Print-on-demand has changed the way that clothing manufacturers and resellers produce their products. It’s also made it much easier for smaller businesses to get their designs into the world.
While POD isn’t a perfect fit for every company, there are many ways that it can help you grow your business. Read on to learn about some of the best print-on-demand tools and when they might be the right choice for your business.
What Is Print-on-Demand?
Print-on-demand is a process in which a product is printed after an order has been placed. In the old manufacturing model, all products would be published in bulk, often before they were even ordered. The problem with this is that you’d be stuck with unsold inventory if something didn’t sell. Print-on-demand online services allow you to sidestep this issue.
Now, if a product isn’t selling well, you don’t have to produce more — you don’t print anymore. You can take advantage of these benefits by connecting your design software to a POD tool.
You can upload your designs and have the print-on-demand tools automatically create a bar code and set the garment type. Plus, your software will also create an image of the method you can use on the website.
How Does Print-on-Demand Work?
To design a garment with a print-on-demand service, you create a PNG file in your design software. You then select the type of garment you want to print on and add the PNG file to your online account.
The print-on-demand tool will then automatically create a bar code, a garment type, and an image of your design. A bar code and garment type ensure that your design can be printed on the machine and sold on a website. A picture is what will show up on the site once it’s published.
The print-on-demand service will use a particular machine to print a single garment at a time. Once the garment is published, it will be folded and packaged according to the type of garment you’ve selected.
Best Print-on-Demand Tools for Designers and Brands
Take note of the different benefits each of these services offers to make the best decision for your business. It includes:
Printful
Printful is an excellent choice for designers who want to start selling printed t-shirts and other garments. The tool is easy to use and easy to interface with standard design software. It has low order minimums and doesn’t require any upfront investment.
Shopify Print
Shopify Print is an excellent option for designers who want to integrate print-on-demand with their Shopify store. It has perfect integration with most design software and many different settings.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt is one of the biggest print-on-demand platforms around. They offer both garments and products like posters and mugs. They also have a wide range of product types and provide various customization options.
Zazzle
Zazzle is an excellent option for designers who want to sell posters and mugs. Their print-on-demand platform is easy to use and highly customizable. It requires no upfront investment and very low order minimums.
Merch by Amazon
Merch by Amazon is Amazon’s print-on-demand offering. It can be an excellent option for Amazon sellers who want to add printed products to their stores. The tool is best for people who want to sell printed t-shirts.
POD Tools for Manufacturers and Resellers
For manufacturers and resellers, these are some of the best POD tools they can also use. With these, they can take orders from customers and have them fulfilled without worrying about inventory.
CafePress
CafePress is a print-on-demand tool that offers an extensive design interface. It’s perfect for people who want to add unique product designs to their stores. A POD tool also has low order minimums and no setup fees.
Printful
Printful is an excellent option for wholesale print-on-demand. It has low order minimums, doesn’t require any upfront investment, and allows you to create private label items.
Printify
Printify is an exciting option for wholesale manufacturers; it allows you to turn existing designs into print-on-demand products. You upload a design, select the product type, and mark it as “ready to print.” Printify will then handle the printing, fulfillment, and shipping.
Print Aura
Print Aura is an excellent option for those who want to create private-label products. It has no upfront costs, low order minimums, and fast turnaround times. You upload your design, and Print Aura will take care of the rest.
There are plenty of other excellent print-on-demand services out there. These are just a few of the best. Do the research and find the right one for you and your business. With the right tool, you can start selling printed products with no hassle and upfront investment.
Should You Use a Print-on-Demand Tool?
Print-on-demand tools are best for people who want to sell garments, t-shirts, bags, or other products with images. However, if you sell products that don’t have pictures, or if you want to sell printed goods with a logo, it’s better to use a screen printing company.
If you’re starting, print-on-demand could be a great option. It’s easy to set up, can integrate with your existing website, and doesn’t require a significant upfront investment.
Regardless, it would help if you kept in mind that you don’t own the inventory with print-on-demand. If you sell many products, you’ll need to work with a manufacturer.
Which POD Tool Is Right for You?
All of the print-on-demand tools on this list have their strengths and weaknesses. You must first consider your business to determine which is best for you.
- What products do you want to sell?
- The products your customers are looking for.
- What products are in demand right now?
- Type of garments do you want to sell
- What kind of garments do your customers want to buy?
- Are you selling t-shirts, hoodies, bags, or other clothes?
- Do your customers wish to print products with images, or do they prefer logos?
- What’s the best way to meet the demand in your niche right now?
With these questions answered, you can narrow down your options. Once you know which print-on-demand tools are best for your business, you’ll be able to start designing and selling products more quickly. And best of all, you’ll be able to focus on the most important thing: getting your products in customers’ hands.
The Final Verdict
Finding the best POD tool can be challenging. However, if you take the time to consider your needs, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for you and your business.
Your effort won’t go to waste; a good POD tool can save you time and money. It’ll also help you sell more products and reach a larger audience. So, don’t hesitate to invest in a quality print-on-demand tool. It’ll be worth it in the end.