Today, I will explain why I don't use Printful, Printify, or Etsy for my print on demand t-shirt business. With nearly a decade in the print on demand (POD) t-shirt industry, I’ve found that these platforms aren’t the best fit for my business model. This post will explain why and reveal some lesser-known aspects of these platforms that new sellers should be aware of. If you’re just starting out in POD, this could save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Active vs. Passive Print on Demand
Most POD tutorials recommend using Printful or Printify, and while these are solid services, they represent the "active" POD model. Active POD requires you to create your own website, drive traffic to it, and handle all customer service. You pay upfront for orders and get reimbursed with profit afterward. This model is akin to running a full-fledged clothing company with POD fulfillment.
On the other hand, "passive" POD involves uploading your designs to large marketplace websites that handle traffic, transactions, and customer service. You receive a profit split after sales without the upfront costs or logistical headaches.
Why I Avoid Printful and Printify
Given my preference for passive income, I steer clear of Printful and Printify. These platforms are tailored for active POD, demanding more time, effort, and financial investment.
Solutions for Passive Print on Demand
To help those interested in passive POD, here are a few platforms you can use instead. I’ll even walk you through the process of uploading a design to show you how straightforward it is.
Amazon Merch on Demand
Amazon is the largest POD platform. If you search for a niche t-shirt, such as "gardening t-shirt," you'll find numerous POD designs. When a customer buys a shirt, Amazon handles everything—from printing to shipping and customer service. The seller earns a profit split, typically around $5 per shirt. Some designs can generate substantial income, with top listings selling over 1,000 units monthly.
To get started, visit the Amazon Merch on Demand application page and sign up. It’s free and straightforward.
Redbubble
Redbubble is dedicated to POD products. Upload your designs, and they handle the rest. For instance, searching for "gardening t-shirt" on Redbubble will display various POD options. Like Amazon, Redbubble manages printing, shipping, and customer service, and you earn a profit split.
TeePublic
TeePublic, owned by Redbubble, operates similarly. While smaller than Redbubble, it still offers significant traffic and is entirely focused on POD products. TeePublic attracts about 1 million visitors monthly, while Redbubble sees around 10 million.
The Simplicity of Passive POD
Unlike active POD, passive POD doesn’t require you to build and maintain a store or manage customer service. Instead, you focus on creating and uploading designs. Here’s a quick guide to uploading a design on TeePublic:
- Create an Account: Sign up on TeePublic with your name, email, and password. Verify your email to proceed.
- Upload Art: Click "Upload Art" and select your design file. Add a title, description, and relevant tags.
- Product Settings: Choose the items and colors for your design. You can offer your design on various products like stickers, phone cases, and mugs, but I recommend starting with apparel.
- Publish: Agree to the terms and conditions, then click "Publish."
With passive POD, you can start earning from your designs without the upfront costs and complexities of active POD. Platforms like Amazon Merch on Demand, Redbubble, and TeePublic make it easy to get started. For those new to POD, I recommend checking out the full tutorial linked in the description for a comprehensive guide from idea to first sale. Happy designing!