18 Best Print-On-Demand Companies To Build a Business in 2024

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Print on demand companies have popped up everywhere over the last few years!

Remember a few years back it was all the rage to start a business selling T-shirts with your own designs online? That was the beginning of the print-on-demand craze!

Print-on-demand is an exciting low-cost way into the world of starting your own online ecommerce business. You can quickly set up a business or side hustle to sell a range of quality items printed with your designs.

The best part is that you don’t need any capital for inventory because you only pay the print on demand companies after you’ve made a sale.

However, choosing a print-on-demand company can be a daunting task. There are so many to pick from; how can you be sure that you decide on the right one?

This post looks at 18 top print-on-demand companies, provides some tips on what to look for, and answers some frequently asked questions to help you narrow your choices.

What is a Print-on-Demand Company?

Print-on-demand companies are reshaping the ecommerce landscape, allowing solopreneurs and lifestyle entrepreneurs to create custom products with minimal hassle. These innovative companies utilize print-on-demand technology, a game-changer that sidesteps the need for inventory by printing items only when an order is placed.

Print-on-demand sites and marketplaces offer a smorgasbord of print products ranging from t-shirts to mugs, leveraging direct-to-garment (DTG) printing for high-quality, durable designs. These services, such as CustomCat, T-Pop, and JetPrint, excel in offering a wide array of print-on-demand options. They have carved a niche in the print-on-demand fulfillment companies sector, ensuring that products are not only printed but also shipped directly to the customer, adhering to clearly defined shipping policies.

How Print on Demand Companies Operate.

Print-on-demand websites operate on a simple model: you design, they print and ship. This model offers a number of benefits, including eliminating the need for storage space, upfront investment in inventory, and the risk of unsold stock. The DTG method, a cornerstone of many POD companies, allows for detailed designs without the extensive setup process of traditional screen printing, making it ideal for small custom orders.

Moreover, these companies often provide sublimation services, a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials, offering a smooth finish and vibrant colors. The flexibility doesn’t end there; many entrepreneurs are gravitating towards private label and white-label products, which allow for brand customization, elevating the customer’s unboxing experience.

Choosing the right print provider is crucial. Companies like CustomCat, T-Pop, and JetPrint not only offer an expansive product range but also ensure quality control and timely fulfillment, which is vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty.

In essence, print-on-demand services have revolutionized how we approach online business models, enabling entrepreneurs to offer bespoke products with the backing of robust and reliable print-on-demand fulfillment companies. They are at the forefront of the digital nomad’s toolkit, embodying the physical and financial freedom that comes with a successfully managed online venture.

Is Print-on-Demand a Profitable Business?

The print-on-demand business model (POD) has been around for a while now.

These days, there are an incredible amount of eCommerce stores and stand alone print on demand marketplaces, selling print-on-demand products, so you could be forgiven for wondering if the market is already saturated.

Don’t worry! The print-on-demand industry is still in a growth phase.

In 2021, the market for print on demand t-shirts alone was $3.96 billion. By 2028, it’s forecasted to reach $7.57 billion, a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%.

Just because the market is growing doesn’t mean that you can throw up any old designs and hope to make money. A print-on-demand business is like any other business; you get out what you put in.

If you’re considering launching a print on demand store, you’ll need to build an audience and serve them quality designs that meet an emotional need.

If you can do that, you can make money with print on demand.

Tips For Choosing A Print On Demand Company

There are two main types of print on demand companies.

1. Print on demand marketplaces, such as Redbubble or Zazzle. For these print on demand companies you add your designs to products they offer on their websites and sell via their online store.
2. Print on demand services or apps, where you add your designs to their available line of products, but sell on your own online store or third-party eCommerce store

Print on demand marketplaces are the best choice for artists and designers who don’t want to build a website.

Stand alone print on demand services and apps are ideal for entrepreneurs who want to grow their own brand and wish to have their own online store.

