Cheaper Alternatives To Printful

Are you an online business owner looking for cost-effective alternatives to Printful to meet your custom printing needs?

Printful is a popular print-on-demand platform that offers a range of products for entrepreneurs. However, its high pricing may reduce your profit margins and make it less attractive, especially if you’re just starting out.

In this article, we will explore various Printful alternatives that offer competitive pricing and a wider variety of products.

So, if you’re ready to discover more affordable options without compromising on quality, keep reading!

From apparel to accessories and home decor, these alternatives have got you covered with a diverse selection to fulfill your custom printing needs.

Stay tuned.

Reasons to Look for Printful Alternatives

If you’re running a print-on-demand business, it’s worth considering alternatives to Printful for two key reasons.

Firstly, Printful’s high costs can significantly impact your profit margins. As an entrepreneur, you’re always looking for ways to maximize your revenue, and choosing a cost-effective Printful alternative can help you achieve that goal.

Secondly, Printful offers a relatively limited variety of products, primarily focused on apparel. While they excel in the apparel category, for merchants looking to offer a wider range of merchandise, Printful’s options may not suffice.

By exploring alternative print-on-demand platforms, you can potentially find solutions that offer competitive pricing, lower costs, and a vast selection of products to meet your specific business needs.

Whether you’re seeking higher profit margins or a greater variety of products, it’s crucial to consider Printful alternatives that align with your business goals and customer preferences.

Cheaper Printful Alternatives

These alternatives offer competitive pricing and a wider range of products, providing you with more flexibility for your online business.

Let’s explore:

1. Printify

Printify is a print-on-demand (POD) service that allows users to create custom designs and sell them on various products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and phone cases. 

The platform integrates with popular content management systems, including Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, and WooCommerce, enabling online retailers to create custom-printed products and list them on their own stores.

Printify offers several advantages as follows:

• The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface that allows users to create and customize products in just a few minutes. 
• Additionally, Printify offers full access to its large product catalog, product editor, and unlimited designs, all for free.
• Printify’s integration with popular content management systems makes it easy for online retailers to connect their products to their online stores. 
• The platform also offers a custom sender address, allowing products to arrive as if they were shipped directly from the retailer’s business, rather than a print-on-demand service.

However, there are some downsides to using Printify. For example, there is confusion around the advertised lead time and shipping time, which can lead to delays in delivery. 

Additionally, Printify does not offer custom product packaging, which may be a drawback for businesses that want to brand their products.

Let’s talk about Printify’s pricing plans.

• Printify offers a free plan with access to its product catalog, integration library, and unlimited product designs, suitable for small businesses connecting up to five stores.
• For larger retailers needing more connections, Printify’s Premium plan at $24.99 per month (billed annually) allows up to 10 stores.
• Merchants with huge volume of daily sales may choose the Enterprise plan that comes with custom pricing and unlimited stores per account.

All plans include 24/7 support, and setting up Printify is straightforward by creating a free account, accessing the product catalog, uploading designs, and connecting to your store, such as Shopify or Etsy.

In summary, Printify is a popular and well-known print-on-demand service that offers a wide range of products and integrations, making it a great option for creatives and online retailers looking to sell custom-printed products without a large upfront investment.

Also read: Printify vs Spreadshirt

2. Gooten

Gooten is a print-on-demand (POD) company that offers smart supply chain solutions for brands looking to scale their eCommerce operations. 

The platform is known for its unique and differentiating features, such as its wide range of products and unique items, including clocks, puzzles, pet supplies, and wall calendars.

Key advantages of Gooten’s platform include:

• Whether a business is just starting out or looking to expand its product offerings, Gooten offers a wide range of products and integrations, making it a great option for creatives and online retailers looking to sell custom-printed products without a large upfront investment.
• Gooten’s platform is completely free to use, with no payment plans or hidden fees. This means that users have access to all available features without paying extra fees. 
• Additionally, the platform is known for its fast and straightforward workflow, which makes it easy for users to devote more time to growing their print on demand businesses.
• Gooten’s production process is optimized for quality and speed, with an average production time of between 2 and 5 working days, depending on the order. 
• The company has a presence in several countries, enabling it to reach customers around the world.

However, there are some downsides to using Gooten. For example, the platform does not offer custom packaging or the option to include custom labels, which may be a drawback for businesses that want to brand their products. 

Additionally, Gooten does not offer as extensive a variety of products as other POD providers, such as Printify or Printful.

Pricing

Now, let us move on to the pricing structure of Gooten.

Gooten offers a transparent pricing structure for its print-on-demand services with separate pricing for each product.

When comparing Gooten to Printful, the base price for a Bella Canvas 3001 t-shirt at Gooten is $8.90, with the final price, including shipping and printing costs, totaling $12.89. 

Gooten charges the cost of the order (product + shipping) to your credit/debit card or PayPal account after processing the order.

