Monday, December 16, 2024

11 Best Print on Demand Companies and Sites (2024) – Shopify Canada

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Print-on-demand companies make it easy to produce custom products. Use print-on-demand apps and websites to expand your product line, create merchandise, or target new audiences without the headache of managing inventory.

Each print-on-demand company has its own catalog of products, shipping policies, and pricing structure. To choose the right POD service for your business, take a look at these 11 free and paid print-on-demand services.

The 11 best print-on-demand companies

  1. Printful: Best global POD service
  2. Printify: Best POD supplier network
  3. Gooten: Best for custom homeware
  4. Apliiq: Best for custom clothing
  5. Gelato: Best for custom stationery
  6. Spreadconnect: Best for fast fulfillment
  7. Teelaunch: Best for unique products
  8. CustomCat: Best seller community
  9. TPOP: Best for sustainable products
  10. JetPrint: Best for custom watches
  11. AOP+: Best in-house printing

All of the print-on-demand companies in this list integrate with Shopify, so you can build an online store to sell your custom products.

Find the best print-on-demand company

Browse all print-on-demand apps on the Shopify App Store. Connect an app to your store to easily add custom products and let customers browse and buy.

Browse apps

1. Printful: Best global POD service

Whether you’re looking to sell clothing, prints, home décor, or accessories, there’s lots of choice in Printful’s wide-ranging product catalog.

This print-on-demand platform offers a large variety of print-on-demand products alongside features to help you get started, such as a t-shirt mockup generator and logo maker.

After you submit your designs using the built-in editor, Printful handles all production and fulfillment tasks, including printing, packaging, and shipping orders. If you integrate Printful with your ecommerce platform, customer orders can be automatically forwarded for fulfillment.

For additional cost, you can add branding to products and packaging, including clothing labels and packaging inserts. Printful also offers services like graphic design and marketing videos, as well as bulk discounts of up to 30%.

Features

  • Built-in mockup generator to visualize products
  • Integrations with a large variety of marketplaces and commerce platforms
  • 20% discount on sample orders

Products

Popular Printful product categories include:

  • T-shirts
  • Sweatpants, leggings, and joggers
  • Tote bags and backpacks
  • Mugs
  • Phone cases
  • Bean bag chairs
  • Framed posters
  • Prints

Printing

Printful offers direct-to-garment, embroidery, cut and sew, and sublimation printing, depending on the product. You can also add tear-away tags to garments, as well as inserts and stickers to packaging for a more branded customer experience.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: 2 to 5 days

Printful ships products globally, with products ready to ship within two to five business days from the US, Mexico, or Europe. According to the platform, 50% of orders are ready in less than three days.

Standard shipping to the US starts at $3.99 for a single product. For many products, Printful offers discounted rates when you add additional items to the same order.

See Printful’s shipping page for detailed shipping costs and delivery time estimates per location and product type. 

What users say

User rating: 4.6/5 (6,900+ reviews)

Overall, Shopify merchants leave highly positive feedback about Printful. Reviewers highlight the quality of apparel products and accessories stocked by Printful, as well as the service’s consistent and high-quality printing production. Reviewers also point to a user-friendly interface, good customer support, and seamless website product syncing as standout features.

“I love the turnaround time and quality of the products!! There are a lot of color options available too, and I appreciate that!” – Choke Cherry Creek Designs. Read all Printful user reviews.

Why use Printful?

If you’re looking for a highly established, flexible print-on-demand solution that can scale with you, try Printful.

2. Printify: Best POD supplier network

A T-shirt with an illustration of a bicycle being customized on the Printify website.

Printify has the largest selection of customizable products on this list. It’s able to offer a huge library of items by connecting users with a global network of printing partners. This flexibility allows merchants to choose local producers, ensuring fast, economical shipping.

While margins on many Printify products can be high, it’s up to the user to confirm product quality and pick a printing service that works with their location.

