What Is Print On Demand (POD)? Top 10 Print On Demand Companies

Have you ever wanted to start your own business without the hassle of managing inventory or shipping? Look no further than starting a print on demand (POD) service.

These innovative companies are changing the game for entrepreneurs by offering a seamless way to create and sell custom products online.

In this article, we’ll explore what print on demand (POD) is, how it works, and introduce you to the top 10 companies that offer this service.

So, if you’re ready to turn your creativity into a thriving business, keep reading to learn more about print on demand and how you can get started today.

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Table of Contents

What Is Print On Demand (POD)?

Print on demand (POD) is a revolutionary business model that has transformed the world of printing and publishing.

In simple terms, this model refers to a printing process where products are created as they are ordered, eliminating the need for a large upfront inventory.

With print on demand (POD), individuals and businesses can design and create custom products such as books, t-shirts, mugs, and more without the need for costly production runs or storage space.

This innovative approach allows creators to focus on their designs and ideas while leaving the manufacturing and fulfillment processes to specialized POD companies.

How Does Print On Demand Work And Is It Free?

Print on demand (POD) services offer a multitude of possibilities for entrepreneurs, and business owners.

Imagine being able to start your own e-commerce business right from the comfort of your home.

Or envision launching a print-on-demand clothing line without any initial capital investment.

Additionally, you can tap into the power of monetizing your social media audience to generate income streams.

Furthermore, if you wish to expand your existing business by introducing new product lines and reaching a wider customer base.

Now you can.

Print on demand companies are a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs in the world of e-commerce. With this model, you can have an online store without owning physical inventory.

The booming popularity of e-commerce has opened up new avenues for making money online, and print on demand is leading the way.

Unlike traditional e-commerce stores that require hefty upfront costs to create and maintain, print on demand eliminates these expenses by taking care of inventory management and shipping logistics for you.

Say goodbye to those financial barriers and hello to a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to running your own online store.

Most print on demand (POD) companies charge no fees to become a seller. You earn a commission based on sales, and each company offers different percentage brackets.

It’s a smart way to maximize profits while minimizing overhead costs.

As a seller, you create your designs and artwork. Then you upload your designs, choose the products you want to sell (such as t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases), and set your prices.

When a customer places an order for one of your custom products, the print on demand platform takes care of the printing and shipping.

They handle all aspects of production and shipping directly to the customer’s doorstep. This means there are no upfront costs or inventory management required by you.

While setting up a print on demand store and listing products may not require any initial costs, there may be fees associated with each sale.

These fees cover production costs, shipping expenses for using the services provided by the print-on-demand company.

The Benefits Of Using Print On Demand

Still unsure about starting a print on demand business, here are a few reasons why it is a good choice.

There are numerous benefits to utilizing print on demand services:

1. Customization

Print on demand (POD) allows you to create unique, eye-catching designs that resonate with your target audience.

This level of customization helps your business stand out from the competition and build stronger brand loyalty.

From a t-shirt with a specific design or a mug with a personalized message, you can easily fulfill your customer’s requests.

This level of customization can help attract more customers and increase sales.

2. Inventory

Print on demand (POD) eliminates the need for large upfront investments in inventory.

With traditional printing methods, you would have to order many products upfront and store them until they are sold.

This can be costly and risky, as you may end up with excess inventory that doesn’t sell.

With print on demand (POD), items are only printed as orders come in, reducing wastage and minimizing storage costs.

This not only saves you money but also ensures that you can respond quickly to market trends and customer demands.

3. Cost-effective

By not having to spend upfront costs on pre-printed inventory and associated expenses such as warehousing to store the inventory, production, and shipping, you can significantly reduce your business’s operational costs.

This means you don’t have to worry about printing, packaging, or shipping products yourself.

Since print on demand (POD) companies take care of all these tasks, you can focus on other aspects of your business, such as marketing.

4. Scalability

As your business grows, you can easily scale up production without worrying about capacity constraints or excessive overheads.

Whether it’s a small or large order, print on demand (POD) companies accommodate varying levels of demand seamlessly.