Additionally, Gooten does not support live shipping rates at checkout like Printful, but it tends to ship faster and offers competitive pricing, making it a favorable option for those looking for cost-effective print-on-demand services

Check out: Teepublic vs Printful

3. Print Aura

Print Aura is a print-on-demand service that offers a range of advantages for users looking to create and sell custom-printed products.

The platform provides an easy-to-use interface, allowing users to quickly create and customize products for their online stores. 

Additionally, Print Aura offers a wide variety of products, including unique items like clocks, puzzles, pet supplies, and wall calendars, giving users a diverse catalog to choose from.

Some of the advantages of Print Aura are as follows:

• Thanks to its scalability and flexibility, Print Aura is suitable for businesses at any stage, whether just starting out or looking to expand their product offerings. 
• The platform is known for its fast and straightforward workflow, enabling users to focus on growing their print-on-demand businesses rather than dealing with complex processes.
• Print Aura also stands out for its production process, optimized for quality and speed, with an average production time of 2 to 5 working days, depending on the order. 
• The platform’s presence in multiple countries allows it to reach customers worldwide, expanding the market reach for businesses using the service.

While Print Aura offers many advantages, it’s important to note that it may not provide as extensive a variety of products as some other print-on-demand providers.

Additionally, the platform does not offer custom packaging options, which could be a drawback for businesses looking to brand their products.

Pricing

Print Aura offers a range of pricing options for their print-on-demand services:

• Printing, shipping, and fulfillment costs are incurred once an order is placed. 
• For t-shirts, the default price reflects the shirt price for sizes XL and smaller, for white items, and does not include shipping, printing, or processing. Actual total price will vary based on options selected, and for sizes 2XL and up.
• There are additional charges for printing on both sides of a shirt, and for colored shirts which require an under-base print.
• Print Aura offers a variety of print effects like foil, flock, glitter, and more, with additional charges ranging from $0.07 to $2.50 per effect.
• For screen printing, there is a $60 consumable materials charge assessed on all orders..

Print Aura’s pricing is flexible and depends on the specific product, print options, and any additional services required, with no minimum order quantities.

Explore: Oberlo vs Printful

4. CustomCat

CustomCat is a well-established print-on-demand service that has been in the industry for over 20 years, with 5 years specifically on Shopify.

The platform offers a wide selection of over 350 product templates, including clothing items, blankets, mugs, and more, allowing users to create personalized products easily. 

One of the key advantages of CustomCat is its user-friendly interface, making it accessible even to those who are not design experts. Other advantages include:

• The platform provides a drag-and-drop editor for easy customization, along with a personalization tool that allows customers to add their own text to designed products.
• CustomCat stands out for its budget-friendly pricing, offering a free plan with no limits on the number of products or orders, as well as a paid Pro plan that promises higher margins on orders for a monthly fee of $30. 
• The platform also ensures fast order fulfillment, promising to fulfill any order within 2 business days, and offers a seamless print-on-demand and fulfillment solution for individuals and enterprises looking to create bespoke products without the hassle of inventory management or production oversight.
• Moreover, CustomCat provides high-quality prints with 1200 dpi resolution, embroidery options for bags, polos, jackets, and caps, and fast payouts within 48 hours after an item has been shipped. 
• The platform integrates with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it easy for users to connect their online stores and streamline the production and shipping processes.

Pricing

Print on demand pricing at CustomCat involves a variety of products with base costs subject to change. CustomCat offers a range of products across different print methods, with prices ranging from $7 to $44. 

Additionally, CustomCat provides two subscription plans. The CustomCat Lite offers free access to the entire product catalog and charges standard wholesale prices.

CustomCat PRO, priced at $25 per month (paid annually) or $30 per month (paid monthly), offers 20-40% off standard wholesale prices. 

Overall, CustomCat is a convenient and efficient choice for individuals and businesses looking to venture into the print-on-demand market.

5. Teelaunch

Teelaunch is a popular print-on-demand Shopify app known for its efficient order processing, product printing, and shipping services.

The platform offers tools for creating custom products and generating mockups, making it easy for users to track the process conveniently without leaving their store. 

Teelaunch has facilities in various countries like the US, UK, and Australia, enabling efficient international shipping and reducing shipping time and costs for customers.

Advantages of Teelaunch include:

• High-quality mockups and products
• Efficient direct-to-garment (DTG) printing
• Wide range of product options, including unique items like shower curtains and soft cover journals
• Competitive pricing with no monthly fees, only paying when a sale is made
• Seamless integration with Shopify for a streamlined workflow
• Good customer service and support
• Personalization options for products
• Professional-looking product images and lifestyle photos for marketing purposes
• Constantly improving product depth and breadth to offer high-quality, popular, and affordable products.

However, Teelaunch may have some limitations, such as fewer branding options and product choices compared to other platforms, and the requirement of being a Shopify user to access its services. 

