The Best Print on Demand Fulfillment Companies

Best Print on Demand Fulfillment Companies: A Guide for Creators and Entrepreneurs

Choosing the right print-on-demand (POD) fulfillment company is a game-changer for any entrepreneur or artist who wants to monetize their designs and build a brand without managing inventory. Print-on-demand platforms handle the production and fulfillment of orders, making it possible for anyone to start selling custom-designed products with minimal upfront investment. Here, I’ll guide you through some of the best POD companies out there, each offering unique features that make them ideal for creators looking to build a business in a streamlined and hassle-free way. I’ll also share a bit of my personal journey in the print-on-demand space, along with some links to my favorite collections and social platforms where I share my designs and inspirations.

A Brief History of Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand is a modern twist on an age-old business model. In the past, mass production required substantial investment, with the risk of unsold inventory looming over business owners. However, digital printing technology began revolutionizing the industry in the early 2000s, allowing businesses to produce smaller batches at a lower cost. Companies like CafePress and Zazzle were pioneers in making custom-printed products accessible. Over time, POD platforms have evolved, integrating with major e-commerce platforms and offering a wide range of customizable products, from T-shirts to home decor. Today, POD is accessible to anyone, giving artists and entrepreneurs a low-risk path to monetizing their creativity.

Top Print-on-Demand Fulfillment Companies

1. Printful

Printful is one of the most popular POD companies, known for its wide range of products and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. Printful offers high-quality printing and fast shipping, making it an ideal choice for creators who want to ensure customer satisfaction. One of my favorite products to create on Printful is custom-designed mugs, and I’ve added some of these to my Coffee Mugs for Mom collection, which has been well-received.

2. Zazzle

Zazzle has been in the print-on-demand space since the early 2000s and offers one of the largest selections of customizable products. Zazzle’s marketplace allows creators to showcase their work to a broad audience, and the platform’s user-friendly tools make designing products like apparel, accessories, and even holiday decor easy. I use Zazzle for my seasonal items, especially my Christmas designs, which you can check out in My Designs Only collection.

3. Fourthwall

Fourthwall is another fantastic platform that combines POD fulfillment with features for building a branded website. For creators wanting to start their own merchandise line, Fourthwall provides a cohesive storefront where customers can purchase directly. I’ve curated some exclusive designs on Fourthwall, such as custom hats, shirts, and other items that are part of my I designed these - hats and I designed these - Shirts collections.

4. Printify

Printify is an excellent choice for businesses looking to scale, offering one of the largest networks of print providers. This model allows creators to compare prices and select the best provider for their specific needs. With integrations for platforms like Shopify and eBay, Printify is versatile, cost-effective, and popular among e-commerce entrepreneurs. This platform has enabled me to experiment with various products, including custom shoes in my Shoes Recommended collection.

5. Spreadshop

Spreadshop is an ideal platform for those looking to create a storefront specifically for apparel. With no minimum orders and a variety of printing options, Spreadshop is perfect for artists who want to focus on T-shirt sales. Their commission structure is straightforward, making it easier to calculate earnings. You’ll find some of my apparel designs on Spreadshop, showcasing my passion for creating stylish and unique pieces.

My Print-on-Demand Journey

My name is Carl Schultz, and the journey into print-on-demand has been transformative for me. I come from a background that includes serving in combat, studying business marketing at UNLV, and navigating the ups and downs of life, from being homeless to eventually building my own brand. Working for myself has been essential to my mental health, especially with my PTSD making it difficult to work in traditional environments. Through POD, I found a way to turn my creativity into something tangible, starting with my first designs, which included everything from apparel to home decor items. You can see a selection of my work across platforms, like my All Halloween Products, which is a personal favorite of mine, especially around the holiday season.

One of the most meaningful aspects of POD for me has been creating designs that resonate with others and seeing them become part of people’s lives. Each collection, from shoes to books that inspire, represents a piece of my story and my values.

Recommended Social Platforms for POD Success

1. Instagram: My Instagram is where I share the latest designs, seasonal releases, and behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process. It’s a great platform for connecting with customers and showcasing products in action.

2. Pinterest: I use Pinterest to catalog ideas and inspirations. Check out my collections like All Music, where I share insights on music-related products that pair well with creative endeavors.

3. TikTok: With short-form video content being highly engaging, my TikTok WolvOfficial is where I share creative videos of my products and how they’re made, along with unique behind-the-scenes stories.

4. YouTube: For in-depth tutorials and product showcases, I turn to YouTube. This allows me to engage with a broader audience interested in the process behind each design.

5. LinkedIn: To connect with partners and share business insights, LinkedIn is an excellent platform. I’ve found it to be invaluable for connecting with other entrepreneurs in the print-on-demand and creative space.

Recommended Products for POD Businesses

To streamline my POD work, I rely on certain essential items. Here are some that I recommend:

• Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone: For recording podcast episodes and creating engaging video content.

• Herman Miller Classic Aeron Task Chair: Perfect for those long hours spent designing and managing POD products.

• Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer: A time-saver for shipping orders directly to customers, especially if you’re handling some orders in-house.

• OEAGO Gifts for Mom Enamels Mug: Personalized mugs are a great way to thank your top customers or partners.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best POD Fulfillment Company

Print-on-demand opens doors for creators and small businesses to build brands without the heavy lifting of inventory management. Whether you’re looking to start with custom mugs or branch out into niche designs like skateboards in my Skateboards I Need collection, there’s a POD solution that will suit your needs.

For me, print-on-demand has not only been a business venture but also a means of self-expression and resilience. Each collection I create reflects parts of my life and values, from overcoming hardship to sharing my journey with others. With platforms like Printful, Zazzle, Fourthwall, and Printify, there are countless ways to share your art with the world while building a sustainable income stream. Let your story inspire your designs, and choose the best POD platform to bring them to life.

Best Print on Demand Fulfillment Companies-

What Sets the Best Print on Demand Fulfillment Companies Apart from the Rest?

What sets apart the best print on demand companies from the rest is how easy they make it for you to create and manage your designs. I really like the sites that allow you to upload one design and automatically put it on many products quickly. It’s great when you can turn this feature on and off as needed.

Customer service is a huge factor. You want to be able to talk to helpful and responsive customer service representatives who can assist with any issues that arise, especially regarding copyright concerns. It's important to choose a platform that actively works with you to resolve problems fairly and efficiently.

When looking for the best, I don't prioritize volume or site visitors, although that helps. I prefer platforms that allow thorough product editing and have a really good dashboard and user interface. Mock-ups are also crucial—they should look great and accurately represent your products. The ability to edit products in detail and having a user-friendly interface makes managing your store much smoother. Overall, a combination of ease of use, excellent customer service, and powerful editing tools sets the best print on demand companies apart from the rest.

Why These Are the Best Print on Demand Fulfillment Companies

People can trust my recommendations because I only endorse products and platforms that I have personally tested and found beneficial. I prioritize transparency and honesty in my reviews, ensuring I never steer anyone in the wrong direction. By sharing my genuine experiences and thoroughly vetting each service, I provide reliable advice that you can depend on. My commitment to integrity means that when I recommend something, you can be confident it's a valuable and trustworthy choice. If I ever see something that doesn't add up, I make it a point to go back and update my articles to reflect the most accurate and current information.

From Poshmark to Print-on-Demand: How Spreadshop Changed the Game for Me

When I first started with print-on-demand, it was quite challenging. Transitioning from Poshmark to a model without inventory was a big adjustment. I had to learn to see the print-on-demand business as a never-ending revenue stream. With this model, there's no limit to how much you can add to your inventory, making it infinitely scalable.

I initially stumbled upon Spreadshop, but I didn't know how to market myself effectively. So, I put Spreadshop on the back burner. However, I kept my username, WolvOfficial, and once I learned how to market and measure results—like tracking clicks—it really changed the game for me.

Now, I'm not afraid to try smaller platforms. Normally, I would go with eBay or Etsy, but I've found that I can succeed with platforms like Teespring. Spreadshop has become one of my favorites because you can upload one image and they automatically place it on around 250 products. This allows me to easily expand my inventory without much effort.

Finding the Best Print on Demand Fulfillment Companies: What You Need to Know

How did you transition from Poshmark to print-on-demand?

- First of all, I started by slowly getting rid of my inventory from Poshmark. Then, I began keeping a spreadsheet of the products I had in my print-on-demand business. While I did keep track of inventory on Poshmark, the excitement with print-on-demand comes from the ability to have as much inventory as possible. With Poshmark, I only managed to reach about 25,000 dollars in inventory, even though my goal was 50,000. However, with print-on-demand, I can easily hit that 50,000 mark within the next month.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting with print-on-demand?

• One of the biggest challenges I faced with print-on-demand was getting over the design aspect and setting up a smooth process. Early on, I made mistakes by spending too much time on individual tasks, which slowed me down. To manage this better, I started creating backups of the photos and organizing everything more efficiently. This allowed me to streamline the workflow and make the entire process smoother.

Why did you choose Spreadshop over other print-on-demand platforms?

• I was attracted to Spreadshop over other print-on-demand platforms because they made everything so easy. It almost felt like they wanted you to upload your designs as fast as possible, which I really liked.

• When you compare it to other platforms, some can be quite slow and complicated, even just setting up an account can take a long time. Spreadshop recently came on my radar, and I was impressed by their ability to scale multiple products quickly. This feature really helps me build my goal of having a large amount of inventory.

How do you market your print-on-demand products effectively?

• When it comes to marketing my products, my approach varies depending on the platform. However, one thing that remains consistent is keeping good records.

• Early on, I made the mistake of tracking the wrong types of measurements. Instead of focusing on useful data, I was trying to track things that didn't really benefit the business. Now, I focus on tracking clicks, which provides more meaningful insights.

• Marketing really comes down to getting your links out there as widely as possible across the internet. The more places your links appear, the better your chances of someone clicking and making a purchase. It's a simple strategy, but it's effective.

