title: "Best Print-On-Demand Tools Under $117 for Beginners (2025)"
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: "Discover the best print-on-demand tools under $117 for beginners in this comprehensive guide. Learn how to start your side hustle successfully with the right tools!"
tags: ["side-hustles"]
image:
Best Print-On-Demand Tools Under $117 for Beginners (2025)
Overview
The print-on-demand (POD) industry has exploded in recent years, with countless entrepreneurs leveraging this model to create custom merchandise without the need for inventory. For beginners, the right tools are essential to streamline the process, enhance creativity, and ultimately boost sales. In this buying guide, we will explore the best print-on-demand tools under $117 to help you kickstart your side hustle in 2025.
By choosing the right tools, you can focus more on designing unique products and less on the logistics of production and shipping. This guide will provide you with an in-depth look at the top POD tools available today, their features, and how they can benefit your print-on-demand business.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printful | Overall Best POD Service | Wide product range, easy integration, no upfront costs | $0 |
| TeeSpring (now Spring) | Custom Apparel | User-friendly interface, social selling, built-in marketing tools | $0 |
| Canva | Design Creation | Drag-and-drop design tools, templates, collaboration features | $12.99/month (with free trial) |
| GIMP | Graphic Design | Advanced editing tools, open-source, extensive community support | $0 |
| Adobe Express | Professional Design | Easy-to-use templates, branding features, cloud storage | $9.99/month (with free trial) |
| Printify | Product Customization | Large network of suppliers, competitive pricing, mockup generator | $0 |
| Redbubble | Art and Illustration | Marketplace exposure, artist-friendly, global shipping | $0 |
| Zazzle | Diverse Product Offerings | Custom products across multiple categories, easy-to-use design tools | $0 |
In-Depth Reviews
Printful
Best For: Overall Best POD Service
Price: $0
Overview: Printful is a top-rated print-on-demand service that allows you to create and sell custom products seamlessly. It integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it a top choice for beginners.
Key Features:
- Wide range of products including apparel, accessories, and home decor.
- No upfront costs or minimum order requirements.
- High-quality printing and fulfillment services.
- Automated order fulfillment.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Excellent customer service.
- Fast shipping options.
Cons:
- Higher base prices compared to some competitors.
TeeSpring (now Spring)
Best For: Custom Apparel
Price: $0
Overview: TeeSpring, now known as Spring, has evolved into a comprehensive platform for custom apparel and merchandise. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to create products easily.
Key Features:
- Social selling capabilities.
- Built-in marketing tools for promotions.
- No upfront costs; you earn a profit margin on sales.
Pros:
- Great for community engagement and social media marketing.
- Easy to use for beginners.
Cons:
- Limited product customization options compared to other platforms.
Canva
Best For: Design Creation
Price: $12.99/month (with free trial)
Overview: Canva is a powerful design tool that enables users to create stunning graphics for their POD products. With its extensive library of templates and user-friendly design features, Canva is perfect for beginners.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop design features.
- Collaboration tools for team projects.
- Access to a vast library of images and icons.
Pros:
- Versatile for different design needs.
- Regular updates and new features.
Cons:
- Subscription-based model may not be ideal for everyone.
GIMP
Best For: Graphic Design
Price: $0
Overview: GIMP is a free, open-source graphic design software that offers advanced editing capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to create detailed designs for their POD products.
Key Features:
- Extensive editing tools and plugins.
- Supports various file formats.
- Strong community support for troubleshooting.
Pros:
- No cost and high functionality.
- Great for users who want to learn graphic design.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler design tools.
Adobe Express
Best For: Professional Design
Price: $9.99/month (with free trial)
Overview: Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is an intuitive design tool that allows users to create professional-looking graphics quickly. It integrates well with other Adobe products, making it ideal for those already in the Adobe ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Customizable templates for various products.
- Branding features for consistency.
- Cloud storage for easy access to your designs.
Pros:
- High-quality design output.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Subscription may be expensive for casual users.
Printify
Best For: Product Customization
Price: $0
Overview: Printify is a versatile print-on-demand platform that connects users with various suppliers, allowing for a wide range of product customization options.
Key Features:
- Access to a large network of suppliers.
- Competitive pricing with various product options.
- Mockup generator for easy visualization.
Pros:
- Flexible product offerings.
- Good integration with e-commerce platforms.
Cons:
- Quality can vary depending on the supplier.
Redbubble
Best For: Art and Illustration
Price: $0
Overview: Redbubble provides artists with a platform to sell their designs on a variety of products. It's a deeply community-oriented marketplace, ideal for illustrators and designers.
Key Features:
- Marketplace exposure for artists.
- Global shipping options.
- Easy-to-use design upload process.
Pros:
- No upfront costs for artists.
- Built-in audience for your designs.
Cons:
- Profit margins can be lower due to marketplace fees.
Zazzle
Best For: Diverse Product Offerings
Price: $0
Overview: Zazzle is a unique POD platform that allows users to create a wide array of products, from clothing to home goods. Its extensive product catalog is one of its main attractions.
Key Features:
- Customization options across multiple product categories.
- Easy-to-use design tools.
- Ability to set your royalty rates.
Pros:
- Large selection of products.
- Good for niche markets.
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming due to the vast number of options.
How We Picked
In selecting the best print-on-demand tools under $117, we considered various factors crucial for beginners in the POD space:
- Ease of Use: Tools should have intuitive interfaces that allow beginners to quickly learn and create.
- Cost: We focused on tools that are free or have low subscription fees to ensure affordability.
- Key Features: The tools should offer essential features like product customization, design capabilities, and integration with e-commerce platforms.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer service is vital, especially for those who are new to the industry.
- Community and Resources: Platforms with strong community support and educational resources are preferable for beginners.
Alternatives
While the tools listed above are some of the best options for beginners, there are several alternatives worth considering:
- Society6: Focused on art prints and home decor. Great for artists looking to showcase their work.
- TeeLaunch: A reliable option for those focusing on apparel, home goods, and accessories.
- Apliiq: Ideal for custom apparel with unique branding options.
- TeeChip: A platform that allows users to create fundraising campaigns alongside selling their designs.
FAQs
1. What is print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model that allows you to create and sell custom products without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, the product is printed and shipped directly to them.
2. How much does it cost to start a print-on-demand business?
Starting a print-on-demand business can be very affordable. Many platforms have no upfront costs, and you typically only pay for products after you make a sale.
3. Do I need design skills to succeed in POD?
While having design skills can be beneficial, many POD tools offer templates and user-friendly design features that make it easier for beginners to create appealing products.
4. Can I use multiple print-on-demand tools?
Yes, you can use multiple print-on-demand tools to diversify your product offerings and reach different audiences.
5. How do I market my print-on-demand products?
Marketing strategies include leveraging social media, creating an engaging website, collaborating with influencers, and utilizing email marketing to reach potential customers.
6. Are there any hidden fees with print-on-demand services?
While most POD services do not have hidden fees, it's essential to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand pricing structures, shipping costs, and any potential transaction fees.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right print-on-demand tools is crucial for beginners who wish to launch their side hustle successfully. The tools listed in this guide not only fit within a budget of $117 but also equip you with the necessary features to create and sell high-quality products.
Whether you prioritize design capabilities, ease of use, or marketplace exposure, there is a tool for every beginner's needs. Embrace the opportunities that print-on-demand offers and start your journey toward entrepreneurship today!