7 Best Print On Demand Sites for Beginners

Print-on-demand companies make it easier than ever to start your own custom merchandise business without any upfront inventory costs. For beginners, choosing a fulfillment company that is both affordable and reputable and helps optimize profit margin can be a difficult choice. Here are a list of the 10 best print-on-demand sites for beginners, highlighting their key features, ease of use, and support for newcomers.

Printful

Printful offers a wide selection of print-on-demand products to help creators sell their designs, including clothing, home goods, accessories, and more. As a print-on-demand service, Printful handles production and order fulfillment – you simply upload your artwork and set up your store.

They stand out with features designed to help beginners get up and running quickly. If you’re not a design expert, Printful also helps you design a logo to build a professional brand from the ground up. By uploading your designs to their simple editor, Printful takes care of the heavy lifting.

If you integrate your store with Printful, customer orders can be automatically forwarded for fulfillment. 

Features at a Glance:

• Built-in mockup generator and product visualizer
• Integrations with top marketplaces and eCommerce platforms
• 20% discount on sample orders
• Bulk discounts of up to 30%
• Product branding options, including custom labels and packaging inserts

Product Selection: Printful offers a wide range of products across several categories, including:

• T-shirts
• Sweatpants, leggings, and joggers
• Tote bags and backpacks
• Mugs
• Phone cases
• Bean bag chairs
• Framed posters and prints

Printing and Fulfillment: Printful uses high-quality printing techniques such as direct-to-garment (DTG), embroidery, cut and sew, and sublimation, depending on the product. Additionally, you can enhance the customer experience by adding branded tags and inserts to your orders.

Shipping and Fulfillment Time: Orders are typically fulfilled within 2 to 5 days, with 50% of orders shipped in less than 3 days. Printful ships products worldwide from its facilities in the USA, Mexico, and Europe. Shipping to the US starts at just $3.99 for a single product, with discounted rates available for multiple items in one order.

User Feedback: Printful enjoys an excellent reputation with a user rating of 4.6/5 based on over 6,900 reviews. Shopify merchants, in particular, praise the platform for its high-quality products, quick turnaround times, and reliable customer service. Reviewers also appreciate the seamless syncing of products with their eCommerce sites and the vast range of apparel and accessories available.

Why Choose Printful? For beginners looking for a reliable, scalable print-on-demand solution, Printful is a top choice. Despite being on the more expensive side of print-on-demand services, Printful consistently delivers high-quality products and offers a comprehensive set of tools and integrations that make starting and growing an online business easier. Whether you're selling on Shopify, Etsy, or other platforms, Printful offers everything you need to build a successful print-on-demand store.

Merchize

For newcomers to the print-on-demand (POD) world with low prices, Merchize is the best choice. Their platform based in Vietnam that's quickly gaining popularity among entrepreneurs. With its own manufacturing facility in Vietnam and warehouses in the US and China, it provides a unique advantage—competitive pricing, fast production times, and quality control you can rely on.

Like Printful, the platform integrates seamlessly with top e-commerce sites like Shopify, eBay, and Amazon. Merchize's catalog includes over 400 products and they regularly update trending products and new trends to help sellers achieve more revenue and fulfill more of their products.

Affordable and Competitive Pricing

Merchize is known for its highly competitive pricing, You can get a t-shirt printed and fulfilled for as little as $5.00. In addition, Merchize offers a 20% discount on sample orders, allowing you to check or use them for video and marketing on social networking sites.

Fast and Reliable Shipping

If you print 2D items, Merchize uses a US-based factory and the production and shipping time to your customers is only 4 to 7 days. For all-over print (AOP) items, it may take a little longer, about 1 to 2 days.

Merchize provides clear shipping estimates for each product in their catalog. After an order is placed, 2D printed items are typically processed within 1-3 business days, while all-over print (AOP) products take 2-6 business days. During the sales season around the fourth quarter of last year, despite a lot of orders, Merchize still brought satisfaction to customers with over 96% of orders successfully delivered during the Christmas season.

Comprehensive Fulfillment Solutions

Merchize offers a one-stop solution, providing end-to-end fulfillment services that ensure your business operates smoothly from day one.

