Explore companies similar to Printful offering print-on-demand services for your eCommerce business

Print-on-demand (POD) services have revolutionized the way entrepreneurs approach merchandise fulfillment. Among the top players in this industry, Printful has gained significant attention. However, there are several other companies that offer similar services with unique features. This article explores the best alternatives to Printful, focusing on their services, pricing models, integration options, and more to help you find the best fit for your business needs.

1. Printify: A Strong Competitor with a Wide Range of Products

Printify is one of the most well-known competitors to Printful, providing a print-on-demand platform with a wide array of custom products. Just like Printful, Printify allows users to create and sell custom products without holding inventory. The platform offers a vast catalog of items, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and more, with over 250 product options from various suppliers across the globe.

One of the key benefits of Printify is its integration with major eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more. It also provides flexibility in terms of pricing, as it offers multiple suppliers to choose from. This enables users to compare prices and select the most cost-effective options for their business. Printify also offers bulk order discounts, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking to scale quickly. However, Printify’s printing quality may vary depending on the supplier, which requires a bit of research to ensure consistency across products.

2. Teespring (now Spring): A Social Commerce Powerhouse

Teespring, now rebranded as Spring, has positioned itself as a strong competitor to Printful with a focus on social commerce. Spring is particularly well-known for helping creators sell their products directly through social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. It allows entrepreneurs and influencers to create custom apparel, accessories, and home decor items with ease and sell them directly to their audience without the need for an eCommerce store.

What sets Spring apart is its deep integration with social platforms, enabling users to create and sell products directly on social media. Additionally, Spring handles all aspects of order fulfillment, including shipping and customer service. This makes it an ideal choice for creators who want to streamline the process and focus on content creation and marketing. While its product range might not be as extensive as Printful or Printify, Spring provides a straightforward and hassle-free experience for individuals who prioritize ease of use and social media integration.

3. Gooten: An Easy-to-Use Platform with Reliable Fulfillment

Gooten is another alternative that provides print-on-demand services with an emphasis on simplicity and reliability. Gooten offers a similar range of products as Printful, including apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. Its platform is designed to be easy to use, even for newcomers to the POD space, and offers seamless integrations with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and BigCommerce.

One of the standout features of Gooten is its reliable fulfillment process. Gooten partners with a carefully selected network of print and production partners worldwide to ensure high-quality products and fast delivery times. The company also offers competitive pricing, with volume discounts available for larger orders. Gooten’s user interface is intuitive, making it easy to design and manage products. However, like Printify, Gooten uses third-party suppliers, which means the quality and availability of products can vary depending on the manufacturer. Nevertheless, it remains a solid choice for those looking for a reliable POD provider with good customer service.

4. SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand): Customization and Speed

SPOD, or Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand, is another formidable alternative to Printful, known for its fast production times and highly customizable products. SPOD promises that orders are printed and shipped in as little as 48 hours, making it one of the fastest POD services in the market. This makes it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want quick turnaround times and reliable delivery schedules.

SPOD offers a wide range of products that can be customized with your designs, from apparel to accessories and home decor. It integrates easily with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, allowing seamless order management. While SPOD’s product catalog may not be as extensive as Printful’s, it compensates with its speed and ease of use. Additionally, SPOD provides users with the option to upload designs to its marketplace, giving them an additional revenue stream. The platform also offers a mockup generator and a variety of print methods, including screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, and embroidery. Overall, SPOD is an excellent choice for those who prioritize fast fulfillment and good customization options.

5. Apliiq: Niche Custom Apparel and Branding

Apliiq stands out from other POD companies because of its unique focus on custom apparel with a high degree of customization. While it provides the usual t-shirts, hoodies, and other clothing items, Apliiq takes it a step further by offering niche features such as fabric-based designs, embroidery, and custom labels. This makes it an excellent choice for clothing brands that want to create distinctive, high-end apparel with a personal touch.

Apliiq's design capabilities are more extensive compared to other POD platforms, allowing users to incorporate elements like custom patches, embroidery, and fabric-based applications. This level of customization is ideal for businesses looking to create unique, boutique-style apparel. Apliiq also integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, providing a smooth transition for businesses already using these platforms. While Apliiq may not offer as broad a selection of products as Printful, its specialization in apparel and custom branding makes it a great choice for those focusing on high-quality, differentiated products.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Print-On-Demand Partner for Your Business

When considering alternatives to Printful, it’s essential to weigh various factors such as product range, customization options, fulfillment speed, pricing, and ease of integration with your eCommerce platform. Printify, Teespring (Spring), Gooten, SPOD, and Apliiq each bring unique strengths to the table, whether it's a wider product selection, faster fulfillment, social media integration, or custom branding opportunities.

The best choice depends largely on your business goals. If you're looking for variety and flexibility, Printify and Gooten are excellent options. If speed and reliability are your top priorities, SPOD might be the way to go. For those focused on social commerce, Spring’s integration with social media platforms could be invaluable. And if custom branding and apparel are your primary focus, Apliiq provides a level of customization that stands out in the market. Ultimately, choosing the right print-on-demand company will depend on your specific needs, goals, and resources.