What Is Print POD? The Complete 2025 Beginner’s Guide

The print-on-demand business model allows creators to launch a store without investing in inventory. In a POD setup, items are only printed after a customer places an order, so you don’t have to pre-produce or stock anything. This guide will walk you through what Print POD means, how it works from order to fulfillment, why it’s booming in 2025, and compare 10 of the top print-on-demand platforms (with their pros and cons) for beginners.

What Does Print-On-Demand (POD) Mean?

Print-on-demand (often abbreviated as POD) is an order fulfillment method where you create custom designs on products, and a third-party printing company produces and ships those products to your customers on your behalf. In other words, you design it – your POD partner prints and delivers it, usually with no mention of the partner so it appears to come from your brand​. This “white-label” approach means you get the credit for the product, and your customers see your branding, not the printer’s.

Unlike traditional retail, with POD you don’t pay for manufacturing until after you’ve already sold the item. The product is made on-demand for each order, which eliminates the need for large upfront investments or keeping inventory. For example, if you design a T-shirt and list it for sale online, you only pay the base cost to the printer when someone actually buys that T-shirt. If no one orders a certain design, you haven’t spent money producing a stack of unsold shirts – a big advantage for beginners on a budget.

POD can be used to create all kinds of custom merchandise: t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, posters, phone cases, tote bags, books – you name it. Many artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers use print-on-demand to launch merchandise or clothing lines because it’s low-risk and accessible. There are no minimum order requirements, and many POD services are free to start using (they make money by charging you a base price per item when you get sales). Overall, print-on-demand makes it possible for anyone to start selling custom products online with very little overhead.

How Does the Print-On-Demand Process Work?

The print-on-demand process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. It’s similar to the dropshipping model where products are shipped directly from the supplier. Here’s how a typical order flows from the customer’s click to fulfillment:

1. You create a design and sync a product – First, you come up with a design or artwork and apply it to a product mockup (like a shirt, mug, etc.) using a POD platform’s design tool. You list this product for sale on your website or on a marketplace.
2. A customer orders the product – When someone places an order (either on your online store or on the POD marketplace), you collect payment for the retail price you set.
3. The order is sent to the POD provider – Your integrated POD service automatically receives the order details and your design file. The print provider then charges you the base cost for the product + printing. Essentially, the customer’s payment covers this cost, and the difference between your price and the base cost is your profit.
4. Printing and fulfilment– The print-on-demand company prints your design on the product only after the order is made. They then handle all the fulfilment steps – printing, quality checking, packaging, and shipping the item directly to your customer. You, the seller, don’t have to physically touch the product at all.
5. Delivery and tracking – The product ships from the POD provider’s facility to your customer. Many POD companies have multiple production locations (for example, in North America, Europe, etc.), so orders are fulfilled as close to the buyer as possible to keep shipping fast. Once shipped, the customer receives tracking information. Some POD services even send automated tracking emails on your behalf.
6. Post-sale service – The POD platform may handle basic customer service for issues like printing mistakes or damaged items (often reprinting or refunding such orders per their policy). However, you as the brand owner are usually the main point of contact for your customer. It’s good practice to communicate shipping times and handle any design-related questions, while the POD partner handles technical fulfillment problems behind the scenes.

The beauty of this process is that you, as the seller, can focus on designing and marketing your products. The heavy lifting of production and logistics is handled by the POD provider. This makes it much easier to start a shop because you don’t need to invest in printers or inventory. You simply pay the POD service fee per product sold. And if you integrate the POD platform with an e-commerce site (like Shopify, Etsy, etc.), the entire workflow from order to fulfillment can be automated.

Key point: With POD, products are made after purchase, so production takes a bit of time (commonly 2-7 days) before shipment​. This means customers wait a little longer compared to buying pre-made goods, but in exchange they get unique, made-to-order items. Make sure to set clear expectations about this production time in your store’s shipping info. Many customers don’t mind a short wait for a custom product, especially if informed upfront.

Why Is the Print POD Industry Growing in 2025?

Print-on-demand is booming in 2025. Over the past few years, the POD model has surged in popularity among entrepreneurs, artists, and even large brands. If you're a creative professional, print-on-demand for artists can open doors to passive income. Here are a few reasons why the print-on-demand industry is growing so rapidly:

