10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print-on-Demand Service

Picking the right print-on-demand (POD) service is crucial for your business success. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Product Quality: Affects customer satisfaction and brand reputation
2. Product Range: More options can attract more customers
3. Pricing: Balance between competitiveness and profitability
4. Printing Methods: Match technique to your designs (DTG, screen printing, sublimation)
5. Shipping and Delivery: Speed and reliability matter
6. Software Connections: Easy integration with e-commerce platforms
7. Customer Help: Good support can save you headaches
8. Brand Customization: Personalize products and packaging
9. Production Speed: Faster turnaround = happier customers
10. Company Track Record: Past performance indicates future reliability

Quick Comparison:

Factor	Printful	Printify	SPOD	CustomCat
Quality	High	Good	Good	Good
Product Range	300+	850+	200+	550+
Pricing	Higher	Competitive	Competitive	Low
Production Time	2-5 days	2-7 days	48 hours	2-3 days
Shipping	Global	Global	US/EU focus	US focus
Integration	Extensive	Extensive	Good	Good
Branding	Excellent	Good	Basic	White label

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Test different services, order samples, and pick the one that fits your specific needs and business goals.

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1. Product Quality

Product quality can make or break your print-on-demand business. It’s about looks, feel, durability, and customer satisfaction.

Here’s what matters:

• Print Clarity: Sharp designs, vibrant colors.
• Material Feel: Comfortable, high-quality fabrics and materials.
• Durability: Products that last through regular use.

Top POD services offer:

Company	Quality Highlights	Customer Rating
Printify	Extensive product testing	Not specified
Merchize	Best print quality at competitive prices	4.3 stars
EPROLO	Wide inventory, emphasis on quality	4.9 stars
Amazon POD	High-quality standards, robust quality assurance	Not specified

Don’t just trust their claims. Do this:

1. Order samples and test them yourself.
2. Read customer reviews for quality issues.
3. Check if printed designs match your digital files.

Quality can vary. Even Amazon allows a 1/8" (3.2mm) variance in printing quality.

"Amazon POD ensures high-quality standards, boosting customer satisfaction." – Qikink

But it’s not always perfect:

• KDP Print: Some binding issues and lower contrast images.
• IngramSpark: Generally good quality with a premium feel.
• Blurb: Better color accuracy and print contrast.

Bottom line? Quality is key, but it’s not always consistent. Monitor your products, listen to customers, and be ready to switch providers if needed.

2. Product Range

A good product range can make or break your print-on-demand (POD) business. It’s not just about having lots of options. It’s about having the RIGHT options for your market.

POD services offer tons of customizable products. Here’s a quick look:

Category	Examples
Apparel	T-shirts, hoodies, leggings
Accessories	Phone cases, tote bags, jewelry
Home Decor	Posters, cushions, mugs
Stationery	Notebooks, calendars, greeting cards
Pet Products	Pet beds, bandanas

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about variety. Quality and market demand matter too.

Take Printify, for example. They offer over 850 customizable products. That’s a LOT. But more isn’t always better. You need to pick products that:

1. Fit your brand
2. People actually want
3. Make you money

Let’s break it down:

Apparel: T-shirts and hoodies are POD classics. Why? They’re versatile and always in demand. In fact, unisex t-shirts are top sellers in the POD world.

Accessories: Phone cases are hot. They’re cheap to make and easy to customize. Tote bags are also trending – searches are at a five-year high.

Home Decor: Mugs are a POD staple. They’re useful, easy to customize, and make great gifts.

Niche Products: Don’t ignore specialized items. For example, the baby clothes market hit $42.51 billion in 2023. If that’s your niche, custom baby bodysuits could be a goldmine.

Remember: it’s not about having EVERY product. It’s about having the RIGHT products for YOUR business.

3. Pricing

Let’s talk money. Pricing can make or break your print-on-demand (POD) business. It’s not just about finding the cheapest option – you need to balance quality and profit margins.

Here’s a quick look at some popular POD services and their pricing:

Service	Clothing	Accessories	Home & Living	Shipping
Yoycol	$2.50 – $22.70	$2.40 – $18.10	$2 – $16.60	From $6.80
EPROLO	$5.09 – $23.67	$2.07 – $24.52	$2.64 – $27.73	From $5
Printify	$6.55 – $53.85	$2.07 – $45.79	$1.39 – $80.75	From $3.50
SPOD	$6.71 – $23.73	$3.49 – $16.36	$2.13 – $14.78	From $4.50

But here’s the thing: base prices aren’t the whole story. You’ve got to consider:

1. Shipping costs

These can eat your profits. EPROLO offers free shipping on many custom products – that could save you big.

2. Subscription fees

Most POD services are free, but some have paid plans with perks. Printify’s Premium plan? $24.99/month, but you get up to $20 off all products.

3. Custom branding

Want your logo on the product? That’ll cost you. Yoycol charges $1 per product for custom branding.

4. Volume discounts

Some services reward high-volume sellers. Yoycol gives 2-5% monthly discounts if you hit certain sales thresholds.

