Discovering the Best Print-On-Demand Platforms: Guide to Selecting Top 10 for Successful Dropshipping Business in 2024

Emma Daniels
January 6, 2024
9 min Read

The siren song of dropshipping beckons, filled with promises of flexible schedules, endless product opportunities, and the freedom to be your own boss. But navigating the world of print-on-demand (POD) platforms can feel like sailing uncharted waters. Fear not, aspiring entrepreneur! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to identify the top 10 POD platforms for your successful dropshipping business in 2024.

Considerations for Choosing the Best Print-On-Demand Platforms

Before diving into the depths of specific platforms, let’s secure your bearings with some crucial factors to consider:

Product Variety: Does the platform offer the specific products you envision? Consider apparel, accessories, home decor, and more.
Print Quality & Reliability: Are crisp prints and vibrant colors assured? Is fast turnaround time and minimal error rate guaranteed?
Pricing & Profit Margins: Can you set competitive prices while maintaining desired profit margins? Understand platform fees and base product costs.
Shipping & Fulfillment: Are reliable and affordable shipping options available? Consider shipping speed, international reach, and tracking.
Integrations & Ease of Use: Does the platform seamlessly integrate with your chosen e-commerce store? Is the interface user-friendly and intuitive?
Customer Support: Can you count on prompt and helpful assistance when needed?

When it comes to launching a successful dropshipping business, partnering with reliable print-on-demand sites is crucial for quality products and customer satisfaction. Among the top 10 print-on-demand platforms, Printful stands tall for its extensive range of customizable products, seamless integration with various eCommerce platforms, and efficient order fulfillment. Its high-quality printing and embroidery services coupled with worldwide shipping make it a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking diverse product options and reliable shipping.

Unveiling the Best Print-On-Demand PlatformsContenders in 2024

Now, let’s explore the top 10 POD platforms, each with its unique strengths and target audience:

1. Gelato

Features:

Global Printing Network: Gelato boasts an extensive network of printers worldwide, allowing for efficient and localized printing and shipping. Overall, Gelato is a great choice for eco-conscious businesses, international dropshippers, and those seeking high-quality printing within a sustainable framework.

Target audience:

Businesses seeking ethically sourced products and sustainable practices.
Brands targeting customers who value environmental consciousness.
Entrepreneurs in international markets or wanting faster local production.
Sellers offering high-quality apparel and home goods.

Strengths:

Eco-friendly: Champions sustainable practices and carbon-neutral shipping options.
High-quality printing: Employs professional equipment and automatic machine calibration for vibrant results.
Global network: Partners with numerous print facilities worldwide, enabling fast local production and reduced carbon footprint.
Wide product range: Offers apparel, home decor, accessories, and more.
Seamless integrations: Integrates with major e-commerce platforms for easy dropshipping.
Excellent customer support: Available 24/7 for assistance and problem-solving.

Cons:

Limited Product Customization: Compared to some competitors, Gelato might have slightly fewer customization options.

Pricing:

Costs might be slightly higher for certain products.

Best For Businesses prioritizing global reach, sustainability, and high-quality products.

2. Printify

Printify is a titan in the print-on-demand (POD) world, renowned for its vast product range, competitive pricing, and seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms. Here’s a quick overview:

Strengths:

Massive product catalogue: Clothing, accessories, home decor, and more, with hundreds of customization options.
Affordable prices: Competitive base costs and flexible pricing structures allow for healthy profit margins.
Easy integrations: Effortlessly connects with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and many other platforms.
High-quality printing: Employs reliable printing techniques and quality control measures.
Fast turnaround times: Orders processed quickly, ensuring smooth dropshipping operations.
Global fulfillment: Partnered facilities in North America and Europe for efficient regional shipping.
Excellent customer support: Responsive and helpful team provides assistance whenever needed.

Target audience:

Beginners entering the dropshipping world.
Established sellers seeking a reliable and diverse POD partner.
Businesses prioritizing competitive pricing and smooth platform integration.
Those catering to a broad range of customer tastes and product preferences.

Overall, Printify is a versatile and user-friendly option for diverse dropshipping needs. It offers a great blend of affordability, quality, and convenience, making it a popular choice for entrepreneurs of all levels.

