title: "Best Print-On-Demand Tools Under $119 for Beginners (2025)"
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: "Discover the top print-on-demand tools for beginners in 2025, all priced under $119. This guide covers essential features, pros and cons, and expert recommendations to kickstart your side hustle!"
tags: ["side-hustles"]
image: ""
Best Print-On-Demand Tools Under $119 for Beginners (2025)
Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business can be an exciting venture, combining creativity with entrepreneurship. With a plethora of tools available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll explore the best print-on-demand tools under $119 for beginners in 2025. Designed to streamline your POD experience, these tools offer user-friendly interfaces, essential features, and cost-effective solutions to help you launch your side hustle successfully.
Overview
Print-on-demand technology allows you to create customized products that are printed only after an order is placed. This eliminates the need for inventory and upfront costs, making it an ideal choice for budding entrepreneurs. However, to succeed in the POD business, you need the right tools to design, market, and sell your products. This guide will provide insights into the best tools available today, helping you make an informed choice.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canva | Graphic Design | User-friendly, templates, collaboration tools | $12.99/month (approx. $155.88/year, free trial available) |
| Printful | Order Fulfillment | Integrations, mockup generator, no upfront costs | Free to use, pay per order |
| GIMP | Image Editing | Open-source, advanced editing features, free | Free |
| Placeit | Mockups | Easy-to-use, extensive template library, video creation | $14.95/month (approx. $179.40/year, free trial available) |
| Adobe Express | Graphic Design | Powerful editing tools, templates, cloud storage | $9.99/month (approx. $119.88/year) |
| AprintaPro | Design Templates | High-quality templates, easy customization | Starting at $29.99 |
| Etsy | Marketplace | Established platform, large audience, easy setup | $0.20 listing fee per item |
In-Depth Reviews
Canva
Best For: Graphic Design
Canva is a versatile graphic design tool that's perfect for beginners. Its user-friendly interface allows you to create stunning designs for t-shirts, mugs, and more without any design experience.
Key Features:
- Extensive library of templates and elements
- Collaboration tools for team projects
- Drag-and-drop functionality
Pros:
- Easy to use with a low learning curve
- Offers a free version with many features
- Frequent updates and additions to templates
Cons:
- Limited customization options in the free version
- Subscription costs can add up if you opt for Pro features
Current Price: $12.99/month (approx. $155.88/year, free trial available)
Printful
Best For: Order Fulfillment
Printful is a leading print-on-demand service that allows you to create and sell custom products with no upfront costs. It integrates seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms.
Key Features:
- Wide range of products from apparel to home decor
- Mockup generator to visualize products
- No minimum order requirements
Pros:
- Excellent quality products
- Fast shipping options
- User-friendly integration with e-commerce sites
Cons:
- Pricing can be higher than competitors
- Shipping costs can vary based on location
Current Price: Free to use, pay per order
GIMP
Best For: Image Editing
GIMP is a powerful open-source image editing software that rivals Adobe Photoshop. It's ideal for those who want to create custom graphics for their POD products.
Key Features:
- Advanced photo manipulation tools
- Supports various file formats
- Highly customizable interface
Pros:
- Free to use with no hidden costs
- Extensive online tutorials and community support
- No subscription required
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Interface may feel less intuitive compared to paid options
Current Price: Free
Placeit
Best For: Mockups
Placeit is an online design tool that offers a wide array of mockup templates, making it easy to visualize your products in real-life settings.
Key Features:
- Thousands of mockup templates
- Video creation tools for marketing
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
Pros:
- Saves time with ready-to-use templates
- High-quality mockups that enhance product presentation
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Monthly subscription can be costly over time
- Limited features in the free version
Current Price: $14.95/month (approx. $179.40/year, free trial available)
Adobe Express
Best For: Graphic Design
Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is a simplified version of Adobe's Creative Suite, designed for quick and easy graphic creation.
Key Features:
- Access to Adobe’s rich library of images and templates
- Intuitive editing tools for beginners
- Cross-device compatibility
Pros:
- Part of the Adobe ecosystem with professional-grade tools
- Excellent for social media graphics and marketing
- Regular updates and new features
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to full Adobe software
- Monthly fees can be a drawback for budget-conscious users
Current Price: $9.99/month (approx. $119.88/year)
AprintaPro
Best For: Design Templates
AprintaPro specializes in customizable design templates for various products, offering a cost-effective solution for beginners.
Key Features:
- High-quality, ready-made templates
- Easy customization options
- Integration with popular POD platforms
Pros:
- Affordable pricing for templates
- Time-saving with pre-designed layouts
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited variety compared to more extensive design tools
- Requires some design knowledge for best results
Current Price: Starting at $29.99
Etsy
Best For: Marketplace
Etsy is a well-established platform for selling handmade and custom products, making it an excellent choice for POD entrepreneurs.
Key Features:
- Large, built-in customer base
- Easy setup for online stores
- Various marketing tools available
Pros:
- No need to drive traffic; Etsy provides exposure
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- Low startup costs
Cons:
- Listing fees can add up with multiple products
- High competition among sellers
Current Price: $0.20 listing fee per item
How We Picked
To curate this list of the best print-on-demand tools under $119 for beginners, we considered several key factors:
- User Experience: Tools were evaluated based on their ease of use, especially for those with little to no design experience.
- Features: We looked for essential features that cater to beginners, such as templates, mockup generators, and integration with e-commerce platforms.
- Pricing: All tools listed are priced under $119, offering a range of options from free to subscription-based services.
- Reputation: Tools with positive user reviews and a proven track record in the POD industry were prioritized.
- Support and Resources: Access to tutorials, customer support, and a community were also considered to ensure beginners have the necessary resources to succeed.
Alternatives
While the tools listed above are some of the best for beginners, there are alternatives worth considering:
- Snappa: A graphic design tool with a focus on social media graphics. Price: $10/month.
- Redbubble: A POD marketplace that allows artists to sell their designs on various products. Free to use.
- TeeSpring (now Spring): A platform for creating and selling custom apparel. Free to use, pay per order.
FAQs
1. What is print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand is a business model that allows you to create and sell custom products without needing to hold inventory. Products are printed only after an order is placed.
2. Do I need design skills to start a POD business?
No, many print-on-demand tools offer user-friendly templates and drag-and-drop features that make it easy for beginners to create designs without prior design experience.
3. How do I market my print-on-demand products?
Utilize social media, content marketing, and email marketing to promote your products. Platforms like Etsy also provide built-in traffic to help you reach customers.
4. What are the costs associated with starting a POD business?
Initial costs can vary, but expect to pay for design tools, listing fees on marketplaces, and the cost of production for each order.
5. Can I sell my POD products on my own website?
Yes! Many POD platforms offer integrations with e-commerce websites like Shopify, WooCommerce, and others, allowing you to sell directly to customers.
6. How do I choose the right POD tool for my needs?
Consider what features are most important for your business, such as design capabilities, product variety, pricing, and ease of use. Start with free trials when available to test out different tools.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right print-on-demand tool is crucial for the success of your side hustle. The tools listed in this guide provide a range of features and pricing options for beginners looking to enter the POD market. Whether you need graphic design capabilities, mockup generation, or an established marketplace, there’s a solution for everyone.
Investing in the right tools can significantly impact your ability to create and market unique products effectively. Start your journey today and turn your creative ideas into a profitable venture!