Both types of print on demand service offer direct to garment printing, so you never actually touch the products yourself. You’re simply creating the brand and designs that will be printed on the products.

How to Make Money Using a Print on Demand Company

If you choose to launch your designs using print on demand marketplaces, you’ll earn a commission for each sale. The commissions are generally in the 10%-15% range.

If you build your own online store, you’ll have to pay the print on demand company the product manufacturing price and shipping costs, keeping the profits from the price you charged the customer.

Hosting your own ecommerce store is where the real money is running a print-on-demand business, however due to product costs, your profit margins will be pretty tight, so branding, unique designs, quality products and print quality are all essential elements of your print on demand business..

Questions you need to consider when picking a print on demand company are:

• How many customizable products do they have?
• Do they have a mockup generator to create product images?
• What’s the print quality for the products?
• How good is the product quality?
• How much do they charge for shipping?
• Do they ship internationally?
• Are there any order minimums?
• How quick is their order fulfillment?
• Do they have international fulfillment centers?
• Do they charge monthly fees?
• How long will it take to be paid if you are paid by commission?

Let’s answer some of these questions and more as we look at the 16 best print on demand companies on the web today.

Which Print-on-Demand Companies are the Best?

The print-on-demand service market is well-developed today, so there are a few different types of print on demand companies. Some have a wide range of products in many categories, and others focus on a single niche like t-shirts.

The following list of excellent print-on-demand services is grouped by type.

Print-on-Demand Mega-Stores

#1. Sellfy

Best print-on-demand company for creators and creatives

With Sellfy you can get your ecommerce store up and running in just a few clicks in under 5 minutes!

Built with creators in mind, you can sell a range of print on demand merch products for your brand including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and hats. Plus you can add your own range of digital products, physical products, subscription based products and even paid for video streaming.

Optimized for mobile you can easily embed ‘buy now’ buttons onto your own website and sell directly on social media.

Product Highlights Include

• T-shirts, sweatshirts, tanks in 40 different colors.
• Available sizes from XS – 5XL.
• Bags in four different colors, plus all over print and organic cotton totes.
• Mugs, posters, phone cases and stickers.
• Ability to sell own digital and physical products.
• Can create subscription based products.

Pricing

You can get started with a free 14 day trial with Sellfy and then move on to their starter plan at just $29/month/ (reduced to $19/month if you sign up for 2 years). With this plan you can sell unlimited products and generate up to $10k in sales, by which time you’ll be ready to jump to their business plan.

#2. Printify

Best print-on-demand company for reaching global customers.

Printify is one of the most popular print on demand companies and has been in business since 2015.

With Printify, you list the products you design on your own website, allowing you to set your own prices and control your profit margins.

Printify integrates with many common eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Wix, and more.

You can run up to 5 stores under their free plan, and they have a free mock-up generator to create your product images.

Products Highlights Include:

• T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, and sportswear.
• Skirts, dresses, and swimwear.
• Baby clothing and accessories.
• Phone cases, bags, and hats.
• Mugs, bottles, and canvas totes.
• Ornaments, blankets, and stationary.

Pricing

You can start selling with Printify for free, but if you pay for the premium plan costing $24.99 per month, you’ll get a discount on the products you sell and make more profit.

#3. Gelato

Best print on demand company for local production in 32 countries.

Gelato has managed to establish itself as the company with the highest customer satisfaction in the POD market (Trustpilot). This has enabled it to also become one of the the fastest growing POD sites (3x in ecommerce merchants in 2022), and become a tech unicorn after raising $240 million in 2021.

Their main differentiator is that they offer local production, With a network of 130 production hubs spread over 32 nations, the company is able to fulfill 85%+ of orders locally, in the same country as the final consumer. This generates savings not only in terms of costs and carbon emissions but also in delivery times, with 90% of purchases delivered within a week. 

