Etsy, a vibrant marketplace renowned for its handmade, vintage, and unique items, has become a goldmine for creative entrepreneurs. With a massive community boasting 96.6 million active buyers as of Q2 2024, it’s no surprise that many are turning to Etsy to launch their print on demand (POD) businesses. Print on demand offers a streamlined approach to e-commerce, allowing you to sell custom-designed products without holding any inventory. Your designs come to life only when an order is placed, eliminating upfront costs and storage headaches. The crucial element for success in this venture lies in selecting the right Etsy Print On Demand Partners.
Navigating the landscape of POD providers can feel overwhelming. The sheer number of options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, demands careful consideration. Choosing the ideal partner for your Etsy store requires diligent research and evaluation. However, this investment of time will pay dividends, setting you on the path to Etsy success with the perfect POD ally.
To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of leading Etsy-approved print on demand partners, each offering unique advantages:
| Partner | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Printful | User-friendly for beginners, extensive product catalog, robust fulfillment network | Premium pricing |
| Printify | Diverse product selection including niche items, global manufacturing network for efficient shipping | Variable product quality due to multiple production partners |
| Merchize | Competitive pricing, end-to-end support, unique product offerings like automotive accessories | Smaller product range compared to established players |
| Gelato | Expansive fulfillment network across 33 countries | Limited product catalog, around 90 items |
| Gooten | Specializes in niche products such as puzzles and yoga mats, responsive customer support | Manufacturer selection not available, limited platform integrations |
| Art of Where | Unique product range including notebooks and wooden decor | Shipping restricted to USA and Canada |
| Teelaunch | Focus on trendy electronics and homewares | Limited product catalog, extended international shipping times |
| Custom Cat | Broad spectrum of customizable products | Primarily US-based, potentially challenging for global fulfillment |
| Prodigi | Competitive pricing structure | No direct Etsy integration, requires manual order processing or third-party apps |
| Printed Mint | Emphasizes stylish branding and packaging | Higher price point, less streamlined Etsy integration |
For sellers expanding beyond Etsy, our comprehensive guide to the best print on demand companies in 2025 offers further insights.
Before we delve into detailed comparisons of these Etsy print on demand partners, let’s solidify your understanding of the print on demand business model and its synergy with the Etsy platform.
Understanding Print on Demand and Etsy’s Role
Let’s start with the fundamentals: What exactly is print on demand?
Print on demand (POD) is a revolutionary order fulfillment method that empowers you to sell custom-designed products online without the burdens of inventory management or upfront production costs. You create designs, and POD suppliers handle everything else – production, packaging, and shipping – only when a customer places an order.
The beauty of print on demand lies in its on-demand production model. You aren’t charged for products until they sell, eliminating the financial risks associated with unsold inventory and storage expenses. Even if demand fluctuates, your capital remains safe. Your primary focus shifts to crafting captivating designs and marketing them effectively to your target audience. The complexities of manufacturing and logistics are expertly managed by your POD partner. This translates to a low-investment, low-maintenance business model, perfectly suited for aspiring entrepreneurs.
For a deeper dive into the world of print on demand, explore our comprehensive guide: print on demand and why you should start a print on demand business.
Now, how does Etsy fit into the print on demand picture? Etsy’s journey began in 2005 as a niche platform for artists and craftspeople to connect and sell handmade artworks, crafts, and personalized items. Since then, it has evolved into a leading e-commerce destination, retaining its focus on unique, custom-made, and handmade goods, a market segment experiencing significant growth. Top-selling categories on Etsy include jewelry, apparel, home décor, prints, art, and toys.
Recent data from Wallstreetzen reveals Etsy’s impressive scale: over 96.3 million active buyers and 7.5 million sellers in 2023. Etsy’s dedication to unique, handmade, and personalized items has fueled substantial growth, with a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in active buyers since 2020.
Unlike platforms like Amazon that offer seller-managed inventory options, Etsy sellers typically manage all aspects of their business, from marketing to order fulfillment. This is where print on demand becomes an invaluable asset.
The excellent news is that Etsy wholeheartedly embraces print on demand services and products. Furthermore, numerous POD manufacturers offer seamless integration with the Etsy marketplace. Print on demand Etsy integration streamlines your entire workflow, making it remarkably easy to manage your business on this thriving platform. Etsy and print on demand are a powerful combination for entrepreneurial success.