5. Hidden costs

Don’t forget marketplace fees. Selling on Etsy? That’s a $0.20 listing fee per product, plus platform and payment processing fees.

The takeaway? Don’t just look at the base price. Do the math on your total costs and potential profit margins.

And here’s the kicker: starting a POD business can be cheap, but it’s not free. You might need some cash or a credit card to cover initial product and fulfillment costs.

4. Printing Methods

Let’s dive into the main printing methods for print-on-demand products:

Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

DTG sprays ink directly onto fabric. It’s ideal for:

• One-offs
• Detailed designs
• Quick turnarounds

But it can struggle with dark fabrics.

Screen Printing

This method pushes ink through a mesh screen. It’s great for:

• Large orders (100+)
• Simple designs
• Vibrant, long-lasting prints

The catch? It’s expensive for small batches.

Sublimation

Heat transfers dye onto fabric. It works well for:

• All-over prints
• Polyester garments
• Fade-resistant designs

But it’s limited to light-colored synthetic fabrics.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Best For	Small Order Cost	Large Order Cost	Quality
DTG	Detailed, one-offs	Low	High	Good
Screen Printing	Simple, bulk	High	Low	Excellent
Sublimation	All-over, polyester	Medium	Medium	Excellent

Which one’s right for you?

It depends on your products and market. Selling custom tees with complex designs? Go DTG. Planning simple logo tees in bulk? Screen printing might save you money.

Some services specialize in certain methods. Printful is known for quality DTG, while SPOD offers both DTG and thermal sublimation.

The right method can boost your product quality and profits. Choose carefully!

5. Shipping and Delivery

Shipping can make or break your print-on-demand business. Here’s what you need to know:

Speed: The Name of the Game

Different companies, different speeds:

Company	Production Time	Standard US Shipping
Printful	2-5 days	3-4 days
SPOD	48 hours (95% of orders)	2-5 days
Printify	2-3 days (local)	Varies
Apliiq	Up to 7 days	Varies

SPOD’s the speed demon here, shipping 95% of orders in just 48 hours.

Going Global

Some services shine internationally:

Printful has worldwide fulfillment centers, Gelato produces in 32 countries, and Printify uses a global network of print providers.

This global reach? It can slash shipping times and costs for international customers.

What About the Cost?

US shipping prices vary:

Company	Starting Price (US)
Printful	$3.99
SPOD	$3.65
Apliiq	Free (orders over $100)

Some offer flat-rate or discounted shipping for multiple items. Gooten, for example, gives discounts for additional items in the same order.

Branding: The Extra Mile

Printful doesn’t just ship. They offer:

• Personalized packing slips
• Branded tracking pages

It’s all about keeping your brand front and center.

Picking Your Service

When choosing, consider:

1. How fast they produce
2. Shipping times to your main markets
3. Costs for typical orders
4. International shipping options
5. Branding possibilities

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6. Software Connections

Choosing the right print-on-demand service isn’t just about products. It’s about how well it plays with your other tools.

E-commerce Platform Integration

Most services connect with popular platforms:

Platform	Top Integrations
Shopify	Printful, Printify, Gooten, SPOD, CustomCat
WooCommerce	Printful, Customily
Etsy	Printful

Shopify’s a standout. Its app store is packed with print-on-demand options.

Beyond Basic Integration

Some services go the extra mile:

• Customily: Lets customers tweak designs on Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
• Flying Upload: Manages listings across Amazon, Redbubble, and Zazzle.

These tools can be game-changers. Customily starts at $49/month, Flying Upload at $9.95/month.

Social Selling and APIs

Don’t overlook social commerce or API access. Some services let you sell directly on Facebook and Instagram. For the tech-savvy, API access opens up custom integration possibilities.

When picking a service, consider:

1. Platform compatibility
2. Automation tools
3. Social media selling options
4. API availability

Choose a service that fits your current needs AND future plans. The right connections can streamline your workflow and fuel growth.

7. Customer Help

Good customer support can make or break your print-on-demand experience. Here’s what to look for:

Quick Responses

Fast help means less stress. Printful aims to respond in under 2 hours, beating the industry’s 15-hour average.

Multiple Support Channels

Look for services offering various ways to get help:

Channel	Examples
Email	Printful, Gooten
Chat	Printful, Gelato
Phone	Some providers
Social Media	Printful

24/7 Availability

For online stores, round-the-clock support is key. Gelato and Gearment offer this.

Helpful Solutions

Speed isn’t everything. You need real answers. Gooten stands out here with strong service and carefully chosen printing partners.

Self-Help Options

Good services offer more than direct support. Printful has over 100 help articles for quick fixes.

Extra Flexibility

Some providers go further. Printed Mint allows cancellations within 2 hours.

