Are you ready to launch your t-shirt brand but unsure which print-on-demand (POD) supplier to choose? You're in the right place. In this blog, we'll explore the 12 top t-shirt POD companies for 2025, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the best choice for your business. With the U.S. custom t-shirt printing market generating $857.6 million in 2023 and expected to reach $1.8456 billion by 2030, now's a great time to dive in.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, each supplier plays a different role in your journey. We'll guide you through selecting the right one based on your needs. Plus, we'll also tackle some common challenges—like holiday fulfillment delays and slow sales—and provide solutions to boost your success.
By the end, you'll have the insights you need to choose the best POD company, avoid common pitfalls, and drive more sales. Let's get started and set you up for success!
12 Top T-Shirt Print on Demand Companies for Your Brand
Zazzle
Zazzle allows users to design and sell custom apparel, including t-shirts, with a wide range of design tools, templates, and personalization options for unique creations.
Features:
- Vast catalog of pre-designed graphics and fonts
- High-quality printing options
- Global shipping available
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Huge marketplace for exposure
- Customization options are extensive
Cons:
- Limited control over product pricing
- Design restrictions on certain categories
PrintKK
PrintKK provides an affordable solution for designing custom T-shirts. At the same time, the products on this platform can maintain a high quality level. If you want a good quality and affordable option, PrintKK is a very good choice.
Features:
- Print-on-demand service
- Competitive pricing
- Custom packaging options
Pros:
- Cost-effective for bulk orders
- Fast production turnaround
- Strong customer service
Cons:
- Lesser known in the global market
- Limited promotional tools
Gelato
Gelato is a global print-on-demand network with an easy-to-use design platform. It's known for its environmental focus and worldwide production network.
Features:
- International printing network
- Eco-friendly materials and processes
- Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms
- Flexible order fulfillment
Pros:
- Great for businesses targeting global customers
- Strong emphasis on sustainability
- Fast fulfillment times
- High-quality prints
Cons:
- Higher production costs for some products
- Limited customization compared to other platforms
- Shipping costs can vary by region
Redbubble
Redbubble is a well-established marketplace for custom designs, offering a simple platform for t-shirt creators to sell their art. You upload your designs to this website, build the relevant store settings, and start selling.
Features:
- User-friendly design tools
- Huge selection of product types
- Built-in marketplace for designers
- Strong customer support
Pros:
- Large, active customer base
- No setup fees
- Flexible pricing options
- Wide range of design categories
Cons:
- Limited design freedom on some items
- Low control over brand awareness
CustomCat
CustomCat offers excellent value for print-on-demand t-shirt printing, with tools aimed at improving your design and fulfillment process.
Features:
- Fast production times
- Wide variety of products
- Automated order processing
- Integration with major e-commerce platforms
Pros:
- No upfront costs
- Low product prices
- High-quality prints
- Great for scaling a POD business
Cons:
- Limited international shipping options
- Less customizable compared to competitors
- Customer support can be slow
Printful
Printful is one of the top platforms for custom t-shirts, offering a wide array of design tools and integration options. This platform has a wide selection of clothing with good quality, but the prices may exceed your expectations.
Features:
- No minimum order
- Global fulfillment network
- Extensive product catalog
Pros:
- Excellent product quality
- Fast shipping
- Seamless integrations with Shopify, Etsy, and others
Cons:
- Shipping costs can add up
- The price may exceed your expectations
- Unable to get timely customer service
Teepublic
Teepublic is an online store that provides independent artists with a platform to showcase and sell their work. Users can purchase custom T-shirts, apparel and other merchandise. The platform brings together a large number of original designs to meet customer demand for high-quality, creative products.
Features:
- Customizable pricing
- Great for selling to niche markets
- Artist-focused community
Pros:
- Easy to upload designs
- Access to a built-in audience
- High-quality prints
Cons:
- Few customization options for products
- Fierce competition with other artists
Threadless
Threadless is a design-focused platform where artists can showcase their t-shirt designs and have them printed on-demand.
Features:
- Strong focus on artist communities
- Wide selection of apparel options
- Frequent design contests
- Artist-driven marketplace
Pros:
- No upfront costs
- Strong brand reputation
- Great for artists seeking exposure
- High-quality prints
Cons:
- Limited control over pricing
- Smaller marketplace compared to others
- Limited design options for certain categories
Modalyst
Modalyst is a print-on-demand platform that helps you create custom apparel designs and sell them easily.