Pricing:

Prices can be higher compared to some competitors.

International Shipping: Shipping costs outside the U.S. can be expensive.

Best For: Those seeking a comprehensive range of products and seamless integrations with popular e-commerce platforms.

3. Printiful

Printiful: A leading print-on-demand (POD) platform known for its massive product range, competitive pricing, and seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms. Here’s a quick snapshot:

Strengths:

Unmatched Product Variety: Offers hundreds of customizable items, from apparel and accessories to home decor and stationery.
Cost-Effective for All: Competitive base costs and flexible pricing structures allow for healthy profit margins for any budget.
E-commerce Harmony: Effortless integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and many other platforms for streamlined dropshipping.
Quality that Captivates: Reliable printing techniques and quality control measures ensure vibrant and durable products.
Speedy Delivery: Fast turnaround times and strategically located fulfillment centers keep customers happy.
Global Reach: Partners with facilities in North America and Europe for efficient regional shipping and diverse markets.
Supportive Crew: Responsive and helpful customer support team is always at your side.

Target Audience:

Dropshipping Newbies: Beginner-friendly interface and comprehensive resources ease your entry into the POD world.
Seasoned Sellers: A diverse product range and integrations cater to established businesses looking for expansion and convenience.
Price-Conscious Entrepreneurs: Competitive base costs and flexible pricing structures allow for optimal profit margins.
Product Mix Masters: Ideal for those catering to a wide range of customer tastes and preferences with unique offerings.

Overall, Printiful stands out as a versatile and user-friendly POD platform for diverse dropshipping needs. Its blend of affordability, quality, and seamless integrations makes it a popular choice for entrepreneurs of all levels.

Pros:

Large Product Catalog: Offers a vast array of products to choose from.

Scalability: Suitable for businesses looking to scale quickly.

CostEffective: Often provides competitive pricing options.

Cons:

Quality Control: Varied quality among different suppliers.

Learning Curve: The interface might be slightly complex for beginners.

Best For Businesses aiming for a diverse product selection and cost optimization through supplier comparisons.

4. Gooten: Scaling Up Your Print-on-Demand Game

Gooten isn’t just another POD platform. It’s the secret weapon for high-volume businesses and brands seeking a global reach and tailored solutions. Here’s a peek:

Strengths:

Scale Like a Boss: With over 250 custom products and 30+ manufacturers across 70+ locations, Gooten handles explosive growth seamlessly.
Tailored for You: Dedicated resources, VIM loyalty program, and API for customized integrations fuel your success.
Quality at Every Corner: From high-performance fabrics to meticulous printing, Gooten prioritizes premium and consistent quality.
Speed Demons: Lightning-fast order processing and strategically located fulfillment centers ensure speedy deliveries worldwide.
Niche Nirvana: Unique offerings like baby bibs, yoga mats, and puzzles let you tap into untapped markets.
Shopify Synergy: One-click Shopify integration streamlines workflows for a smooth dropshipping experience.
Community Champions: Access dedicated support, workshops, and resources to accelerate your POD journey.

Target Audience:

Growth-Oriented Businesses: Ready to break free from limitations and scale your POD operations internationally.
Brand Champions: Seeking premium quality, unique product options, and personalized support to elevate your brand identity.
Niche Explorers: Unconventional visionaries looking to tap into untapped markets with exclusive POD offerings.
Shopify Stars: Seamless integration and efficient workflows for existing Shopify businesses seeking POD expansions.

Overall, Gooten caters to ambitious entrepreneurs and established brands seeking a high-caliber, customized POD experience. Its global reach, diverse product range, and tailored solutions fuel explosive growth and set you apart from the crowd.

Pros:

Product Quality: Generally maintains good product quality across its offerings.

Automated Processes: Streamlined processes reduce manual workload.

Flexibility: Allows for easy design changes and customization.

Cons:

Limited Branding Options: Custom branding and packaging might have limitations.

Shipping Times: Shipping times can vary based on the location of production facilities.

Best For Businesses seeking a wide range of customizable products with streamlined automated processes.

