Vendor	Best For	Products	Integrations	Branding	Shipping
Printful	Quality & branding	Wide variety	Most major platforms	Strong	Fast
Printify	Variety & pricing	800+ items	Shopify, Etsy, more	Limited	Varies
Spring	Creators	Merch & apparel	Social platforms	Minimal	Moderate
Redbubble	Artists	Art-focused	Marketplace only	None	Standard
SPOD	Speed	Apparel & gifts	Shopify, WooCommerce	Basic	Very fast

What Print on Demand Really Means

• Definition: Print on demand is when a product gets printed and shipped only after someone places an order. So no need to stock up on 100 t-shirts or worry about leftovers sitting in your closet. Whether it’s t-shirts, tote bags, posters, mugs, or even books, the whole process happens behind the scenes with the vendor. All you do is upload your design, list it on your store, and they do the rest.

What to Look for in a Print on Demand Vendor

• Product selection and customization: You’ll want a vendor with a good variety of products and strong customization features.
• Print quality: Print quality should be consistent and reliable because your reputation depends on it.
• Platform integration: Check if the vendor works well with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce—this saves you a ton of manual work.
• Shipping: Faster fulfillment means happier customers.
• Branding features: Custom labels, packaging inserts, and branded packing slips add that extra polish.
• Customer support: If anything goes wrong, you want to be sure their customer support has your back.

Printful: All About Premium Quality and Branding

• Overview: Printful is a go-to for creators seeking a polished brand with top-quality products. They offer everything from hoodies and leggings to mugs and wall art. Their branding options are excellent, including custom labels, packaging inserts, and even branding on packing slips.
• Integrations: They integrate with just about every major platform—Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Amazon, eBay, you name it.
• Features: The mockup generator is easy to use, and they have fulfillment centers worldwide for faster shipping.
• Considerations: Printful tends to have higher base prices compared to others. But many feel the quality justifies the cost.

Printify: Big on Variety and Budget-Friendly

• Overview: Printify is all about giving you options. It connects you with over 90 different print providers, so you get to choose who makes your products based on location, pricing, and quality. Their product catalog is massive, with over 800 items to choose from.
• Integrations: Printify works well with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more.
• Pricing: If you go for the Printify Premium plan, you’ll get access to lower pricing.
• Considerations: Quality can vary depending on the print provider you select. Still, it’s a great pick for sellers who want more control over cost and product choices.

Spring (Teespring): Designed for Creators and Influencers

• Overview: If you’re a content creator or influencer, Spring might be just what you need. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t require you to manage a separate online store. Just design your product, upload it, and share the link with your followers.
• Platform focus: Spring is built with social platforms in mind, especially YouTube and TikTok. It even offers a built-in storefront.
• Setup: There are no setup fees, and it’s simple to launch.
• Considerations: Branding options are pretty limited, and the margins aren’t as high as other vendors. Still, it’s perfect if you want a no-fuss setup that connects with your audience.

Redbubble: Organic Reach for Independent Artists

• Overview: Redbubble isn’t just a POD platform—it’s a marketplace too. That means you can upload your designs and have people discover them without running ads or marketing. It’s ideal for artists who just want to focus on creating.
• Audience access: You get access to a massive audience that loves buying unique and artistic pieces.
• Control: You won’t get much control over the packaging or customer relationship since Redbubble handles all of that.
• Considerations: Profit margins might be lower because Redbubble takes a cut.

SPOD: Speedy Delivery and Straightforward Setup

• Overview: SPOD (by Spreadshirt) is all about speed. About 95% of their orders ship within two days, which is faster than most other vendors. If you want to keep your customers happy with quick deliveries, this one’s worth a look.
• Tools: They’ve got solid tools to help you create designs and even offer a library of over 50,000 free images.
• Integrations: Mostly Shopify and WooCommerce.
• Considerations: The product range is more limited than Printful or Printify, and integration options are fewer too. But for sellers focused on quick fulfillment and low prices, SPOD hits the mark.

Niche Vendors That Deserve Attention

• Lulu xPress: This is the go-to for authors and publishers. If you’re creating custom books, calendars, or notebooks, their global print network and high-end bookbinding options are excellent.
• Gooten: This is more of an enterprise POD provider. It’s great for stores that expect high volumes and need automated workflows. They offer smart order routing and scalable support for larger businesses.
• Apliiq: This one focuses on fashion and custom streetwear. What sets them apart is their ability to produce garments with custom labels, embroidery, and unique cuts. It’s perfect for anyone serious about building a fashion brand.

Getting Started with Your POD Vendor

1. Create an account: Create an account and explore the dashboard. Try out the mockup generators and check out the pricing tools.
2. Order samples: Before you go live, order some samples to make sure the quality meets your standards.
3. Connect your store: Use their integrations to connect your POD vendor with Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce.
4. Design and upload products: Focus on designs that match your niche and use keyword-rich titles and descriptions to help with search visibility.
5. Market and monitor: Promote your store using email, social media, and influencers. Keep an eye on your analytics to find your best-sellers and refine your offerings.

Conclusion

Finding the right POD vendor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting an online business. The best one for you depends on your goals—whether it’s creating a premium brand, building a massive product line, or just keeping things simple.

Printful is great for branding and premium quality. Printify gives you unmatched variety and flexibility. Spring makes it easy for influencers to sell merch. Redbubble helps artists get discovered. And SPOD is your go-to for fast shipping.

Take the time to explore and test each platform. Once you find the one that matches your vibe and business goals, you’ll be set up for success.

Key Takeaway: Choosing the right POD vendor comes down to more than just price. Look at product quality, shipping speed, branding options, and how easily they connect with your store. These are what make or break your POD business.

FAQs

Can I use more than one print on demand vendor in my store?

Definitely. Many sellers use multiple vendors to provide a wider variety of products and shipping options. Platforms like Shopify make it simple to manage several POD integrations.

Do print on demand companies offer eco-friendly options?

Some vendors like Printful and Apliiq offer eco-conscious product lines and sustainable packaging. Be sure to check each vendor’s sustainability section for more info.

Is it possible to sell POD products on Amazon or eBay?

Yes, some vendors integrate directly with Amazon and eBay. You’ll need to follow the marketplace’s rules and possibly get approval, but it’s a solid way to reach more customers.

Can I switch vendors after launching my products?

You can, but you’ll need to update your listings and mockups. Make sure to inform customers if switching vendors could affect product quality or shipping times.

How long does it take to start making sales?

It varies. Some stores see sales right away with the right marketing, while others take a few weeks or months to gain traction. Consistent promotion and high-quality designs are key to growth.