Features

  • Extensive supplier network for diverse printing options
  • Flexible shipping costs and production timelines based on provider
  • Monthly premium plan available for 20% discounts on all orders

Products

Popular Printify product categories include:

  • T-shirts and hoodies
  • Backpacks
  • Canvas wraps and framed prints
  • Fridge magnets
  • Stickers
  • Swimwear
  • Skirts
  • Blankets
  • Sneakers
  • High heels

Printing

Printify offers a variety of printing methods, including direct-to-garment, sublimation, cut and sew, embroidery, and more, depending on the chosen provider and product.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: Varies by print provider

Printify’s vendor network means shipping costs, packaging, and fulfillment times will vary based on the selected print provider and product. See Printify’s shipping rates for specific details.

What users say

User rating: 4.8/5 (6,600+ reviews)

Shopify merchants appreciate Printify’s transparent pricing and real-time shipping updates, helping them run their stores in an organized way. They also note Printify’s educational resources, which do a great job of supporting new users in setting up accounts and designing their first custom products.

“Incredibly easy to navigate and understand. There is some minimal learning to pick up, but nothing that is at all confusing or difficult. Printify has been a joy on my journey thus far.” – Southertees. Read all Printify user reviews.

Why use Printify?

If you have plans to sell internationally, or need a print-on-demand solution that allows you to select local printing partners, try Printify.

3. Gooten: Best for custom homeware

Gooten product page showing print-on-demand pillows, blankets, and tumblers.

Gooten offers a diverse catalog of more than 280 print-on-demand products, including apparel, wall art, premium home décor, drinkware, and accessories. Most items are produced within four business days and shipped at a flat rate.

With a fulfillment network of over 50 manufacturers located in more than 70 global regions, Gooten supports print-on-demand businesses wanting to grow and sell across regions.

Features

  • Comprehensive catalog with a wide range of customizable products
  • Shopify Certified App Partner for high-quality service
  • Mockup generator

Products

Popular Gooten product categories include:

  • T-shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Hoodies
  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Shower curtains
  • Tumblers
  • Water bottles
  • Wall art
  • Phone cases
  • Stationery

Printing

Gooten offers a variety of printing methods, including direct-to-garment, direct-to-film, dye-sublimation, cut and sew all-over print, inkjet digital printing, UV printing, and embroidery options, depending on the product.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: 3 to 4 business days for most products

Gooten manages order fulfillment with flat-rate shipping costs and provides discounted rates for additional items in the same order. For specific shipping costs and times based on customer locations, select the desired shipping region on individual product pages.

If you’re using Gooten with Shopify, visit this page for support on setting up shipping.

What users say

User rating: 4.4/5 (500+ reviews)

Gooten receives praise from Shopify merchants for its reliable fulfillment during peak times and the ability to add branding features like customized neck labels. Some merchants also rate Gooten for its selection of customizable baby products. A small number of reviewers reported difficulties contacting customer support.

“Prices are reasonable and usually undercut other ‘larger’ POD stores. I particularly like the high quality blanks ‘shakawear’ and ‘bayside’ as these premium products suit the type of customer my niche is geared towards.” – Accessoriex. Read all Gooten user reviews.

Why use Gooten?

Try Gooten to sell customized home décor, lifestyle, and baby products in the US or internationally.

4. Apliiq: Best for custom clothinq

A person wearing gold necklaces and a white print-on-demand t-shirt with a pocket patch.

If you want to start a clothing brand with a focus on custom designs, Apliiq is a print-on-demand website to consider trying. Based in downtown LA, it supports a range of customization options with the aim of helping users create retail-quality private-label shirts and other apparel products.

Merchants can opt for a plan that includes 100 custom woven labels, which are sewn onto your products. Apliiq also provides quality assurance, with an in-house production artist reviewing your product.

Depending on your preferred business model, you can either dropship orders on-demand, with Apliiq handling the packaging and shipping, or buy in bulk to keep your inventory ready to ship immediately.