5. TeeSpring: Where Community and Custom Collide

Teespring isn’t just about customized t-shirts, it’s a hub for community-driven creation and passionate branding. Here’s the lowdown:

Strengths:

Community Powerhouse: Launch campaigns, rally supporters, and build loyalty through community-focused features like fundraising initiatives and design competitions.
Customization Crossroads: Offer a wide range of customizable apparel and accessories, from classic tees to tote bags and mugs.
Flexible Funding: Choose between all-or-nothing crowdfunding and pre-order models to tailor your launch strategy.
Marketing Momentum: Teespring provides built-in marketing tools and social media reach to boost your campaign visibility.
Quality Craftsmanship: Reliable printing techniques and quality control measures ensure vibrant and durable products.
Accessible Entry Point: Lower minimum order quantities and competitive costs make it easy for beginners to dip their toes in.
Global Footprint: Fulfill orders worldwide with partner facilities across multiple continents.

Target Audience:

Community Champions: Creators, artists, and groups fostering engagement and fundraising through custom merch.
Passionate Brands: Entrepreneurs building a loyal following and expressing brand identity through unique apparel.
Fundraising Fanatics: Organizations and causes leveraging custom products to raise funds and spread awareness.
Budget-Conscious Beginners: Those starting their POD journey and looking for a low-risk, community-driven platform.
Social Media Savvy Sellers: Brands with strong online followings eager to leverage Teespring’s marketing tools and audience reach.

Overall, Teespring shines for its community-driven approach, flexible funding options, and built-in marketing tools. It’s a perfect fit for passionate individuals, engaged communities, and budget-conscious entrepreneurs seeking to build a brand or raise funds through custom merchandise.

Pros:

Marketing Support: Offers promotional tools and analytics for campaign management.

Profit Potential: Allows for setting higher profit margins per sale.

No Upfront Costs: No upfront payment is required to start selling.

Cons:

Limited Product Range: Primarily focuses on apparel items.

Quality Control: Product quality might vary between different items.

Best For Individuals and small businesses aiming to sell custom apparel with minimal upfront investment.

6. Redbubble: Unleashing Your Inner Artist onto the Marketplace

Redbubble isn’t your typical print-on-demand platform. It’s an vibrant online marketplace where independent artists and creatives showcase and sell their designs on a wide range of apparel, accessories, and home goods. Here’s what makes it tick:

Strengths:

Existing Audience: Tap into Redbubble’s pre-built audience of millions of art enthusiasts for instant exposure and organic sales.
Creative Freedom: Upload your artwork and choose from hundreds of products to showcase your designs without upfront costs.
Global Reach: Sell your creations to customers worldwide through Redbubble’s international fulfillment network.
Community Connection: Engage with fellow artists, participate in challenges, and build a following within the Redbubble community.
Marketing Arsenal: Utilize Redbubble’s marketing tools and promotions to further boost your product visibility and reach.
Passive Income Potential: Earn royalties on every sale, potentially creating a recurring revenue stream from your artwork.
Easy Management: Redbubble handles production, customer service, and fulfillment, allowing you to focus on creating.

Target Audience:

Independent Artists: Illustrators, graphic designers, and photographers seeking a platform to sell their artwork on diverse products.
Creative Entrepreneurs: Aspiring brand builders looking to leverage Redbubble’s existing audience and established infrastructure.
Side Hustlers: Individuals seeking a creative outlet and potential passive income through their artistic talents.
Community Seekers: Artists who value connecting with other creatives and engaging within a supportive online community.
Design Diversity Champions: Creators with unique styles and niche perspectives that resonate with Redbubble’s diverse audience.

Overall, Redbubble is a powerful platform for artists and creatives to turn their designs into tangible products, reach a global audience, and potentially build a thriving online business. It’s ideal for those seeking community, marketing support, and a hands-off approach to fulfillment and customer service.

Pros:

Diverse Product Range: Provides an extensive range of products, including stickers, clothing, home decor, etc.

Artistic Community: Access to a wide array of creative designs.

Global Shipping: Allows for international sales.

Cons:

Profit Margins: Commission rates might impact profit margins.

Quality Control: Variable product quality due to multiple independent artists.

