Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best Etsy print-on-demand companies of 2024. If you’re looking to sell custom products on Etsy without the hassle of managing inventory, you’re in the right place. Print-on-demand (POD) services allow you to create and sell unique designs on a variety of products, with the company handling production and shipping as orders come in.
In this article, we’ll compare and review the top POD providers for Etsy sellers, helping you choose the best fit for your business.
TL;DR:
• Gelato – Best overall.
• Printful – Best for branding options.
• Printify – Best for product variety.
#1 – Gelato
Gelato is our top pick for the best overall print-on-demand service. It integrates seamlessly with Etsy, offering competitive prices, excellent print quality, and fast shipping.
How Gelato Works:
Signing up is simple. After creating an account, connect Gelato to your Etsy store via the Stores > Connect option. You can then select products from Gelato’s extensive catalog, customize them with your designs, and list them on Etsy. Gelato’s global network of 130+ production facilities in 32 countries ensures that orders are produced and shipped from the location closest to your customer, reducing delivery times and shipping costs.
Why We Love Gelato:
• Cost-Effective: You only pay when a product sells, with competitive rates and opportunities for bulk discounts.
• Sustainability: Gelato uses premium, sustainably sourced materials, ensuring high quality across all products.
• Reputation: With a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot and a 4.5-star rating on Shopify, Gelato has earned a strong reputation among sellers.
Key Features:
• 140+ globally distributed production sites
• Direct Etsy integration
• Tax & VAT handling
• Multi-currency support
• Custom packaging options
• Mockup studio
• Shipping discounts (with paid plans)
Pros:
• Easy to use
• No upfront costs
• High-quality products
• Good value
Cons:
• Doesn’t own its printing facilities (common in the industry)
• Paid subscription required for shipping discounts
#2 – Printful
Printful is a close runner-up, known for its extensive in-house production facilities and flexible branding options, making it a great choice for those looking to establish a strong brand presence on Etsy.
How Printful Works:
Like Gelato, Printful integrates directly with Etsy, handling all production and fulfillment. However, Printful stands out because it owns its own production facilities, ensuring tighter quality control and reliability. Printful’s branding options also allow you to customize labels, packaging, and even include personalized packing slips and thank you cards.
Why Printful Stands Out:
• Quality Control: With in-house manufacturing, Printful ensures consistent quality and takes full responsibility for any issues.
• Branding Flexibility: Offers extensive customization options, including white-label packaging and branded inserts, to enhance your brand’s identity.
Key Features:
• Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing
• All-over printing
• UV printing
• Embroidery
• Global fulfillment centers
• Custom branding options
• Warehousing services
Pros:
• In-house manufacturing
• Large product catalog
• Flexible branding options
Cons:
• Margins can be small
• Occasionally slow shipping times
#3 – Printify
Printify is a well-known POD service offering the largest selection of products and competitive pricing, making it ideal for Etsy sellers aiming to offer a diverse product range.
How Printify Works:
Printify’s integration with Etsy is seamless, and it boasts the largest network of global printing partners, ensuring fast and reliable shipping to customers worldwide. Printify’s Geo Routing feature automatically selects the closest production center to the customer, optimizing shipping times and costs.
Why Printify Is Popular:
• Huge Product Selection: With over 800 products, Printify offers the widest range of options for customization.
• Global Fulfillment: Printify’s extensive network ensures efficient shipping no matter where your customers are located.
Key Features:
• Integrates with major ecommerce platforms
• 800+ products
• Geo Routing for optimized shipping
• Mock-up generator
Pros:
• Extensive product selection
• Great for global shipping
• Competitive pricing
Cons:
• Quality control can vary
• Customer support could be improved
#4 – AOP+
AOP+ is a London-based POD company that offers a unique range of products, making it an attractive option for Etsy sellers looking to stand out.
How AOP+ Works:
AOP+ integrates directly with Etsy, and its catalog includes some unique items like activewear, sportswear, towels, and seasonal decor. All products are printed and shipped from the UK, which is ideal for sellers targeting the UK and European markets.
Why Choose AOP+:
• Unique Products: AOP+ offers some niche products not commonly found in other POD catalogs.
• Branding Options: The company offers the ability to add logos and branding elements to packaging.
Key Features:
• Integrates with Etsy
• Over 120 products
• Organic and sustainable printing
• UK-based fulfillment with global shipping
• Branding options
Pros:
• Unique product offerings
• High-quality materials
• Easy integration with Etsy
Cons:
• Limited to one fulfillment center in the UK
• Smaller product catalog
#5 – Doxdirect
Doxdirect is the go-to POD service for Etsy sellers focusing on printed materials like posters, books, and business cards, though it lacks direct Etsy integration.
How Doxdirect Works:
Unlike other POD services, Doxdirect doesn’t integrate directly with Etsy. This means that you’ll need to manually handle each order by creating the product, uploading documents, and inputting delivery details. While this adds extra work, Doxdirect’s specialized offerings like hardback books and posters make it worthwhile for niche sellers.
Why Consider Doxdirect:
• Specialized Printing: Perfect for sellers of printed materials like books, posters, and business cards.
• Flexibility: Offers the option to bulk order and manage your own inventory for more control over the customer experience.
Key Features:
• PDF uploads
• Cover Designer for books
• Various binding services
• Fast 2-day production
Pros:
• Ideal for specialized printing needs
• No registration required
• Fast production and shipping
Cons:
• No automated fulfillment
• Limited product range
#6 – Prodigi
Prodigi is an excellent choice for artists selling high-quality prints and unique art products on Etsy.
How Prodigi Works:
Prodigi specializes in art prints on various materials, including aluminum, maple wood, and acrylic. It integrates easily with Etsy, allowing artists to automate sales and focus on creating.