5. Independent Authors

Print on demand (POD) has opened up opportunities for independent authors and artists to self-publish their work without the need for traditional publishing houses.

You can easily upload your manuscripts or artwork and have books or prints produced as orders come in.

6. Flexibility

Last but not least, print on demand (POD) companies allow for more flexibility in terms of product ideas.

With this approach, you can easily add or remove products based on the current demands and preferences of your audience.

Unlike traditional methods, which often make it difficult to accurately determine profitability and expected sales for a particular design. Print on demand (POD) allows you to adapt quickly and stay ahead of trends.

This not only saves you from potential losses but also ensures you are providing products your customers want.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Print On Demand Company

1. Quality of products produced

First and foremost, the quality of the products should be at the top of your list. The quality of the products produced by the print on demand company will directly reflect on your brand and reputation.

Look for companies that have a strong track record of delivering high-quality prints and products. To ensure the quality of the items, place orders for a variety of products from your top 3 companies.

This hands-on approach allows you to personally assess the materials used and their durability.

Examine the design print, any signs of designs rubbing off or fading after washing, and even assess potential shrinkage.

You can then confidently make informed decisions about which company best meets your standards. Knowing the quality of the products, your judgment is more reliable than seeking the opinions of others.

Everyone has their own unique perspectives and preferences when it comes to what they consider a high-quality product.

By conducting your own quality control, you can ensure that the items meet your specific needs and expectations.

2. Product and shipping costs

Understanding the product costs is important.

Different print on demand companies offer varying pricing structures, so it’s important to compare and analyze them carefully.

Look into factors such as base prices for different products, additional charges for customization or design services, and any minimum order requirements.

By doing so, you can ensure that you are getting a competitive price for your products without compromising on their quality.

Equally important is factoring in shipping costs.

Your customers will appreciate fast and affordable shipping options, so it’s essential to choose a print on demand company that offers reliable shipping services at reasonable rates.

Consider whether they have multiple shipping carriers available to cater to different regions. Or if they provide international shipping options if needed.

Moreover, take into account any additional fees associated with packaging materials or handling charges. These seemingly small expenses can add up over time and eat into your profits if not carefully considered beforehand.

By thoroughly evaluating product and shipping costs when selecting a print on demand company, you can make an informed decision that aligns with both your budgetary needs and customer expectations.

3. Customer service

Don’t underestimate the importance of customer service when it comes to choosing a print on demand company.

It can greatly impact your customer’s experience. Look for companies that value their customers, are quick to respond, and go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.

Keep in mind that when using a print on demand (POD) company, they are responsible for managing orders and processing payments.

Therefore, it is important to choose a reputable print on demand POD company that can effectively handle any issues or concerns your customers may have.

By selecting a reliable company, you can prevent the risk of losing valuable customers and ruining your brand’s reputation.

4. Printing and customization options

When it comes to choosing a print-on-demand company, one of the key factors to consider is the level of customization and printing options they offer.

Thankfully, with the advancements in technology, many print-on-demand companies now provide a wide range of customization options that allow you to create unique and eye-catching designs.

Whether you’re looking to print t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or any other merchandise, finding a company that offers extensive customization options can elevate your brand and make your products stand out.

From choosing specific colors, fonts, and graphics to adding personalized text or images, these options give you the freedom to create designs that truly reflect your brand identity.

Additionally, a reliable print on demand company should offer various printing techniques. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, sublimation printing, screen printing, or embroidery.

Each technique has its advantages depending on the type of product you are creating.

For example, DTG printing is perfect for intricate designs with multiple colors on clothing items. While sublimation printing works best for items like mugs or phone cases.

5. Seamless integration with other platforms

Ensure that the print on demand company you choose offers seamless integration with various platforms such as your own website if you have one, Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon to name a few.

This will enable you to effectively expand your reach and sell your products across multiple channels. These established marketplaces attract millions of potential buyers every day.

By leveraging their audience, you increase the chances of reaching new customers who may be interested in purchasing your products.