Etsy marketplace interface displaying diverse handcrafted and vintage product listings.
Why Etsy is Ideal for Print on Demand Businesses
Is Etsy truly a good fit for print on demand? The resounding answer is yes. Etsy and print on demand are a synergistic match. Print on demand effectively addresses the fulfillment and inventory management gaps inherent in the Etsy model. By outsourcing production and shipping, you can focus on design and marketing, the core drivers of success on Etsy.
If your business model revolves around selling white-label products adorned with your unique designs, print on demand is the optimal solution. Etsy’s customer base is particularly receptive to the personalized and custom nature of POD products. Statistics highlight “personalized gift” as the most popular search term on Etsy in 2020, underscoring the strong demand for custom products. Print on demand empowers you to tap into this demand by creating highly personalizable items. Integrating POD with Etsy is arguably the most efficient and effective way to launch an e-commerce venture catering to the growing desire for personalized goods.
Top Etsy Print on Demand Partners for 2025: In-Depth Reviews
Now, let’s explore the leading Etsy print on demand partners that can fuel your business growth in 2025.
1. Printful
Printful stands out as a top-tier, Etsy-approved print on demand manufacturer. Its seamless Etsy integration is a popular choice for sellers seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.
Printful excels in providing end-to-end services, encompassing manufacturing, order fulfillment, and even store setup assistance – making it a particularly strong contender for beginners. They extend their support to design and photography services, further simplifying the process for new sellers. Additionally, Printful’s Pro toolkit includes valuable resources like Keyword Spout, an Etsy SEO tool. These comprehensive services empower sellers to maximize their print on demand business potential.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Support for Beginners: Printful provides extensive resources and assistance, ideal for those new to print on demand.
- Wide Product Range: Boasting over 300 products across diverse categories, offering ample creative possibilities.
- Global Fulfillment Network: Strategically located fulfillment centers in Europe and the United States ensure efficient worldwide shipping.
- Integrated Etsy SEO Tool: Keyword Spout helps optimize your Etsy listings for better search visibility.
- Fulfillment for Non-Printful Products: Printful can also handle storage and shipping for products not manufactured by them, offering versatility for businesses with diverse product lines.
Cons:
- Higher Pricing: Printful’s premium service comes at a higher cost compared to some competitors, which might be a concern for budget-conscious sellers.
Etsy Integration:
Printful’s Etsy integration is robust and user-friendly, though not without minor limitations. Product listings can be automatically synced to your Etsy store. However, real-time shipping rate, shipping status, and stock status updates are not directly available within Etsy. Despite these minor drawbacks, Printful’s comprehensive services and reliable fulfillment make it a leading choice for Etsy print on demand sellers.
Printful’s manufacturing facility demonstrating efficient print on demand order processing and fulfillment.
2. Printify
Printify emerges as another major player in the print on demand arena and a highly regarded, Etsy-approved supplier. Often considered a strong alternative to Printful, Printify offers a unique approach to fulfillment.
Printify’s core strength lies in its vast network of manufacturing partners spanning the globe. Instead of owning its own production facilities, Printify connects you with manufacturers worldwide, offering an unparalleled product selection and efficient global reach.
Pros:
- Extensive Product Variety: Printify boasts a wider selection than many competitors, including unique items like pet accessories and electronics, exceeding 300+ products.
- Global Manufacturing Network: Partnerships with over 90 manufacturing facilities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and China enable efficient global fulfillment and optimized shipping times and costs.
- Manufacturer Choice: Sellers can select manufacturers from Printify’s network, allowing for greater control over production location and potentially shipping efficiency.
- Competitive Pricing: Leveraging a global network allows Printify to offer competitive pricing options.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Product Quality: Working with diverse manufacturers can lead to variations in product quality and shipping times. Thorough sample testing and clear return/refund policies are essential to mitigate this.
- Limited Etsy Integration Features: Printify’s Etsy integration lacks an HTML editor, requiring product information updates to be managed within the Printify platform. Image limits (10 per listing) and the absence of automatic size chart updates within Etsy are further limitations.
Etsy Integration:
Printify offers user-friendly Etsy integration, alongside integrations for other platforms like Amazon and eBay. However, the integration has certain limitations. The lack of an HTML editor means product descriptions must be edited on Printify’s platform. The 10-image limit per listing necessitates careful image selection. Sizing charts cannot be automatically updated within Etsy listings, requiring manual inclusion in product images. Despite these limitations, Printify’s extensive product selection and global reach remain compelling advantages.
