Print on demand stores make it easy and cheap to produce and sell customized products for individuals as well as businesses without the need to retain inventory. With print-on-demand services, sellers can create and market various products from clothes to accessories while the manufacturing and order fulfillment is done by a third-party print company.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Through POD, businesses can print products only when there is an actual order for such a service without the need to keep stocks or make large batches. POD allows entrepreneurs to establish online stores specialized in offering personalized printed products without prior production costs. This article offers a detailed analysis of the functioning of print-on-demand stores, their advantages, and tips for establishing and operating an effective POD business.
What are Print on Demand Stores?
The best print on demand stores are online shops dedicated to selling custom-printed products per order. The store owner works with a print-on-demand provider who takes care of the printing and ships products directly to customers.
Common print on demand product categories include:
- Apparel – T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats
- Home decoration – Posters, canvas prints, and pillows.
- Paper products – Notebooks, journals, stickers
- Other – Phone cases, tote bags, mugs
When a customer makes an order, the company prints out their product to specification and ships directly to him. This enables the shop owner to give customers a range of products that can be customized without worrying about production, storage, or shipping.
Advantages of Print-on-Demand Stores
Print on demand offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive e-commerce business model, including:
1. Low Startup Costs
The main advantage of print on demand is cheap startup costs. There is no need for owners of stores to invest in product inventory, printing equipment, or warehouse space. Basic startup costs include a website and graphic software if the original artwork is being designed.
2. Easy Scalability
A POD business can scale up without constraints in terms of production capacity or inventory management. As orders rise, all fulfillment is carried out by the print provider.
3. High-Profit Margin Potential
By utilizing dropshipping-like fulfillment, the POD store owners can keep a large profit margin on products sold. Owners have to pay for producing orders after their production.
4. Focus on Design and Marketing
Without the burden of production and inventory, POD entrepreneurs can direct their attention to merchandising graphic design, social media marketing SEO as well as brand building.
Starting a Print on Demand Store
Launching profitable Print-on-Demand stores involves careful planning and execution across four key areas:
1. Choose a Print on Demand Supplier
Most of the print providers offer POD services for small businesses. Compare businesses based on fundamental differences such as the choice of products, the print quality speed at which orders are delivered, integration possibilities, or cost.
Recommended providers: BlinkStore, Printify, Printful
2. Choose a Product Niche
Analyze the market demand to find out a particular product line that is specialized for your interests and capabilities. Some justifications can be clothes featuring original art, personalized phone cases, or paper products with inspirational patterns.
Read more about: Dropshipping Niches: 20+ New Opportunities with a Major Potential
3. Set Up Your Online Store
Design a brand identity and an e-commerce website to sell your products. Both BlinkStore and Shopify are commonly used to create POD sites. Make sure your store works smoothly with the print provider.
Read more about: How to Start an Online Store: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)
4. Market and Sell Your Products
Use Instagram and Pinterest to push your store. Run targeted ads. Target influencers to expand your customer base. Offer excellent customer support. Always test and redefine your products.
Top 20+ Successful Print on Demand Stores
The top print on demand stores for setting up your online store include:
1. BlinkStore
Blinkstore is a one-stop solution for individuals and businesses who want to establish online stores selling customized products, such as print-on-demand T-shirts easily. The platform assumes the role of website management, printing, and shipping in a bid to simplify the selling process for its users. Moreover, Blinkstore has an app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for people interested in opening a print-on-demand business.
Pricing: Blinkstore states that their services are free meaning this is a good deal, especially for individuals or small organizations in need of minimizing the initial cost and possible risks.
Pros:
- Easy installation and administration of online shops
- Saving potential with free service provision.
- Centralized platform integrating website management, printing, and shipping.
- Convenient launch of print-on-demand business for a dedicated app.
Cons:
- Inconsistency in printing and merchandise quality
- A lack of knowledge of printing processes and materials.
2. Printify
Printify is one of the major players in print-on-demand dropshipping, providing integration with such e-commerce sites as WooCommerce, Shopify, and Etsy. They provide more than fifteen printable product categories such as apparel, home products, office supplies, and the rest. Printify arranges fulfillment through a network of approved production partners in the United States, UK, and Europe. They provide good print quality and customer support.
