Have you ever dreamed of selling your products online, without dealing with inventory, production, or shipping? If so, you might be interested in print on demand dropshipping.
Dropshipping print on demand is not just a trend, it’s a revolution. It allows you to create and sell custom products with your own designs and branding and let the suppliers handle the rest. You can sell anything from t-shirts, mugs, posters, phone cases, and more.
In this article, we will show you how to start your print on demand dropshipping store, with 7 supplier recommendations. Let’s begin!
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What is Print On Demand?
Print on demand (POD) is a business model where you provide customized designs onto high-quality products that are made and delivered directly to customers worldwide. The products are only printed on-demand when a customer orders them, which can help you save costs and avoid inventory issues.
Moreover, you have the freedom to either design your creations or partner with skilled designers who can provide an array of templates for various products such as t-shirts, mugs, socks, and beyond.
Is Print On Demand Profitable?
The short answer is yes, print on demand can be profitable. In fact, according to a study by Shopify, the average profit margin for print on demand businesses is 15-20%.
Plus, this market is booming! Grand Search Reviews analyzed that the POD market was worth USD 6.18 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030 in Europe.
Print on Demand is a growing and profitable market
There are a few reasons why print on demand can be profitable:
- First, you don’t have to worry about inventory costs. You only pay for the products you sell, so you don’t have to tie up capital in inventory that you might not sell.
- Second, print on demand businesses typically have low overhead costs. You don’t need a warehouse or a staff of employees so you can keep your costs down.
- Third, print on demand businesses can be very scalable. You can easily add new products or expand into new markets without making a big investment.
Of course, there are also some challenges to running a profitable print on demand business. You need to find a niche in high demand and create high-quality designs that people will want to buy. You also need to be good at marketing and promoting your business.
But if you’re willing to put in the work, print on demand can be a very profitable business model.
What Is Print On Demand Dropshipping?
Print on demand (POD) and dropshipping are two popular business models that can be combined to create a lucrative business.
POD allows you to sell unique and customized items per order, while dropshipping allows you to outsource the fulfillment process to a third-party supplier.
This means you can: 1. offer a one-of-a-kind product catalog with POD, or 2. offer a wide range of products with dropshipping without having to store or handle any physical inventory.
Here’s how print on demand dropshipping works:
- You create a product listing for a custom t-shirt, mug, or other items on your online store.
- When a customer orders the product, you send the order details to a print on demand company.
- The print on demand company prints and ships the product directly to the customer.
- This process eliminates the need for you to store inventory, manage shipping, or deal with customer returns. As a result, you can focus on growing your business and creating amazing products.
Source: eCommerceCEO
Just like any other business model, print on demand dropshipping offers several advantages and disadvantages.
One of the benefits is that it is simple to start, as online sellers can easily collaborate with POD suppliers. Moreover, the customization aspect of POD allows sellers to offer unique and valuable products, thereby enhancing brand awareness. Another notable advantage is that online sellers are not required to invest in equipment or maintain inventory.
However, a drawback of this model is the lack of control over product quality since online sellers do not physically possess the items. Additionally, due to the made-to-order nature of POD items, there might be longer shipping times involved. Hence, maintaining open communication with both suppliers and customers becomes crucial in this scenario.
Top 7 Print On Demand Companies To Start A Profitable POD Dropshipping Business
One of the make-or-break factors of your print on demand dropshipping business is the supplier you choose.
Many POD dropshipping suppliers offer a wide range of products, from apparel and accessories to home decor and stationery. However, not all of them are created equal. Some factors that you should consider when choosing a PoD supplier are:
- The quality and variety of the products
- The pricing and profit margin
- The production and shipping speed
- The integration with your eCommerce platform
- The customer service and support
To help you find the best print on demand dropshipping supplier, we have compiled a list of the top 7 that will help you start PoD dropshipping.
Here is a quick comparison table:
| POD Supplier | Pricing | Production Speed |
| Printful | No monthly fees, pay per product | 2-7 days |
| Printify | Free plan or from $24.99/month | 2-7 days |
| Apliiq | No monthly fees, pay per product | Up to 7 days |
| Gelato | No monthly fees, pay per product | Within 5 days |
| SPOD | No monthly fees, pay per product | 1-4 days |
| Teelaunch | No monthly fees, pay per product | 3-6 days |
| CustomCat | Free or from $25 monthly | 2-7 days |
Now let’s take a closer look at each of these POD suppliers and see what they have to offer.
1. Printful
The first shoutout in best print on demand dropshipping companies is Printful
Undoubtedly, the first name that comes to our mind for a top POD company is Printful. This a trusted and popular print on demand dropshipping supplier, who is also highly regarded in the market.