Products Highlights Include:

• Clothing (including t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, and so on)
• Wall art
• Mugs, Tote bags, Phone cases   
• Photobooks
• Cards, Calendars, Stationery
• Wallpaper

Pricing

Gelato is free to join and you get access to their integration apps for Shopify, Etsy, Woocommerce etc.

Their Gelato+ account starts at $14.99/month and includes 30% off shipping costs, plus access to premium apparel, graphics, images etc. And the Gelato+ Gold package is $99 a month and includes everything in the + account, plus even more shipping discounts, exclusive apparel access and more.

#4. CafePress

CafePress is one of the best print-on-demand companies for personalized gifts.

One of the oldest print-on-demand businesses (around since 1999), they have a massive selection of products and tie-ins with some notable brands.

You can create your own designs for fans of Star Wars or the Marvel Universe, for example.

Unlike Printify, you host your designs on the CafePress print on demand marketplace.

And while you can’t integrate CafePress with a third-party platform like Shopify, there is a WordPress plugin to display your products on your own website.

Product Highlights Include:

• T-shirts, hoodies, pyjamas, and underwear.
• Maternity t-shirts.
• Hats, flip-flops, and bags.
• Baby clothing.
• Wide range of Home and Kitchen products.
• Stationary and gifts for all occasions.

You earn a percentage commission with CafePress, depending on your monthly sales.

Pricing

Commission starts at 10% for the first $500. Once you sell over $2000 per month, you earn 25%.

#5. Teelaunch

Best print-on-demand company for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs.

Despite being called Teelaunch, Teelaunch sells more than just t-shirts.

They are competitively priced and have a wide range of products. A good choice if you want to use only one print on demand service but still sell a wide range of products.

You sell on your own website with Teelaunch, and the service integrates with Shopify and Etsy. They also offer a mock-up generator to help create your product images.

Teelaunch services the US, Canadian, and UK markets.

Product Highlights Include:

• Men’s and Ladies’ T-shirts.
• Unisex clothing, including hoodies.
• Water bottles and insulated coffee mugs.
• Chopping boards and coasters.
• Monogrammed beanies and scarves.
• Canvas prints and yard signs.

Pricing

There is no monthly charge to sell with teelaunch. All you pay for is the product, printing, and shipping once you receive an order. Charge whatever your market will bear.

#6. Gooten

The print-on-demand service with the broadest selection of products.

Gooten is another of the large print-on-demand providers with an extensive catalogue of products.

Gooten integrates with a range of eCommerce platforms, and there is even a workaround to integrate Gooten with your Amazon store.

Gooten is best for those located in the USA. Most of their print on demand products are printed in the US, so the international shipping cost will likely make your products too expensive if you are selling elsewhere.

Product Highlights Include:

• T-shirts, tank tops, and onesies.
• Hoodies and t-shirts in youth sizes.
• Bath towels and beach towels.
• Beer steins and Viking tumblers.
• Bandanas and face masks.
• Wall calendars, notebooks, and desk mats.

Pricing

There is no charge to sell with the Gooten platform. Sign up, create your products, and start taking orders.

Print-On-Demand T-shirt Specialists

#7. Apliiq

Best small independent print-on-demand service for boutique shops. US-based.

Apliiq is a t-shirt print-on-demand company based in the USA. They emphasise environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Apliiq integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce.

It’s one of the best print on demand companies for people who want to create a clothing brand.

Ideal for the entrepreneur who wants a brick and mortar retail outlet, and an online store.

You can even replace the t-shirt tags with your branded ones.

Product Highlights Include:

• Short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts.
• Pocket t-shirts and polo shirts.
• Liner hoodies with kangaroo pockets.
• T-shirt embroidery.
• Baseball caps with woven patches.
• Tie-die shirts and flannel shirts.

Pricing

Only pay for the product and shipping when you take an order. Apliiq reckons you can add as much as a 50% margin to their products.

#8. TeeSpring

A mostly t-shirt print-on-demand provider. You sell your products via their website.

Teespring is a great option if you don’t want to set up a website.