• E-commerce Expansion – Online shopping keeps growing every year. By 2025, e-commerce sales are projected to account for about 21.9% of all retail sales. As more shopping shifts online, there’s greater demand for services like POD that enable online product creation and fulfillment. More sellers are jumping in to meet niche consumer needs with custom products.
• Low Risk, Low Barrier to Entry– The appeal of POD is that you can start a merchandise line with virtually no upfront cost. There’s no need to invest thousands in inventory. This low barrier has attracted many new entrepreneurs and side-hustlers in 2025 looking to monetize their creativity without big financial risk. Interest in POD as a business model has grown by 300% in the last five years and is expected to keep momentum into 2025 as more people leverage online platforms to sell​.
• No Inventory & Reduced Waste – Print-on-demand’s make-to-order approach means no wasted stock. For sellers, that means not getting stuck with unsold products; for the environment, it means less waste. This aligns with the increasing consumer and business focus on sustainability in 2025. POD companies often highlight eco-friendly practices (like only printing what’s needed, or using water-based inks). For example, one major POD provider notes that producing items only after an order means no heaps of unsold inventory ending up in landfill. The sustainability angle makes POD attractive to environmentally conscious entrepreneurs and shoppers. More shoppers are prioritizing eco-friendly print-on-demand options for ethical purchasing.
• Advances in POD Services – The industry has matured. In 2025, POD companies offer faster turnaround and better quality than ever before. Many providers now have global print networks, which cut shipping times. Printing technology (like direct-to-garment printers) has improved, so you get retail-quality results even for one-off prints. There are also more product types available (from apparel and art prints to jewelry, shoes, and home decor), which opens POD to new markets. This improved infrastructure and variety have fueled industry growth.
• Customization Trend – Consumers in 2025 love personalized and unique products. Print-on-demand fulfills this demand by allowing infinite variety – sellers can offer hundreds of designs or allow customers to add custom text/names to items. Big brands and influencers are also using POD to offer limited-run or personalized merch. Overall, the desire for unique, customized goods (vs. generic mass-produced items) has created a strong market for POD products.
• Post-2020 Entrepreneurial Boom – In the wake of the pandemic and shifts toward remote work, many individuals looked for new income streams or passion projects, leading to a boom in small e-commerce businesses. POD is a perfect outlet for creatives working from home. The result is a vibrant community of new POD sellers in 2023–2025, driving the industry forward. The POD market itself is seeing significant financial growth: one analysis reported the global print-on-demand market was valued around $5.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $39+ billion by 2031 – an estimated 25.3% compound annual growth rate​.

In short, print-on-demand is bigger than ever in 2025. More people are aware of it, the technology is better, and the consumer appetite for unique products keeps rising. It’s a great time for beginners to get into POD, as the industry still has “a ton of room for growth and innovation”​. Now let’s look at some of the top platforms you can use to start your own print-on-demand venture.

Top 10 Print-On-Demand Platforms in 2025 (Comparison and Pros/Cons)

There are many POD services out there, but they generally fall into two types: marketplaces and fulfillment platforms.

• A marketplace (like Redbubble or Amazon Merch) is a platform where you upload your designs and customers shop on that site’s marketplace. The platform brings the traffic and handles printing and shipping for you, but usually limits branding and takes a cut of the sales. Great for beginners with no existing store or audience.
• A fulfillment platform (like Printful or Printify) is a service you integrate with your own online store or sales channel. You list products on your site (or Etsy, etc.), and the POD partner fulfills the order behind the scenes. These give you more branding control and often more product choices, but you are responsible for driving traffic to your store.

When choosing a print-on-demand supplier, consider product range, shipping speed, and integration options. Below is a list of 10 top print-on-demand platforms in 2025, spanning both categories. We’ll briefly describe each and list key pros and cons for beginners. Also, make sure to check out our curated list of the best print-on-demand providers for Etsy and beyond.

1. Printful

Printful is one of the most popular POD fulfillment companies worldwide. It offers a broad catalog of products (400+ items, from apparel to home goods) and owns its production facilities in North America and Europe. Printful integrates with all major e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, eBay, etc.), making it easy to sync products to your store​. It also provides nice extras like a built-in mockup generator and options for custom branding (you can add your logo to pack-in slips, inside labels, etc., for an extra fee)​.

Pros:

• High product quality and consistent fulfillment. Printful is known for its focus on quality and owns its facilities, which means reliable production standards​. This often leads to better customer satisfaction.
• Extensive product range and printing methods (DTG, embroidery, sublimation, etc.), allowing you to create a wide variety of merchandise.
• Lots of integrations and ease of use – It connects with most selling channels, and the dashboard is beginner-friendly. Many sellers praise Printful’s user interface and easy store syncing.
• Branding services and extras. You can use Printful to add custom labels, packaging inserts, or even use their design services, which is great for building a brand identity.

Cons:

• Higher base costs than some competitors. Printful’s prices for products and shipping tend to be a bit above average​. This means your profit margins per item are slimmer unless you price your products higher.
• Limited to their catalog and stock. (If Printful runs out of a product or color variant, you have to wait—whereas a networked platform might switch to another supplier.)
• Some advanced features require paid plans. (For example, Printful has a free plan, but also Plus and Pro subscription tiers with additional tools. Beginners can use the free tier, though.)
• No built-in marketplace – Printful itself doesn’t bring customers; you must have or create a store and drive buyers there. (This is true for all fulfillment-type POD services.)

