Everything You Need to Know About Print on Demand Services and How to Choose the Right Provider

Print on demand (POD) services have revolutionized the eCommerce industry by offering businesses a cost-effective, low-risk solution for selling custom products. These services allow entrepreneurs to create unique designs for a wide range of products—such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, and phone cases—and sell them online without maintaining inventory. This article will delve into the world of print on demand providers, covering what they are, the top providers available, how they work, and tips for choosing the right one for your business needs.

What Is Print on Demand?

Print on demand is a business model where products are only printed when an order is placed. Unlike traditional printing methods that require bulk production in advance, POD services allow sellers to offer a wide range of custom products without worrying about upfront inventory or large-scale production costs. This model is particularly attractive for entrepreneurs looking to enter the eCommerce space without investing a large amount of money into manufacturing or warehousing products.

The process typically works as follows: a customer places an order for a custom item (e.g., a personalized t-shirt), the POD provider prints the design on the product, and then the item is shipped directly to the customer. As a result, businesses can focus on marketing and design, while the POD provider takes care of production and fulfillment.

Top Print on Demand Providers

There are numerous print on demand providers available, each offering different features, pricing models, and product options. Some of the most popular and well-regarded providers include:


Printful: One of the largest and most trusted POD providers, Printful offers a wide range of products from apparel to home decor. Their integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy makes it easy to set up and manage your store. Printful also offers high-quality prints and reliable fulfillment services.

Printify: Printify is another highly popular POD provider, known for its vast catalog of customizable products and its ability to work with multiple print partners around the world. This allows sellers to choose the best options based on cost, location, and quality. Printify’s interface is user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.

TeeSpring (now Spring): TeeSpring, now branded as Spring, is a great choice for creators looking to sell apparel, accessories, and home products. It allows seamless integration with social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, which is great for creators and influencers who want to sell merchandise directly to their followers.

SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand): SPOD is known for its fast fulfillment times and extensive product range. They pride themselves on their ability to print and ship products in as little as 48 hours. This makes SPOD ideal for entrepreneurs who want to provide a fast delivery service to customers.

Gooten: Gooten is another print on demand provider with a global network of partners. They offer a wide array of products and services, including custom packaging and order tracking. Gooten’s flexibility makes it a great option for businesses of all sizes, offering scalability for growing eCommerce stores.


How Print on Demand Works

The process of using a print on demand provider is straightforward, but it does vary slightly between platforms. Below is a general overview of how POD services work:


Create a Design: First, you need to create a design for the product you want to sell. This could be a graphic, illustration, quote, or any other artwork that aligns with your brand. Many POD platforms offer design tools, but you can also upload your own files in formats like PNG or JPG.

Select a Product: Choose the product(s) you want to offer, such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or phone cases. Make sure to select products that fit with your brand and appeal to your target audience. Some providers offer a wide variety of customizable items, while others may focus on a specific category.

Set Up Your Store: Once your design is ready and you’ve selected the products you want to sell, you need to set up an online store. Many POD services integrate with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy, making it easy to create and manage your store.

Customer Orders the Product: When a customer orders a product from your store, the order is automatically sent to your POD provider. The provider will print the design on the chosen product and handle the fulfillment, including packaging and shipping.

Fulfillment and Shipping: Once the product is printed, the POD provider will ship it directly to the customer. You don’t need to worry about inventory or managing the logistics, as the POD provider handles all of this for you.


Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print on Demand Provider

While the process of using a POD service may be similar across providers, there are several factors you should consider when choosing the right provider for your business:


Product Range: Ensure the provider offers a wide variety of products that align with your brand. Some providers focus on apparel, while others may have more diverse product catalogs, including home decor, accessories, and stationery.

Quality Control: The quality of the print and the product itself is crucial for customer satisfaction. Choose a provider with a reputation for high-quality prints and durable materials. Reading customer reviews and ordering samples can help you gauge quality before you start selling.

Pricing and Profit Margins: Each POD provider has its own pricing structure. Compare the base prices for the products you plan to sell, along with shipping costs. This will help you determine your potential profit margins and ensure your products are competitively priced.

Shipping Speed and Locations: Fast and reliable shipping is essential for customer satisfaction. Look for a POD provider that can fulfill orders quickly, especially if you’re selling in competitive markets. Some providers offer international shipping, which can be a key factor if you plan to serve a global audience.

Integrations with E-commerce Platforms: Many POD services integrate with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. These integrations can save you time by automating order processing and inventory management. Be sure to choose a provider that works seamlessly with your chosen platform.


Choosing the right print on demand provider is essential to the success of your eCommerce business. By carefully evaluating the factors listed above, you can find a provider that aligns with your business goals and helps you deliver high-quality products to your customers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, the right POD provider can make all the difference in your business's growth and profitability.