Pricing

Teelaunch offers competitive print-on-demand pricing, with base prices starting at $7.95 for t-shirts, $19.95 for hoodies, and $9.95 for hats. 

These prices apply to standard single-sided prints in small quantities, with volume discounts available for bulk orders above 50 units, further reducing base prices.

Teelaunch’s pricing model includes dynamic pricing based on quantity and size breaks, encouraging larger order volumes to lower per-unit costs. 

Unlike some competitors, Teelaunch does not charge monthly subscription fees, with additional costs limited to small per-order fulfillment fees and shipping charges. 

The pricing structure enables ecommerce owners to set competitive retail prices while maintaining strong profit margins

Also read: Art of where vs Printful

6. Apliiq

Apliiq is a versatile print-on-demand service that offers a range of advantages for users looking to create custom products like jackets, patches, and hoodies.

One of the key advantages of Apliiq is its focus on customization and branding options, allowing users to create unique products with custom labels and packaging, giving them a professional look and enhancing brand identity. 

The platform provides high-quality materials and a variety of sustainable garment options, ensuring comfort, style, and sustainability in the products created.

The benefits of Apliiq include:

• Easy-to-use tools for designing custom products, such as jackets and hoodies, with a variety of design techniques like embroidery, screen printing, and embroidered patches.
• Fully branded products with private and woven labels, ensuring compliance with US regulations and allowing users to showcase their unique sense of style.
• Hands-free fulfillment with orders shipping within 48 hours, making the process efficient and convenient for users.
• Integration with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce for seamless selling and order management.
• Access to a wide range of product options, including unique items like shower curtains and soft cover journals, providing users with diverse choices for customization.
• Competitive pricing and discounts on bulk orders, making it cost-effective for businesses looking to sell in higher volumes.

Pricing

Apliiq offers a free-to-use print-on-demand service, where you only pay for the cost of the blank base product, the cost of printing and delivering the product once a customer places an order.

Apliiq has transparent pricing, allowing you to see the exact cost of printing and shipping for each product on their website.

For private label services, such as adding your own branded tags or labels, as well as guaranteed faster delivery, Apliiq customers need to contact the sales department for pricing details.

Apliiq also provides bulk order discounts, with savings of over 55% for larger quantities. This can help increase your profit margins as your print-on-demand business grows.

7. Subliminator

Subliminator is a print-on-demand fulfillment provider known for its automated order processing, printing, cutting, sewing, and shipping services, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses in the print-on-demand industry.

One of the key advantages of Subliminator is its ability to offer products manufactured in China, allowing businesses to provide high-quality products at a lower cost to customers while maintaining quality standards. 

The platform’s 3D Mockup Generator enables easy customization and visualization of products before they are published, enhancing the user experience and facilitating creative product design.

Advantages of Subliminator include:

• All-over printing or sublimation, covering garments completely with designs for a unique and eye-catching look.
• Fast order fulfillment within 2-7 business days, including customization, creation, and shipping, ensuring quick delivery to customers.
• International shipping options, expanding market reach and providing flexibility for businesses with a global customer base.
• Seamless integration with Shopify for easy online store management and order processing.
• No monthly or yearly fees, allowing businesses to start using Subliminator’s services without any initial investment.

Pricing

Subliminator offers a completely free signup with no monthly fees. You only pay when an order is submitted to Subliminator.

The pricing you see on the Subliminator website is their normal pricing, but due to recent shipping cost increases, they have had to increase their product costs to maintain a small margin. 

The latest and accurate pricing per region/country is reflected inside the Subliminator app.

Overall, Subliminator’s advantages make it a valuable choice for businesses looking to offer custom-printed products with quality and efficiency.

8. SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand)

SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand) is a print-on-demand service that offers several advantages as follows:

• High-quality printing
• A wide range of customizable products
• No upfront costs or inventory management
• Efficient production and fulfillment
• Global reach
• A user-friendly platform

SPOD is known for its exceptional print quality, diverse catalog of customizable items, elimination of upfront costs and inventory management, fast production times, and global network of production facilities. 

Pricing

SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand) offers competitive pricing, starting at $8.17 for t-shirts and $20.14 for sweatshirts. 

They provide volume discounts, lower prices per unit for larger orders, and a wide range of products including clothing, children’s items, souvenirs, and stationery. 

SPOD’s pricing is generally competitive compared to other Print On Demand companies, with prices varying based on the specific product and customization options selected.

 Additionally, SPOD does not charge monthly fees; you only pay for the product when you make a sale.

The platform is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, allowing businesses to reach a global audience and tap into international markets. 

Conclusion

If you are searching for cheaper alternatives to Printful for your print-on-demand business, there are numerous options available in the market.

Most of these platforms either offer cheaper products, inexpensive handling, shipping costs or provide ample flexibility when compared to Printful.

That said, each alternative has its own set of advantages and disadvantages too. Before picking one, it’s essential to carefully evaluate them on all parameters and not just go by pricing alone.