Features

  • Add branded labels and tags
  • Customizable interior linings, pockets, patches, etc.
  • Professional design support

Products

Popular Apliiq product types include:

  • Pocket tees (designs on the chest pocket)
  • Premium joggers
  • Hoodies with print on interior lining
  • Kangaroo hoodies
  • Snapback hats
  • Denim jackets
  • Eco-friendly clothing

Printing

Add your own branded label, clothing tags, or embroidered patches to create true branded products. Apliiq also offers digital print, screen print (for bulk orders), cut and sew, appliqué (where your designs are sewn on as a separate fabric), and embroidery options.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: Up to 7 business days

Production can take up to seven days for orders. Apliiq offers weight-based shipping, with bulk orders of over $100 shipping free in the US. It ships internationally to more than 150 countries worldwide (see its international shipping page for its shipping rates table).

For faster fulfillment, you can pay a 10% rush order fee or choose an expedited shipping option.

What users say

User rating: 4.8/5 (500+ reviews)

Product quality and customer service are the two standout features noted by Shopify merchants who use Apliiq. Reviewers appreciate the ability to make extensive customizations to products, collaborating with Apliiq in ways that often go beyond the services offered by most POD companies.

“Best experience I’ve had with a printing company. I wanted to make sure my prints would turn out, so I booked a video call with them (so rare for companies to offer this level of care) and had the most reassuring and thorough call with an employee/artist at Apliiq. The totes turned out SOO well.” – JanelleJacquelineArt. Read all Appliq user reviews.

Why use Apliiq?

Anyone starting a serious clothing line with premium apparel should try Apliiq—especially if you want to order in bulk to have product on-hand.

5. Gelato: Best for custom stationery

A packaging insert with a background of illustrated lemons, for 30% off a customer’s next purchase.

Gelato is your go-to for reaching customers all around the globe. With a network of over 100 printing partners, it delivers to more than 200 countries. The site uses an algorithm to pick the best print provider based on where your customer lives, which means some orders can be delivered in just 72 hours.

Originally starting with custom paper products, Gelato has grown to include a fun variety of items like apparel and wall art, alongside cool stationery.

Features

  • Smart selection of print providers based on location
  • Personalized pack-in cards for thank you notes or discount codes
  • Range of home décor products

Products

Popular Gelato product types include:

  • Wall art
  • Home décor
  • Stationery
  • Tote bags

Printing 

Gelato supports printing on the front, back, and sleeve of most apparel items. It offers printing on a variety of paper types and stationery products.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: Less than 4 business days

Gelato has local printers in more than 30 countries to optimize global shipping. Its shipping and delivery calculator gives a good idea of shipping times. With Gelato, customers ordering basic products like a crew neck t-shirt to a US address can expect to receive their package in seven to 10 days, or four to seven days with express shipping.

What users say

User rating: 4.8/5 (940+ reviews)

Shopify merchants using Gelato comment on how it helps to have a global network of print partners, reducing shipping times and costs for customers across regions. They also value Gelato’s sustainability commitments, allowing them to partner with the print-on-demand website in a way that maintains their brand’s green credentials.

“Probably is the best print on demand supplier. Production and shipping time were super fast, customer service was excellent and speedy, and their print and embroidery quality are top-tier.” – Burdens to Billions. Read all Gelato reviews.

Why use Gelato?

If you love creating custom paper goods, give Gelato a try.

6. Spreadconnect: Best for fast fulfillment

A selection of white label products including t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs.

Owned by Spreadshop, Spreadconnect sets itself apart with some of the quickest fulfillment times of all print-on-demand websites: 95% of orders ship within 48 hours.

While Spreadconnect may offer a smaller selection of products compared to other companies, it shines with competitive pricing and a straightforward shipping model that charges based on the total order value. This makes it an excellent choice for merchants looking to implement shipping rules that encourage upselling and cross-selling.

Features

  • Fast order fulfillment within 48 hours
  • Competitive pricing structure
  • Simple shipping costs based on order value
  • A 20% discount on sample orders

Products

Spreadconnect’s selection includes:

  • Premium organic t-shirts
  • Adjustable aprons
  • Baseball caps
  • Camper mugs
  • Crew socks

Printing

Spreadconnect offers digital direct, thermal sublimation, digital transfer, laser transfer, and special flex, depending on the product you want to create.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: Within 48 hours from the US

Shipping starts at $3.65 for domestic orders, with costs based on the total value of the order. Detailed shipping rates can be found using Spreadconnect’s shipping calculator.

