Here’s our in-depth comparison of two popular platforms for launching and running your own custom t-shirt business: Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon.

If you’re looking to sell your unique designs and make a mark in the world of e-commerce, these platforms offer excellent opportunities.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon, helping you make an informed decision for your custom t-shirt business.

Let’s get started.

Spreadshirt vs Merch by Amazon – Overview & Features

Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt is a print-on-demand (POD) platform that allows users to create and sell customized apparel, accessories, and other products.

It is known for its European and global distribution of printed items, offering a wide range of products beyond basic apparel, such as baby shirts, duffel bags, iPhone cases, and enamel mugs.

Here are some of its key features.

1. Design Price Overview: Designers earn money through a design price that varies based on the country of sale, product type, and sales channel
2. Spreadshirt Marketplace: Users can sell their designs on the Spreadshirt Marketplace, where they receive a commission for each design sold
3. Spreadshop: Users can create their own online store, known as a Spreadshop, where they have full control over the design and products offered, and they set their own profit margins
4. Product Selection: Spreadshirt offers a diverse range of products, including clothing, accessories, and home goods
5. Print Quality: Spreadshirt owns and operates its own printing factories, ensuring consistent output quality
6. User-Friendly Platform: The platform is intuitive and flexible, accepting various file formats for designs, and it provides tools to create and manage shops easily
7. No Upfront Costs: Opening a Spreadshop and listing designs on the marketplace is free, as products are only printed on demand
8. Marketplace Exposure: Successful designs on the Spreadshirt marketplace may be handpicked for external marketplaces like Amazon and eBay
9. Tax Compliance: Spreadshirt requires tax identification numbers from partners outside Germany to comply with tax regulations
10. Customer Support: Spreadshirt provides customer support and income tax files at the end of the year, if required

Spreadshirt is considered a solid POD supplier, particularly for European customers, and it is newbie-friendly, making it suitable for those new to the print-on-demand business.

However, it may have fewer product options compared to some competitors and offers lower profit margins for designers compared to running their own online stores.

Merch by Amazon

Merch by Amazon, also known as Amazon Merch on Demand, is a print-on-demand service offered by Amazon that allows creators to upload their designs, which are then printed and sold on various products such as t-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise.

Merch by Amazon is a popular platform for creators looking to sell their designs without the risks and costs associated with traditional e-commerce models.

Here are some of its key features:

1. Print-on-Demand Model: There are no upfront costs, and creators only earn royalties when their designs sell. Amazon handles the production, shipping, and customer service
2. Easy Setup: Creators can set up an account, upload designs, and choose products without worrying about inventory or fulfillment
3. Royalties: Creators earn a royalty for each product sold, with the royalty amount varying based on the product’s price
4. Product Selection: Merch by Amazon offers a variety of products, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, pop sockets, phone cases, and more
5. Niche Targeting: Creators can target specific niches to increase the chances of their designs being discovered by potential customers
6. Keyword Optimization: To improve search rankings, creators should optimize their product titles, features, and descriptions with relevant keywords
7. Tier System: Creators start with a limited number of designs and can unlock higher tiers by selling a certain number of products
8. Prime Shipping: All orders are eligible for Prime shipping, which can increase customer satisfaction
9. Social Media Integration: Creators can use social media to promote their designs and build a following
10. Outsourcing Artwork: Creators can hire freelance graphic designers or use public domain images to create designs

Spreadshirt vs Merch by Amazon – Audience & Platform Support

When it comes to catering to a specific audience, Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon offer different platforms that suit various needs.

Spreadshirt is a creative platform that targets businesses, brands, designers, and artists who want to sell custom merchandise.

On the other hand, Merch by Amazon is designed for anyone looking to create, promote, and market branded merchandise on Amazon without any upfront costs or risks.

In terms of platform support, both Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon offer compatibility with multiple devices and operating systems.

Spreadshirt supports platforms such as Windows, SaaS/Web, On-Premises, iPhone, Android, and Chromebook, providing flexibility for users across different devices.

Likewise, Merch by Amazon supports platforms such as Windows, SaaS/Web, On-Premises, iPhone, Android, and Chromebook, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.

Whether you prefer the creative platform and personalized support of Spreadshirt or the direct access to Amazon’s marketplace provided by Merch by Amazon, both platforms offer a variety of platform support options to cater to your specific needs.

Consider the devices and operating systems you use most frequently when making your decision.

Also Read: Gearbubble vs Redbubble

Spreadshirt vs Merch by Amazon – Support & API

When it comes to support and API integration, both Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon have you covered.

They offer a range of support options and API capabilities, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for their users.

Support

Spreadshirt provides various avenues for support to assist their users. You can reach out to their team through phone support, ensuring direct and timely assistance.

Additionally, Spreadshirt offers 24/7 live support, ensuring that help is always available whenever you need it.

If you prefer self-guidance, they also provide comprehensive online documentation to help you navigate their platform and answer any questions you may have.

Similarly, Merch by Amazon understands the importance of reliable support. They offer phone support to address any queries or concerns you may have during your selling journey.

Additionally, they provide 24/7 live support, ensuring that you have access to assistance at any time. Like Spreadshirt, they also offer online documentation to guide you through their platform and help you make the most of their services.

Check Out: Printify vs Gelato

API Integration

Spreadshirt goes the extra mile by providing an API that allows seamless integration with other systems. This feature enables you to connect your Spreadshirt store with external platforms or tools, enhancing the efficiency of your business operations and expanding your reach.

With Spreadshirt’s API, you can integrate your store with inventory management systems, CRM platforms, and other software solutions, streamlining your workflow.

Similarly, Merch by Amazon also offers an API for integration purposes.

This allows you to connect your Merch by Amazon account with other systems or tools, enabling you to automate processes, manage inventory, and simplify your overall selling experience.

The API integration offered by Merch by Amazon empowers you to leverage external resources and enhance your workflow.

Both Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon understand the value of robust support and the power of API integration. Whether you need assistance or want to streamline your operations, these platforms have you covered.

Also Read: Amazon Merch vs Printful

Spreadshirt vs Merch by Amazon – Pricing

Spreadshirt pricing includes the product cost, printing cost, and also the design cost for getting the products designed by community designers. Self-designing is free though.

Shipping fees depends on the region and the order value.

On Amazon Merch, you earn with every product sold. This includes product’s purchase price subtracting any taxes and Amazon costs.

Conclusion

Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon present valuable opportunities for individuals and businesses seeking to sell custom merchandise online.

Spreadshirt is a preferred choice for those seeking a creative platform with personalized support. On the other hand, with Merch by Amazon, the advantage lies in directly selling products on Amazon’s marketplace without any upfront costs.

Ultimately, the decision between Spreadshirt and Merch by Amazon should be based on the specific needs and preferences of the individual or business.

It is recommended to thoroughly explore the features, pricing, and support offered by both platforms before making a final decision.