Pricing: Prices start at $7.95 for t-shirts and mugs are sold at the price of 4.
Pros:
- More than 15 products such as clothing, home decor items, and accessories
- High overall print quality
- US & Europe fulfillment centers
Cons:
- Costlier than some competitors
- Fewer integrations than Printful
3. Printful
Printful is one of the most prevalent print on demand suppliers and it specializes in apparel, accessories, home goods as well as other custom-printed products. They are a major Shopify and Etsy integration partner enabling you to add various POD products to your online store. Their ability to process orders quickly, ship in the US fast and their extensive catalog of over 300 products make Printful one of our best options. They have one of the biggest apparel, accessories, and home decor selections in POD.
Pricing: T-shirts start at $9.80, and tote bags from
Pros:
- Fast US order fulfillment
- 300+ product catalog
- Shopify and Etsy integrations
Cons:
- Slightly higher base prices
4. Teespring
Teespring was the forerunner of a campaign model that offers custom-designed clothing through social media and viral marketing. Sellers can run campaigns for their designs, using products only printed once the campaign minimums are achieved. Teespring specializes in making creative apparel, and anyone can start selling tees that suit different interests or subcultures. Their base pricing is highly competitive.
Pricing: T-shirts from $9.00
Pros:
- Great niche apparel focus
- Campaign model helps viral growth
Cons:
- Very limited product selection
- Does not work well with many e-commerce platforms
5. Gearbubble
Gearbubble is an end-to-end solution, which means that it helps to start and run a print-on-demand product e-commerce business. Apart from fulfilling orders, they allow entrepreneurs to easily set up an online store, and develop design tools and integrated marketing features that enable them to quickly sell products. Gearbubble takes its priority on apparel, phone cases, bags, and mugs – the bestsellers among POD products. Their profits and product-customization capabilities were unrivaled by many peers.
Pricing: T-shirts at $6.70, mugs for 4.06
Pros:
- High overall profit margins
- Built-in e-commerce store creator
Cons:
- Shorter product list than other rivals
- Less flexibility with storefront platforms
6. Redbubble
Redbubble is one of the biggest online print on demand stores supporting independent artists. Designers can add their designs to be printed on more than 70 different types of products such as clothing and home furnishings, which are purchased by a ready-made customer base. The commission from the sales Redbubble receives on behalf of artists who would like to transform their designs into physical products includes manufacturing, shipping, and customer service. Having a user base in the millions, it’s one of the best platforms to help artists have their voices heard.
Pricing: T-shirts from $19.40
Pros:
- Massive built-in audience
- Huge variety of unique products
Cons:
- Caters toward artists rather than businessmen
- High-base product pricing
7. TeePublic
TeePublic is a community of artists who upload their t-shirt designs for printing and make some money out of royalties. TeePublic represents one of the biggest artist shirt sites that handle product manufacturing, shipping payments, and promotions allowing artists to focus on nothing but creating. Given that demand can be scaled infinitely, the earning potential is stellar as long as your designs are popular in the community. These integrations allow TeePublic to surface its artist marketplace on other platforms, as well.
Pricing: T-shirts from $20
Pros:
- Wonderful way for artists to make money from their designs
- Trending designs move high-volume
Cons:
- More narrower integrations than some PODs
- Lower margins of running your shop
8. Zazzle
Zazzle is a product marketplace with millions to choose from, including apparel and electronics that can be customized using images/ text, or designs. They have manufacturing partners all over the world and hence they provide extreme flexibility when it comes to merchandise as well as fulfillment capabilities. Proprietary online design editors available with Zazzle provide ease to customers as they can customize their products before ordering. The marketplace model makes it possible for several designers or brands to sell their products on the same platform, whereby they receive a royalty.
Pricing: T-shirts from $23.95
Pros:
- Extremely vast product selection
- Online design editing tools
Cons:
- Base pricing on the high side
- Is consumer-driven rather than business-oriented
9. CafePress
CafePress is one of the Internet’s original print on demand stores and, at over 20 years old. Their manufacturing and fulfillment network allows consumers to create custom products ranging from T-shirts, drinkware, and home goods among other stuff. CafePress has one of the industry’s largest on-demand product catalogs. Although the platform is more tailored for consumers rather than businesses, it provides user-generated content and merchandise creators with royalties from items that use their designs.
