Print-on-demand (POD) enables online retailers to outsource production and shipping of customized merch without upfront inventory costs.
As a pioneer Drop shipper facilitating over 5 million print orders per month, Printify has emerged as the market leader. However, consistent quality control issues leave many merchants seeking alternatives that better meet buyer expectations.
This guide analyzes the top Printify competitors and how they compare across key decision making factors like product selection, integrations, sustainability commitments and more.
Print-On-Demand Market Size and Growth Outlook
The print-on-demand industry has experienced explosive interest amongst both merchants and shoppers looking for unique, customized products.
Several key statistics highlight the immense market opportunity:
- Global POD services market to reach $14.5 billion by 2028, expanding at CAGR of 17.8% [Grand View Research]
- Print-on-demand platform Etsy generated over $2 billion in merchandise sales in 2020, up 142% YoY. [Etsy 2020 Investor Presentation]
- Survey found over 60% of consumers are interested in buying custom designed products. [Printful 2021 Consumer Survey]
As adoption of print-on-demand continues rising exponentially, Printify and competitors are battling to establish category leadership.
How Printify‘s Order Fulfillment Model Works – And Limitations
Before reviewing the top alternatives, let‘s examine Printify’s order fulfillment model and where there’s room for improvement:
Printify’s POD Model
-
No upfront costs – Only pay when make sales. Avoid monthly fees some alternatives charge.
-
Easy integration – Plugin connects online stores to network of production partners. New orders automatically sent for fulfillment.
-
830+ product catalog – Hundreds of merch items like apparel, mugs, wall art available to customize. Far more SKUs than most competitors.
-
Automated order routing – Software determines closest production facility for faster fulfillment. 130 partners across USA, UK, AU, EU.
The Limitations
-
No quality control – Third-party partners produce orders. 34% of merchant feedback cites disappointing printed quality. [SiteJabber]
-
Lengthy delivery times – Two weeks from order to door not uncommon based on partner location and workload. Average 6 business days slower than competitors. [Trustpilot]
-
Small profit margins – Base production costs take large share due to low base product pricing. Typical margins around 40% lower than Printful. [Printify.com, Printful.com]
-
Minimal customization – Very limited ability to customize unboxing experience with branded packaging, inserts etc.
For online sellers wanting better quality, faster delivery, and higher profit margins, Printify alternatives provide compelling options.
Key Factors for Comparing Printify Alternatives
Assessing alternatives boil down to a handful of make-or-break factors:
| Decision Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Production Quality | Ensure printed products meet expectations |
| Delivery Speed | Buyers expect fast fulfillment |
| Integrations | Support popular ecom platforms like Shopify |
| Customization | Add branded unboxing experiences |
| Environmental | Use sustainable materials and practices |
| Pricing | Competitive product costs and margins |
Keep these priorities top of mind as we explore the leading Printify competitors.
1. Gelato – Seamless Shopify and WooCommerce Integration
Gelato is our top Printify alternative recommendation for most ecommerce brands thanks to stellar print quality, platform integrations, and supply chain transparency.
Print Network
- 130+ partners across Europe, Americas
- Closely managed for quality control
- Smart workflows for efficiency
- Custom eco materials sourced
Order Handling
- 8 business day average order turnaround
- Localized production and shipping
- 50% discounted shipping rates
Product Catalog
- Apparel, home goods, art, tech accessories
- Unique options like flyers, books, banners
- Design studio for easy online edits
Platform Integrations
- Direct connections with all top ecom platforms
- Options for custom storefront builds
- Dedicated support team
Recognitions
- 4.7/5 rating based 330+ Trustpilot reviews
- Featured as a Shopify Plus Technology Partner
Gelato makes achieving superb quality and fast fulfillment turnaround accessible at scale. With outstanding options to drive revenue, it’s an easy choice for most ecommerce managers.
2. Printful – Best for Branded Packaging and Inserts
As Printify’s biggest competitor, Printful has quickly emerged as the second largest POD fulfillment provider measured in order volumes.
The California-based company differentiates itself with complete control and visibility across its global supply chain.
Print Network
- 7 strategically located US and EU facilities
- Stringent quality control standards
- Vertical integration audit at each factory
Order Handling
- ~7-10 day average order turnaround
- Routes each order to closest print facility
Product Catalog
- Standard assortment of apparel, home goods, accessories, etc.
- No minimum order quantities
Customization
- For extra fee, customize packaging inserts, labels, and more
- Create uniquely branded unboxing experience
Sustainability
- Part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC)
- Working towards ethical and eco-friendly practices
Where Printful pulls ahead is the ability to deeply customize orders with branded packaging and enclosed goodies. For merchants focused on providing a tailored, premium buyer experience, Printful delivers.
3. Monster Digital – Specialized for WooCommerce Sellers
Monster Digital exclusively focuses on servicing WooCommerce store owners through deep platform integration and exceptional support.
With impressive 4.9/5 rating across 50,000+ reviews, they‘ve established themselves as a go-to WooCommerce POD partner.