Overall, Printful is often recommended for those who prioritize quality and branding even if it costs a bit more​. It’s a reliable choice to scale with, once you have your shop set up.

2. Printify

Printify is another top-tier POD fulfillment platform, and it differs by operating as a network of print providers. Instead of printing everything in-house, Printify connects you with print partners around the world. You choose which provider to use for each product based on location, cost, or print technique. This means a huge selection of products (600-800+ items) and often very competitive base prices. Printify is free to use, with an optional Premium plan ($24/month) that gives a 20% discount on all orders​ – handy if you’re doing volume. It integrates with major platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, etc., similar to Printful.

Pros:

• Wide network of suppliers = lower costs. Printify’s multiple providers bid for your business, so base prices can be lower than single-source PODs. This helps maximize profit margins. If affordability is key, Printify shines.
• Vast product catalog and printing options (various providers offer DTG, sublimation, even niche items). You can sell anything from shirts to jewelry to pet beds via different suppliers.
• Flexibility to choose print labs by region – e.g. use a European printer for EU orders, US printer for US orders – which can reduce shipping times for global customers.
• Simple interface and integration. Printify’s app is straightforward, and it works with all popular e-commerce platforms. No coding required to add it to your store.

Cons:

• Quality can vary by provider. Because Printify is essentially a middleman, the print quality and packaging experience might differ from one partner to another. Consistency is not guaranteed – you’ll want to order samples from different providers to find the best ones.
• Limited branding options. Unlike Printful, most Printify suppliers don’t offer custom labels or branded inserts (the experience is usually generic). It’s harder to provide a “branded” unboxing for your customer.
• Customer support is centralized through Printify, but any production issues depend on the third-party printers, sometimes making resolution a bit slower.
• Like Printful, Printify itself has no storefront: you need to have your own site or marketplace to list products.

In summary, Printify is best if you want flexibility and lower costs – many sellers use it to source more affordable printing. It’s “affordable and flexible” by offering a wide selection of suppliers to optimize your margins​. Just be mindful to vet your chosen print providers for quality control.

3. Gelato

Gelato is a newer (and quickly rising) POD platform that emphasizes a globally distributed production network. Gelato works with print partners in over 30 countries to fulfill orders as close to the end-customer as possible. The goal is faster shipping, lower carbon footprint, and local-currency production. Gelato offers common products like apparel, wall art (posters, canvases), mugs, cards, etc., and integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more. They have a free plan, plus Gelato+ subscription tiers that give discounted shipping and other perks​.

Pros:

• Fast, local fulfillment globally.Gelato’s strength is efficient international delivery – orders are routed to a nearby print facility, which means customers around the world get items quicker and often at lower shipping cost. Great if you have a global audience​.
• Environmentally conscious approach. By printing regionally, Gelato cuts down on long-distance shipping. The company also highlights sustainable practices (only produce what’s sold, etc.)​, appealing in an eco-aware market.
• Easy to use interface and integration. Gelato’s tools allow you to personalize designs (even integrates with Canva for design creation)​. It’s designed to be user-friendly for non-developers.
• Good for print products like art and stationery. Gelato specializes a bit in high-quality printouts – posters, art prints, greeting cards – making it an excellent choice if your focus is wall art or stationery. (They do apparel too, but their poster/print quality is a strong suit.)

Cons:

• Smaller product catalog. Gelato doesn’t (yet) offer as many product types as giants like Printful/Printify. If you want very unique items, they might not have them. They cover the essentials, but extremely niche products (e.g. all-over print backpacks or jewelry) may be absent.
• Fewer branding/customization options. Since Gelato routes to various partners, offering things like custom packaging or labels is limited. It’s a bit more “generic” fulfillment in that sense.
• Some advanced features behind a paywall. To get benefits like cheaper shipping (30-50% off) or product expansion, you might need Gelato+ paid plans​. Beginners can still use free and see if upgrading is worth it.
• Integrations are solid but not as numerous as Printful/Printify (supports the big ones, but double-check if your platform is supported).

Gelato is an excellent option if fast international shipping and sustainability are priorities. It’s often cited as a top Printful/Printify alternative for reaching customers worldwide​. Just keep in mind the slightly narrower scope of products.

4. Gooten

Gooten is a technology-driven POD fulfillment platform that, like Printify, connects with a network of manufacturers. Gooten is known for offering a wide array of products (150+ types) including some unique items, and for its robust order management system. It integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and has an API for custom integrations. Gooten is free to use (no subscription fees), and it’s often favored by scaling businesses for its bulk order discounts and reliability.