Having a presence on multiple platforms also enhances your credibility as a seller.

Customers often feel more confident buying from sellers with a strong presence across different channels.

It reassures them that they are dealing with an established brand or business rather than an unknown entity.

Top 10 Print On Demand Companies

With so many print on demand (POD) companies out there, how do you choose the right one for your business?

We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top 10 print-on-demand (POD) companies. These will help bring your creative ideas to life and make dreams come true for aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself.

1. Printful

Printful - Print On Demand (POD) Company

Printful stands out as a highly sought-after print-on-demand (POD) company. With an extensive range of over 344 products, you can easily bring your custom designs to life.

They also have widespread fulfillment centers in the USA, Europe, and the UK, only to mention a few ensuring efficient shipping worldwide.

One key advantage they offer is the flexibility to experiment with your brand and designs without any order minimums holding you back.

Printful also offers custom branding, ensuring that all your designs and sales are credited solely to you.

Not to mention their integration with 28 popular e-commerce platforms.

Printful is completely free to use. You can effortlessly set up your store, upload your unique designs, and even determine your prices, all without spending a single penny.

You will only be charged when a sale is made and a portion of the profits goes to Printful for handling the fulfillment and shipping of your order.

2. Printify

Printify has over 4 million trusted sellers around the world and is integrated with popular e-commerce platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce.

They have a Mockup Generator that not only fully supports emojis, but also has 23 new language subsets and over 300 new fonts.

This means you have endless possibilities to create captivating mockups with a wide variety of text styles and languages.

Their catalog has over 800 quality products including products that are eco-friendly and AOP options.

They are also free to use and they allow up to 5 stores for every account and an unlimited amount of product designs. They also offer a paid option with their Premium and Enterprise plans.

What sets Printify apart from other print on demand (POD) companies is their integration with Shutterstock. This enables merchants to freely explore their vast image library and select the perfect visuals for their designs.

The pay-as-you-sell mechanism offers a great advantage to merchants as they only need to pay for the images once they have successfully made a sale.

This risk-free approach eliminates any upfront investments, allowing you to focus on growing your business without any financial burdens.

3. Gooten

Gooten is another print on demand (POD) company that is easy to use. They have over 150 products to choose from, integrated with Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce.

With their convenient flat-rate shipping, you’ll only be billed for the product and shipping expenses on your orders. No hidden fees or additional charges to worry about.

Gooten also offers unique printing options depending on the product, they can use DTG (direct-to-garment), dye-sublimation, woven, and embroidery.

4. Teelaunch

Teelaunch has a wide selection of products to choose from and is a very simplistic print on demand (POD) company.

They also are known for fast shipping and have factory shops around the world including USA, Canada, and Spain.

They’re integrated with popular platforms such as Etsy, WooCommerce, Shopify, BigCommerce, and API.

5. CustomCat

CustomCat offers an extensive range of products including apparel, houseware, and accessories.

Their diverse selection makes them an ideal choice for various purposes such as online product sales, brand merchandising, promotional items, and catering to high-volume sellers.

In addition, when it comes to design, they offer a wide array of decoration options. You can choose from three different types: direct-to-garment (DTG), dye sublimation, and embroidery.

This ensures that you have the flexibility to create a design that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

By signing up for CustomCat, you can enjoy all their amazing features for free.

Not only do you get access to their Digisoft and sublimation printing methods, but you also receive top-notch customer support.

Additionally, being a member grants you exclusive access to their private seller group and the ability to create unlimited product designs.

The best part? No need to worry, with their direct fulfillment process, there are no third parties involved.

They can also be integrated with some of the popular e-commerce platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, CustomCat API, and CSV upload.

6. Lulu

This print on demand company is for all the ambitious writers and independent authors out there who dream of publishing their own books. Whether it’s a hardcover masterpiece or a digital e-book, Lulu is the perfect solution for you.

Lulu is the ultimate choice when it comes to print on demand (POD) services.

They seamlessly integrate with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce on WordPress, making it hassle-free for you to set up your online store.