Your products are hosted on the Teespring website, but you can promote them on TikTok and YouTube. A great option for Influencers and Content Creators.

While Teespring doesn’t integrate with Shopify or Etsy, you can list your products manually on those platforms and automate the order process.

Teespring is best for North American and European marketplaces.

Product Highlights Include:

• Sort-sleeve and long-sleeve t-shirts.
• Pocket t-shirts
• Hoodies and tank tops.
• Ladies leggings.
• Water bottles and coffee cups.
• Pandemic face masks.

Pricing

There is no charge to sell with Teespring. Create as many t-shirt designs as you like and only pay when you make a sale.

#9. Bonfire

A solid print-on-demand company for causes and political campaigns.

Bonfire approaches print-on-demand a little differently. They didn’t start as a print on demand company but as a way for causes and political campaigns to raise awareness with printed clothing.

If you are looking for merchandise for a good cause rather than for influencers and content creators, Bonfire could be a good fit for you. You build your store on their website.

Product Highlights Include:

• T-shirts
• Long-sleeve t-shirts
• Tank Tops and Sweatshirts
• Tote Bags
• Baseball Caps
• Kids t-shirts

Pricing

There is no charge to register with Bonfire. They are based in the US, making Bonfire best for sellers in that marketplace. However, they do offer international shipping.

#10. TeePublic

One of the best print-on-demand companies for designers and artists.

Teepublic is a print-on-demand service focusing mainly on t-shirts. Teepublic displays your designs on their website for sale to the public.

While you can’t integrate Teepublic with another eCommerce service, you can link to your products via your website or social media.

Teepublic is a good option for designers who don’t want to worry about setting up an eCommerce store and finding traffic.

Product Highlights Include:

• Men’s and Ladies’ t-shirts.
• Baseball t-shirts.
• Toddler and youth t-shirts.
• Hoodies and crew neck sweatshirts.
• Coffee mugs and travel mugs.
• Double-sided tote bag printing.

Pricing

Teepublic pays an average of $4 a shirt or $8 a hoodie, sometimes less if your item is on sale.

You don’t get to set the margins on this print on demand platform, but due to their marketing strategies & proven high sales conversions you may end up making more than on other print on demand marketplaces.

Print-On-Demand for the Home and Accessories Niche

#11. Pillow Profits

One of the best print on demand companies for selling homeware on Shopify.

Pillow Profits is a print on demand company based in East Asia and prints and ships your products when you make a sale.

If you sell outside of the Asian region, you will need to manage customer expectations with shipping times.

There is a wide range of unique products, and Pillow Profits integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce stores.

Product Highlights Include:

• Airpod case covers.
• Mailbox covers and stair stickers.
• Car seat covers and steering wheel covers.
• Bedding covers.
• Leather boots.
• Sneakers, low-tops, and hi-tops.

Pricing

Pillow Profits costs $29.99 per month to use the Shopify integration.

#12. Zazzle

Best all-around print-on-demand company for home and accessories products.

Zazzle is a print-on-demand marketplace for selling your designs via their website. There is a vast range of products to choose from in all manner of categories. And as your store is on their website, you earn a commission payment based on your sales.

There is no direct integration for third-party eCommerce stores, but there is an API for you to list your products on a website.

If you want to use Shopify, you’d need to set up your products manually.

Product Highlights Include:

• Mugs, cushions, and clocks.
• Tote bags, badges, and key rings.
• Wall wood art, wrapping paper, and canvas prints.
• Notebooks, planners, and calendars.
• Smartphone cases and laptop sleeves.
• Wedding invites, favors, and gifts.

Pricing

It’s free to sign up and create products to sell. You earn a 15% commission on every product sale.

#13. Society6

Best print-on-demand service for independent artists and designers.

Society6 has a smaller range of products, but they aim for quality and originality.

Primarily aimed at artists and designers, Society6 provides a community and marketplace to support artists and help them make a living through their art.