Pros:

• Large product variety and some unique products. Gooten’s catalog ranges from typical apparel to more original products not easily found elsewhere​ (e.g. yoga mats, puzzles, etc.). This allows you to expand into interesting merch categories.
• Lower base costs and bulk discounts. Gooten’s production partners often have cheaper base prices than big POD brands, which can mean better profit margins. If you sell high volume, Gooten offers volume discounts, making it attractive for scaling stores.
• Good integrations and API – it’s relatively easy to connect Gooten to your store and automate orders. It’s designed to handle large order throughput, so it can grow with your business.
• Reliable tech and order routing. Merchants often mention Gooten’s system is solid: orders flow through to the right manufacturer smoothly, and the platform can split orders among multiple vendors if you sell different items.

Cons:

• Quality and branding not fully in your control. Since Gooten outsources to various producers, quality can vary. Some vendors provide excellent quality prints, others may be so-so. There’s also no consistent branding – you generally can’t add custom logos to packaging through Gooten’s standard service​. It’s harder to build a strong brand experience when packaging is generic.
• Inconsistent shipping times. With no centralized fulfillment, delivery speed depends on which partner and where they are. Some items might ship quickly, others take longer, making shipping times a bit unpredictable for customers​. You may need to carefully choose vendors or communicate variable shipping expectations.
• Smaller community/support resources. Printful/Printify have huge user bases and lots of tutorials; Gooten is growing but more niche, so finding community advice might be a bit harder (though their support team is available to help).
• No marketplace or storefront – Gooten is purely a backend fulfillment service, so you must have your own sales channel.

In essence, Gooten is a great choice for entrepreneurs focused on cost efficiency and variety, especially if you plan to scale up. It’s often lauded as “a great option if you’re focused on profit margins and scaling quickly”​. Just be prepared to manage the quality control across different suppliers.

5. Teelaunch

Teelaunch is a print-on-demand app that originally made its name on the Shopify App Store. It’s a fulfillment platform similar to Printful, but smaller and very focused on ease-of-use and unique product offerings. Teelaunch has a wide range of products – including not only apparel and mugs, but also things like bluetooth speakers, jewelry, and pet products – giving you some distinctive merch options. They have production facilities in the US, Europe, and other regions to fulfill orders globally​. Teelaunch is free to use (no subscription; you just pay per product order).

Pros:

• No upfront costsand simple setup. Teelaunch is free with no paid tiers. You just install it (on Shopify or other platform) and start adding products, which makes it very accessible to beginners​.
• Continuously expanding product catalog with unique items. Teelaunch often adds new, quirky products. For example, they offer custom engraved tumblers, wireless charging pads, and other goodies that help your store stand out.
• Global production facilities ensure relatively fast international shipping, since Teelaunch can route orders to a printer nearest the customer​. This helps with delivery times for worldwide orders.
• Custom packaging options. Teelaunch provides some options for branded packaging or inserts (they tout special touches for an “unboxing” experience)​, which not all POD apps do. This can enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
• Good integration and support. It integrates best with Shopify, but also supports other platforms via API or order CSV. The interface is user-friendly and they have responsive customer support to assist newbies​.

Cons:

• Product range is broad but not as massive as the biggest players. There are some limitations – for instance, Teelaunch might not have as many apparel styles or colors compared to Printful, and a few product categories could be missing (though they cover most common ones).
• Quality control reports vary. Generally Teelaunch’s print quality is solid, but some users have reported occasional issues or misprints. They rely on partner facilities too, so consistency can sometimes be an issue (as with any networked POD). It’s advisable to order samples of your key products.
• Primarily geared toward Shopify. If you’re not using Shopify, Teelaunch is still usable (they have an Etsy integration via a plugin and an API) but the experience is most seamless on a Shopify store.
• Customer service for end-buyers is your responsibility. (This is normal for fulfillment services – you handle any customer complaints and Teelaunch will replace defective items, but you communicate to the buyer.)

Teelaunch can be seen as a more boutique POD service – it’s cost-effective and offers unique features without monthly fees​. It’s a strong Printful alternative if you want some different products or a slightly cheaper base cost on certain items. Just double-check that it covers the products you specifically want to sell.

6. Redbubble

Redbubble is one of the largest print-on-demand marketplaces in the world. It’s home to over 700,000 independent artists and millions of designs on all sorts of products​. On Redbubble, you simply create an account, upload your artwork, and choose which products to enable (they have 70+ product types from T-shirts and stickers to wall art, phone cases, etc.). Customers browse the Redbubble site and if they purchase an item with your design, Redbubble handles production, shipping, and customer service – you just get a share (royalty) of the sale.

