Explore the best print-on-demand platforms to expand your e-commerce business.

In today's world of e-commerce, print-on-demand services have become an essential part of many entrepreneurs' success stories. Printful has long been one of the most popular platforms for creating custom products and dropshipping them to customers. However, there are many other sites like Printful that offer similar services, sometimes with unique features, better pricing, or different product options. In this article, we'll explore some of the best alternatives to Printful that can help you grow your online store and maximize your profits.

1. Printify - Affordable and Flexible Product Selection

Printify is one of the most well-known competitors to Printful. It offers a wide range of products, from apparel to home décor, which can be customized with your designs. One of the key selling points of Printify is its extensive network of print providers, which allows you to choose from various printing companies around the world. This not only ensures that you can find a provider that fits your needs but also helps with shipping speeds and prices.

Printify also boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to upload their designs and launch their products quickly. Moreover, the platform offers flexible pricing with options to scale as your business grows. While Printify's pricing is generally lower than Printful's, it also offers more budget-friendly print-on-demand options, which can help you maximize your margins. However, one area where Printify falls short is customer service, which has received mixed reviews compared to Printful's high-quality support system.

2. Teespring - A Platform for Creators and Entrepreneurs

Teespring, now known as Spring, is another prominent alternative to Printful. It’s a popular platform for creators and entrepreneurs who want to design and sell custom products online. Unlike Printful, Teespring provides a more integrated approach by allowing you to sell directly through the platform’s marketplace, eliminating the need to create an external e-commerce store. This can be a great advantage for new creators who don’t yet have an established customer base.

Teespring offers a variety of product options, including clothing, accessories, and home decor. It also features a built-in community that can help your products gain more visibility. One notable feature of Teespring is its built-in promotional tools that allow creators to run campaigns, manage their orders, and track sales. However, while Teespring is easy to use and has low upfront costs, the downside is that the platform takes a higher commission from sales compared to Printful, which may impact your profit margins.

3. Gooten - Streamlined Operations with Global Fulfillment

Gooten is another great alternative to Printful, offering a similar set of services for entrepreneurs who want to sell custom-designed products without dealing with inventory. What sets Gooten apart is its strong emphasis on global fulfillment, making it an excellent option for businesses targeting international customers. The platform supports a variety of products, from apparel to home goods, and works with a range of print partners around the world.

One of Gooten’s standout features is its automation tools, which can help streamline your order processing and reduce manual work. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that want to scale quickly. Gooten also offers integration with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it easy to manage your sales. However, Gooten doesn’t have as large a product catalog as some of its competitors, and the platform can be a bit harder to navigate for beginners.

4. Apliiq - Customization for Apparel Enthusiasts

If you’re specifically interested in creating unique clothing and fashion products, Apliiq is an excellent choice. Unlike other print-on-demand services, Apliiq focuses on custom apparel with intricate details, such as custom fabric applications, embroidery, and other personalized touches. This allows you to offer a higher level of creativity and differentiation in your clothing designs compared to more basic print-on-demand services.

Apliiq is particularly favored by designers who want to add a personal flair to their creations. The platform also integrates with Shopify, making it easy to add your custom designs to your e-commerce store. Another key feature is that Apliiq offers a relatively low minimum order quantity (MOQ), so you don’t have to invest in large quantities of products upfront. However, Apliiq’s product catalog is more limited compared to Printful and other platforms, which could be a drawback if you want to offer a broader range of products.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Alternative to Printful

When choosing a print-on-demand platform, it’s important to consider your specific needs and business goals. Each of the platforms mentioned—Printify, Teespring, Gooten, and Apliiq—offers unique features that cater to different types of entrepreneurs. If you're looking for affordable pricing and flexibility, Printify may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you're focused on custom apparel with creative design options, Apliiq might be the right choice.

Regardless of which platform you choose, it’s important to do thorough research and understand how each service integrates with your e-commerce store, pricing structure, and fulfillment capabilities. By considering these factors, you can find the best alternative to Printful and grow your print-on-demand business efficiently and effectively.