Discover top platforms for launching your own custom merchandise business without Printful

When it comes to starting an online custom merchandise business, Printful has long been a popular choice. However, for various reasons—such as pricing, product selection, or personal preference—entrepreneurs might seek alternatives to Printful. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your business, there are several platforms that offer similar services with their unique benefits. This article will explore some of the top Printful alternatives, helping you find the best fit for your brand's needs.

1. Printify: A Popular Alternative with Diverse Options

Printify is one of the most well-known alternatives to Printful, offering a wide range of products and features. Like Printful, Printify provides a print-on-demand service where users can create and sell custom designs on various items, such as t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. What sets Printify apart, however, is its extensive network of print providers, which spans across the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world. This gives sellers the flexibility to choose suppliers that best meet their needs in terms of product quality, shipping speeds, and location. Additionally, Printify offers a free plan with access to most of its features, though there is also a premium plan that offers discounted rates on products and shipping, which can be particularly useful for those looking to scale their business.

2. Teespring (Spring): Custom Apparel and Merchandise Made Easy

Teespring, now rebranded as Spring, is another strong contender in the print-on-demand space. What makes Spring unique is its focus on creating custom apparel and accessories with an easy-to-use interface for beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Spring also has a built-in marketing platform that helps users promote their products through social media integration, allowing creators to launch their own branded storefronts. Unlike Printful, which primarily operates through integrations with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Spring enables users to sell directly from their own Spring store, making it an excellent option for those who are new to eCommerce or want a more hands-off approach to selling. Spring also allows for the creation of custom campaigns, further helping users with brand marketing and reaching a larger audience.

3. Gooten: A Seamless Print-on-Demand Platform

Gooten is another solid alternative to Printful, offering a simple and streamlined print-on-demand service with a strong emphasis on automation. Much like Printful, Gooten integrates with popular eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. However, Gooten’s selling point is its user-friendly interface and focus on offering a high level of customization and automation. For example, Gooten has a custom order workflow that allows users to manage their print-on-demand orders without much intervention, freeing up time for creators to focus on marketing and product development. In terms of product range, Gooten provides a diverse selection, including apparel, home goods, and accessories, all produced with quality materials. Additionally, Gooten offers competitive pricing and an easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it an appealing choice for both small business owners and large enterprises alike.

4. SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-on-Demand): Fast Shipping and High-Quality Products

SPOD, or Spreadshirt Print-on-Demand, stands out as a Printful alternative due to its commitment to fast production and shipping times. SPOD boasts one of the quickest turnaround times in the industry, with many products shipping within 48 hours of order placement. This makes it a great option for businesses that prioritize fast delivery to their customers. SPOD offers a variety of products, from apparel to drinkware and accessories, with high-quality print options and various customizations available. Furthermore, SPOD integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, enabling users to easily manage their sales and product designs. One key benefit of SPOD is that it provides a free sample program, which allows store owners to test the quality of their products before committing to larger orders, making it an ideal choice for those who want to ensure the highest standards for their merchandise.

5. Apliiq: A Niche Alternative for Unique Customization

Apliiq offers a distinct approach to print-on-demand services, especially for those in search of unique, customizable designs that stand out in the market. Unlike other platforms that focus primarily on printing designs onto standard clothing items, Apliiq allows for more creative customization, such as fabric applications, embroidery, and even custom labels. This makes Apliiq a favorite among fashion designers, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to produce highly personalized apparel. Apliiq’s product selection includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and accessories, and it allows users to design in ways that are not possible with many traditional print-on-demand services. Apliiq also offers strong branding tools, such as custom woven labels, hangtags, and packaging options that give your products a premium feel. While Apliiq’s offerings may be more niche, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to differentiate their brand in a competitive market.

6. Redbubble: A Marketplace for Independent Artists and Designers

Redbubble is an excellent alternative to Printful, particularly for artists and designers who want to sell their creations without setting up a separate eCommerce store. Unlike Printful, which integrates with platforms like Shopify, Redbubble operates as both a print-on-demand service and a marketplace, allowing creators to upload their designs and have them sold directly on the platform. This makes it a great choice for independent artists who may not have the resources or desire to create a standalone online store. Redbubble offers a wide variety of products, ranging from clothing and accessories to home decor and stationery. Artists can also set their own pricing and receive a commission on each sale, making it a potential source of passive income. The platform also provides access to a large and active customer base, further enhancing visibility and opportunities for sales.

7. CustomCat: Budget-Friendly Print-on-Demand for High-Volume Sellers

CustomCat is another Printful alternative that caters to sellers looking for low-cost, high-quality print-on-demand products. What sets CustomCat apart is its budget-friendly pricing structure, which makes it a great option for high-volume sellers or those who want to maximize their profit margins. CustomCat offers a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, and home goods, all of which can be easily customized with your designs. One of CustomCat's standout features is its bulk discount program, which provides significant savings for those placing larger orders. The platform also offers integrations with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. Although CustomCat may not have the extensive marketing tools of platforms like Teespring, it remains a reliable choice for those seeking an affordable and scalable print-on-demand solution.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Print-on-Demand Service for Your Business

When choosing an alternative to Printful, the best platform for your business will depend on your specific needs, such as product variety, customization options, pricing, and integration with your eCommerce store. Printify offers a large selection of products and flexibility with its supplier network, while Spring (Teespring) is ideal for those who want an all-in-one solution with built-in marketing tools. Gooten’s automation and ease of use make it a strong choice for those looking to scale quickly, while SPOD’s fast shipping is perfect for businesses with quick turnaround times. For highly customized products, Apliiq stands out with its unique apparel options, and Redbubble provides a marketplace option for independent artists. Finally, CustomCat offers a budget-friendly solution for high-volume sellers. Carefully assess your business goals and consider these Printful alternatives to find the best fit for your print-on-demand needs.