Pros:

• Huge built-in audience. Redbubble attracts amassive number of shoppers looking for unique designs – around 34 million visitors per month​. As a seller, you tap into this organic traffic without needing to do your own marketing. It’s great for artists who don’t have an existing fanbase.
• Super easy setup for beginners. You don’t need to build a website or integrate anything – just upload designs and select products. Redbubble’s interface is user-friendly, and you can have a design on dozens of products in minutes.
• No cost to use. It’s free to create and maintain a shop on Redbubble. They take their cut automatically from each sale (you receive your “artist margin”). There are no listing fees or monthly fees.
• Wide product selection and global fulfillment. Redbubble offers a broad catalog and works with third-party printers worldwide (Australia, US, Europe, etc.) to fulfill orders based on the customer’s location​. This means reasonable shipping times globally and a variety of product types to showcase your art.
• Set your own profit margin. Redbubble has a base retail price for each item and you get to specify your markup percentage for your designs. Many artists stick with the default ~20% markup, but you can adjust it (higher or lower) per product. This flexibility lets you control how much you earn per sale​.

Cons:

• Highly competitive marketplace. Because Redbubble has so many artists, it can be challenging to get your designs seen. New sellers might struggle to stand out unless they optimize their tags and perhaps promote their work externally. Essentially, you’re one of thousands of shops – competition is fierce for customer attention​.
• Limited branding & customer connection. When someone buys your design on Redbubble, they’re technically Redbubble’s customer, not yours. You don’t get the customer’s contact info, and you can’t include custom packaging or notes. There’s no way to remarket to those buyers directly. So you gain sales, but not your own customer list or brand recognition (the package comes with Redbubble branding).
• Lower profit per item. Redbubble handles everything and gives you a royalty (your markup). In practice, the default artist margin is often around 10-20% of the sale price​. For example, on a $20 T-shirt, you might earn $4. While you can raise prices, if you set margins too high, the final price might be less competitive. So you trade higher volume for lower individual profits.
• No control over customer service or experience. If a product arrives late or with a print issue, Redbubble’s team deals with it. Some sellers might see this as a pro (less work for you), but if Redbubble makes a decision (like issuing a refund) that you disagree with, you don’t have much say. Plus, any bad review reflects on Redbubble generally, not on building your personal brand reputation.

Redbubble is ideal for those who want a hands-off selling experience with an existing audience. It’s “the best choice for artists and creatives who don’t want to build a website”​. Just be aware that you are effectively renting space in their marketplace ecosystem.

7. TeePublic

TeePublic is another popular POD marketplace, quite similar to Redbubble in concept. In fact, TeePublic is owned by Redbubble (acquired in 2018), but it operates as a separate site with its own style and audience. TeePublic started with a focus on T-shirts and apparel, and it remains a go-to platform for t-shirt designers, though it now offers other products like hoodies, stickers, mugs, wall art, pillows, etc. The platform works much like Redbubble: you upload designs, choose products, and TeePublic lists them on their marketplace for customers to buy.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly and quick to upload. TeePublic is often praised for its simple, fast upload process​. There are fewer product options to configure than Redbubble, which can make listing a design faster and less overwhelming for newcomers.
• Strong organic traffic for apparel. TeePublic has the second-highest organic traffic among POD marketplaces for merch, just after Redbubble​. Many buyers go to TeePublic specifically looking for cool t-shirt designs. This means you have a good chance to make sales just by being on the platform, especially if your designs tap into popular niches or trends. Stay ahead of the curve with these top print-on-demand trends in 2025 that are shaping the industry.
• Promotions drive volume. TeePublic regularly runs site-wide sales (often shirts are discounted heavily, like $14 sales). While the price cut reduces your per-item royalty (you’ll get a set lower amount during sales), these promotions attract lots of purchases, which can boost your overall sales and exposure. It’s not uncommon for new designers to see a spike during a TeePublic sale event.
• Community and culture of fandoms. TeePublic is known for a lot of fan-art and trend-based designs (with appropriate licenses, ideally). If you create designs around hobbies, memes, or pop culture (within legal use), TeePublic’s audience might actively search for those.
• No upfront cost and no need to handle fulfillment (same benefits as other marketplaces: they print and ship for you, and you get paid later). TeePublic pays a fixed royalty (e.g., around $4 for a T-shirt at regular price, $2 on sale).