Features:
- Direct-to-garment printing
- Integration with Shopify and other platforms
- Custom branding options
- Global shipping
Pros:
- Great for Shopify users
- Reliable and fast shipping
- High-quality printing
- Offers various clothing types
Cons:
- Higher product costs
- Limited customization options
- Needs third-party integrations
- Some customers report slower customer support
Printify
Printify is another leading print-on-demand platform, offering an intuitive design tool for custom apparel. The platform attracts a huge number of viewers, which speaks volumes about the quality of the platform.
Features:
- Large product catalog
- Integrates with multiple e-commerce platforms
- Multiple print providers for variety
Pros:
- Flexible product options
- High-quality prints
- Fast fulfillment
Cons:
- Limited control over print providers
- Complicated pricing structure
TPOP
TPOP is an eco-friendly print-on-demand service that prioritizes sustainability by using organic materials, eco-conscious packaging, and energy-efficient printing processes, all while delivering high-quality, stylish designs for conscious consumers.
Features:
- Carbon-neutral shipping
- Wide variety of apparel options
- Easy to use design tools
Pros:
- Commitment to sustainability
- High-quality print results
- Great for eco-conscious brands
- Fast order fulfillment
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Niche appeal
Printy6
Printy6 offers customizable apparel printing solutions, emphasizing ease of use and seamless integration with your online store, allowing you to effortlessly design and sell personalized clothing to your customers.
Features:
- User-friendly design tools
- Integration with popular e-commerce platforms
- No minimum order required
Pros:
- Easy to get started
- Fast processing times
- Flexible product options
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- Limited design templates
How to Choose the Best Print on Demand Companies for Your Business
Easy Integration with Your Online Store
Running a print-on-demand business isn't just about designs; it's also about how easily the system works with your store.
Imagine managing orders on two separate platforms—that's a recipe for chaos. The best platforms will integrate seamlessly with popular e-commerce systems like Shopify, so you don't have to worry about manually transferring orders or tracking inventory.
This integration allows you to focus on what really matters: creating and marketing your products. A company that syncs easily with your store saves you time, reduces mistakes, and leaves more room for growth.
Shipping Times and Costs Matter
How fast will your customers get their shirts? What happens if the package gets delayed?
Shipping speed and transparency play a significant role in customer satisfaction. You don't want to keep customers waiting too long, nor do you want unexpected shipping costs eating into your profits.
Look for print-on-demand services that offer quick, reliable shipping and clear, upfront costs. Fast delivery options, such as those with local fulfillment centers, can drastically reduce wait times and improve your customer experience.
Look at Pricing and Profit Margins
Pricing is the backbone of any business. You want to make sure that the prices you're paying leave room for a decent profit.
Don't just focus on the base price; account for all hidden fees, such as additional charges for custom branding or premium shipping.
Compare various companies to understand how their pricing aligns with the quality they offer. Consider the long-term profitability—is the product's cost reasonable, and do you have enough margin to make it worthwhile for your business?
If you're just starting out and looking for something easy to use, PrintKK is a solid option. It's designed with beginners in mind, offering an intuitive interface and seamless integration with eCommerce platforms. Whether you're selling just a handful of shirts or planning to grow, PrintKK is an excellent way to test the waters without a steep learning curve.
Custom Cotton Crewneck Men's T-Shirts (Made in USA)
New to POD? Start Your Business with Passive POD Platforms
Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. But passive POD platforms make it easy to dive in with minimal effort.
Redbubble, the largest POD marketplace after Amazon, is a great option. There's no lengthy application process—just upload your designs and start selling right away.
Here are some reasons why Redbubble and similar platforms like TeePublic (which Redbubble owns) are perfect for beginners:
- No Application Hassles
Unlike Amazon, where you need approval and face upload limits, Redbubble lets you jump right in. No waiting, no approval—just upload your designs and start selling instantly.
- Endless Product Choices
Redbubble offers way more than just t-shirts. From stickers to phone cases, there's a huge variety of products to print on. This opens up more ways to connect with potential customers.
- Easy but Time-Consuming Uploads
Uploading your designs is simple, but here's the catch: with so many product options, you'll need to upload your designs multiple times to fit each item. It's not hard, but it can feel a bit repetitive.
