It took me a while before I finally decided to go with Printify.
The other print provider I had filtered was Bonfire.
While Bonfire isn’t a bad choice either, Printify met most of my needs in setting up my custom printing business.
Here’s what I found when I discovered the two print-on-demand services.
Bonfire vs Printify – Overview
Printify is a popular a print-on-demand platform that offers a wide range of products and flexible pricing. It has a solid print quality, speedy turnaround, and a large network of print providers worldwide.
It is known for its broad range of integrations, additional branding possibilities, and solid customer support.
Bonfire however, focuses mainly on custom-printed apparel, such as t-shirts and hoodies.
It also has a fundraising platform, which allows users to sell custom apparel and raise money for causes they care about.
Bonfire vs Printify – Audience
Bonfire caters to a wide range of users, including businesses, brands, and designers.
Not only for small businesses looking to create merchandise for promotional purposes, but also for designers who want to launch their clothing line, Bonfire can be a good choice.
On the other hand, Printify is designed specifically for online merchants who are seeking a simplified and automated print-on-demand service. It also has more products than just apparels.
Also Read: Printify vs Printful vs Gelato
Bonfire vs Printify – Support and API
Support
I found both Bonfire and Printify prioritizing timely and responsive customer support.
Bonfire users can reach their support team via phone, live chat, or by exploring their online resources.
They look to hire smart professionals on their team willing to assist their customers with quick turn-around time.
Printify also offers comprehensive customer support options. You can easily get in touch with their team through phone, live chat, or by accessing their extensive online resources.
They are dedicated to ensuring that you have a smooth experience using their platform.
API
API integration allows you to seamlessly connect your Bonfire or Printify account with other systems or applications, enabling efficient data transfer and streamlining your workflow.
Using the API integration, you can automate various processes, such as order management and fulfillment, which can save you time and resources.
With Bonfire’s API integration, you can connect your account with other tools, and platforms to expand your functionality.
Printify’s API integration is equally robust. You can rest assured of seamless connectivity, and improved productivity.
Check Out: Printful vs Printify
Bonfire vs Printify – Products
You might be wondering where the difference lies between the two platforms. Well, here it is.
Printify has a better catalog than Bonfire, offering a wide range of products and better pricing.
It provides a wide variety of products, including clothing for men, women, children, home furnishing, decorations, and accessories, among others.
Bonfire doesn’t give you this flexibility. You’re limited to apparels, such as t-shirts and hoodies.
Bonfire vs Printify – Shipping & Delivery
Here’s a brief on their delivery and shipping charges.
Bonfire
Shipping Rates: Domestic shipping starts at $5.99 for the first product and increases by $2 for each additional product.
International shipping starts at $11.99 for the first product and goes up by $4.00 for each additional product.
For larger orders of 5 or more products, costs stay flat at $27.99.
Shipping Times: Domestic orders arrive 7-14 business days from the date the Campaign ends, not from the date of purchase.
International orders may be subject to certain fees, such as customs charges, duties, VATs, etc. Estimated printing and shipping times for campaign batch orders are 7-14 business days from the date the Campaign ends.
Order Processing: Bonfire processes orders on a daily basis, but during periods of large demand, orders may take an extra day or two to go out.
Tracking Information: Once your order has shipped, you’ll receive an email with tracking information.
Returns and Exchanges: Bonfire offers a 30-day return policy for unused and undamaged products.Â
Also Read: Viralstyle vs Printify
Printify
Shipping Options: Printify offers various shipping options, including standard shipping (2-7 business days) and priority shipping (1-3 business days).
They also have an Express Delivery service that expedites both production and delivery times, aiming to deliver orders within two business days.
Print Providers: Printify partners with multiple print providers, such as USPS, DPD, FedEx, DHL, and others. The choice of print provider depends on the country of origin and destination.
Production Times: Most orders are shipped within 2-7 business days after the order is submitted. However, the fulfillment timeframe may vary for each order, and you can find an estimated ship-by date for each order in your Orders tab.
Shipping Costs: The shipping cost depends on the chosen shipping option and the print provider. You can find shipping rates for each print provider on Printify’s website.
Shipping and Delivery Times: Domestic orders are shipped within 2-7 business days after the order is submitted, while international orders may take longer due to customs clearance and delivery times.
As you can see, there is a clear difference in shipping times between the two which gives a clear edge to Printify.
Bonfire vs Printify – Pricing
There is no cost involved if you are looking to sell using Bonfire.
All you have the pay the base cost of the product which involves its manufacturing, transit and printing cost.
You can decide to choose the selling price of a product defining your own margins and profit.
Selling on Printify is free as well.
But besides the free plan, they provide a monthly subscription for their services, starting at $24.99/month.
This package includes access to their wide range of print-on-demand services and features.
Bonfire vs Printify – Pros & Cons
Printify
Pros
- Offers a wide range of products and flexible pricing
- Solid print quality, speedy turnaround, and a large number of print providers worldwide
- Broad range of integrations, additional branding possibilities, and solid customer support
Cons
- Does not print in-house, which limits extra features and branding options
- May have higher pricing compared to other platforms
Bonfire
Pros
- User-friendly design platform for custom products, with a focus on custom-printed apparel like t-shirts and hoodies
- Fundraising platform for selling custom apparel and raising money for causes
Cons
- Commission-based pricing model
- Focuses only on apparels.
- Limited customization and profit margin differences
Conclusion
Looking at their features, you might say that there’s little to choose between the two. And I tell you, I don’t think any different either.
The fact that I needed a broader range of products to experiment with, and showcase my creativity, Printful was the obvious choice for me.
Shipping and delivery times also matters. You may not realize what it’s like waiting for your product until you’re a customer.
Printful over Bonfire any day for me.