At the heart of Merchize's offering is its state-of-the-art, in-house manufacturing facility. This results in a streamlined, rigorous manufacturing process that delivers high quality at every step. Orders are shipped virtually error-free while also providing a higher level of customization, whether it's packaging branding or unique product features.

Additionally, Merchize's platform integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more. With real-time updates, automatic syncing, and smooth order management workflows, you can focus on growing your brand rather than getting bogged down by logistical headaches.

Merchize Storefront Services

Merchize also offers storefront solutions to help you set up your own online store. They have three plans—Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—priced at $29, $79, and $229 per month, respectively. These plans include features designed to help you sell more, manage your store, and track your performance.

Why Merchize Is Worth It

Merchize has quickly earned a reputation for providing high-quality products at affordable prices. The company operates one of the largest manufacturing centers in Vietnam and offers a fully integrated fulfillment process. This is a unique choice when cooperating with Vietnamese units instead of the usual US or Chinese units.

Printify

Printify offers a highly scalable and flexible platform that's perfect for beginners. Having quickly grown to become one of the largest players in the POD space, Printify is known for its low prices, diverse options and easy-to-use platform.

How Printify Works:

Unlike some POD providers, Printify doesn’t handle printing in-house. Instead, it partners with over 140 print providers globally, including in the U.S., Europe, and beyond. This makes Printify an endless resource with a variety of unique products, from apparel and accessories to more unique items like scented candles, yoga mats, and even outdoor Bluetooth speakers.

As a middleman, Printify handles the backend of your business—managing all printing, packing, and shipping. The platform also integrates major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, and WooCommerce,… to help automate the order pushing process.

A Massive Selection of Products

One of Printify’s biggest selling points is its wide range of products. Wherever there's a Print On Demand product, there's Printify. With new products being added regularly, you can easily expand your offerings as your business grows.

Quality Control Across Multiple Providers

Since Printify partners with many different printing providers, the quality can vary slightly depending on the provider you choose. However, Printify does provide a rating for each provider based on their production performance including print quality and production time.

Additionally, Printify Choice is a recent feature—automatically selects the best provider for your most popular products. This feature includes U.S.-based providers and offers added benefits like branding options and express shipping.

Affordable and Transparent Pricing

While their prices are typically mid-range compared to competitors like Printful, the wide range of options is great for beginners. You can save even more by signing up for Printify's Premium Plan at $29/month, which offers discounted rates for bulk orders.

Fast Turnaround Time and Global Fulfillment

Printify's diverse network of providers is a huge advantage, meaning you can enjoy faster fulfillment and shipping times depending on the provider you choose. On average, many providers ship within 1-2 days, making Printify one of the fastest POD services available. Express shipping options are available, with delivery times ranging from 3-5 days (Express) to 4-7 days (Standard).

For international orders, diverse suppliers from many different countries make it quick to produce and ship in one country, avoiding country barriers and customs fees.

Integrations with Leading E-Commerce Platforms

With modern e-commerce platforms allowing you to manage your products, orders, and storefront with ease. Whether you sell on Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, or even TikTok, Printify offers seamless integrations that automate your workflow. Additionally, Printify offers an API and a Printify Pop-Up Store for beginners looking to create a branded storefront on a budget (available in the U.S.).

Customer Support and Service

Although customer support used to be a pain point for Printify, it's been improving steadily. The platform now offers a live chat option, making it easier to get timely assistance when needed.

Gooten

Gooten makes starting a print-on-demand business simple. They partner with manufacturers globally so you don’t have to. This means your orders can be produced and shipped quickly from locations worldwide.

With Gooten, beginners can skip the tough parts like production, inventory, and fulfillment. Just pick from 150+ products to sell, like t-shirts, mugs, blankets and more. Then connect your online store and start selling. Gooten handles the rest!

Affordable With No Risks

The best part is there’s no monthly fee and no minimum orders. You pay only when you make a sale. This gives beginners a risk-free way to start selling custom products. As your store grows, Gooten can easily scale production and shipping to meet demand.