With facilities in multiple countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia, Printful offers a diverse range of high-quality products for clothing, accessories, home items, and more.
Their fast production and shipping times and exceptional customer service make them an ideal choice for anyone looking to start or expand their POD dropshipping business. Additionally, their unique mockup generator allows users to create realistic product images featuring their designs.
Printful seamlessly integrates with various eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. This makes this company an ideal choice for anyone seeking a reliable partner to kickstart or expand their print on demand dropshipping business.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- High-quality products and printing techniques
- Fast production and shipping times
- Excellent customer service and support
- Easy-to-use mockup generator and design tools
❌ Cons:
- Higher product costs compared to some other PoD suppliers
- Limited customization options for some products
- Shipping costs vary depending on the product type and destination
Pricing
Printful’s pricing is based on products and not monthly fees. Depending on the product type, size, color, and printing method, the COGS will be different. Printful also offers discounts for bulk orders and sample orders.
Production speed
Printful’s fulfillment time is around 2–7 business days for all production techniques.
In 2022, over 95% of their orders were shipped within 5 business days, and more than 75% of their orders were shipped within 3 business days or fewer. (The fulfillment time does not include shipping, which depends on product availability and delivery destination)
2. Printify
The second shoutout in best print on demand dropshipping companies is Printify
Printify is another popular POD supplier that offers a large selection of products, from apparel and accessories to home and living items. Based in the US, this company works with over 90 print providers worldwide.
Printify allows you to choose the best print provider for your products based on price, quality, location, and availability. It also has a mockup generator feature, which allows you to create realistic product images with your designs.
Additionally, Printify seamlessly integrates with various eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. It is ideal for those seeking increased options and flexibility in their PoD supplier.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Large selection of products and print providers
- Ability to compare and choose the best print provider for your products
- Easy-to-use mockup generator and design tools
❌ Cons:
- Inconsistent product quality and shipping times depending on the print provider
- Limited customer service and support from some print providers
- Additional fees for some products and features
Pricing
This supplier offers a Free plan for new sellers. However, if you have over 5 shops, you must upgrade to the Premium plan for $24.99 monthly.
Production speed
In general, most orders are shipped within 2-7 business days after the order is submitted. However, this is not a guaranteed timeframe, and some orders may take longer than expected due to various reasons.
3. Apliiq
The third shoutout in best print on demand dropshipping companies is Apliiq
Apliiq is a PoD supplier that specializes in clothing and accessories. It is a US-based company, yet provides worldwide shipping.
Apliiq offers a unique feature called the fabric library, which allows you to choose from over 400 fabrics to customize your products. You can add labels, tags, and embroidery to your products to create a more professional and branded look.
This platform integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce and also offers an API for custom integration. Therefore, it is suitable for anyone who wants to create high-quality and personalized clothing and accessories with a distinctive style.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Dedicated clothing & accessories products
- Unique fabric library and customization options
- Ability to add labels, tags, and embroidery to your products
❌ Cons:
- Higher product costs compared to some other PoD suppliers
- Longer production and shipping times compared to some other PoD suppliers
- Limited product selection compared to some other PoD suppliers
Pricing
This company charges on items sold. The pricing will be different based on the product type, size, color, printing method, and fabric choice. You can get discounts for bulk orders and sample orders.
Below is a detailed example of how each product can cost on Apliiq’s website.
Production speed
Apliiq states that production can take up to seven days for orders. The production speed depends on various factors, such as the product type, the order size, and the availability of materials.
4. Gelato
The fourth shoutout in best print on demand dropshipping companies is Gelato
The next on our list is Gelato. This Norwegian-based POD supplier has a global network of print partners and local delivery options. With over 100 production facilities in 30 countries, Gelato offers a wide range of products including apparel, accessories, wall art, and stationery.
Known for its fast production and shipping times, eco-friendly practices, and automatic routing of orders, Gelato seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy.
This supplier is ideal for those seeking to reach a global audience with their POD products while reducing their environmental impact.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Customizable storefront
- Eco-friendly products and practices
- Automatic routing of orders. This means your products are printed and shipped from the closest location to your customer, resulting in faster delivery times and reduced shipping costs.
❌ Cons:
- Higher product costs compared to some other PoD suppliers
- Limited customization options for some products
- Limited customer service and support
Pricing
No monthly fee; pay based on the products you sell, for example:
- Shirts: $10 – $15
- Mugs: $6 – $16
- Tote bags: $11 – $15
- Posters: $7 on average
Production speed
Gelato has a global network of local print providers that can produce and deliver orders within 5 days for over 90% of the orders. Gelato also states that production can take up to seven days for orders.
