title: Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $78 for Beginners (2025)
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: Discover the best print-on-demand tools for beginners under $78 in 2025. This comprehensive guide provides expert insights and reviews to help you choose the right tool for your side-hustle.
tags: ["side-hustles"]
image:
Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $78 for Beginners (2025)
Overview
In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, print-on-demand (POD) services have emerged as a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to generate income without the complexities of inventory management. For beginners, selecting the right print-on-demand tool can be daunting, especially with budget constraints. This guide focuses on the best print-on-demand tools available for under $78, ensuring you can kickstart your side-hustle without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Print-on-Demand?
Print-on-demand offers several advantages that make it an appealing option for new business owners:
- Low Financial Risk: You only pay for products after you make a sale.
- No Inventory Management: You don't need to handle physical products or inventory.
- Customization: You can create unique designs tailored to your audience.
- Scalability: As your business grows, you can easily expand your product range.
In this guide, we've curated a list of the top print-on-demand tools under $78, focusing on their features, ease of use, and overall value for beginners.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printful | Customization | Wide product range, easy integration, mockup generator | $0 |
| TeeSpring (now Spring) | Apparel & Merch | User-friendly platform, social media integration | $0 |
| Redbubble | Artists & Designers | Global marketplace, artist-friendly policies | $0 |
| Zazzle | Custom Gifts | Extensive product variety, design tools | $0 |
| Gooten | Flexible Fulfillment | Customizable workflows, multiple suppliers | $0 |
| Society6 | Art Prints & Home Decor | High-quality prints, community focus | $0 |
| Apliiq | Unique Apparel | Custom labels, embroidery options | $0 |
| Printify | Product Variety | Integrates with multiple stores, various POD products | $0 |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Printful
Overview
Printful is one of the leading print-on-demand services, offering a vast range of customizable products. It integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
Key Features
- Wide Product Range: From apparel to home decor, Printful offers over 300 products.
- Mockup Generator: Easily create product mockups to showcase your designs.
- Shipping: Offers worldwide shipping with various options.
Pros
- No upfront costs or monthly fees.
- User-friendly interface.
- High-quality printing.
Cons
- Some products may have longer shipping times.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
2. TeeSpring (now Spring)
Overview
TeeSpring provides creators with an easy-to-use platform to design and sell custom apparel and merchandise, making it ideal for beginners.
Key Features
- User-Friendly Platform: Simple design tools for non-designers.
- Social Media Integration: Share your products directly on social media.
- No Upfront Costs: Only pay after sales.
Pros
- Great for community building.
- Easy to set up and manage campaigns.
- Supports a variety of products.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to competitors.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
3. Redbubble
Overview
Redbubble is a global marketplace that allows artists to sell their designs on a wide variety of products, from stickers to wall art.
Key Features
- Artist-Friendly Policies: Artists retain control over their designs and pricing.
- Global Reach: Access to a wide audience.
- Easy Upload Process: Quickly upload your designs and start selling.
Pros
- Strong community of artists.
- High-quality printing.
- Passive income potential.
Cons
- Higher commission fees compared to other platforms.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
4. Zazzle
Overview
Zazzle offers a massive selection of customizable products, making it an excellent choice for those looking to sell unique gifts and merchandise.
Key Features
- Extensive Product Variety: Over 300 customizable products.
- Design Tools: Advanced design tools for intricate customizations.
- Marketplace Access: Sell directly to consumers through Zazzle.
Pros
- Wide range of product options.
- Easy to use.
- Good for niche markets.
Cons
- Some products have long production times.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
5. Gooten
Overview
Gooten is a print-on-demand service that offers flexibility in fulfillment and is perfect for those looking to create a unique brand.
Key Features
- Customizable Workflows: Tailor the fulfillment process to fit your business model.
- Multiple Suppliers: Access to various suppliers for better pricing and quality.
Pros
- Flexible and scalable.
- Easy integration with e-commerce platforms.
Cons
- Limited product offerings compared to larger competitors.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
6. Society6
Overview
Society6 focuses on high-quality art prints and home decor, making it an ideal platform for artists looking to monetize their work.
Key Features
- High-Quality Prints: Emphasizes the quality of art prints and products.
- Community Focus: Encourages collaboration among artists.
Pros
- Excellent for artists and designers.
- High profit margins for creators.
Cons
- Limited to art-related products.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
7. Apliiq
Overview
Apliiq specializes in unique apparel with options for custom labels and embroidery, suitable for those wanting to create a distinct brand identity.
Key Features
- Custom Labels: Add your own branding to products.
- Unique Apparel Options: Offers customization beyond standard printing.
Pros
- Unique offerings for apparel.
- Strong branding options.
Cons
- Higher minimum order quantities on some products.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
8. Printify
Overview
Printify is a comprehensive print-on-demand platform that allows users to create and sell unique products while integrating with various e-commerce platforms.
Key Features
- Variety of Products: Over 250 products available for customization.
- Integration Options: Works with Shopify, Etsy, and more.
Pros
- Simple to use and set up.
- Diverse product offerings.
Cons
- Quality may vary between suppliers.
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)
How We Picked
To curate this list of the best print-on-demand tools under $78 for beginners, we considered several factors:
- Cost: All tools listed are free to start, requiring payment only after sales.
- Ease of Use: We prioritized user-friendly platforms that cater to those without design experience.
- Product Variety: A wide range of customizable products increases potential sales opportunities.
- Integration Capabilities: Tools that seamlessly integrate with popular e-commerce platforms offer added convenience.
- Community and Support: A strong user community and available support resources are crucial for beginners.
Alternatives
While the tools listed above are excellent choices for beginners, there are a few alternatives worth considering:
- TeeLaunch: Focused on apparel and home goods, TeeLaunch offers a flexible POD service though it may have more complex setup processes.
- AOP+ (All Over Print): Ideal for those looking to create all-over print designs, especially for clothing.
- CustomCat: Offers a wide range of products with competitive pricing but may have a steeper learning curve.
FAQs
1. What is print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand is a business model where products are printed only after a customer makes a purchase, eliminating the need for inventory or upfront costs.
2. How much can I earn with print-on-demand?
Earnings vary widely depending on your marketing efforts, product selection, and niche. Successful sellers can earn a significant income, especially with effective branding and targeting.
3. Do I need design skills to use print-on-demand tools?
No, most print-on-demand platforms provide user-friendly design tools that allow you to create products without prior design experience.
4. How do I price my products?
Consider the base cost from your POD provider, your target profit margin, and competitor pricing when setting your product prices.
5. What types of products can I sell with print-on-demand?
You can sell a variety of products, including apparel, home decor, accessories, and more, depending on the platform you choose.
6. Can I integrate print-on-demand tools with my online store?
Yes, most print-on-demand services offer integration options with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right print-on-demand tool as a beginner can set the stage for a successful side-hustle. The platforms highlighted in this guide not only provide affordability but also empower you with the necessary tools to create and sell unique products. Whether you're an artist, a designer, or someone with a creative idea, these tools can help you transform your vision into a thriving business. Start exploring these options today, and find the perfect fit for your print-on-demand journey!