Key Features:

• Wide range of easy products to customize and sell
• Global shipping from manufacturers closest to customers
• Advanced printing methods like direct-to-garment and embroidery
• Connects to all major online stores simply and quickly

Pricing That Works for Beginners

Since there’s no subscription fee or order minimums, you can start very small. Pay only for fulfillment costs per product when a sale occurs. This keeps beginners' expenses low at the start without large upfront investments.

As your sales volume increases over time, Gooten's network helps you scale growth effortlessly. You can manage limitless products and stores from one place.

The Gooten Difference

No other print-on-demand platform delivers the combination of simplicity and scalability like Gooten. Their unique manufacturer network removes production and logistical complexity so beginners can focus entirely on their brand and designs.

Gelato

Gelato makes global print-on-demand simple through smart automation. Their system routes each order to the closest high-quality manufacturing partner for faster fulfillment. This handles the complex parts like production, inventory and shipping logistics so you can focus entirely on design.

Just upload your artwork or product designs and connect your online store. Gelato takes care of the rest automatically based on the customer’s location!

How Gelato Works: Smart Routing for Global Fulfillment

What sets Gelato apart from the competition is that Gelato uses an advanced routing algorithm to select the best printing service based on the destination of your order. This means your order will be produced at the closest facility, saving you time and reducing shipping costs.

Key Features of Gelato:

• Global Service: Over 140 print partners in 32 countries, allowing for local production and faster shipping across various regions.
• High-Quality Products: Gelato partners with leading brands to provide top-tier products for printing, ensuring your customers receive high-quality items.
• Free Editing Tools: A suite of free design tools is available to help you easily create custom products.
• Wide Range of Products: From art prints, posters, and canvases to apparel and accessories, Gelato offers a variety of products to suit different markets.
• Flexible Pricing Plans:
• Free: Access to global production in 32 countries.
• Gelato+: $24/month or $239/year, with up to 10% off products.
• Gold: $119/month or $1185/year, with 30% off branded labels, packaging inserts, and more.
• Platinum: Custom pricing with tailored discounts for larger businesses.

What Makes Gelato Unique?

One standout feature of Gelato is its pack-in options. When you subscribe to the Gelato+ or Gold plan, you can include branded labels or custom thank-you cards with your shipments. This helps customers remember you longer and is a great way to recognize your brand.

Gelato is especially popular for art prints and posters. With its premium-quality paper and vivid, detailed prints, it has become a go-to choice for artists and designers.

Gelato's Product Quality and Customization

Originally known for its paper-based products like art prints, calendars, and cards, Gelato has recently expanded into apparel and merchandise. With its use of high-quality paper and clear, vibrant prints, Gelato is a popular choice for Print On Demand sellers. Additionally, Bella+Canvas t-shirts are a popular choice for art sellers looking to print posters or canvases. Additionally, their Bella+Canvas t-shirts are a favorite among those printing apparel, offering great quality and bright, sharp designs.

However, as with all other POD platforms, print quality can vary depending on the printer.

Competitive Pricing and Discounts

Gelato tends to offer competitive prices, often cheaper than Printful and comparable to Printify. For example, the Bella Canvas 3001 (medium size) works out to about $10.12, with shipping to the US costing around $4.66 — $14.78 total, which is typically more affordable than other platforms.

Gelato also offers several ways to save:

• Quantity discounts for bulk orders.
• Discounts for Gelato+ members, with up to 30% off shipping.
• Gold plan offers free shipping on annual plans, plus up to 50% off shipping and 30% off branded labels and packaging inserts.

For international sellers, Gelato's pricing can be competitive especially. For example, UK-based sellers often find Gelato to be the most affordable option for both art prints and t-shirts.

Gelato’s Integrations

Gelato integrates seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce among other providers. They've also recently added Amazon and TikTok to their list of integrations. If you use platforms not listed, Gelato offers an API solution or can be integrated through Orderdesk.com.

Gelato Support

Gelato is available 24/7 via live chat, making it easy to get help when needed. They have a FAQ page that helps customers quickly answer common questions. In the event of a problem, you can click the "report problem" button and live chat support help ensure that problems are swiftly addressed.

