Explore the Best Print-on-Demand Platforms to Start Your Custom Merchandise Business

In recent years, the print-on-demand (POD) business model has gained immense popularity among entrepreneurs and creators looking to sell custom products without the need to hold inventory. By partnering with POD providers, anyone can design and sell items like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more, all without upfront costs or the hassle of managing production. But with so many providers out there, it can be challenging to find the right one for your needs. This article will explore some of the best POD providers available today, their features, pricing, and what sets them apart from one another.

What is Print-on-Demand and How Does it Work?

Print-on-demand (POD) is a fulfillment method where products are printed, packed, and shipped only after a customer places an order. This eliminates the need for businesses to pre-order bulk inventory or worry about warehousing. POD services typically offer a range of products like apparel, accessories, and home goods, which can be customized with unique designs. When an order is made, the POD provider handles everything from printing the design on the product to shipping it to the customer.

This model is particularly attractive for entrepreneurs because it requires little upfront investment. You don’t have to pay for production or worry about unsold stock, making it a low-risk, high-reward way to start a business. Moreover, it offers creators a chance to bring their designs to market without the complexities of managing inventory or manufacturing.

Top Print-on-Demand Providers

There are many POD providers out there, each with its strengths, weaknesses, and specialties. Below are some of the most popular and reliable platforms to consider:

1. Printful

Printful is one of the most well-known and trusted POD providers. It offers a vast selection of customizable products, including clothing, posters, accessories, and even home decor. With Printful, users can easily integrate with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it a versatile choice for online store owners.

One of the key features of Printful is its high-quality print options, including embroidery and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. The platform also offers warehousing and fulfillment services, allowing users to store products and ship them globally. However, Printful does not offer the lowest product pricing, which can affect your profit margins.

2. Printify

Printify is another popular POD provider with a wide variety of customizable products. What sets Printify apart is its global network of print providers. This allows users to choose production partners from different countries, potentially reducing shipping costs and times. Printify also boasts a user-friendly interface and integrations with major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.

Printify's pricing is typically lower than Printful's, which makes it a great option for businesses looking to maximize their profit margins. However, since Printify works with third-party suppliers, the quality control may not always be as consistent as that of other providers. Nevertheless, Printify offers a great range of products and flexible pricing structures, making it a solid choice for most POD businesses.

3. Teespring (Spring)

Teespring, now rebranded as Spring, is a user-friendly POD platform that is primarily focused on custom apparel. It enables creators to design and sell t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and other products with ease. Spring integrates with popular social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, allowing creators to promote and sell products directly through their social channels.

Spring’s most attractive feature is its zero upfront cost model, which allows creators to design, promote, and sell products without any financial investment. However, its product selection is more limited compared to other POD platforms, and its customization options may not be as diverse. Despite this, Teespring remains a great option for influencers and social media creators looking to monetize their audience quickly.

4. Gooten

Gooten is a POD provider that prides itself on being a reliable, flexible fulfillment partner. It offers a wide range of products and integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. Gooten stands out because it offers a relatively simple and straightforward platform with an emphasis on automation and scalability.

What makes Gooten unique is its focus on providing a fully customizable platform for larger businesses. It also has a strong reputation for product quality and customer support. The only downside is that Gooten doesn’t have as many design tools and templates as some of the other providers, so it may not be the best option for those who are looking for advanced customization options.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print-on-Demand Provider

Choosing the right POD provider is essential to the success of your business. While many platforms offer similar features, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you’re picking the best one for your needs:


Product Selection: Does the platform offer the types of products you want to sell? Some providers specialize in apparel, while others focus on accessories, home decor, or even stationery.
Pricing: How competitive are the prices for the products and shipping? Ensure the pricing structure allows you to make a profit while remaining competitive in your market.
Quality Control: Look for providers that offer high-quality printing and materials. The quality of your products will directly affect your brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
Ease of Use: How user-friendly is the platform? A smooth design and order management process can save you time and reduce headaches as your business grows.
Integration: Does the provider integrate easily with the e-commerce platform you plan to use? Seamless integration ensures your business can operate smoothly without technical challenges.
Customer Support: Prompt and helpful customer service is vital, especially if you encounter any issues with orders or shipping. Ensure your chosen provider has good support channels in place.


How to Get Started with Print-on-Demand

Once you've chosen your POD provider, the next step is to get your store up and running. Here's a brief outline of the steps to start your print-on-demand business:


Choose Your Niche: Focus on a specific niche or audience for your products. Whether it’s custom pet apparel, motivational quotes on mugs, or sports-themed accessories, having a niche will help you stand out in a crowded market.
Create Your Designs: Use design tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop to create unique and attractive designs. Ensure your designs are high-quality and tailored to your target audience.
Set Up Your E-commerce Store: Choose an e-commerce platform like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce, and integrate it with your POD provider. This will allow you to easily manage products, orders, and payments.
Market Your Products: Use social media platforms, influencer marketing, and paid ads to promote your custom merchandise. Building a strong brand presence will help attract customers and drive sales.
Analyze and Improve: Track your sales, customer feedback, and performance metrics. Continuously improve your designs, marketing efforts, and customer service to grow your business.


Starting a print-on-demand business can be both exciting and rewarding, but it’s important to choose the right platform for your needs. By evaluating the features, pricing, and product selection of different providers, you can set yourself up for success and create a thriving online store.