Printify’s user interface for product customization and selection from its global print provider network.
3. Merchize
Merchize, a Vietnam-based print on demand company, has rapidly gained prominence, particularly within the Vietnamese market. Now expanding globally, Merchize aims to provide international sellers with competitive fulfillment solutions.
Merchize distinguishes itself through its end-to-end approach, managing orders from production to fulfillment with its in-house manufacturing facility in Vietnam. Competitive pricing is a significant advantage, potentially the most attractive in the market.
Pros:
- Competitive Pricing: Merchize offers highly competitive base costs, maximizing profit potential for sellers.
- End-to-End Support: From production to fulfillment, Merchize provides comprehensive support for managing your POD business.
- Unique Product Range: While product selection is growing, Merchize already offers unique items like custom automotive accessories and engraved products, alongside standard POD products.
- Integrated E-commerce Platform: Merchize provides its own e-commerce platform and seamless integration with marketplaces like Etsy.
Cons:
- Smaller Product Range (Compared to established players): While expanding, Merchize’s product catalog is currently smaller than industry giants like Printful and Printify. However, it covers many best-selling and unique product categories.
Etsy Integration:
Merchize offers Etsy integration, enabling seamless order synchronization between your Etsy store and your Merchize account. This streamlined integration simplifies order management and fulfillment.
Merchize’s online catalog displaying a range of customizable print on demand products and accessories.
4. Gelato
Gelato is another noteworthy, Etsy-approved supplier operating on a similar model to Printify, outsourcing production to a global network of print providers. Gelato focuses on providing software solutions for order management and processing, leveraging a vast network of manufacturing partners.
With over 100 production facilities across 33 countries, Gelato emphasizes efficient and rapid order fulfillment through its distributed manufacturing network.
Pros:
- Extensive Global Network: Over 100 manufacturing facilities in 33 countries ensure efficient and localized production, minimizing shipping times.
- Focus on Efficiency: Gelato’s model is built for speed and efficiency in production and delivery.
Cons:
- Limited Product Selection: Gelato’s product catalog is relatively small, currently around 90 items, potentially limiting product diversity.
- Limited Integration Options: Gelato’s platform integrations are primarily focused on major platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, with limited options for other platforms without custom development.
Etsy Integration:
Gelato offers Etsy integration, simplifying store connection. While the integration process is generally straightforward, some users have reported areas for improvement in functionality and features. Despite integration limitations and a smaller product catalog, Gelato’s global network and focus on efficiency remain attractive features.
5. Gooten
Gooten is another Etsy-approved print on demand partner that utilizes a network of over 30 print on demand manufacturing partners across 70+ locations globally. This distributed network prioritizes efficient order delivery. Gooten offers over 130 products, including niche items.
Pros:
- Niche Product Focus: Beyond standard POD items, Gooten offers niche products like yoga mats and puzzles, catering to specific market segments.
- Responsive Customer Support: Gooten is recognized for its responsive customer service.
- Global Network: A large network of manufacturing partners ensures efficient global fulfillment.
Cons:
- No Manufacturer Selection: Unlike Printify, Gooten doesn’t allow sellers to choose specific manufacturers, potentially reducing control over product quality consistency.
- Limited Integrations: Gooten’s platform integrations are primarily limited to Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon, potentially requiring custom solutions for other platforms.
Etsy Integration:
Gooten provides Etsy integration, enabling product synchronization and automated order fulfillment. However, the Etsy integration limits image uploads to 10 per listing, requiring careful image selection to showcase products effectively.
6. Art of Where
Art of Where, while less widely known than some of the industry giants, is a reputable and Etsy-approved print on demand partner. They stand out for their unique product offerings.
Art of Where’s primary strength lies in its distinctive product selection, including items not commonly found elsewhere, such as notebooks, pencil cases, and wooden wall décor. They also offer customizable packaging for enhanced branding.
Pros:
- Unique Product Selection: Offers distinctive products like notebooks and wooden décor, differentiating your Etsy store.
- Customizable Packaging: Provides options for branded packaging, enhancing customer experience.
Cons:
- Limited Shipping Region: Shipping is restricted to the USA and Canada, limiting global reach.
If your target market is primarily within North America and you seek unique product offerings, Art of Where is a compelling Etsy print on demand partner.
