Awkward Styles, a print-on-demand (POD) service tailored for e-commerce businesses, has built a reputation for high-quality printing. However, its shortcomings in shipping reliability and customer service pose challenges for online sellers who depend on consistent fulfillment. This review delves into its strengths, pricing structure, and potential drawbacks.
Print Quality: A Key Strength
One of Awkward Styles' standout features is its superior print quality, often praised for its accuracy and alignment. Users have reported that prints closely match mockups, with clear and vibrant results. However, some limitations have been noted:
- Color Reproduction Issues: Neon and custom shades sometimes fail to print as expected.
- Solid Saturation Problems: Text-only designs may experience inconsistencies in saturation.
- Blurry or Incomplete Edges: Some users have reported occasional print quality issues along the edges of designs.
Despite these minor drawbacks, many users consider Awkward Styles to offer some of the best print quality available in the POD industry, making it a compelling option for businesses that prioritize quality over cost.
Shipping Delays and Fulfillment Issues
One of the most significant drawbacks of Awkward Styles is its inconsistent shipping performance. Many sellers have faced delays of 2-3 weeks for order fulfillment, leading to customer frustration. Key concerns include:
- Tracking Issues: Incomplete tracking updates and lost packages have been frequently reported.
- Customer Impact: These delays have led to poor customer experiences, damaged relationships, and even loss of Star Seller ratings on platforms like Etsy.
For businesses reliant on fast turnaround times, these fulfillment issues can severely impact operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, making Awkward Styles a risky choice for time-sensitive orders.
Pricing Plans and Discounts
Awkward Styles operates on a tiered pricing model, offering various benefits depending on the chosen plan:
- Free Plan: Basic access to POD services.
- Pro Plan ($25/month, or $20/month annually): Includes up to 20% discounts on products, 50% discounts on branding options, and additional perks.
- Pro+ Plan (Custom Pricing): Designed for high-volume sellers, offering greater savings and exclusive services.
While these discounts can be appealing, Awkward Styles' base product pricing is higher than many competitors. For example, a basic t-shirt is priced around $10.33, making it a less cost-effective choice for sellers focused on affordability.
Business Suitability and Final Thoughts
Awkward Styles is best suited for businesses that prioritize print quality over speed and cost. However, it requires careful customer expectation management due to its shipping delays. Merchants should consider the following trade-offs:
- Pros:
- Industry-leading print quality
- Flexible pricing plans with discounts
- Strong branding options
- Cons:
- Unreliable shipping times
- Higher base product pricing
- Limited customer service responsiveness
For businesses that can tolerate longer fulfillment times and higher costs in exchange for superior print quality, Awkward Styles remains a viable option. However, for those requiring fast shipping and consistent service, alternative POD providers may be a better fit.