needs and challenges you may face in the print-on-demand industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is white-label print-on-demand?
White-label print-on-demand refers to a service that allows you to sell products under your own brand name without revealing the identity of the actual manufacturer or service provider. In this setup, the print-on-demand company handles the printing, packing and shipping, but all packaging and branding are customized to appear as if they come directly from your business. This allows you to focus on design and marketing while the print-on-demand company takes care of the logistics, all under the umbrella of your own brand.
What are the key differences between print-on-demand companies and print-on-demand marketplaces?
Print-on-demand companies usually focus on the printing process, order fulfillment and shipping. They are platforms where creators upload their designs to be printed on various products. On the other hand, print-on-demand marketplaces are platforms that not only offer printing services but also have their own online space where creators can sell their products directly to consumers.
Do I need to hold inventory with print-on-demand services?
One of the major advantages of using print-on-demand is that you don’t need to maintain an inventory. Products are created only after an order is placed, reducing the risks associated with overproduction and storage. This allows you to test multiple products or designs without significant upfront investment.
Is it possible to integrate print-on-demand with my existing online store?
Yes, many print-on-demand companies offer easy integration with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce and Adobe Commerce (Magento). This allows you to manage your products and orders in a centralized location, making the process more streamlined and efficient for you as a business owner.
How do I get started with a print-on-demand service?
Starting with a print-on-demand service typically involves creating an account, uploading your designs and selecting the types of products you want to sell. Once you’ve set your pricing and product descriptions, you’re usually able to list them for sale either on the provider’s marketplace or on your own online store.
Can I use my own branding with print-on-demand services?
Most print-on-demand services allow you to use your own branding on packaging and invoices, offering a white-label solution. This means the products can appear as though they’re coming directly from your own business, making it easier to build brand recognition and loyalty.
