title: Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $165 for Designers (2025)
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: Discover the top print-on-demand tools for designers under $165 in 2025, perfect for side hustles. This guide provides insights and recommendations to help you choose the best tools for your creative projects.
tags: [side-hustles]
image: 

Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $165 for Designers (2025)

Overview

The print-on-demand (POD) industry has revolutionized the way designers can monetize their creative skills. With the rise of e-commerce, artists and designers now have the opportunity to sell their designs on a variety of products without the need to hold inventory. This buying guide explores the best print-on-demand tools available for under $165 in 2025, making it easier for designers to start or enhance their side hustles.

In this guide, we'll cover the top tools available, their key features, pricing, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the world of print-on-demand services effectively.

Top Picks

In-Depth Reviews

Printful

Best For: Versatile product range
Key Features:

• Extensive catalog including clothing, accessories, and home decor
• Integrations with popular e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce)
• Custom branding options available

Price: $0 (no upfront fees)

Printful is one of the leaders in the print-on-demand space, offering a wide array of products and seamless integration with various e-commerce platforms. This makes it an ideal choice for designers looking to sell merchandise without upfront costs. Its user-friendly interface and quality printing services ensure that your designs are showcased effectively.

Pros:

• High-quality printing
• Easy to set up and use
• Good customer support

Cons:

• Higher base prices compared to some competitors

Gooten

Best For: Custom fulfillment
Key Features:

• Global fulfillment centers for efficient shipping
• Bulk order discounts available
• Easy user interface for managing orders

Price: $0 (no upfront fees)

Gooten is a strong contender for those needing custom fulfillment services. With its global reach and user-friendly platform, designers can easily manage their POD business. Gooten also offers a variety of products, making it a flexible option for those looking to expand their offerings.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing
• Strong customer service
• Simple order management

Cons:

• Limited design customization options

Teespring

Best For: Apparel focused
Key Features:

• Integrated marketplace for easy exposure
• No upfront costs, pay only after a sale
• Custom storefront creation

Price: $0 (no upfront fees)

Teespring has made a name for itself in the apparel niche by offering designers a platform to create and sell custom clothing. With its built-in marketplace, artists can gain exposure to potential customers without investing in marketing.

Pros:

• Easy to launch products
• No inventory risk
• Social media integration for marketing

Cons:

• Limited product range compared to others

Redbubble

Best For: Art prints
Key Features:

• Community-driven platform that promotes artists
• Extensive product range including art prints, stickers, and more
• Artist royalties on each sale

Price: $0 (no upfront fees)

Redbubble is perfect for artists looking to sell their designs on various products, especially art prints. The platform fosters a community of creatives, making it an ideal place for exposure and networking.

Pros:

• Strong community support
• Great for artists
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Lower profit margins due to platform fees

Zazzle

Best For: Variety of products
Key Features:

• Customization options for a wide range of products
• User-friendly design interface
• Flexible pricing for royalties

Price: $0 (no upfront fees)

Zazzle offers an extensive selection of customizable products, making it a versatile choice for designers. Whether you want to create business cards, home decor, or clothing, Zazzle has you covered. Its easy-to-use interface is perfect for designers of all skill levels.

Pros:

• Huge product selection
• Easy to navigate
• Good potential for royalties

Cons:

• Quality can vary between products

Society6

Best For: Home decor
Key Features:

• Focus on high-quality art prints and home decor items
• Artist-centric platform with strong community support
• Curated collections for better visibility

Price: $0 (no upfront fees)

Society6 is ideal for artists who want to focus on home decor and art prints. The platform emphasizes quality and community, allowing designers to showcase their work effectively. With curated collections, your designs can gain additional exposure.

Pros:

• High-quality products
• Supportive artist community
• Good marketing tools

Cons:

• Limited to home decor and art

TeeLaunch

Best For: Small businesses
Key Features:

• Affordable pricing for small orders
• Quick fulfillment times
• Variety of apparel and accessories

Price: $0 (no upfront fees)

TeeLaunch is particularly suited for small businesses looking to enter the POD space. With a focus on apparel and accessories, the platform offers quick fulfillment and competitive pricing, making it accessible for those just starting out.

Pros:

• Affordable for small orders
• Fast shipping
• Simple interface

Cons:

• Limited product range compared to larger competitors

How We Picked

When selecting the best print-on-demand tools for designers under $165, we considered several key factors:

1. Product Range: The diversity of products offered is crucial for designers who want to sell various items.
2. Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces and easy integration with e-commerce platforms are essential for a smooth experience.
3. Pricing Structure: We focused on tools with minimal upfront costs and fair pricing to maximize profits for designers.
4. Quality of Printing: The quality of the printed products affects customer satisfaction and repeat business.
5. Customer Support: Reliable customer service is vital for resolving issues and ensuring a positive experience.

Alternatives

While the above tools are some of the best in the market, several alternatives also deserve mention:

• Printify: Offers a large network of printing partners and a wide product range. Great for those needing flexibility in printing locations.
• Apliiq: Focuses on custom apparel with unique branding options. Perfect for designers looking to create custom clothing lines.
• Threadless: Combines artist shop features with a community aspect, allowing for unique designs and collaborations.

FAQs

1. What is print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where products are printed only after an order is placed, allowing designers to sell merchandise without holding inventory.

2. How do I choose the best print-on-demand tool?
Consider factors such as product range, ease of use, pricing structure, print quality, and customer support when selecting a POD tool.

3. Can I use multiple print-on-demand services?
Yes, many designers use multiple POD services to diversify their offerings and reach different markets.

4. Do I need to pay upfront fees for using print-on-demand services?
Most print-on-demand services do not require upfront fees, charging you only after a sale is made.

5. What is the typical profit margin for print-on-demand products?
Profit margins can vary widely depending on the product and pricing strategy, typically ranging from 10% to 40%.

6. Are there any hidden fees with print-on-demand services?
While most services are upfront about their costs, it's essential to read the fine print to understand any potential fees for shipping, product customization, or marketplace listings.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right print-on-demand tool is crucial for any designer looking to monetize their creativity effectively. Each of the options listed in this guide offers unique features and benefits, catering to different needs within the design community. Whether you're focused on apparel, home decor, or a mixed range of products, there is a print-on-demand tool that fits your requirements under $165.

By leveraging these tools, designers can easily establish and grow their side hustles while focusing on what they do best—creating beautiful designs. Take the time to evaluate which platform aligns with your goals and start your print-on-demand journey today!