Cons:

• Limited product range compared to Redbubble or Zazzle. TeePublic is mostly focused on wearable and small accessories. They only recently added things like wall art and notebooks, but the selection is not as extensive. If you want to sell, say, shower curtains or hundreds of different items, TeePublic won’t have that. It’s chiefly an apparel-centric site.
• Less control over pricing. TeePublic sets base prices and standard sale prices. You cannot customize your profit margin on a per-product basis like you can on Redbubble. All artists have the same price points (e.g., standard t-shirt price and your earnings are predetermined). This keeps the platform uniform and simple, but you can’t, for instance, charge a premium for your designs – at least not on TeePublic’s site itself.
• Strict content guidelines. TeePublic has been known to enforce policies against IP infringement, duplicate uploading, etc. which is a good thing, but also they may be stricter on certain designs (to avoid legal issues). They also don’t allow some genres of content. Always ensure your designs meet their content rules to avoid removals.
• You still don’t get customer info or branding. Like any marketplace, TeePublic doesn’t give you the buyer’s contact details (except your commission statement) and handles all customer service. You are anonymous to the buyer aside from maybe a username on the site.

In summary, TeePublic is an easy-to-start platform great for t-shirt designers, especially if you’re creating trendy or niche designs. It’s often recommended to start with TeePublic to learn what designs work, then expand to other sites​. Just remember, it’s a marketplace – so you’re playing by their rules and relying on their traffic.

8. Zazzle

Zazzle is a well-established print-on-demand marketplace that’s been around since 2005. It’s known for having a huge range of product types and a focus on allowing customers to personalize products. On Zazzle, you can open a store and post your designs on products similar to Redbubble/Teepublic, earning royalties on each sale. But Zazzle also attracts customers who want to customize items (e.g. adding their name to a template), and you as a designer can create design templates for that. Products include apparel, invitations, home décor, art, electronics accessories, and more – over 1,300+ product blanks in their catalog.

Pros:

• Large existing customer base and traffic. Zazzle is a well-known destination for custom gifts, especially for events like weddings, birthdays, holidays. You can tap into that audience; you won’t need to bring your own traffic. They handle marketing campaigns, SEO, etc. on their platform.
• Enormous product catalog. Zazzle arguably has one of the widest selections of POD products. From business cards to custom skateboards, the variety is immense. This gives you lots of creative possibilities to monetize your art or patterns on different items.
• Customers can personalize designs (optional). You can allow buyers to modify text or images on your designs through Zazzle’s interface. This can boost sales since people often search for customizable templates (e.g. wedding invitations with their names). As a designer, setting up templates can increase the appeal of your products.
• Easy to start, no upfront cost. Like other marketplaces, Zazzle is free to use; they take a cut from each sale as their profit. You can set your royalty rate on each product (anywhere from 5% to 99%, though most keep it around 10-15% for competitiveness). This means you have flexibility in pricing strategy – you could opt for higher volume (lower royalty) or higher margin per sale.
• Zazzle handles production, shipping, and customer service for you. It’s fairly hands-off once you upload designs. They have manufacturing partners and also some in-house production for certain items, and they ship worldwide.

Cons:

• Marketplace saturation and competition. Zazzle has been around a long time, so there are millions of designs already. In popular categories (like T-shirts or mugs), it can be tough to get noticed. Success may require carving out a niche or creating in-demand templates. As the platform is competitive, new sellers might need patience to build up sales.
• Less seller branding or control. As with other marketplaces, customers primarily interact with Zazzle’s brand. While you do get a “store” page, the user experience is still Zazzle-centric. You can’t customize packaging or do email marketing to buyers (unless they choose to follow you on Zazzle).
• Royalty structure and fees. Zazzle’s royalty payout model can be a bit complex. If you set a royalty above 15%, they add a surcharge to the product price, which could make your items more expensive and less likely to sell. Also, Zazzle has a payment threshold (you need to earn a certain amount, e.g. $50, before you get paid, unless you use PayPal at a lower threshold). Keep an eye on their fee/payout policies.
• Need to achieve consistency. Because of the breadth of products, designing on Zazzle can be time-consuming – you might have to adjust your artwork for many different item types. Additionally, making a sale on one product (say a mug) doesn’t automatically list your design on other products (like a t-shirt) – you must create listings for each. Managing a Zazzle store with lots of products requires organization.
• Some reports of slower sales growth without external marketing. While you don’t have to market, some Zazzle sellers find success by promoting their Zazzle store on social media or Pinterest to drive extra traffic. Relying purely on Zazzle search might be slow initially.

That said, Zazzle remains a top POD site for its hands-off fulfillment and huge product range, and it’s especially good if you want to sell specialized items or invite customers to customize designs. Many designers use Zazzle alongside other marketplaces to diversify their income. As one review noted: you get access to a “huge existing customer base” and you don’t need to spend on marketing, but in exchange it’s a very competitive platform and offers less flexibility than running your own site​.