Teelaunch

Teelaunch is a service-friendly platform providing a wide range of custom products with various printing techniques, including DTG, sublimation, and laser etching. With a wide range of printing methods, this is a great place to fulfill your apparel, home décor, or accessories needs.

Key Features of Teelaunch:

• Multiple Printing Techniques: Choose from DTG, sublimation, and laser etching, offering versatility across a range of products.
• Wide Product Selection: Teelaunch offers a variety of products, including apparel, accessories, drinkware, and more.
• Reliable Shipping Times: Teelaunch is known for its efficient and dependable shipping, ensuring customers get their orders on time.
• Ecommerce Integrations: The platform integrates easily with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it simple to manage your store.

Pricing and Product Quality

Although the prices of some items are a bit higher than other suppliers, the platform has specific printing methods that other suppliers do not have. This can be a major budget barrier for beginners or seasoned entrepreneurs on a tight budget.

Inconsistent Product Quality:

Since production is outsourced to different partners, product consistency might not always be guaranteed. If brand consistency is important to you, order a sample to test and experiment.

Pros and Cons of Teelaunch:

Pros:

• Multiple printing techniques (DTG, sublimation, laser etching) for versatile products.
• Reliable shipping times, ensuring fast delivery to your customers.
• Good customer support with helpful resources to assist you.
• Wide selection of products, offering unique items like wooden prints and etched products.

Cons:

• Higher prices for some products, which may affect your profit margins.
• Limited custom branding options, especially for packaging and labels.
• Inconsistent product quality, which could affect brand continuity.
• Limited international reach for global customers.
• Longer setup process for new users unfamiliar with POD platforms.

Is Teelaunch Worth It for Beginners?

Teelaunch lets beginners make and sell customized products. It has many types of products to choose from. It also uses different printing methods.

The prices at Teelaunch are a bit higher than some other print-on-demand services. But Teelaunch reliably ships products and has good customer service. It also works well with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. This makes it easy for beginners to get started.

However, Teelaunch may not have as much control over product quality. It also has fewer custom branding options compared to some services. Beginners should know that setting up your Teelaunch shop takes more time than some other platforms.

CustomCat

CustomCat is known for its simplicity and scalability, especially appealing to entrepreneurs looking for a wide range of customizable products.

Key Features of CustomCat:

• Extensive Product Catalog: With over 550+ products and counting, this is one of the largest product catalog platforms in the Print On Demand industry.
• Multiple Printing Methods: CustomCat supports a variety of printing techniques, including direct-to-garment (DTG), sublimation, and 3D dye infusion, giving you flexibility in how your designs are applied to products. This is truly an ideal partner for beginners with a concern for small details as well as the best printing quality.
• Fast Turnaround Time: Their shipping time is a whopping 2-3 business days.
• Affordable Pricing: CustomCat offers competitive pricing, making it a cost-effective option for new sellers. Despite its affordable prices, CustomCat still maintains the best product quality.
• Scalability: CustomCat makes it easy to scale your business as it grows. With the ability to handle high-order volumes and offer advanced features like API integrations for sellers on any platform.

How Does CustomCat Work?

CustomCat’s platform is simple and easy to navigate, even for beginners. You can upload your designs directly onto your chosen products using their design tool, which, while basic, gets the job done. If you’re looking for more advanced customization or a wider range of tools, you might need to pair CustomCat with third-party design software, but for the most part, the built-in tool should suffice for creating clean designs.

Why CustomCat is Great for Beginners:

With a wide selection of over 550 customizable products, you’ll never run out of ideas to sell. You can sell obscure specialty products to avoid a lot of competition.

What’s more, the platform is beginner-friendly, with easy-to-use tools and an intuitive interface. CustomCat’s quick processing times ensure that your customers receive their products quickly, which is crucial for maintaining good reviews and repeat business.

The best thing about CustomCat is that it is affordable, making it easy for beginners to get started on a budget.

When you start a print-on-demand store, choosing the right fulfillment partner is part of the success. Hopefully this article will give you different perspectives on the best Print On Demand sites for beginners so you can make the best choice. Good luck!

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