Pricing: T-shirts from $24.50
Pros:
- A recognizable, established brand
- Huge assortment of unique products
Cons:
- Less flexibility with storefronts
- Higher product pricing than competitors
10. CustomCat
CustomCat is one of the industry leaders in custom-branded apparel uniforms and promo products that are suitable for corporate events, trade shows, or company stores. They specialize in applying company logos, event photographs, or branded designs to top-quality garments hats, bags, and a lot more with quick US shipping. CustomCat offers some of the best services, print quality, and delivery speed for anyone requiring custom embroidery or screen printing in bulk or on demand.
Pricing: T-shirts from $9.36
Pros:
- Designed for custom-branded swag items.
- Fast US fulfillment
Cons:
- Smaller product selection
- Far fewer e-commerce integrations than many PODs
11. PrintAura
This print-on-demand dropshipper is known for quality printing and competitive base prices of apparel, as well as other types of merchandise. Combining with online stores such as Shopify makes PrintAura a suitable choice for e-commerce entrepreneurs having t-shirts and accessories that are full of custom design. The company PrintAura has now earned a reputation for delivering an affordable yet efficient partner for anybody who is starting with the POD merchandise brand. Their US facilities and their production standards enable them to ship quickly without compromising on profit margins.
Pricing: T-shirts from $10.11
Pros:
- Among the lowest base prices
- Fast US order processing
Cons:
- Smaller product line than that of leaders
12. Scalable Press
Scalable Press is one of many leading print-on-demand apparel and merchandise fulfillment provider popular among fashion brands and designers looking for high-quality fabrication. Whether planning to create a new clothing line or supplement the supply of original goods, Scalable Press allows brands to design produce, and sell small batch orders for custom apparel with quick delivery. They specialize in high-quality fabrication and printing that meets standards known by the fashion brands this is needed for building credibility.
Pricing: T-shirts from $12
Pros:
- Specializes in high-quality fabrics
- Great for building apparel brand
Cons:
- Limited product selection
- Pricing is higher than some competitors
13. SPOD
SPOD, which is a short-run platform for print on demand has also joined the field as an upstart with lower basic pricing among some of the best aesthetic quality in apparel-focused printing and order fulfillment. Integrations with platforms such as Shopify make SPOD an affordable choice for entrepreneurs who want to play around with the idea of selling customizable t-shirts and other merchandise in their online stores. Their emphasis on low costs and efficient operations sets them in a position to achieve good margins. With the growth in their capabilities, SPOD seeks to dethrone incumbent POD services.
Pricing: T-shirts from $7.82
Pros:
- Lower base prices
- Fast shipping times
Cons:
- Limited product catalog
- less designer tools than some PODs
14. Teelaunch
Teelaunch is an easy-to-use platform from where one can design and sell custom apparel anywhere in the world. Their simplified online page creator does not need coding knowledge to start a Teelaunch-powered site that sells printed clothing in different styles. A large variety of design creation tools and structured pricing plans ensures that getting a niche t-shirt brand off the ground is possible for entrepreneurs at all levels. To people seeking a managed path of merchandise generating and selling Teelaunch eliminates the usual complications.
Pricing: T-shirts from $12
Pros:
- Makes it very easy to start apparel brands.
- Decent print quality
Cons:
- Pricier than average
- Smaller product offering
15. Gooten
Gooten is one of a type of print on demand stores through which e-commerce businesses can create and sell customized goods. They provide different types of products like apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. Gooten offers order processing, manufacturing, and worldwide shipping services; these help businesses concentrate on the development of design concepts as well as marketing.
Pricing: T-shirts from $14
Pros:
- Ideal for building branded products
- High print quality standards
Cons:
- Slightly higher base pricing
- Larger than many minor POD catalogs
16. Jet Print Fulfillment
Jet Print Fulfillment is the print on demand and fulfillment company that specializes in custom-designed apparel, accessories as well as promotional products. They provide integration with popular e-commerce platforms, automated order fulfillment as well as guaranteed shipping services that help businesses optimize their operations and ensure quality products are delivered to clients.