7. Teelaunch
Teelaunch is well-established as a leading print on demand app for Shopify. They also extend their services to Etsy sellers through integration with the Etsy marketplace.
Teelaunch excels in offering trendy and unique products, particularly in electronics and homewares. They provide custom electronics like Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and power banks, as well as homewares like bowls and wooden cutting boards.
Pros:
- Trendy Niche Products: Offers unique, in-demand products like custom electronics and homewares, diversifying your product catalog.
Cons:
- Limited Product Catalog: Teelaunch’s overall product catalog is smaller, with around 50 items, potentially limiting product expansion.
- Long International Shipping Times: International shipping times can be lengthy, potentially impacting customer satisfaction for global orders.
Etsy Integration:
Teelaunch offers Etsy integration, but it requires using Shopify as an intermediary. Etsy integration is facilitated through Shopify, meaning you need a Shopify store to connect Teelaunch to your Etsy shop.
8. Custom Cat
Custom Cat is a prominent, US-based, Etsy-approved print on demand manufacturer. They offer a vast array of customizable products, providing extensive creative possibilities for your Etsy store.
Custom Cat boasts a large product catalog and a wide range of customization options. However, being solely US-based can pose challenges for international fulfillment.
Pros:
- Extensive Product Range: Access to over 300 customizable products across various categories, including apparel, home goods, and accessories.
- Large US-Based Manufacturer: One of the largest US-based POD providers.
Cons:
- US-Centric Fulfillment: Primarily based in the US, potentially less efficient for global orders.
Custom Cat is a strong option if your target market is primarily US-based and you require a wide selection of customizable products.
9. Prodigi
Prodigi, a UK-based print on demand fulfillment company, is another Etsy-approved option with a focus on competitive pricing. While based in the UK, their products are manufactured globally.
Prodigi is known for its competitive pricing structure and global manufacturing network.
Pros:
- Competitive Pricing: Offers attractive pricing, maximizing profit margins.
- Extensive Product Catalog: Access to over 500,000 customizable products, including wall art, clothing, and phone cases.
- Global Fulfillment: Products are manufactured and shipped from various locations worldwide.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Emphasizes eco-friendly production and supply chain practices.
- No Monthly Fees: Free to use, with no monthly subscription costs or commissions.
Cons:
- No Direct Etsy Integration: Prodigi lacks direct Etsy integration, requiring workarounds like Shopify integration and third-party plugins or manual order submission.
- Inconsistent Print Quality (Reported): Some users have reported inconsistencies in print quality, particularly for fine art reproductions.
- Limited Product Editing: Bulk editing for products is not currently available.
Etsy Integration:
Prodigi does not offer direct Etsy integration. Integration requires setting up a Shopify store and using a third-party plugin like Etsify to connect Shopify to Etsy, incurring additional costs. Alternatively, manual order submission is possible but inefficient for scaling businesses.
10. Printed Mint
Printed Mint distinguishes itself with a focus on stylish branding and packaging. This Etsy-approved print on demand manufacturer offers a curated product selection with a distinct aesthetic.
Printed Mint emphasizes stylish aesthetics in its product selection, web design, and packaging. Their branding focus can be a significant advantage for businesses seeking a premium brand image.
Pros:
- Stylish Branding and Packaging: Offers custom branding options for products and packaging, enhancing brand presentation.
- Unique Product Selection: Provides access to over 300 unique products, including tech accessories and holiday goods, some made in the USA.
- User-Friendly Design Tools: Built-in design tools and mockup generators simplify product creation and visualization.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: Printed Mint’s pricing is generally higher compared to some competitors.
- Less Streamlined Etsy Integration: Etsy integration requires manual order confirmation, potentially less efficient for high-volume stores.
- Limited Integrations: Primarily integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace, lacking native Etsy integration.
Etsy Integration:
Printed Mint offers Etsy integration, but it is less automated than some other providers. Orders are synced, but manual confirmation is required, which may be less efficient for larger stores. Their emphasis on branding and unique products can be valuable for businesses prioritizing premium presentation and niche offerings.
Printed Mint’s branded packaging highlighting its focus on stylish product presentation and customer experience.
Key Factors in Choosing the Best Etsy Print on Demand Partner
Selecting the right etsy print on demand partners is crucial for your business success. Consider these key factors:
Quality
Product quality is paramount. While design is your domain, the quality of the final product hinges on your POD partner. Thoroughly research and, crucially, order samples from potential partners to assess print quality, materials, and overall craftsmanship before committing. Prioritizing Etsy-approved partners adds a layer of assurance.