Why Prodigi Excels for Artists:
• High-Quality Prints: Offers a wide range of premium printing options on unique materials.
• Art-Focused Products: Specifically tailored for artists looking to sell prints and related products.
Key Features:
• Global printing network
• No minimum order value
• High-quality materials for art prints
• Mock-up generator
Pros:
• Excellent for art and print products
• Easy Etsy integration
• No minimum order requirements
Cons:
• Limited apparel options
• Lesser-known brand
#7 – Inkthreadable
Inkthreadable is a UK-based POD service ideal for Etsy sellers targeting the UK and European markets, offering high-quality products and easy integration.
How Inkthreadable Works:
Inkthreadable’s dedicated Etsy app simplifies the process of connecting your store and managing orders. The company’s focus on quality, with GOTS-certified organic cotton apparel, makes it a standout choice for eco-conscious sellers.
Why Inkthreadable Is a Great Choice:
• High-Quality Products: Known for superior materials, particularly in apparel.
• User-Friendly: The dedicated Etsy app and dashboard make it beginner-friendly.
Key Features:
• Dedicated Etsy seller app
• Over 250 products
• UK-based fulfillment
• Easy-to-use dashboard
Pros:
• High product quality
• Specifically designed for Etsy sellers
• Simple and intuitive to use
Cons:
• Not ideal for global shipping
• Limited to one UK-based fulfillment center
#8 – Awkward Styles
Awkward Styles is a North American print-on-demand service offering a broad product range and flexible pricing plans, making it a solid choice for Etsy sellers, especially those based in the US and Canada.
How Awkward Styles Works:
Awkward Styles integrates smoothly with Etsy, allowing sellers to quickly add and customize products from their catalog, which includes over 150 items ranging from apparel to jewelry and glassware. A standout feature is their Pro plan, which offers a 20% discount on all products for just $25 per month, making it ideal for high-volume sellers who want to boost their profit margins.
Why Awkward Styles Stands Out:
• Diverse Product Range: Offers a wide variety of items, ensuring that sellers can find products that align with their brand.
• Flexible Pricing Plans: The Pro plan is a great way to reduce costs on printing and shipping, making it easier to scale your business.
Key Features:
• Integrates directly with Etsy
• Multiple North American fulfillment centers
• 150+ products, including unique items like jewelry and glassware
• Paid Pro plan for cost savings
• Easy-to-use dashboard and mock-up generator
Pros:
• Extensive product catalog
• Competitive pricing with the Pro plan
• Fast US shipping options
Cons:
• Limited global fulfillment centers
• Free plan prices are less competitive
#9 – Gooten
Gooten is a well-established print-on-demand service, particularly suited for larger businesses that handle a high volume of orders. It’s a great choice for Etsy sellers who need a reliable, scalable solution with a wide range of product options.
How Gooten Works:
Gooten integrates easily with Etsy and other popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. Once connected, you can manage your products, track orders, and gain valuable insights through their advanced order management system. Gooten’s large product catalog includes over 150 items, offering something for every type of business, from fashion and apparel to home and lifestyle merchandise.
Why Gooten Is Ideal for Larger Businesses:
• Scalability: Gooten is designed to handle a high volume of orders, making it ideal for established businesses looking to scale.
• Advanced Management Tools: The order management system provides detailed analytics and insights, helping you optimize your operations.
Key Features:
• Integrates with Etsy and other ecommerce platforms
• Over 150 products in various categories
• Mock-up generator for professional product images
• Comprehensive order management and analytics
• Global shipping network
Pros:
• Excellent for large businesses
• Advanced tools for managing high-volume sales
• Easy integration with multiple platforms
Cons:
• Not ideal for beginners or small-scale sellers
• Slightly fewer product options compared to some competitors
Etsy Print-On-Demand FAQ
Is Print-On-Demand Allowed on Etsy?
Yes, you can sell print-on-demand merchandise on Etsy. The key requirement is that the designs on your products must be original and created by you. Etsy’s Seller Policy prohibits selling items that infringe on someone else’s copyright or intellectual property.
Is Print-On-Demand Profitable on Etsy?
Yes, print-on-demand can be profitable on Etsy. However, the profit margins are typically tighter compared to traditional business models. To succeed, you’ll need to focus on creating unique and appealing designs that stand out in the competitive Etsy marketplace.
What Are the Best Print-On-Demand Products to Sell on Etsy?
Popular print-on-demand products on Etsy include stickers, mugs, wall decor, and t-shirts. These items tend to sell well due to their broad appeal and customization options. For a more in-depth look, check out our analysis of the 15 best-selling items on Etsy.
Can’t I Just Print My Own Products Myself?
While you can print your own products, using a professional print-on-demand service is generally more scalable and provides better quality. DIY printing might be feasible for small-scale operations, but as your business grows, the convenience and consistency offered by POD services become invaluable.
Where Else Can I Sell Print-On-Demand Products?
Besides Etsy, you can sell print-on-demand products on platforms like Amazon, Redbubble, and Zazzle. Alternatively, you can create your own ecommerce store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to have full control over your brand and customer experience.
Choosing the Best Etsy Print-On-Demand Service for Your Business
That wraps up our roundup of the best Etsy print-on-demand services. If you’re still unsure which one is right for your business, here’s a quick recap of our top three picks:
• Gelato is the overall best Etsy print-on-demand service, excelling in quality, pricing, and integration.
• Printful is ideal for sellers focused on branding, with excellent customization options for packaging and labels.
• Printify is the go-to choice for sellers who want to offer a wide range of products with global fulfillment capabilities.
If none of these options seem like the right fit, consider exploring other print-on-demand platforms or even venturing into dropshipping, which can offer different benefits depending on your business model.
