The 11 Best Print on Demand Companies

Scorpion101080

10 Nov, 2023

The 11 Best Print on Demand Companies

Print on Demand

In today's digital age, print on demand (POD) has become a popular and profitable business model for entrepreneurs and creative individuals alike. With POD, you can create custom products, such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more, without the need for upfront inventory or production costs. In this article, we will explore what print on demand is, how it works, and discuss the 11 best print on demand companies you can consider for your business.

What is print on demand (POD)?

Print on demand (POD) is a business model where products are created and fulfilled only when an order is placed. Instead of producing items in bulk and storing them in a warehouse, POD companies allow you to customize products with your own designs or artwork, and they handle the printing, packaging, and shipping on your behalf. This eliminates the need for inventory management and upfront costs, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and artists.

How printing on demand works?

The process of printing on demand is relatively straightforward. Here's a simplified overview of how it works:

1- Choose a Print on Demand Company: Select a reputable print on demand company that offers the products and services you need. We will discuss the best print on demand companies in more detail later in this article.

2- Create Designs: Use design software or online tools to create unique designs for your products. Ensure that your designs are high-quality and visually appealing to attract customers.

3- Upload Designs: Once your designs are ready, upload them to the print on demand platform of your chosen company. Most platforms provide user-friendly interfaces for easy uploading and product customization.

4- Customize Products: Select the products you want to offer, such as t-shirts, hoodies, posters, or phone cases. Use the design templates provided by the print on demand company to position your artwork correctly on each product.

5- Set Prices: Determine the prices at which you want to sell your products. Consider factors such as production costs, platform fees, and desired profit margins when setting your prices.

6- Publish and Promote: Publish your products on your chosen print on demand platform. Take advantage of marketing and promotional strategies to increase visibility and drive traffic to your products.

7- Receive Orders: When a customer places an order for one of your products, the print on demand company will handle the printing, packaging, and shipping processes. They will produce the item with your design and ship it directly to the customer's address.

8- Earn Profit: You receive a portion of the revenue from each sale, typically the difference between the selling price and the production cost. The print on demand company will deduct their fees before paying you.

How to choose a print-on-demand company?

Choosing the right print on demand company is crucial for the success of your business. Here are some factors you should consider when selecting a print on demand partner:

1- Product Range: Evaluate the variety of products the print on demand company offers. Look for companies that provide a wide range of options, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. This allows you to diversify your product offerings and cater to different customer preferences.

2- Quality and Printing Techniques: Ensure that the print on demand company utilizes high-quality printing techniques to produce durable and visually appealing products. Look for information about the printing methods they use and request samples if possible.

3- Pricing and Profit Margins: Compare the pricing structures and profit margins offered by different print on demand companies. Some platforms may charge higher base prices, reducing your potential profit, while others provide more competitive rates.

4- Shipping and Fulfillment: Consider the print on demand company's shipping options and fulfillment capabilities. Fast and reliable shipping is essential for customer satisfaction, so choose a company with a strong track record in this regard.

5- Integration and Ease of Use: If you have an existing online store or plan to create one, check if the print on demand company integrates with your platform. Look for user-friendly interfaces and features that simplify the product creation and management process.

6- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial when you encounter issues or have questions about your orders or designs. Research the reputation of the print on demand companies you're considering and read reviews from other users to gauge their level of customer support.

Best print-on-demand services for creating custom products

Now that we understand the basics of print on demand and how to choose a suitable company, let's explore the 11 best print on demand companies available today:

1- Printful: Printful is one of the most popular print on demand companies, offering a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, and home decor items. They integrate seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms and provide excellent print quality.

2- Printify: Printify is known for its extensive network of printing partners, allowing you to choose from a vast selection of products and printing techniques. They offer competitive prices and have a user-friendly interface.

3- Gooten: Gooten offers a diverse product catalog andintegrations with various e-commerce platforms. They have global fulfillment centers, ensuring efficient shipping worldwide. Gooten also provides a range of branding options for your business.

4- Redbubble: Redbubble is a print on demand marketplace that allows artists to showcase and sell their designs on a wide range of products. They have a strong community of artists and offer high-quality printing on items like clothing, stickers, and home decor.

5- Society6: Society6 focuses on art prints, home decor, and lifestyle products. They have a curated marketplace showcasing independent artists' designs. Society6 handles the production and shipping, allowing artists to focus on their creativity.

6- Teespring: Teespring specializes in custom apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories. They offer a user-friendly design tool and provide options for customization and personalization. Teespring also supports crowdfunding campaigns for merchandise.

7- Spreadshirt: Spreadshirt is a popular print on demand platform that offers customizable apparel and accessories. They have a wide range of product options, including organic and fair-trade items. Spreadshirt also provides design tools and a marketplace for selling your creations.

8- Print Aura: Print Aura caters to both individual creators and businesses. They offer a variety of products, including clothing, home decor, and promotional items. Print Aura provides integration with popular e-commerce platforms and has a transparent pricing structure.

9- CustomCat: CustomCat offers a wide range of products and specializes in quick turnaround times. They have a user-friendly platform and provide integrations with major e-commerce platforms. CustomCat also offers a white-label service for branding your products.

10- Lulu xPress: Lulu xPress focuses on book printing and publishing. They allow you to create and sell custom books, including paperbacks, hardcovers, and photo books. Lulu xPress offers distribution services, making it easy to sell your books on major online marketplaces.