Pricing: T-shirts from $10
Pros:
- Competitive Pricing
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Smaller than leading suppliers
- Fewer product personalization options
17. Print Monster
Print Monster is a type of print on demand stores that provides an array of products which the customer. They aim to offer superior printing and manufacturing operations, as well as effective order processing and delivery systems for online businesses seeking custom products.
Pricing: N/A
Pros:
- Made in USA manufacturing
- Curated designer collection
Cons:
- Primarily a POD intermediary
- Less integrated than fully integrated providers
18. Inkthreadable
Inkthreadable is a print-on-demand apparel company focusing more on ethical, sustainable manufacture. Based in the UK, they have a product catalog that is relatively small but of high quality and targets environmentally conscious brands.
Pricing: T-shirts from $14.58
Pros:
- Specializes in sustainable/ethical apparel production
- Carbon neutral fulfillment
- Organic cotton options
- Good print quality
Cons:
- Currently limited to apparel
- More costly base rates than some rivals
- Limited product range compared to leading PODs
19. Printed Mint
Printed Mint is a print on demand dropshipping platform that supplies creative entrepreneurs and designers. They provide POD products like stationery, home decor, and gift items served alongside value-added services such as white label branding and customized packaging to help businesses build their brands online.
Pricing: T-shirts starting at $8.10
Pros:
- Fast US shipping
- Competitive Pricing
- Good variety of product types
- WooCommerce integration
Cons:
- Smaller product catalog in comparison to leaders of the POD space.
- Fewer design and branding features
20. Monster Digital
Monster Digital is one of a type of print on demand stores and fulfillment company that specializes in personalized products such as apparel, home decor pieces; and accessories featured. They offer a user-friendly interface, connection to eCommerce applications, and efficient print on demand service for an effective launching of one‘s store.
Pricing: Phone cases from $12.79
Pros:
- Specializes only in custom phone cases
- Variety of cases and models.
- Capacity to stand out in the developing phone case niche
Cons:
- At present, confined to phone cases only
- Slightly more expensive than other apparel-oriented PODs
21. Tlaunch
Tlaunch aims at strategically empowering entrepreneurs to create and launch their brands as custom apparel through simple intuitive design tools while handling manufacturing and shipping. Tlaunch’s end-to-end solution that easily takes care of technical challenges makes it possible for everybody to start their line of clothing about causes, hobbies, or other interests. Their skills are applied primarily to establish recognizable brands, and not just selling products where they have features for truly making a person’s apparel unique.
Pricing: T-shirts from $7.61
Pros:
- Robust branding features
- Made in USA focus
Cons:
- Apparel only at this time
- Less flexibility with storefronts
Create Your Online Store Using Blinkstore Today
Do you want to turn all your designs into a booming print-on-demand business? Get started with Blinkstore!
It is very easy to launch a fully customizable product store made possible by Blinkstore – with no inventory demand. Create your designs and we will have them printed on the demand when you start selling.
Blinkstore is a Print-on-Demand dropshipping service with free plans allowing an individual to start an online clothing store without any large upfront costs.
Let’s create an online store with Blinksore:
- For registration, go to the Blinkstore or click seller.blinkstore.in and sign up with your Google account.
- After logging in, click on the “create+” and then select “New Store.”
- Name your shop, because it will also be a subdomain for You.
- Your store is ready! It can now be customized and also branded.
- Click the “Add/Edit New Product” in the left panel to create a new design.
- You can select the cloth type and then upload the design, adjusting details such as placement and color.
- Publish your clothes after adding a heading, a description, and the profit margin to the right. Secondly, Shipping costs are also part of the T-shirt’s base price.
- You can now pocket your gain.
Whether you want to sell t-shirts, phone cases, tote bags, or more, we make the process easy.
Create customized designs with mockey.ai for the products you want to sell online including t-shirts, phone cases, tote bags, and more.
Benefits of Creating an Online Store with Blinkstore
1. Design Products Online: We offer different products such as apparel, phone cases, mugs and so on that you can use your art or brand to personalize with. Our designer is drag-and-drop friendly.
2. No Upfront Costs: By using our print-on-demand model, there is no initial investment in the product inventory. We manufacture every order on demand after a customer’s purchase.