- Effortless Passive Income
Once your designs are live, Redbubble handles everything—printing, packing, and shipping. You can sit back, relax, and watch the sales come in while doing minimal work. It's a hands-off way to start earning!
If you're aiming for a hands-off business approach, these platforms can be a good way to dip your toes into POD without worrying about technical stuff. You can test designs and products with minimal effort, see what sells, and scale your business accordingly.
How to Ensure Print-on-Demand Suppliers Provide High-Quality Products?
When selecting a print-on-demand supplier, ensuring high-quality products is essential for building a strong brand. After all, you want your customers to love the items they buy, not feel disappointed.
Reviews from other sellers can provide valuable insights. Look for feedback on product quality, printing accuracy, and consistency on different social platforms. Positive reviews often indicate that the supplier is reliable.
Another smart move is to order samples. This allows you to inspect the quality firsthand—check the print quality, stitching, and fabric. It’s a small investment to make sure you're offering top-notch products to your customers.
Lastly, test multiple products. Even if one product type is great, others might not be up to par. By checking several styles, you'll get a better sense of the overall quality across their range.
Reasons for POD Fulfillment Delays During the Holidays and Effective Solutions
The holiday season is a busy time for the sales industry, and the print on demand industry is no exception. While it's a great opportunity to make more sales during this time, order fulfillment delays can be annoying. Let's analyze and fix the issues so you can make more sales during the holiday season.
- Higher Order Volume
The holiday season leads to a surge in orders, especially as customers try to get custom items for gifts. POD suppliers, like Printify, experience longer fulfillment times during peak periods. These companies can't buy extra equipment for just a few months of use, which results in slower production times during busy times.
- Supply Chain Issues
Global supply chain disruptions, especially in recent years, have also contributed to delays. Even when demand isn't as high, delays can happen due to shortages in raw materials or shipping bottlenecks.
- Increased Customization Requests
Holiday orders often involve personalized designs, which can take more time to process. Custom designs require extra attention, and as orders flood in, production slows down.
Effective Solutions for Holiday Delays
- Communicate with Customers
Let your customers know about potential delays. Setting clear expectations helps them understand that their orders may take longer during busy times.
- Plan Ahead
If you know holiday seasons are approaching, try to get ahead of the rush. Place early orders and encourage customers to shop earlier. You can offer promotions with deadlines to help boost early sales.
- Stay Informed
Good POD companies, like PrintKK, send timely updates about holiday shipping. They keep you informed about any potential delays and ensure your customers are aware in advance.
Why Your Cool Designs Won't Sell: The Importance of Marketing and Building Trust
You've spent months creating amazing designs, building your website, and getting everything ready. But if your designs aren't selling, there might be more at play than just the artwork. The key factors for success are marketing and building trust.
Marketing Matters
Having cool designs is just one part of the puzzle. The hard truth is, if no one sees your designs, they won't buy them. One person shared their experience of spending over $1,000 on Facebook and Instagram ads and making $0 in sales. Why? Because ads alone don't build trust.
To get the ball rolling, you need to connect with your audience, not just show them ads. A well-targeted marketing strategy can help you gain visibility. You could try social media to showcase your designs, run giveaways, or even collaborate with influencers in your niche. Marketing isn't just about pushing ads—it's about creating a conversation with your potential customers.
Building Trust
Now, here's the second problem: trust. No one buys from a brand they've never heard of, especially when online shopping scams are rampant. As one seller noted, people are scared to order from new places on social media due to trust issues.
So, how do you build trust?
- Show your face. Let your followers know the person behind the brand.
- Share testimonials. Real reviews from real people can go a long way.
- Engage consistently. Don't just post your products; interact with your audience and let them get to know you.
A good starting point could be sharing your journey on your personal page. Ask your friends and family to spread the word about your brand to help build initial trust.
Expert Tips
Choosing the right T-shirt Print on Demand supplier is key to your success. With our selection method, you can pick the best supplier from the 12 top POD companies. If you're new to POD, consider starting with passive POD platforms or choose an easy-to-use service like PrintKK.
Building trust and using effective marketing strategies are essential for growing your brand. By being transparent and engaging with your customers, you'll attract and retain loyal buyers. During the holiday season, planning ahead will ensure your supply chain runs smoothly and help boost sales.
In short, by selecting the right supplier and combining it with strong marketing, you can succeed in the POD business.
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