Best For Businesses looking for unique, artist-driven designs across various products.

7. SPOD (Spreadshirt): Shopify’s Speed Demon for Personalized Merch

SPOD (Spreadshirt) isn’t just another POD platform; it’s Shopify’s fastest print-on-demand partner, delivering a lightning-fast and seamless dropshipping experience with a focus on high-quality products and sustainable practices. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Strengths:

Shopify Synergy: Built-in integration with Shopify makes adding POD products to your store a breeze, with easy syncing and order fulfillment.
Blazing Speed: 48-hour production and shipping mean your customers receive their orders in record time, keeping them happy and coming back for more.
Quality Craftsmanship: Backed by Spreadshirt’s 20+ years of POD experience, SPOD guarantees vibrant prints and durable products.
Sustainable Soul: Committed to eco-friendly practices, SPOD offers organic and recycled options across their product range.
Extensive Product Catalogue: From apparel and accessories to home decor and tech items, SPOD caters to diverse customer preferences.
Competitive Pricing: Affordable base costs and flexible profit margins allow you to set competitive prices and boost your bottom line.
Dedicated Support: SPOD’s responsive customer support team is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns.

Target Audience:

Shopify Sellers: Existing Shopify businesses looking to seamlessly add POD products to their offerings without complex integrations.
Speed Demons: Entrepreneurs prioritizing fast production and delivery times to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize wait times.
Quality Champions: Brands focused on offering premium products and upholding high standards for durability and print quality.
Eco-Conscious Creatives: Businesses seeking sustainable POD options and aligning their brand with environmentally responsible practices.
Product Mix Masters: Those wanting to offer a wide variety of unique items, from classic apparel to tech accessories, all within the Shopify ecosystem.

Overall, SPOD is a fast and efficient POD solution for Shopify businesses seeking to expand their product range, prioritize quick delivery, and maintain high-quality standards. Its seamless integration, eco-friendly commitment, and diverse product options make it a strong contender for Shopify brands looking to take their dropshipping game to the next level.

Pros:

Fast Shipping: Quick turnaround times for order fulfillment.

Decent Profit Margins: Allows for setting competitive profit margins.

UserFriendly Interface: Easytonavigate platform.

Cons:

Limited Product Catalog: Might not offer as wide a range of products as some competitors.

Quality Assurance: Product quality may vary.

Best For Businesses requiring quick turnaround times and customizable products with decent profit margins.

8. Teelaunch

A user-friendly and versatile print-on-demand platform, ideal for beginners and established businesses alike.

Strengths:

Extensive Product Range: Boasting over 300+ customizable products, from apparel and accessories to home decor and tech items, Teelaunch caters to diverse customer preferences.
Competitive Pricing: Flexible pricing structures and frequent discounts ensure healthy profit margins for various budgets.
Global Production: With facilities worldwide, Teelaunch offers faster delivery times and regional product availability.
Easy Integration: Seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce streamlines your dropshipping process.
No upfront costs: Get started with Teelaunch without any financial commitment, making it a low-risk entry point for POD beginners.
Automated Fulfillment: Teelaunch takes care of printing, packaging, and shipping, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer service.
Dedicated Support: Responsive and helpful customer support team is always at your side to answer questions and resolve any issues.

Target Audience:

Ecommerce Newbies: Easy-to-use interface and comprehensive resources make Teelaunch perfect for those taking their first steps into the POD world.
Seasoned Sellers: Diverse product range, integrations, and competitive pricing allow established businesses to expand and optimize their operations.
Budget-Conscious Entrepreneurs: Flexible pricing structures and no upfront costs make Teelaunch an attractive option for those starting out.
Product Diversity Seekers: Teelaunch’s vast product catalogue allows you to cater to a wide range of customer tastes and preferences.

Overall, Teelaunch stands out as a user-friendly and affordable POD platform ideal for both beginners and established businesses. Its diverse product range, global reach, and seamless integrations make it a versatile choice for entrepreneurs seeking to build and scale their dropshipping operations.

Pros:

Speedy Fulfillment: Known for quick order processing and shipping.

Variety of Products: Offers a range of products beyond apparel.

Competitive Pricing: Generally competitive pricing for products.