Print Network
- 3 US-based facilities
- Production standards and partners listed publicly
Order Handling
- Under 72 hour average order turnaround
- US-only based fulfillment
Product Catalog
- Mostly apparel like t-shirts, sweaters, etc.
- Notable ultra-soft triblend tees
Platform Expertise
- Custom built technology for WooCommerce
- Support staff are Woo gurus
- Easy order imports
For anyone running WooCommerce stores specifically, Monster Digital makes setup painless while providing amazing production responsiveness and print quality.
4. Teezily – Top Pick for Pan-EU Distribution
If selling to EU-based customers, France’s homegrown provider Teezily offers exceptional turnaround and shipping from its 9 facilities spanning the region.
Regional Print Network
- 9 production sites across Europe
- Environmentally friendly practices
Order Handling
- Under 5 day average production time
- Localized EU distribution
Product Catalog
- Mainly apparel and accessories
- Expanding lifestyle products
Accolades
- 500K+ products sold
- Positive customer feedback
For EU merchants who value rapid delivery at volume, Teezily provides reliably swift fulfillment to wow buyers.
Give Teezily‘s services a closer look to see if they align with your needs.
See Teezily‘s Pan-EU Production
5. Scalable Press – Best for High-Volume Ecom Brands
True to its name, Scalable Press delivers exceptional reliability and quality as merchants scale to new heights supported by owned infrastructure.
Fulfilment Infrastructure
- Globally operated company facilities
- Materials sourced directly
- Custom printing technology
Order Handling
- Up to 1000 units per day per facility capacity
- Expanding global distribution
Capabilities
- Growing lifestyle product catalog
- Innovative shapes and surfaces
- Customization options
For stores anticipating large order volumes, Scalable Press provides tremendous supply chain visibility and robustness. Not many competitors can match the dynamic customization for complex requirements.
Business owners hoping to sustain rapid, resilient growth depend on Scalable Press‘ reliability.
6. TeePublic – Largest Print-on-Demand Products Marketplace
TeePublic serves over 10 million shoppers each month, making it the internet’s most trafficked POD marketplace.
Marketplace Model
- Showcase creator designs to buyers
- Handle product fulfillment
- Govern payouts to artists
Production & Shipping
- Constnatly optimizing global standards
- Fast delivery upgrades
Breadth of Products
- Prints added to huge product catalog
- Limited edition collabs
Innovation
- Top software integrations
- Plugin ecosystem
By eliminating the operational burdens, TeePublic allows makers to focus purely on creating compelling designs including aptly-timed pop culture references. With over 10 million items sold it‘s clearly resonating.
For creatives seeking to become profitable without production hassles, TeePublic hits the spot.
Open Your TeePublic Shop Today
7. Gooten – Unlock Walmart Marketplace Distribution
Gooten facilitates sellers to leverage Walmart’s massive consumer reach for POD products without managing product listings or inventory themselves.
Walmart Partnership
- Direct Walmart supplier integration
- Meet stringent commerce standards
Handling Logistics
- Print, pick, pack, ship workflow
- Walmart shipping speeds
Product Catalog
- Ever expanding Walmart.com assortment
Onboarding
- Approval process required
- Upcoding available
For print-on-demand brands prepared to clear Walmart vendor hurdles, Gooten provides a phenonemal growth channel overnight.
Review Gooten‘s qualifications to gauge your readiness.
How To Choose The Best Printify Alternative
With many great Printify alternatives now in market, selecting the right partner mandates clearly defining business objectives, audience, and capabilities.
Follow this 5 step process when evaluating alternatives:
1. Identify Your Goals
Start by defining success. Typical objectives include:
- Improving order quality
- Faster delivery times
- Pursuing custom packaging
- Adding more products
- Launching on new platforms
2. Understand Your Buyers
Build out buyer personas. Important details:
- Where are most of your customers based?
- What functionality and values do they expect?
- What complaints arise? How could a partner help solve them?
3. Create Must-Have and Nice-to-Have Lists
Map partner features to your objectives and audience needs across:
- Production locations – local facilities minimize shipping time/cost
- Quality – match quality commitments to buyer standards
- Integrations – connect popular platforms like Shopify effortlessly
- Customization – branded unboxing conveys premium experience
- Expanding catalogs – routinely add trendy and unique items
4. Compare Printify Alternatives
Cross reference your requirements against solution offerings. Rank based on fit.
5. Select Aligned Print Provider
Confidently choose alternative delivering features needed to accomplish goals for your clients.
While assessing alternatives, ensure potential partners meet both current and future ambitions. You may be surprised at how scalable many PRINTIFY competitors actually are.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The right Printify alternative depends on your specific objectives and customers. By accurately mapping business goals and audience expectations to solution features, you can feel empowered picking the best fit.
If needing any help evaluating options, consider connecting with a commerce growth strategist. Experts can rapidly help compile personalized recommendations to save time researching.
Now equipped with this complete framework, you have all the tools needed to select the perfect print fulfillment platform. Time to take control of production and get ready to scale new heights!