5. SPOD
The fifth shoutout in best print on demand dropshipping companies is SPOD
This US-based POD supplier specializes in apparel and accessories. It offers over 50,000 products, from clothing and hats to bags and jewelry.
SPOD is known for its fast production and shipping times, its low product costs, and its easy integration with Shopify. It also has a design tool feature, which allows you to create your designs or use templates from SPOD’s library.
This company is suitable for anyone who wants to sell affordable and high-quality clothing and accessories with a fast turnaround time.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Fast production and shipping times
- Low product costs and high profit margins
- Easy integration with Shopify
- Easy-to-use design tools and templates
❌ Cons:
- Limited product selection compared to some other PoD suppliers
- Limited customization options for some products
- Shipping costs vary depending on the product type and destination
Pricing
Like Gelato, SPOD also charges no monthly fees. You only pay for each POD product you sell, for example:
- T-shirts: around $15
- Mugs & drinkware: can range from $8 to $19
- Wall arts: $9 – $17
Production speed
From around 1 to 4 days, can take up to 7 days. The current production status of SPOD is normal, meaning that they produce 95% of orders under 48 hours.
6. Teelaunch
The sixth shoutout in best print on demand dropshipping companies is Teelaunch
Teelaunch is a US-based, global print-on-demand company that offers a wide range of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and phone cases. They have a good reputation for low product costs, high-quality printing, and fast production and shipping times.
Teelaunch integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more. Teelaunch also has a feature called the product builder, which allows you to create your products with your designs and specifications.
This company is for those who want to sell affordable and high-quality PoD products with a fast turnaround time.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Low minimum order quantities
- Wide range of products
- Competitive pricing
- High-quality products & printing techniques
❌ Cons:
- Can be slow for high-volume orders
- No white label printing. This means your customers will see Teelaunch branding on your products.
Pricing
Teelaunch offers affordable clothing and accessories, but some of their special items are more expensive. They charge per item, for example:
- Shirts: $11 – $15
- Mugs: around $5
- Towels: $20
- Tumblers and glasses: about $15
You also need to pay for shipping and additional costs, which vary by product and location. Shipping a t-shirt in the US costs $5, but internationally it costs $10.
Additional costs range from $1 for most apparel to $5 for canvas wall art. Apparel sizes bigger than 2XL cost an extra $1.
Production speed
Most products have a process time of 3-6 business days after the order is submitted.
7. CustomCat
The seventh shoutout in best print on demand dropshipping companies is CustomCat
CustomCat is a US-based print on demand dropshipping supplier specializing in apparel and accessories. They ship worldwide and offer over 550 products, including clothing, hats, bags, and jewelry. With low costs, top-notch printing, and quick production and shipping times,
CustomCat is the go-to choice for affordable and high-quality items. Their integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy makes selling a breeze. Plus, their design studio lets you create your designs or use templates from their library.
Perfect for anyone seeking fast turnaround time on selling clothing and accessories.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Low product costs and high profit margins
- High-quality products and printing techniques
- Fast production and shipping times
❌ Cons:
- Can be expensive for high-volume orders
- Limited product selection compared to some other PoD suppliers
- Limited customization options for some products
Pricing
- CustomCat Lite: Free access to standard wholesale prices.
- CustomCat PRO: $25/month paid annually or $30/month paid monthly. Gives you 20-40% off of standard wholesale prices.
Production speed
CustomCat states that most products have a production time of 2-7 business days after the order is placed.
FAQs
1. What is print on demand dropshipping?
Print on demand dropshipping is a way of selling custom products online without having to keep any inventory or stock. It works by using a print-on-demand service that prints and ships the products directly to the customer after an order is placed.
The seller can design and customize the products on various items, such as clothing, wall art, accessories, and more. Sellers only pay for the products and shipping when they make a sale, saving time and money.
2. Is Shopify print on demand?
Yes, Shopify print on demand is a service that allows you to create and sell customized products online without having to deal with inventory, production, or shipping.
You can design your own products using Shopify’s online store editor or use one of the many print-on-demand apps available on the Shopify app store. When a customer orders a product from your store, the print-on-demand company will print it and ship it directly to them, while you get paid for the sale.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a low-risk, low-investment way to start an online business, print on demand dropshipping is a great option. With a little hard work and dedication, you can build a successful business that can generate passive income for years to come.
In this article, we have reviewed the top 7 POD suppliers that can help you start POD dropshipping. Hope you have found this article helpful. And don’t miss this opportunity to start your Print on Demand dropshipping business today!
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