Cons:

Limited Integrations: Integrations might be limited compared to some competitors.

Quality Control: Occasional issues with print quality.

Best For Businesses focuses on apparel and accessory sales with an emphasis on fast order fulfillment.

9. Zazzle

Zazzle isn’t just another POD platform; it’s a one-stop shop for personalized everything, offering a vast array of customizable products and a vibrant marketplace for creativity. Here’s a glimpse into its unique world:

Strengths:

Unmatched Customization: Zazzle’s claim to fame is its sheer diversity, with everything from mugs and phone cases to notebooks and invitations waiting to be personalized with your designs, photos, or text.
Marketplace Momentum: Tap into Zazzle’s established marketplace with millions of potential customers already browsing for unique products.
Design Library Delight: Discover and purchase pre-made designs from independent artists, adding a curated touch to your offerings.
Community Connection: Engage with other creators, participate in design challenges, and build a following within the Zazzle community.
Easy Integration: Integrates with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy for seamless dropshipping functionality.
Global Reach: Sell your creations worldwide through Zazzle’s international fulfillment network.
No Inventory Hassles: Zazzle handles production, packaging, and shipping, freeing you to focus on designing and marketing.

Target Audience:

Creative Adventurers: Individuals with a passion for personalization and expressing themselves through unique products.
Side Hustlers: Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a creative outlet and potential passive income with their artistic talents.
Gift Gurus: Those seeking one-of-a-kind, personalized gifts for any occasion, fueled by Zazzle’s expansive design library.
Community Seekers: Creators who value engaging with other artists and participating in collaborative challenges within the Zazzle platform.
Niche Explorers: Individuals with unique design styles or catering to specific audiences can capitalize on Zazzle’s vast marketplace reach.

Overall, Zazzle shines for its unparalleled customization options, vibrant marketplace, and community-driven atmosphere. It’s ideal for creative individuals, side hustlers, and those seeking a platform to express their individuality through personalized products and connect with like-minded creators.

Pros:

Unique Designs: Access to a vast library of unique designs from independent artists.

Flexible Customization: High level of customization for products.

Large Product Catalog: Offers a wide array of products beyond apparel.

Cons:

Price Variation: Pricing can be higher compared to some competitors.

Quality Control: Varied quality of products due to multiple designers.

Best For Businesses seeking extensive product customization and unique designs from independent artists.

10. Merch by Amazon

Merch by Amazon (MBA) isn’t just another POD platform; it’s a powerhouse for established brands and passionate creators wanting to leverage the vast reach and audience of Amazon. Here’s a quick peek:

Strengths:

Amazon Advantage: Sell your designs on one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, gaining instant access to millions of potential customers.
Branding Freedom: Maintain complete control over your brand and designs, unlike marketplaces like Redbubble.
High-Quality Printing: Amazon’s rigorous standards ensure vibrant and durable prints on a variety of apparel options.
Royalties on Every Sale: Earn royalties on every product sold, potentially creating a recurring revenue stream from your designs.
Minimal Upfront Costs: No inventory or production costs, making it a low-risk entry point for brands and creators.
Marketing Integration: Leverage Amazon’s powerful marketing tools and promotional capabilities to reach your target audience.
Data-Driven Insights: Gain access to valuable sales data and customer insights to inform your design and marketing decisions.

Target Audience:

Established Brands: Businesses with existing brand recognition and audience looking to expand their reach and product offerings.
Passionate Creators: Artists, designers, and influencers seeking a platform to monetize their designs and connect with fans on a large scale.
Quality Champions: Those prioritizing high-quality products and stringent printing standards to uphold their brand image.
Data-Driven Businesses: Brands that value detailed sales and customer insights for optimizing their POD strategies.
Amazon-Focused Sellers: Businesses already comfortable with the Amazon ecosystem and adept at leveraging its marketing tools.

Overall, Merch by Amazon stands out for its unrivalled access to Amazon’s massive audience, low entry barriers, and potential for scalability. It’s ideal for established brands, passionate creators, and data-driven businesses seeking to build a successful POD presence on the world’s largest online marketplace.

Pros:

Large Customer Base: Access to millions of Amazon customers.