9. Spreadshirt (Spreadshop)

Spreadshirt is a print-on-demand company that operates both a marketplace and a shop system. Spreadshirt’s marketplace allows designers to upload designs that customers can buy on apparel and accessories (similar to Redbubble’s concept). In addition, Spreadshirt offers “Spreadshop,” a feature where you can create your own branded online storefront for free, powered by their fulfillment. Spreadshirt is especially popular in Europe (it was founded in Germany) but has a global presence with production in the EU and USA. Products focus heavily on apparel, but also include things like hats, bags, mugs, and stickers.

Pros:

• Two ways to sell: You can put your designs on Spreadshirt’s marketplace to tap into their customer base, and/or run a Spreadshop – a free POD storefront with your branding. The Spreadshop can be customized with your logo and embedded on your own website, allowing you to have an independent shop feel (without needing to handle printing). This flexibility is great for beginners who might start on the marketplace and later build their own brand shop​.
• Free to start, no monthly fees. Spreadshirt doesn’t charge you to create an account or open a shop. They make money by keeping a portion of each sale (they have base prices for products). You earn either a royalty (on marketplace sales) or set your margin (in your Spreadshop).
• Global fulfillment and fast production. Spreadshirt has printing facilities in the U.S. and Europe, and they claim ~48-hour production for many orders (especially via their SPOD initiative)​. This means customers often get their items quickly. Worldwide shipping is available, with costs calculated based on location and package weight​. For someone targeting Europe, Spreadshirt is a strong choice due to its local presence there.
• Good quality and sustainable options. Spreadshirt is known for decent print quality (they’ve been in the business a long time). They also offer some organic apparel lines and eco-friendly printing practices. In fact, SPOD (Spreadshirt’s Print-on-Demand service) emphasizes water-saving techniques and plastic-free packaging.
• Community features and integrations. Spreadshirt allows integration with other platforms (they have an API and some pre-built integrations, e.g., you can integrate Spreadshop with certain CMS or use their designs on external sites). They also have a designer community and contests which can be fun and provide inspiration.

Cons:

• Marketplace traffic smaller than giants. Spreadshirt’s marketplace, while active (especially in Europe), is not as internationally trafficked as Redbubble or Amazon. Depending on your niche, you might see fewer organic sales on Spreadshirt’s site. It’s often useful to promote your Spreadshirt designs yourself to drive more sales.
• Slightly complex payout structure. On the marketplace, Spreadshirt often uses a fixed commission per item (e.g., you might earn a set $ amount per shirt sold, regardless of sale price). In Spreadshop, you set your markup. The earnings can thus vary and might be a bit confusing at first. Make sure to read their commission structure so you price your designs appropriately.
• Limited product range compared to some others. Spreadshirt focuses on wearables and a few accessories. It doesn’t have the extremely diverse product catalog that Zazzle or Printify do. If your goal is to print on everything under the sun, Spreadshirt may feel limiting. However, it covers all the popular merch basics.
• Marketplace is somewhat t-shirt centric. Spreadshirt started with T-shirts, and apparel still dominates. If you are an illustrator wanting to sell art prints, for example, Spreadshirt isn’t the main destination for art buyers (they do have posters, but the audience mindset is more about graphic tees and casual merch).
• As with any marketplace/hosted shop, you don’t control the fulfillment or customer info. Spreadshirt will ship in its own packaging (though Spreadshop allows some branding elements in the online store interface). Also, if you have primarily a U.S. audience, Spreadshirt is slightly less known in the U.S. than in Europe, so some American sellers use it mainly to reach Europe.

In summary, Spreadshirt is a solid POD platform with a long track record, particularly good for apparel and for those who want an easy branded shop solution. It’s a “good option for artists and designers that want to monetize their designs with online sales” through either its marketplace or custom shop​. If your designs cater to European markets or you like the idea of a turnkey independent shop (Spreadshop) with no fees, it’s definitely worth considering.

10. Amazon Merch on Demand (Merch by Amazon)

Merch by Amazon (now often called Amazon Merch on Demand) is Amazon’s own print-on-demand program that allows creators to sell custom designs on Amazon’s website. This is slightly different from the other platforms on this list: it’s not an open marketplace you can just join immediately; it’s an invite-only program where you must apply and be approved to become a Merch seller​. Once you’re in, you can upload designs to Amazon’s catalog (initially on t-shirts, and later on other products like hoodies, PopSockets, tote bags, etc.), and those listings appear on Amazon alongside other products. When a customer buys your shirt on Amazon, Amazon prints it on-demand and ships it with Prime shipping, and you earn a royalty.