11- Zazzle: Zazzle is a popular print on demand marketplace that offers a vast selection of customizable products. They have a unique "Design It Yourself" feature, allowing customers to personalize products in real-time. Zazzle also provides options for creating and selling your designs on their platform.

Creating designs when you're not a designer

One common concern for individuals venturing into print on demand is creating designs without professional design skills. Fortunately, there are several options available to overcome this challenge:

1- Graphic Design Software: Utilize graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create your designs. These tools offer advanced features and flexibility, but they have a learning curve.

2- Online Design Tools: Many print on demand companies provide online design tools that are beginner-friendly. These tools often have pre-made templates and drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create visually appealing designs.

3- Hire Designers: If you prefer to focus on other aspects of your business or lack design skills, you can hire freelance designers from platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Provide them with a design brief and collaborate to create unique and professional designs.

4- Design Marketplaces: Explore design marketplaces like Creative Market or Design Bundles, where you can purchase pre-made design assets such as illustrations, fonts, and templates. Customize these assets to create your unique designs.

Design, test, sell and grow

Once you have your designs ready and have chosen a print on demand company, it's time to start the process of designing, testing, selling, and growing your business. Here are some essential steps to follow:

1- Design: Use the design tools provided by your chosen print on demand company or external design software to create visually appealing designs. Consider the placement of your design on different products and ensure it aligns with your target audience's preferences.

2- Test: Before launching your products, order samples from your print on demand company to assess the quality of printing and product materials. This step allows you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure customer satisfaction.

3- Sell: Publish your products on your chosen print on demand platform or marketplace. Optimize your product descriptions, titles, and tags to improve visibility. Leverage social media, content marketing, and paid advertising to promote your products and drive traffic.

4- Analyze and Iterate: Continuously analyze the performance of your products. Monitor sales, customer feedback, and engagement metrics. Use this data to identify trends, understand customer preferences, and make data-driven decisions to improve your designs and marketing strategies.

5- Expand and Diversify: As your business grows, consider expanding your product offerings and diversifying your designs. Experiment with new product categories, explore seasonal trends, and collaborate with other artists or influencers to reach new audiences.

6- Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service to build trust and loyalty. Respond promptly to customer inquiries, address any issues or concerns,

Tips for getting started with print on demand

Getting started with print on demand can be an exciting venture, but it's important to approach it strategically. Here are some tips to help you kickstart your print on demand business:

1- Research Niche Markets: Identify niche markets or specific customer segments that align with your interests or expertise. By targeting a niche audience, you can tailor your designs and marketing efforts to meet their unique preferences and needs.

2- Focus on Quality: Quality is crucial for customer satisfaction and repeat business. Choose print on demand companies that prioritize high-quality materials and printing techniques. Order samples to assess the quality of their products firsthand before launching your store.

3- Create a Strong Brand: Develop a distinctive brand that resonates with your target audience. Your brand should reflect your values, style, and the unique value proposition you offer. Consistency in branding across your products, website, and marketing materials is key.

4- Optimize Product Listings: Optimize your product listings on your chosen print on demand platform or marketplace. Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to improve search engine visibility. Include detailed product information and compelling visuals to entice potential customers.

5- Leverage Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to showcase your designs, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your products. Identify the platforms where your target audience is most active and create a cohesive social media strategy to build brand awareness and grow your following.

6- Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers or micro-influencers in your niche can help amplify your brand's reach. Identify influencers whose audience aligns with your target market and collaborate on product promotions, sponsored content, or giveaways to increase exposure.

7- Monitor Trends: Stay up to date with industry trends, popular design styles, and emerging niches. Monitor social media platforms, design blogs, and fashion websites to identify trends that can inspire your designs and help you stay ahead of the competition.

8- Customer Feedback: Encourage customers to leave reviews and provide feedback on your products. Actively listen to their suggestions, address any concerns promptly, and use their feedback to improve your designs and overall customer experience.

9- Continuous Learning: The print on demand industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay informed and continuously learn. Attend webinars, read industry blogs, join online communities, and participate in relevant forums to expand your knowledge and stay updated with the latest trends and best practices.

The 11 best print on demand companies

1- Printful: Printful offers a wide range of high-quality products and integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms.

2- Printify: Printify provides a vast network of printing partners, competitive prices, and a user-friendly interface.

3- Gooten: Gooten offers a diverse product catalog, global fulfillment centers, and options for branding your business.

4- Redbubble: Redbubble is a print on demand marketplace that focuses on showcasing independent artists' designs.

5- Society6: Society6 specializes in art prints, home decor, and lifestyle products, with a curated marketplace of artists.

6- Teespring: Teespring is known for custom apparel and supports crowdfunding campaigns for merchandise.

7- Spreadshirt: Spreadshirt offers customizable apparel and accessories, including organic and fair-trade options.

8- Print Aura: Print Aura caters to both individual creators and businesses, providing a variety of products and integrations.

9- CustomCat: CustomCat offers a wide range of products, quick turnaround times, and integrations with major platforms.

10- Lulu xPress: Lulu xPress focuses on book printing and publishing, offering distribution services for custom books.

11- Zazzle: Zazzle is a marketplace that provides a vast selection of customizable products and a unique design feature.

Each of these companies has its own strengths and unique offerings, so it's important to evaluate them based on your specific business needs.
Remember, while these are some of the best print on demand companies available, it's always a good idea to conduct your own research, compare their features and pricing, and consider reviews and feedback from other users before making a final decision.

The 11 Best Print on Demand Companies