What users say

User rating: 4.1/5 (720+ reviews)

Unsurprisingly, Shopify merchants who use Spreadconnect are impressed by its two-day fulfillment on most products. Reviewers also like the customizer feature for designing graphic trees.

“Great quality products, huge range, easy upload designer and payment format is really smooth.” – Hiwez Illustrations. Read all Spreadconnect reviews.

Why use Spreadconnect?

People new to starting a business who want a print-on-demand company with speedy fulfillment and simplified shipping should try Spreadconnect.

7. Teelaunch: Best for unique products

menu of Teelaunch white label products including running shoes and a tank top.

Teelaunch is your ideal partner if you’re looking to create both everyday apparel and unique luxury items. They offer a range of products at great prices, including some fun gadgets like Bluetooth speakers. Plus, their mockup tool helps you create professional-looking images for your marketing, complete with lifestyle photos for some items.

Features

  • Easy-to-use mockup generator
  • Personalization tool for custom designs
  • Competitive pricing

Products

Teelaunch offers a mix of product types. Popular categories include:

  • T-shirts
  • Three-piece canvas sets
  • Color-changing mugs
  • Monogram handbags
  • Balloons
  • Penryn backpacks
  • Running shoes
  • Bluetooth speakers
  • Dog bowls
  • Jewelry
  • iPhone cases
  • Phone chargers
  • Journals

Printing

Teelaunch products can be customized with all-over direct to garment and cut-and-sew prints. Products like tumblers and cooking boards can be laser etched.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: 3 to 6 days

Production takes three to six business days, after which orders are ready to ship from facilities in the US, Canada, or the UK. Shipping costs depend on the product and destination. Check out Teelaunch’s products and shipping information for details.

What users say

User rating: 4.2/5 (640+ reviews)

Shopify merchants say Teelaunch’s unique product offerings have increased engagement for their stores, with items like metal wall art and laser-etched cutting boards generating positive customer feedback and repeat business. Some users left complaints about how a recent app update appeared to delete their store data.

“I have been working with the Teelaunch app for 1 1/2 years and would recommend it and the team of customer service. For POD I primarily use Teelaunch for the Metal Wall Art and the Laser Etched Cutting Boards. My customers RAVE about these two products!” – Amazing Faith Designs. Read all Teelaunch reviews.

Why use Teelaunch?

Anyone looking for an all-around print-on-demand website with a large product range should consider Teelaunch.

8. CustomCat: Best seller community

Menu of CustomCat white label products including a hoodie, tank top, and polo shirt.

CustomCat offers a hefty catalog of more than 550 products, alongside easy-to-use tools and quick fulfillment times. For regular users, a paid plan offers discounts across the entire product range.

Features

  • Easy-to-use design tools
  • Great prices and fast fulfillment
  • Optional paid plan for extra discounts

Products

Popular CustomCat product categories include:

  • T-shirts
  • Sweatpants
  • Laptop sleeves
  • Pet accessories
  • Jewelry
  • Drinkware
  • Windbreaker jackets and pants
  • Jerseys

Printing

Printing options include direct-to-garment, sublimation, 3D dye diffusion, and embroidery.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: 2 to 3 days

Orders are produced in the US and ready to ship within two to three business days. From there, it takes about one to seven business days for domestic shipping and four to 15 days for international shipping.

CustomCat’s domestic shipping to the US costs $4.99 for the first item and then $1.50 for each additional item. See the website’s official shipping policy for details.

What users say

User rating: 4.2/5 (550+ reviews)

Shopify merchants who tried CustomCat are impressed with the app’s responsive customer support. They also highlight the active Facebook community of CustomCat sellers—a great resource for those new to print on demand.

“I’ve been using CustomCat as our POD provider for about two years now and I am very happy with the product quality and services. When there’s an issue with an order, their support team fix it immediately. I love that I can stand behind the products that I offer on my online store.” – REGALODETI. Read all CustomCat reviews.

Why use CustomCat?

If you need a print-on-demand service with a vast selection of products, try CustomCat.

9. TPOP: Best for sustainable products

TPOP white label product menu featuring t-shirt variations and their prices.