With a wide range of products available, including calendars, children’s books, phonebooks, cookbooks, and magazines, Lulu offers endless possibilities for bringing your creative ideas to life.

In addition, if you don’t have an e-commerce platform or a website to sell your book, Lulu Bookstore offers a convenient solution.

Selling your book directly on their platform doesn’t incur any fees or charges. Lulu only takes a 20% share of each sale, allowing you to pocket a generous 80% of the total revenue from your sales.

It’s an attractive opportunity to showcase and sell your book hassle-free while maximizing your earnings.

7. SPOD (Spreadshirt)

If you are looking for a print on demand (POD) company where sustainability is at the forefront of their mission, then you will love Spod.

They are committed to a greener future by using a water-saving method, paired with OEKO-TEX-certified vegan ink as their printing technique.

Since 2022, all their products are delivered in plastic-free packaging. They carefully select materials, opting for organic cotton sourced from Turkey.

Not only does this support responsible farming practices, but Spod also has a strict no-waste policy.

In cases where items are returned, they are either donated or creatively upcycled, minimizing any environmental impact.

Spod has over 200 unique products to choose from, worldwide shipping, and provide a 20% discount when you order samples for your designs.

By doing this you can see how your design looks in person, the feel of the material, etc.

They easily integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.

You don’t have to worry about any upfront costs when you start using Spod. It’s completely free to get started. You only pay a percentage when a customer places an order.

8. Apliiq

Apliiq has a wide range of products including hats, beanies, and yoga pants.

They are also conscious of sustainability and are always looking for the best manufacturing partners to source the best quality products.

This includes eco-friendly clothing options.

Not only do they offer worldwide shipping, but they also go the extra mile to provide customization services including cut and sew, printing, stitching, labeling and branding, and warehouse and fulfillment.

This ensures that your items always look polished and perfectly aligned with your brand’s aesthetic.

Rest assured that your products will stand out with a clean and professional appearance.

9. Gelato

Gelato has established itself as the leading print-on-demand (POD) network on a global scale.

With production facilities in 32 countries, including Spain, Australia, Japan, USA, and South Africa to name a few, Gelato ensures a wide reach and seamless printing services across various regions.

At Gelato, they take pride in their exceptional customer service, available 24/7 to cater to your needs.

What’s even better is that there are no upfront costs when you sign up – it’s absolutely free.

They also use cutting-edge technology and are committed to sourcing materials sustainably and partnering with industry-leading brands to guarantee the finest quality products.

In addition to these advantages, Gelato offers a diverse selection of products to suit your unique needs.

Furthermore, integrating your store with Gelato’s API is a breeze, whether you choose to connect directly or through an eCommerce platform such as Etsy, Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Squarespace.

10. Redbubble

Redbubble is a popular print on demand (POD) company choice for artists and designers, offering a marketplace for selling their designs on various products.

They have a range of over 70 unique products. With flexible pricing, you have the power to determine your earnings. You can set your rates based on your skills and expertise.

Additionally, Redbubble offers unique customization options such as watermarking and anti-piracy measures to safeguard your designs from being stolen or misused by others. This ensures that your artwork remains protected and credited solely to you.

Redbubble also provides customers with 24/7 customer support.

You can use Redbubble for free and just like most of the other print on demand (POD) companies, you only pay if an order has been placed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, print-on-demand (POD) presents numerous benefits for businesses and independent artists looking for a flexible printing solution.

The ability to customize products according to your individual preferences, coupled with cost-effectiveness, efficient inventory management, and scalable production capabilities make print-on-demand (POD) an appealing choice in today’s dynamic market landscape.

Why not take a leap of faith and try out print on demand (POD)?

There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain. With print on demand (POD), you have the opportunity to test new product ideas without worrying about inventory or upfront costs.

It’s a low-risk way to explore the world of making money online especially if you are a beginner.

Give it a shot, and who knows?

With an online business, there’s always the possibility of striking gold and creating something remarkable that you can nurture and expand.

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