Prime Benefits: Eligibility for Prime shipping can attract more buyers.

Trust and Credibility: Being associated with Amazon adds credibility.

Cons:

Approval Process: Requires approval to join the platform.

Competitive Environment: Facing competition within the Amazon marketplace.

Best For Businesses looking to tap into Amazon’s vast customer base and leverage Prime shipping benefits.

Choosing the right print-on-demand platform for your dropshipping business depends on various factors like product range, quality, pricing, shipping times, and integration capabilities. Evaluating these platforms based on your specific business needs and goals will help you make an informed decision to drive your business forward.

FAQ section

Q: What is a print-on-demand (POD) platform?

A: A print-on-demand platform is an e-commerce service that allows businesses to create and sell custom-designed products without maintaining inventory. Customers can order personalized items, and the POD platform manufactures and ships the product directly to the customer.

Q: How do I choose the right POD platform for my dropshipping business?

A: Consider factors like product variety, quality, pricing, shipping times, integration capabilities, and customer service. Assess your business needs, target market, and desired product range to align with a platform that best suits your goals.

Q: Are there upfront costs or fees involved with using a POD platform?

A: It varies among platforms. Some have no upfront costs and charge per product sold, while others might require a subscription fee or upfront payments for access to certain features or services.

Q: Can I integrate a POD platform with my existing online store?

A: Yes, most POD platforms offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and others. This allows for seamless management of your products and orders within your existing store.

Q: How does shipping work with POD platforms?

A: POD platforms handle the printing, packaging, and shipping of products directly to customers. Shipping times and costs may vary based on the platform’s production locations and the customer’s location.

Q: What kind of products can I sell using a POD platform?

A: POD platforms offer a wide range of customizable products, including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), accessories (phone cases, mugs), home goods (pillows, posters), and more. The available product catalog can differ between platforms.

Q: Do POD platforms handle product returns and customer service?

A: Yes, most POD platforms have policies in place for returns and customer service. They typically manage customer inquiries, returns, and quality issues related to printed products. It’s essential to understand each platform’s specific policies regarding these matters.

Q: Can I use multiple POD platforms simultaneously for my dropshipping business?

A: Yes, you can utilize multiple platforms simultaneously to diversify your product offerings, expand your market reach, or take advantage of unique features offered by different platforms. However, managing multiple platforms may require additional organizational efforts.

Q: Are there any limitations to customization on POD platforms?

A: While POD platforms offer a range of customization options, there might be limitations on certain products or printing methods. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with each platform’s customization tools and capabilities to understand what can and cannot be achieved.

Q: Can I use my own designs or artwork on products through a POD platform?

A: Yes, most POD platforms allow users to upload their own designs or artwork onto various products. This feature enables businesses and individuals to create unique and personalized merchandise.

Q: How do I ensure product quality when using a POD platform?

A: Researching and understanding the platform’s printing processes, and materials used, and reviewing customer feedback can provide insights into the product quality. Ordering samples of your products before selling them can also help ensure the quality meets your standards.

Q: What are some tips for marketing products created through a POD platform?

A: Utilize social media marketing, influencer collaborations, SEO optimization, email marketing, and content creation to promote your products. Leveraging the platform’s built-in marketing tools and analytics can also help target the right audience.

Q: Do POD platforms offer branding or whitelabeling options for products?

A: Some platforms provide options for custom branding or whitelabeling, allowing businesses to add their logo, brand name, or custom packaging to products. However, the extent of branding options can vary among different platforms.

Q: Are there any geographic restrictions for using POD platforms?

A: Most POD platforms offer services globally. However, shipping times, costs, and product availability in certain regions might vary based on the platform’s production and shipping facilities.

Q: How can I track sales and manage inventory on a POD platform?

A: POD platforms typically provide sales and inventory tracking tools within their dashboard or integrated with your e-commerce platform. These tools allow you to monitor sales, track inventory levels, and manage product listings efficiently.

Q: What customer support options are available when using a POD platform?

A: POD platforms usually offer customer support via email, chat, or knowledge base resources. Some may provide dedicated account managers or support teams to assist with inquiries, technical issues, or product related concerns.