• I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate marketing, especially when you're just starting out. It's important to remember that it's a learning process. By refining your tracking and spreading your links far and wide, you'll increase your chances of success.

What advice do you have for someone just starting with print-on-demand?

- If you're just getting started with print-on-demand, let me tell you, you've got to think long-term. This game is not for the faint-hearted. It takes patience, resilience, and the guts to keep pushing when the going gets tough. You're going to stumble, you're going to fall, and you're going to make mistakes. But remember, it's not about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.

Now, stay laser-focused on your print-on-demand business. When people ask what you do, just say you're hustling on the internet. No need for long explanations. Keep your head down, stay committed, and block out the noise. Critics and doubters will come, especially when you start raking in the cash. But you stand tall, you stay strong, and you keep fighting for your dreams.

Success isn’t going to be handed to you. It demands strength, perseverance, and an unbeatable attitude. You’re going to face obstacles, but each one is a stepping stone to your ultimate goal. Embrace the struggle, learn from every failure, and keep pushing forward. With relentless determination and a warrior’s spirit, you’ll crush it in the print-on-demand world. Keep moving forward, no matter what. You’ve got this, now go out there and make it happen!

Can you really make significant revenue with print-on-demand?

- I'm still on my journey, but from what I've seen on YouTube and read in articles, people are making ridiculous amounts of money in this game. I'm talking about millions monthly. It's not just a myth—there are real success stories out there. For most people, pulling in 20K a month is more common, and even that is a game-changer.

There is a ton of money out there, especially with opportunities like newsletters and other digital strategies. The potential is massive. It sounds convincing—why would so many spend time on it if it wasn't true? So, keep pushing, keep grinding, and stay focused. The sky's the limit if you're ready to go all in.

How do you handle the design aspect if you're not a designer?

- I use Canva, which is a fantastic resource for designing. I like to save my Canva URLs and organize them in my Airtable database. These two tools work really well together for me. For designing, I also use Leonardo AI, which is a great app. I enjoy using various AI generators to get creative while still respecting copyright and trademark laws. This combination of tools helps me stay efficient and innovative in my print-on-demand business.

What are the benefits of using smaller platforms like Spreadshop compared to bigger ones like eBay or Etsy?

- I'm not really a fan of niches. While many emphasize their importance, I prefer exploring a wide range of designs and products. This keeps things fresh and allows me to tap into different markets. I understand that having a niche can provide focus and a targeted audience, but for me, diversity keeps my business dynamic and versatile.

I think some of the advantages of using smaller platforms like Spreadshop aren't necessarily about owning your list, but more about a long-term strategy. Smaller platforms are less likely to kick you out as quickly as bigger ones, and you often get better customer service. So, while they have their pros and cons, smaller platforms can offer more stability and support for your business.

How do you keep track of your sales and performance across different platforms?

- For me, it was a big transition because, with Poshmark, I tracked individual items and updated my listings when they sold. With print-on-demand, I can keep my listing without deleting items because they're replenishable—they just keep going. Maintaining and updating a database takes a lot of my time, so I focus on tracking clicks through various marketing efforts, not just Facebook.

I use a spreadsheet to monitor these clicks. The internet is vast, and thinking about it as a whole can be overwhelming. By concentrating on key metrics like clicks, I can better understand my reach and impact. There's so much more to discuss, like link shortening, which is crucial for tracking and analysis. If you want to dive deeper into that, we can definitely discuss it further.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in print-on-demand?

- I think some common pitfalls include accounting software. I've tried so many—QuickBooks, for instance—and made the mistake of spending a lot of money on it. I've also tried Zoho Books, which is good. By the way, Zoho is spelled Z-O-H-O, not "Coho."

To keep track of my business income, I use Airtable. Anytime I have business income, I put it in there. You can get creative with your Airtable spreadsheet, and it’s a great way to manage your finances, especially for the IRS. Knowing your profits is crucial since that’s what you pay taxes on. A lot of people say you need to get an accountant, but I believe you just need an attorney when the IRS comes knocking at your door.

Another pitfall is probably not working hard enough. I love working hard on my business, but getting around the right people is important. I had to learn the hard way—you want to have a solid foundation with good people around you, a supportive home, and save your money. Grow your business with that money and keep reinvesting in it. Forget about your personal expenses—LOL.

Top Resources for Your Print on Demand Success

Best Tools and Platforms to Create and Sell Custom Products

If you're into print on demand, here are some of the best companies to help you get started. For email marketing and print on demand, check out Get Response. To do keyword research, try Mangools. My top picks for fulfillment are Printful, Zazzle, and Printify.

Managing your databases is easy with SmartSuite and Airtable. For design needs, you can use tools like Kittl and Canva. If you need a trademark checker, try Merch Informer. Great places to sell your products include Etsy, Tee in Blue, Society 6, and Fourth Wall.

These tools and platforms have been key to my success in print on demand, and I believe they can help you too.