"Printful is a customer service company. They treat me like family and want a long-term business relationship." – Printful Customer

8. Brand Customization

Want to stand out in the print-on-demand market? Brand customization is key. Here’s how to make your products truly yours:

Product Personalization

Most print-on-demand services let you slap your logo and designs on tons of items:

Service	Customizable Products	Special Features
Printful	300+ items	Personalized tracking pages
CustomCat	Apparel, accessories, home goods	White label branding
Merch by Amazon	T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts	Customizable storefronts

Packaging and Labels

Boost that unboxing experience:

• Printful: Custom packaging for $0.50 picking fee
• Add your logo to packing slips
• Throw in personalized messages or promos

Make your clothes look pro:

• Printful’s inside labels: $0.99 each
• Printful’s outside labels: $2.49 each
• CustomCat: Logo on packaging and labels

Beyond Products

Spread your brand:

• Customize order tracking pages (Printful)
• Use your own return address
• Add social media handles to packing slips

Budget-Friendly Options

Don’t break the bank:

• Printify: $0.15 for personalized inserts
• CustomCat: Free white label options

Pick a service with solid brand customization. It’ll give your customers a smooth ride from purchase to delivery.

"Printful serves as more than just a fulfillment partner; it acts as an extension of your brand." – Katherine Haan, Author

9. Production Speed

Production speed can make or break your print-on-demand business. It’s all about how fast orders get made and shipped out.

Here’s a quick look at some top players:

Company	Production Time
SPOD	48 hours
Printful	2-5 business days
Printify	2-7 business days
JetPrint	3 days
CustomCat	2-3 business days
T-Pop	2-4 days

SPOD’s the speed king, shipping 95% of orders within 48 hours. That’s FAST.

Printful’s not far behind. Half their orders are ready in under 3 days. Their worldwide fulfillment centers help cut shipping times too.

But speed isn’t everything. JetPrint offers 3-day production and 7-day global express delivery. Not bad for international sellers.

Pro tip: Look for providers that keep you informed. CustomCat and Dreamship update production times weekly. No surprises there.

"Printify stands out with speed, selection and scale." – Katherine Haan, Small Business Owner

Before you pick a provider:

• Print test files on different materials
• Create a test image with your quality must-haves
• Ask for samples to check quality and speed

10. Company Track Record

When choosing a print-on-demand service, other users’ experiences can be gold. Here’s what to look for:

User Reviews: Print Aura shines in customer service. One user said, "Their communication system with help has been regarded as the top tier throughout the years."

Shipping Speed: CustomCat ships most orders in 2-3 days. That’s fast.

Quality Consistency: Gooten, a Shopify Certified App Partner, keeps quality high.

Fulfillment Efficiency: SPOD claims 95% of orders ship within 48 hours. Quick.

Product Range: Merchize offers over 150 products and updates often.

Here’s a quick look at production times:

Company	Production Time
Printful	2-7 days
Printify	2-7 days
Merchize	4-7 days
SPOD	3-8 days

A good track record? It’s not just speed. It’s quality, service, and happy customers.

"To supplement our expertise-based insights, we considered verified customer reviews. These help to broaden the perspective by factoring in experiences from other users." – Katherine Haan, small business owner

Pro tip: Test before you commit. Many companies offer samples. Merchize gives new users a 20% discount on a sample product.

Conclusion

Picking the right print-on-demand service can make or break your online business. Here’s what matters:

1. Product Quality

Your reputation depends on it. Don’t skimp here.

2. Product Range

More options = more customers.

3. Pricing

Find the sweet spot between competitive and profitable.

4. Printing Methods

Match the technique to your designs.

5. Shipping and Delivery

Fast and reliable keeps customers happy.

6. Software Connections

Easy integration saves you headaches.

7. Customer Help

Good support is a lifesaver.

8. Brand Customization

Your logo on packaging? That’s next-level branding.

9. Production Speed

Faster turnaround = happier customers.

10. Company Track Record

Past performance hints at future reliability.

Your needs matter most. Take book printing costs:

Book Type (1 copy)	Lulu & Lulu Direct	KDP	IngramSpark
6 x 9 (Paperback)	$4.11	$2.30	$2.68
6 x 9 (Hardcover)	$12.07	$6.80	$6.98

KDP’s the cheapest, but don’t forget quality and other perks.

Just starting? Try Sellfy at $19/month. Got a website? Gelato’s local fulfillment might be your jam.

"The best print-on-demand service fits YOUR business and sales strategy."

There’s no magic bullet. Do your homework. Test services. Many offer samples or trials. Use ’em before you commit.

FAQs

What is the best print-on-demand site in 2024?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a quick look at some top platforms:

Platform	Strength
Printful	White labeling
Printify	Fast shipping
Gelato	Global reach
Redbubble	Artist community
Society6	Unique products
Amazon Merch	Amazon integration

Your best choice? It depends on what you need.

What is the best site for print-on-demand?

"Best" is subjective. Some top players include:

• Printful
• Printify
• Gooten
• Apliiq
• Gelato
• SPOD
• Teelaunch
• CustomCat

Each has its own perks. Try a few to see what works for you.

Which is the best print-on-demand platform?

It all comes down to your goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Printful: Great for brand-focused businesses
• Printify: Fast shipping is their thing
• Gelato: Go global (32 countries, 130 facilities)
• Redbubble: Ready-made artist community
• Society6: Niche, artistic products
• Amazon Merch: Tap into Amazon’s huge customer base

Pick the one that aligns with your needs.

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