Top 5 Print on Demand Companies for Beginners: Your Guide to Getting Started

If you’ve ever dreamt of starting your own online business but have been put off by the idea of managing inventory, dealing with suppliers, or packing up shipments, then the print-on-demand (POD) business model might just be the golden ticket you’ve been waiting for. The beauty of POD is that you don’t need to invest in stock up front, and you don’t have to lift a finger when it comes to fulfillment. You simply create and sell custom designs, and a POD company handles the rest—printing, packing, and shipping directly to your customers.

Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it can be—if you pick the right POD company. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming for a beginner to know where to start. But don’t worry, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you! Here’s a roundup of the top five print-on-demand companies that are perfect for beginners, complete with what makes each one special, their features, and how you can get started with them today.

1. Printful: The All-Rounder with a Lot of Perks

If there’s one POD company that’s consistently praised for being beginner-friendly, it's Printful. Whether you're launching a new brand or creating a simple side hustle, Printful is the go-to choice for many first-time entrepreneurs. Why? Because it’s ridiculously easy to use, offers a vast range of products, and integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and even Amazon.

Printful’s user interface is super intuitive, making it ideal for people with little to no tech skills. The process is simple: you create your designs, upload them to Printful’s platform, and then select the products you want to customize—whether that’s T-shirts, mugs, posters, or even socks. Once your products are live on your store, Printful automatically handles all the printing, packaging, and shipping when someone places an order. That’s right, you just sit back, create, and watch the sales roll in.

Why beginners love Printful:

• Wide product selection: From apparel to accessories, home decor, and even face masks, Printful offers over 300 customizable products.

• No upfront costs: You don’t need to purchase inventory. You only pay for what’s ordered.

• Easy integrations: Whether you use Shopify, Etsy, or even Squarespace, Printful has built-in integrations that make it easy to sync your store.

• Mockup generator: Create high-quality product images for your store without needing a professional photographer.

The only thing to keep in mind is that Printful’s base prices can be a little higher than some competitors, meaning you’ll need to price your products strategically to maintain a good profit margin. But for beginners who want a reliable, easy-to-use platform, Give Printful a Go!

2. Teespring (Now Spring): The Creative Community Hub

Teespring is another fantastic print-on-demand platform, and it comes with a big bonus—community engagement. Teespring allows creators to not only sell custom products but also tap into an engaged audience. If you’re looking to sell your designs to a niche audience or build a following, Teespring’s social tools give you a chance to engage directly with your customers.

The process is simple: you upload your designs, pick the products you want to sell, and set your prices. Teespring will then take care of printing and shipping. And while it’s an easy platform for beginners, it also offers some cool extra features, like the ability to create custom storefronts and sell directly on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

Why beginners love Teespring:

• Social integration: Sell directly on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. You can even create a fully branded storefront on these platforms.

• No upfront costs: Like Printful, you don’t need to purchase inventory. You only pay when an order is made.

• Free design tools: The platform offers free design tools for those who may not have access to professional design software.

• Strong community and support: You’ll find plenty of resources, and it’s easy to get help if you’re stuck.

One thing to note is that Teespring’s product selection isn’t as extensive as Printful’s, but it’s still pretty solid, especially when it comes to apparel and accessories. Plus, the community aspect is huge if you plan to grow your brand over time. Check out Teespring Here!

3. Printify: The Global POD Powerhouse

If you’re looking for variety and scalability, Printify is a great option for beginners. With a catalog of over 300 products and partnerships with a network of print providers worldwide, Printify lets you choose from different printers in different regions. This means you can offer international shipping without worrying about exorbitant shipping costs. As a beginner, this is a huge advantage, as it allows you to test different markets.

Printify integrates with Shopify, Etsy, and other major e-commerce platforms, and it’s relatively simple to use. Once you’ve uploaded your designs and chosen your products, Printify will automatically sync your store with their system, and when an order is placed, they take care of the printing and shipping.

Why beginners love Printify:

• Huge product selection: With access to over 300 different products from apparel to phone cases to wall art, you’ll never run out of options.

• Multiple print providers: Printify partners with a network of print providers globally, which means you can reduce shipping times and costs.

• Competitive pricing: Printify tends to offer lower base prices than other POD companies, which can help improve your profit margins.

• Simple to use: The platform is intuitive, and you can start selling quickly.

One downside is that the quality of products can vary depending on the print provider, so it's worth testing products before committing to a large-scale launch. But, if you're looking for scalability and international reach, Printify is a great choice!

4. Gooten: The Under-the-Radar Gem

If you’re looking for something a little less mainstream, Gooten might be the perfect POD platform for you. While not as widely known as some other companies on this list, Gooten offers a great combination of simplicity, product variety, and global fulfillment options. It’s beginner-friendly, just like the others, and offers seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy.

The cool thing about Gooten is its focus on customization and a diverse product catalog. Whether you’re selling apparel, home goods, or unique items like journals or yoga mats, Gooten has something for everyone. And because it works with print partners around the world, Gooten can help you offer faster shipping to international customers.

Why beginners love Gooten:

• Unique product options: Gooten offers a wide range of products, from clothing to home decor and stationery, with unique items you won’t find everywhere.

• Global fulfillment: Like Printify, Gooten works with print providers across the globe, ensuring quick and affordable shipping.

• Seamless integrations: It integrates with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce to make your store management simple.

• Easy to use: Gooten’s interface is simple and clean, making it easy for beginners to jump right in.

A downside is that Gooten’s user base is smaller compared to bigger platforms like Printful and Printify, which means there are fewer community resources or tutorials available. However, if you want a more niche platform that offers diverse product options, Gooten is worth considering. Check it out here!

5. Apliiq: The Fashion-Forward POD Platform

If your focus is on fashion and custom apparel, Apliiq is an excellent choice. This platform sets itself apart by allowing for more intricate and creative customizations beyond the typical designs you find on t-shirts and hoodies. You can mix fabric choices, add custom labels, and even create embroidery for your apparel designs.

Apliiq is perfect for beginner designers or fashion-forward entrepreneurs looking to stand out in the saturated clothing market. The platform offers a more high-end, unique experience compared to other POD services, making it ideal for those wanting to sell exclusive, high-quality clothing items.

Why beginners love Apliiq:

• Custom fabric and label options: You can add unique labels, fabric types, and embroidery to your designs, making your products truly one-of-a-kind.

• Small batch printing: Great for boutique stores or brands looking to maintain an exclusive feel.

• Fashion-focused: If you’re targeting fashion-forward customers, Apliiq offers a much more elevated experience than other POD companies.

Similar to Gooten, Apliiq is a bit more niche and may not have the product variety of platforms like Printful or Printify. It's especially great if you’re really focused on fashion and want your brand to have a distinct, customized look. Give Apliiq a Go Here!

Conclusion: Choose Your POD Partner and Get Started!

Starting a print-on-demand business has never been easier, thanks to these fantastic platforms. Whether you're drawn to the robust features of Printful, the social integration of Spring, the international reach of Printify, the diverse options of Gooten, or the fashion-forward customization of Apliiq, there’s a POD company out there for every type of entrepreneur. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to get started, and you don’t have to worry about inventory or fulfillment.

As a beginner, your main focus should be on finding a platform that aligns with your vision, whether it’s offering a wide range of products, targeting specific niches, or building a community