Based in Europe, TPOP is a print-on-demand service that specializes in apparel and accessories. They offer lots of branding opportunities, with everything from packaging to packing slips available for customization with your fonts, colors, logos, and images. Once you hit 100 sales per month, you can even brand the inside labels of your products.

TPOP is also committed to eco-friendly practices. It uses zero-plastic packaging and 100% recycled paper for packing slips. Plus, its main clothing manufacturers are members of the Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring ethical labor practices.

Features

  • Fully customizable white label packaging
  • Eco-friendly shipping and packaging
  • Europe-based operations

Products

TPOP offers a variety of products for customization:

  • T-shirts
  • Hoodie dresses
  • Aluminum bottles
  • Tank tops
  • Tote bags
  • Sweatshirts
  • Metal and ceramic mugs
  • Cushions and cushion covers
  • Baby bibs and onesies

Printing

Direct-to-garment for cotton apparel and sublimation dye for polyester and accessories.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: 2 to 4 days

Orders are printed in France and take two to four days before they’re ready to ship. From there, orders within France arrive in two to three working days. To the rest of Europe, they arrive in three to seven days, and international orders arrive in five to 10 days.

Shipping rates, which you can dig into on TPOP’s shipping page, are weight based.

What users say

User rating: 4.5/5 (240+ reviews)

Shopify merchants who use and review TPOP are generally impressed with the print-on-demand company. For them, TPOP’s focus on reliability and eco-friendly practices serves to strengthen their own brands as sellers and the relationships with their customers.

Most positive review:

“Can’t say enough great things! They’re reliable, the customer service is on point, and the products couldn’t be more sustainable. They’ve been amazing to work with and the quality is stellar!” – Running With Wolves. Read all TPOP reviews.

Why use TPOP?

Print-on-demand sellers committed to environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices should consider trying TPOP.

10. JetPrint: Best for custom watches

A menu of watches with images, descriptions, and prices, for customization using JetPrint.

JetPrint stands out among print-on-demand companies by focusing on accessory items like shoes, watches, and jewelry. The site offers simplified shipping options with express international shipping, which is a great feature to highlight in your store.

When you design a product with JetPrint, it doesn’t just take your design and run with it—it also creates a full set of professional product photos showing different angles and details, making it easier for you to showcase your products online.

Features

  • Expedited international shipping
  • Automatic order processing with a window for adjustments
  • Professional mockups and detailed product specs generated automatically

Products

JetPrint offers several unique items:

  • Leather and steel strap watches
  • Perpetual calendar watches
  • Hard phone cases
  • T-shirts
  • Wall tapestries

Printing

JetPrint focuses mainly on watches and jewelry, with the ability to print your own designs on watch faces.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: 5 to 7 days

Average production time between five and seven business days. JetPrint offers global shipping with an average arrival time of 12 to 15 days, or less than a week with express shipping. For more detailed shipping information, check out JetPrint’s FAQ page.

What users say

User rating: 4.0/5 (400+ reviews)

On average, Shopify merchants rate JetPrint positively, pointing out the app’s diverse product range, including unique items like shoes and handbags. Users also find pricing to be competitive and customer support responsive.

“Love it. Easy to design, publish and great product choices.” – Kim’s Signature Beauty. Read all JetPrint reviews.

Why use JetPrint?

If you’re interested in adding distinctive products like custom watches to your lineup, try JetPrint.

11. AOP+: Best in-house printing

Three product boxes with images of white label shirts featuring the Shopify logo.

AOP+ prints everything in house, ensuring each item meets its high standards. That includes all-over prints for highly customized products.

Features

  • In-house printing for quality assurance
  • Custom packing slips included in orders
  • Discounts and branding options with a paid plan

Products

Popular AOP+ products include:

  • T-shirts
  • Mugs
  • Throw pillows
  • Leggings
  • Organic tote bags
  • Hard phone cases
  • Hoodie dresses
  • Flip-flops
  • Doormats
  • Flags

Printing

AOP+ focuses on dye sublimation all-over-print and direct-to-garment printing.

