Updated: March 31, 2026 By: Marios
The global print-on-demand market has well and truly transformed the eCommerce industry and is not showing any signs of slowing down. It is worth over $12 billion, yet this could reach almost $20 billion by 2029 – so it’s no wonder that so many sellers are looking to launch their very own print-on-demand business.
Although there is no better time to sell merch using a print-on-demand model, picking the right platform can make or break the process. With each provider offering different design options, varied product catalogs, and differing shipping lead times, there is a lot to take into consideration.
In this article, five of the best print-on-demand sites for merch creation will be discussed to help sellers pick the best option for their business.
The Importance of Picking the Best Print-On-Demand Companies
When starting a print-on-demand business, the platform that is chosen plays a huge part in the success of the launch. Since they are the ones responsible for printing the orders, packaging them up, and shipping them out in good time, making the right decision from the get-go will ensure the business gets off to a good start.
Let’s discuss some of the main reasons why picking the right platform is essential…
- Diverse product catalogs. Creating impressive designs is one thing, but the merch options on offer are just as important. Being able to offer customers a range of different product types, colors, and sizes increases the likelihood of them finding what they have been looking for.
- Integration with eCommerce websites. The majority of sellers use popular eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Squarespace, or WooCommerce, so finding top print-on-demand companies which are compatible with these will make the process much more efficient from start to finish. If orders are automatically processed and delivery progress can be tracked by customers, this saves a lot of time and effort down the line.
- Quality of products. When a customer receives their order, the quality of their goods is a reflection of the brand that they ordered from. Ensuring that a print-on-demand supplier uses quality materials and printing techniques before launching the products will help maintain a strong brand image and avoid damaging trust.
- Speed of order fulfilment. Once an order has been placed, the time that the print-on-demand platform takes to print the merch, package it up, and send it out can have a huge impact on the shoppers’ experience. Finding a provider who has fulfilment centers in different locations is important for businesses that operate worldwide and want to maintain short lead times.
- Price packages. Every print-on-demand platform has a different pricing system so a business needs to establish which is the best option for them. Typically, there is a base cost per product, and then a printing and shipping fee is added. Many of the best print-on-demand companies also offer packages which offer discounts on bulk orders and some charge a monthly subscription fee in addition.
5 of the Top Print-On-Demand Companies for Merch Creation
Since there are so many print-on-demand platforms out there to choose from, it can be intimidating for business owners who want to make the right decision. To help break down the options, let’s discuss five of the best print-on-demand sites and the unique benefits of each…
MyDesigns
For sellers looking to design and sell a large catalog of products, MyDesigns is one of the best print-on-demand companies. Since designs can be processed into a product range that is ready to sell in just seconds, it allows for a speedy turnaround.
There are over 1,000 items in their catalog which include the classics such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and canvases. Once the products have been selected, designs can be uploaded and positioned before applying this same sizing and positioning to every other design.
One of the biggest benefits of using MyDesigns is the speed at which mockups can be created. Up to 20 styles can be created per product, resulting in as many as 2,400 images being generated in seconds.
The platform is also able to automatically generate prices based on preselected profit margins and write AI-generated content for every listing, cutting out hours of work.
Printful
Being one of the more popular print-on-demand platforms, Printful is a go-to option globally thanks to its printing facilities across the world. Since it has a network of printing companies in different locations, it makes it quicker and easier for its customers to fulfill orders in a timely manner.
Since it is such a large platform, the merch options are vast. From the classic t-shirts, mugs, and socks all the way to shower curtains and jigsaw puzzles, there is the option to create unique product designs that stand out from the crowd.
Another key benefit of Printful is how easily it integrates with popular eCommerce platforms. For instance, it works seamlessly with Etsy, making it simple to add print-on-demand products to an existing store. If you’re starting from scratch, Printful also integrates with the Hostinger Website Builder, which can help you create a print-on-demand website and connect it directly to Printful. This setup makes both launching and managing your store straightforward.
Amazon Merch on Demand
The sheer volume of Amazon’s customer base is no secret, so utilizing the opportunity to upload print-on-demand designs directly to the Amazon Merch on Demand platform is appealing to many merch sellers.
Products can be uploaded to Amazon in the regular way, but when an order is placed, the printing and packaging are handled by the platform. Although Amazon is an incredibly competitive place to sell, using it as a print-on-demand platform allows sellers to make the most of Prime Shipping – a huge selling point for shoppers in a hurry.
One thing to note is that Amazon’s Merch on Demand platform is not accessible to all sellers. Applications need to be submitted to determine whether a seller is suitable for print-on-demand and there is a tier system in place which defines how many designs sellers can publish. This can make it inaccessible for new sellers.
CustomCat
If a seller is operating solely in the US, CustomCat is a popular option as their US-based production means turnaround time can be much faster than print-on-demand platforms that work across different countries. Their default shipping option has a transit time average of 2 to 6 business days, but overnight and 2-day shipping is also available for customers who need to receive their order quickly.
One of their key selling points is their use of DIGISOFT printing which is available across many of their merch types. It has been engineered to be more vibrant in color than other print-on-demand printing methods and produce more durable product designs. This can make it an ideal choice for sellers who are focusing on more high-quality product offerings.
Gelato
For sellers who are concerned about their environmental footprint, Gelato is likely to be a preferable choice. They have over 140 print providers located across 32 countries, meaning that products are printed by the nearest provider to cut down on shipping emissions and speed up delivery time.
It is also one of the best print-on-demand sites for sellers who are not as confident in creating advanced designs using technical tools. Users get access to millions of Shutterstock images and graphics which they can use to create unique designs – an easier way to bring design visions to life without having to hire a third-party designer.
For those who require further support when launching a print-on-demand business, Gelato also offers a Platinum package. This offers access to a personal Concierge who helps optimize sales performance and tap into new markets.
Making the Most of Print-On-Demand
By choosing the top print-on-demand companies for the job, a seller can not only make the everyday running of their merch store easier, but offer their customers a higher quality product range.
Each platform has a different offering, so weighing up the options will help a seller make the best decision for their store. Whether their focus is on their unique product catalog, the quality of printing, worldwide shipping, or the level of support available, there is an option for everyone.
Once the best print-on-demand site has been selected, sellers can quickly bring their business to life and become part of the growing industry before it becomes too saturated.