Your products sell through the Society6 website, and you can’t integrate with Shopify or Etsy. However, there is nothing to stop you from listing your products there and drop shipping them when you make a sale.

There is a longer lead time with Society6’s products, and it could take a couple of weeks for your customers to receive their orders.

Product Highlights Include:

• Framed prints, metal prints, and tapestries.
• Curtains, pillows, and wallpaper.
• Stools, tables, and benches.
• Shower curtains, bath mats, and towels.
• Stationary, notebooks, and stickers.
• Yoga mats and sling chairs.

Pricing

There is no monthly fee to sell on Society6. You earn a 10% commission on your artwork base price.

Print-On-Demand Stationary

#14. Moo

The best print-on-demand provider to sell stationary in the US and Europe.

Moo launched in 2006 to cater to print-on-demand sellers who want to enter the $640 billion print industry.

You can partner with Moo as a reseller and provide a stationery design and print service to your clients.

Or create your own range of greeting cards and print them on-demand as you take the orders.

Product Highlights Include:

• Business cards and letterheads.
• Square and Mini business cards.
• Menus, postcards, and flyers.
• Invitations and Greetings cards.
• Custom notebooks and business cardholders.
• Compliment slips and envelopes.

Pricing

To partner with Moo as a reseller costs $160. However, the more products you sell, the lower the price Moo charges you.

#15. Vista Print

Best low-cost print-on-demand company for white label stationery sellers.

If you sign up with Vistaprint as a reseller, you can sell stationery as a production partner.

This means you can provide a complete service to your customers as a printing business. Vistaprint will ship your orders in plain packaging, with free shipping for orders over $60.

Print-on-demand stationery is a different route into print on demand selling and targets the lucrative B2B market.

Product Highlights Include:

• Plain and embossed business cards.
• Square, folded, and slim business cards.
• Flyers, leaflets, and postcards.
• Mugs, fridge magnets, and cushions.
• Roll labels and sheet labels.
• Vinyl banners, window decals, and foam boards.

Pricing

You can register with Vistaprint as a reseller for free, but there is a premium membership offering discounts and free shipping for higher-priced orders, costing $80 per year.

Print-On-Demand Clothing and Accessories

#16. SPOD

Best shipping speed for selling print-on-demand products on Shopify.

It’s probably fair to say that Spod was set up primarily with Shopify in mind.

There is a plugin to integrate Spod with your Shopify store, and it’s the easiest way to launch a print-on-demand clothing store.

The product selection is on the limited side, but they offer excellent pricing, and most orders ship within 48-hours.

Your customer can further personalise their order in your Shopify checkout, helping you provide custom print on demand products.

Product Highlights Include:

• Men’s and Women’s clothing.
• T-shirts and tank tops.
• Hoodies and sweatshirts.
• Toddler and baby clothing.
• Stickers and posters.
• Bags, backpacks, and face coverings.

Pricing

Spod has no fees to join and no setup costs either. You simply pay for the product after you make a sale.

#17. Printful

Probably the most comprehensive range of integration options out of all the print-on-demand companies.

Printful is one of the more established print-on-demand providers.

They have locations around the globe, helping sellers to reach a larger market.

Printful has also developed its service to integrate with many of the most popular eCommerce platforms.

Whatever platform you use, Printful is likely to integrate with it. You can even set up an eBay store to sell print on demand products with Printful.

Meaning you can automate your business and earn money on autopilot. Printful also offers a service to customise the labels and packaging to show your brand’s design.

Product Highlights Include:

• T-shirts, polo shirts, and tank tops.
• Hoodies, sweatpants, and joggers.
• Youth, kids, and baby clothing.
• Pillows, blankets, and towels.
• Baseball, beanie, and bucket hats.
• Jewelry, posters, and canvas prints.

Pricing

Printful is free to join, and you can make as many designs as you like. You only pay for printing and shipping when you make a sale.

#18. Redbubble

One of the best print-on-demand companies for selling designs globally.