Pros:

• Access to Amazon’s massive customer base. This is the single biggest advantage – your products are listed onAmazon.com, one of the world’s most visited online stores. Amazon has millions of customers searching every day, so your chance of being discovered is high. In fact, if treated as a stand-alone site, Merch by Amazon’s traffic would dwarf other POD sites. You effectively get to put your designs in front of Amazon shoppers without any marketing on your part.
• Prime eligibility and trust. Products fulfilled by Amazon often have the Prime badge, meaning free 1-2 day shipping for Prime members. Customers trust Amazon and are more likely to purchase there due to familiarity and fast delivery​. This can lead to higher conversion rates – shoppers might choose your Amazon listing over a similar item on a lesser-known site because of the convenience and trust factor​.
• No upfront cost, no inventory – like other POD, you don’t pay anything until a sale is made. Amazon’s cut is the base cost; you get the remainder as royalty. You also don’t handle customer service or returns; Amazon does. It’s very hands-off operationally.
• High scalability. If a design of yours becomes a hit, Amazon can handle thousands of orders seamlessly. There’s practically no limit to how much you can sell; some Merch sellers have sold tens of thousands of shirts. Amazon handles printing capacity and shipping logistics at scale better than anyone.
• Easy listing process. The interface to create a Merch listing is straightforward: upload artwork, choose product type and colors, add a title/description, and set your price. Amazon will show you your expected royalty at that price. There’s no fancy shop customization needed.

Cons:

• Invite/application required. You can’t start selling on Merch by Amazon today unless you apply and wait for approval. This vetting process can take weeks or even months, and not all applicants are accepted (Amazon does this to control quality and demand)​. For a beginner eager to start now, this delay is a drawback. It’s recommended to request an invite early because of this wait.
• Limited product scope (so far). Merch by Amazon started with just t-shirts and has slowly added a few products (hoodies, long-sleeve tees, tank tops, PopSocket phone grips, etc., and recently tote bags and throw pillows in some markets). The selection is much smaller than other POD platforms. If your aim is to put designs on many different items, Merch may feel restrictive. It’s primarily an apparel program.
• Competitive and saturated. Because Amazon is so huge, many sellers flock to Merch. Popular niches (funny slogan shirts, holiday shirts, etc.) are extremely saturated. You have to research and find unique ideas or less crowded niches to get steady sales. Also, Amazon’s search algorithm will favor products that start selling (sales history, conversions matter), so new designs need a bit of luck or trendiness to gain traction.
• Tier system limits new sellers. Merch by Amazon uses a tiered system. When you start, you may be limited to, say, 10 designs (“Tier 10”). You must sell a certain number of units to tier up (to 25, 100, 500, and so on) which then allows you to upload more designs. This prevents new users from spamming thousands of designs. The downside is your growth is slow at first – you might have great ideas but can only list a handful until you prove yourself with sales.
• No direct customer relationship. Amazon does not share buyer information with you. And products are Amazon-branded in terms of packaging. So, much like other marketplaces, you’re not building your own brand or customer list via Merch. It’s more a way to monetize designs anonymously.
• Copycats and design theft issues. Because designs are visible on Amazon, unscrupulous actors might copy a popular design and upload their own version. Amazon does fight this and you can report infringers, but it’s an ongoing challenge on the platform​.

Despite these cons, Amazon Merch on Demand is hugely attractive for one main reason: the sheer scale of Amazon’s platform. Many sellers see it as a no-brainer to at least try, because a single winning design on Amazon can outperform sales from numerous other channels. As one expert put it, Merch gives you the ability to list your designs on the world’s biggest online store​, with the bonus of Prime shipping speed for your customers​. If you can get in and navigate the competitive landscape, it can be a game-changer for your POD business.

Conclusion

Print-on-demand in 2025 offers an exciting opportunity for beginners to start selling custom products with minimal risk. To recap:

• POD means no inventory and products printed only when someone orders – great for testing designs and niches without big upfront costs. The process from order to fulfillment is largely automated by your POD partner, allowing you to focus on design and marketing.
• The industry is growing fast in 2025​, fueled by the e-commerce boom and demand for unique, personalized goods. It’s a flexible model that anyone with creativity can jump into, whether as a hobby or a serious business.
• There are many POD platforms to choose from. Marketplaces like Redbubble, TeePublic, Zazzle, Spreadshirt, and Amazon Merch allow you to start quickly and tap into existing shoppers (ideal if you don’t have your own site or audience). On the other hand, fulfillment services like Printful, Printify, Gelato, Gooten, and Teelaunch integrate with your own online store and give you more control over branding and customer experience.

When choosing a POD platform, consider what matters most for your situation – is it ease of setup, product variety, shipping speed, profit margins, or brand control? You might even use a combination (for example, sell on a marketplace to earn some income and test designs, while building your own store with a fulfillment partner for your brand).

The good news is that all these platforms are beginner-friendly and require no upfront fees to try out. You can experiment and find the one that fits your needs. Print-on-demand can be a rewarding way to share your creativity with the world (and make money doing it), and with this guide, you have a complete overview to get started confidently. Happy designing and good luck with your Print POD journey in 2025!