To learn more about the best POD platforms for selling high-quality t-shirt designs, Hacecommerce invites you to explore the article below!
1. What is Print-on-Demand?
In recent years, selling branded merchandise has proven to be an effective way for creators to monetize their audience. This trend thrives today, suiting everyone across various fields—designers, musicians, artists, YouTubers, bloggers, influencers, photographers, and more.
Print-on-demand (POD) is a subset of dropshipping, allowing you to print designs on customizable products like apparel, mugs, tote bags, posters, and more—all under your brand name. The key difference is that production begins only after an order is placed. This means you don’t pay anything upfront until an order is successfully processed, nor do you need to purchase or store extensive inventories.
2. Platforms for Uploading POD Designs
To start with POD, your first step is to research platforms that excel in the POD industry. Choosing a high-quality POD platform is challenging due to the abundance of options available. Finding a reputable platform may require patience and thorough research.
So, what are the best Print-on-Demand platforms out there? A well-chosen POD platform can help a business minimize additional costs like production, shipping, and transaction fees, ultimately boosting profits. Below are the top names in the POD industry that Hacecommerce recommends:
- Sellfy
- Teespring
- Bonfire
- Redbubble
- Spreadshirt
- Printful
- Society6
- TeePublic
- Lulu Xpress
But before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify: A POD website differs from a POD company.
- A POD company is a white-label solution for your existing online store or an online marketplace like Etsy. White-labeling means products are manufactured by a third party but branded with your logo and label.
- A POD website, on the other hand, is an all-in-one solution for creating and selling your custom print products. Overall, POD websites offer sellers a faster and simpler way to monetize their designs than POD companies.
3. The Best Print-on-Demand Platforms in 2024
3.1. Sellfy
Sellfy is a POD website that integrates all the perks of a POD company. It’s an easy-to-use eCommerce platform for selling digital and physical goods and POD products.
Key Features:
- Easy setup: create a professional online store in under 10 minutes.
- Offers marketing tools, excellent customer support, and “Buy Now” button embedding for your existing website.
- Allows unlimited product listings without requiring inventory or worrying about unsold goods.
- Takes care of order fulfillment, from production to worldwide shipping.
Target Audience: Creators or anyone looking to sell physical or digital products online.
Payment Methods: Payments are received directly into your account after each transaction. Production and fulfillment costs are deducted after customer orders. We offer payment account rental services.
Pros:
- Fast payouts
- Integrated marketing tools
- Customizable store interface
- Unlimited products
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- No free plan
- Limited app integrations
3.2. Teespring
Teespring (now rebranded as Spring) allows you to create and sell custom products using your original designs. Teespring handles everything from printing to shipping.
Target Audience: Beginners and small POD businesses.
Pros:
- Integrates with YouTube and Twitch
- Wide product selection
- Great customer support
Cons:
- Limited design space
- Restricted branding and ownership
3.3. Bonfire
Initially known for t-shirt fundraising, Bonfire allows you to create a store or run campaigns to sell your merchandise.
Target Audience: Individuals and nonprofits running fundraising campaigns.
Pros:
- Free custom storefronts
- Campaign fundraising options
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Requires minimum sales for payouts
3.4. Redbubble
Redbubble is one of the largest POD marketplaces, catering to independent artists who want to sell unique designs.
Target Audience: Independent artists and buyers of unique designs.
Pros:
- Free setup
- Diverse product range
- Global shipping
Cons:
- Saturated market
- Limited brand-building options
3.5. Spreadshirt
Spreadsheets allow designers to sell their work without creating a full-fledged store. Alternatively, you can use a personal spreadsheet to gain more control.
Target Audience: Artists and freelance designers.
Pros:
- Free marketplace access
- Worldwide delivery
Cons:
- Low print quality
- Limited product catalog
3.6. Printful
Printful integrates seamlessly with over 15 eCommerce platforms, making it an ideal POD solution for businesses with existing online stores.
Target Audience: Business owners with eCommerce stores.
Pros:
- Extensive product catalog
- Worldwide fulfillment
- White-label branding options
Cons:
- Not a standalone solution
- Higher base product costs
3.7. Society6
Society6 is another popular POD marketplace that stands out with its focus on unique, artist-driven designs.
Target Audience: Artists and niche buyers.
Pros:
- Artist-friendly marketplace
- Diverse product options
Cons:
- Limited branding opportunities
- Saturated marketplace
3.8.TeePublic
TeePublic operates as a niche marketplace for custom apparel and accessories.
Target Audience: Creators looking for a simple marketplace.
Pros:
- Global customer base
- Simple product listing process
Cons:
- Limited design options
- Dependence on TeePublic branding
3.9. Lulu Xpress
Lulu Xpress focuses on POD for books, making it a standout choice for authors and publishers.
Target Audience: Authors, publishers, and educators.
Pros:
- Custom book printing
- High-quality outputs
Cons:
- Niche-focused; limited to books
- Higher base costs
4. Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an independent artist, entrepreneur, or charity organizer, these POD platforms cater to various needs. Choose the one that best aligns with your goals and turn your creative designs into profitable merchandise!