Redbubble is a global print-on-demand marketplace.

They are partnered with manufacturers worldwide, making it simple for you to sell to a global audience. The site is available in several languages, including French, Spanish, and German.

Redbubble is great for those who don’t want their own website, as your products are hosted directly on the Redbubble website.

If you have a Shopify store or an Etsy account, you won’t be able to integrate Redbubble, so you will need to find an alternative solution.

Product Highlights Include:

• T-shirts and tank tops.
• Dresses, leggings, and miniskirts.
• Sock, scarves, and face masks.
• Hoodies, zip hoodies, and sweatshirts.
• Stickers and phone cases.
• Wall art and home accessories.

Pricing

Redbubble is free to join and quick to get up and running with your designs. You earn a commission when one of your products sells, and you are paid once you reach a payment threshold.

What Are The Best Print On Demand Companies? Summary

There is no single best print-on-demand company. The one you choose will depend on the kind of print on demand business you want to set up.

You first need to decide whether you want to use an eCommerce platform like Shopify or Etsy.

If you are creating your own site, then some print on demand companies won’t integrate easily or even at all with your sales platform.

If you want to concentrate solely on the design process, while many print on demand marketplaces will host your designs for you, be aware that this means a high level of competition.

If you can’t decide at the outset, choose one of the more established print on demand companies.

The most crucial step is to start your new ecommerce business. You can always switch providers once you have more experience.

Good luck!

Best Print on Demand Companies: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the best print-on-demand companies for Shopify and Etsy?

If you want to integrate with both Shopify and Etsy, you are best looking at the more established print on demand providers. Printful and Printify are widely used, with most sellers happy with the service that they provide. If you only sell using Shopify, SPOD is purpose-built for Shopify and has some of the lowest prices in the marketplace.

Is print-on-demand still a good business?

Print-on-demand’s strongest appeal is its low risk. You don’t need too much capital to set up in business, and it can be an excellent way to learn entrepreneurship. It also provides artists and designers a way of making money without spending too much time on the business side of selling their work.

Due to this low barrier to entry, print-on-demand has become a competitive marketplace. However, with a strong brand and quality designs, it’s an excellent lifestyle business model you can start and run from anywhere in the world!

What are the best quality T-shirts for printing?

If you’re looking to sell t-shirts as your print on demand business, you need to ensure that your products are of the best quality. There is a lot of competition so make sure you sell only the best products. The best quality t-shirts are 100% cotton, and ringspun cotton is best as it’s softer on the skin and the colours really pop.

What are the best-selling print-on-demand products?

According to Shopify, the best products to sell via print-on-demand are the usual staples of t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, and Yoga pants. Though the pandemic has seen printed face masks rocket into the top 3 products to sell.

Which platform is best for print on demand?

Printify and Printful are two of the most popular print-on-demand platforms available. They both offer a wide range of products, high-quality printing, and fast turnaround times. Both platforms offer excellent customer service, with quick response times and helpful support staff. This makes them ideal for businesses that need a reliable and responsive print-on-demand partner.

Sellfy is also a popular print-on-demand platform that offers a wide range of products, high-quality printing, and fast turnaround times. But what makes Sellfy stand out from the competition is its ease of use. Sellfy is incredibly simple to set up, with easy-to-follow tutorials for everything from uploading your designs to customizing your storefront and shipping options. Plus, Sellfy offers a wide range of tools that allow you to easily create and manage your inventory, promote your products, and keep track of orders in real time.

Is dropshipping better than print on demand?

That’s a tough question to answer as the business models are quite different. Dropshipping requires less up-front investment, but offers less flexibility in terms of product selection. Print on demand allows for more customization and offers a wider range of products, but requires larger up-front investment and ongoing inventory management.

If your goal is to create a brand and have control over the design of your products, print on demand is the way to go. If you’re happy to build a business selling unbranded products or want to test the market cheaply, then dropshipping might be your best option.