3. Hassle-Free Shipping: We take care of the printing, processing, and packing of your orders to ship them all over the world you so can concentrate on developing our store.
4. Built-in Marketing Tools: Use our marketing tools like coupons, product recommendations as well as social media integrations to achieve high sales results.
Blinkstore powers more than 10,000+ sellers. Register today and convert your passion into a successful customizable product business!
Conclusion
The print on demand stores provide an effective way of making and selling customized merchandise for individuals as well as businesses, without the need to worry about storage. However, as a side hustle or full-time business on these platforms quality of output and cost are paramount to success. It is possible, through a suitable approach and individual needs, to realize that the pod stores are channels for releasing creativity which can also lead in sales generation.
FAQs: Best Print-on-Demand Stores
What are print on demand stores?
Print-on-demand stores are websites where designers, artists, and entrepreneurs can create products to their specifications without holding any stock. The manufacturing and movements of the products are done only when an order is placed, therefore with no initial money spent on stocks.
How do print on demand stores operate?
Print-on-demand stores operate by connecting them with a printing and fulfillment partner that produces items as orders come in. When a client buys a bespoke product from the shop, there is automatic transmission of the order directly to the printing partner who then prints and delivers it for direct delivery at that customer’s doorstep.
Which are the best print on demand stores?
The top-rated print-on-demand stores provide a simple user interface, and quality printing and manufacturing services the range of customizable products offered is competitive in price they also ensure fast shipping with good customer service. The most widely used print on demand platforms are Printful, Printify, and Teespring.
Can I create free print on demand stores?
Yes, various print on demand platforms allow an establishment with no costs to open stores. Then note that additional fees may be charged for premium features, which can include branded packaging, custom labels, or advanced store personalization.
What do successful print on demand stores look like?
Some print on demand services stores have become popular because of the unique and quality designs they provide as well as their marketing techniques. Some of the best print on demand store examples include: Blinkstore, Redbubble, Society6, and Threadless, which have created communities around creativity.
How do I open a print on demand online store?
You may begin by conducting research and selecting a print on demand platform that suits your product range as well as the goals with which you plan to start. Next, you can design and personalize your store upload designs into the system, and advertise your products by marketing on various social media.
What are the major factors that one should consider while selecting the top print on demand stores?
To choose the right print on demand stores, it is necessary to consider such things as the variety of product catalogs and their printing quality, price policy concerning shipping costs availability through e-commerce platforms customer support essence of user interface.
Can I use more than one print on demand stores?
Yes, using various print on demand stores allows you to vary your product range and appeal to different customer bases. Each platform must fit perfectly into your e-commerce activities and offer a high-quality variety of products that are needed by the organization.
What are the benefits of using print on demand stores?
The lack of initial investments and risks associated with starting a business is one of the key benefits when using print on demand stores. Furthermore, the print on demand facilitates quick prototyping and market validation while offering the opportunity to sell custom-design products without the stress of holding inventory.
How do I promote my print on demand store?
In promoting your print on demand store, explore the role of social media, and develop influential marketing partners such as influencers and friends. One of the ways to attract potential consumers is by posting high-quality and attractive product images with detailed descriptions.
What can I sell on the print on demand stores?
Most print on demand stores provide a variety of personalized items, such as clothes, accessories, and home decorations Phone cases are included. Specific product offerings depend on the print on demand platform you decide to go with.
Can I determine my prices in a POD store?
Yes, most print-on-demand stores give you the ability to set your profit margins according to how much higher than base cost of each product is. This functionality allows you to set prices at competitive levels and still reach your target profit level.
How does customer service play a role in Print on Demand stores?
In print on demand stores customer service is one of the most crucial aspects as it relates directly to people’s satisfaction and their loyalty. Being responsive and supportive of customer service to help resolve issues including order queries, and returns facilitated by good relationships with buyers.
How crucial is the quality of design in the print on demand stores?
Product design is the most important aspect of any pod stores since it determines how products look and whether or not they will be attractive for customers. Achieving original and eye-catching designs can help you stand out from the competition, giving customers who value individuality and artistry a place to shop.
Is it possible for me to merge any print on demand stores with my current website?
Various print on demand platforms integrate with your Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy store so it is easy to combine them into one whole. This integration may simplify operations and improve the overall product packages.