Shipping

Expected fulfillment time: 3 to 5 days

AOP+ handles shipping from fulfillment centers in the US, Europe, and the UK. Shipping costs depend on the product, with discounts on additional items in the same order. Keep up on AOP+’s latest shipping rates to the US and general rate changes.

Reviews

User rating: 4.3/5 (170+ reviews)

Shopify merchants who use AOP give positive reviews, on average. They highlight high-quality prints, efficient production, and reliable shipping.

Most positive review:

“Great product selection from AOP, and customer service is top notch. They’ve easily handled regular orders as well as volume orders of 100+ units. All of our customer reviews from AOP orders have been five stars, not a single complaint.”

Negative review:

“No phone support, emails take too long to respond.” Read all AOP+ reviews.

Why use AOP+?

If you’re passionate about quality and want to work with a smaller print-on-demand company that prints products in-house, try AOP.

How the best print-on-demand companies were chosen

The print-on-demand companies featured in this article were selected based on attributes that matter most to sellers. Each service was evaluated according to six key factors, as rated by Shopify merchants who have firsthand experience with these platforms:

Product quality

The fundamental sign of a good print-on-demand company is the ability to deliver high-quality products that meet your customers’ expectations. Shopify merchants report the companies in this post consistently provide products that satisfy customers and uphold your brand’s standards.

Fulfillment speed

Fast production and dispatch are crucial for customer satisfaction. According to feedback from Shopify merchants, the print-on-demand services chosen in this post keep fulfillment times short, with many capable of producing certain items in less than two days.

Product variety

Whether you’re selling t-shirts, mugs, or unique gifts, a diverse catalog of products helps set your store apart. The companies selected in this post offer a broad range of products across various niches, ensuring you can find precisely what your store needs.

Shipping options

Efficient and reliable delivery is a must. This review prioritized companies known for effective domestic and international shipping practices, ensuring products reach customers promptly and without issues.

Seller support

Strong support benefits sellers, especially when dealing with customer concerns such as undelivered orders or returns. Shopify merchants found that the print-on-demand companies in this article offer responsive and helpful customer service, quickly resolving challenges that arise.

User reviews

The experiences of store owners who regularly use print-on-demand apps were carefully considered. Detailed feedback from Shopify merchants, including the balance of positive and negative reviews, formed the basis of the recommendations made in this post.

Finding the right print-on-demand partner

The appeal of print-on-demand companies is they provide a low-risk way to open a store and start selling online. If your POD partner is reliable, and your customers enjoy the products they provide, then you’re well on the way to building a strong retail brand.

At first glance, print-on-demand companies can seem interchangeable. But it’s important to choose a partner that can provide the right customer service for your audience. To pick the best print-on-demand service, think about these factors:

  • Shipping: How many days does printing and shipping take, and how are shipping costs calculated?
  • Printing: What printing techniques and customizations are supported?
  • Unique features: What sets this print-on-demand company apart?
  • Fit: Who is this print-on-demand solution best for?
  • Product catalog: What print-on-demand products does this service offer?

Print-on-demand companies FAQ

What is a print-on-demand business?

A print-on-demand business sources and customizes white-label products on a per-order basis, on behalf of an individual or another business. Some of the most common print-on-demand products include t-shirts, mugs, baseball hats, and tote bags.

How do I start my own print on demand business?

  1. Choose a product to sell.
  2. Finalize a design for your merchandise.
  3. Select a print-on-demand provider.
  4. Design your custom products.
  5. Sign up to an ecommerce platform like Shopify.
  6. Create an online store for your products.
  7. Market your brand.

Is print-on-demand profitable?

Although the print-on-demand model may have lower profit margins compared to bulk purchases, you can still price your products to ensure a profit. Your profit is the amount you sell your product for, minus the cost from your supplier. So, with some careful planning, you can make print-on-demand profitable for your business.

How do you price print-on-demand products?

  • Assess your product cost: design, production, shipping, taxes, and platform fees per order.
  • Create a retail cost by adding a profit margin to the product cost.
  • Calculate other expenses like marketing and advertising.
  • Monthly costs divided by profit margin equals minimum orders.
  • Set a price for your product that covers all your expenses and still leaves you with a margin.

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