Price and Shipping Costs
Pricing and shipping costs directly impact your profitability and competitiveness, especially on a marketplace like Etsy. Compare base costs and shipping rates across different partners. Finding a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness is key. Explore Merchize’s competitive pricing as a benchmark.
Speed
Fast turnaround times are crucial in the on-demand economy. Customers expect timely delivery, even for custom-made items. Evaluate production and shipping speeds of potential partners to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize delays.
Printing Method
Consider the printing methods offered, especially if you require specific techniques or want to offer unique product variations. Ensure your chosen partner can accommodate your design requirements and product vision. Partners with diverse printing technologies offer greater flexibility.
Capacity
Assess the production capacity of potential partners, particularly as your business scales. Ensure their capacity aligns with your anticipated order volume to avoid supply chain bottlenecks and order fulfillment delays during peak seasons.
Reliability
Reliability is critical for a smooth and dependable partnership. Seek feedback and reviews from other sellers who have worked with potential partners. Experiences shared by other Etsy POD users can provide invaluable insights into reliability and service quality.
Customer Support
Responsive and helpful customer support is essential for resolving issues and ensuring smooth operations. Evaluate the quality and responsiveness of customer support offered by different partners. Timely support can significantly ease business management.
Etsy Integration
For Etsy sellers, seamless Etsy integration is a must-have. Prioritize partners offering robust and user-friendly Etsy integration to streamline order management, product syncing, and overall workflow efficiency. Print on demand Etsy integration is a cornerstone of a successful Etsy POD business.
Consider that for best-selling print-on-demand products like custom T-shirts on Etsy, profit margins typically range from 15-30%, with potential increases through strategic pricing and cost management. Offering free or discounted shipping, often factored into product pricing, can significantly boost conversion rates, potentially by up to 50%.
Key factors to evaluate when selecting print on demand partners for Etsy, emphasizing quality, pricing, and seamless integration.
Integrating Print on Demand with Your Etsy Store
How do you actually integrate print on demand into your Etsy store? Integration processes vary among POD providers. Consult each partner’s specific guidelines for detailed instructions. However, two common integration methods are prevalent:
Direct Print on Demand Etsy Integration
- Sign-up: Create an account on your chosen print on demand platform. Account creation and Etsy integration are typically free.
- Marketplace Integration: Within your POD platform profile, locate the marketplace integration section and select “Etsy.”
- Authorize Access: You’ll be redirected to Etsy. Click “Allow Access” to grant the POD platform permission to connect to your Etsy store.
- Synchronization: Your Etsy store is now integrated. Orders from Etsy will automatically sync to your POD platform for fulfillment.
Refer to our detailed guide on how to integrate Merchize with your Etsy store for a specific example.
Third-Party Print on Demand Etsy Integration
Some POD providers, like Prodigi and Teelaunch, may not offer direct Etsy integration. They often require a Shopify store as an intermediary. In this case, you would:
- Set up a Shopify Store: Create a Shopify store.
- Integrate POD with Shopify: Connect your chosen POD provider to your Shopify store.
- Connect Shopify to Etsy: Utilize a third-party app like Etsify to bridge your Shopify store to your Etsy shop. These apps may involve additional fees.
Etsy Selling Tips for Print on Demand Products
How can you maximize your success selling print on demand products on Etsy?
Find the Right POD Products to Sell
Product selection is paramount on Etsy. Remember Etsy’s unique focus on handmade, vintage, and custom items. Prioritize products that align with this ethos. Custom t-shirts, personalized jewelry, and unique home décor are consistently popular. Explore Etsy-approved partners for reliable product options.
Include Unique and Attractive Product Images
Visual appeal is critical on Etsy. High-quality product images are essential for capturing attention. While mockup generators offered by POD platforms are convenient, investing in professional product photography of samples can significantly elevate your listings and differentiate you from competitors.
Optimize for Etsy SEO
Excellent products and stunning images are ineffective if customers can’t find them. Etsy SEO is crucial for visibility. Optimize your product titles, tags, and descriptions with relevant keywords to improve search rankings. Consult our comprehensive guide on how to master Etsy SEO for in-depth strategies.
Offer Free Shipping (Strategically)
Shipping costs can deter buyers. Offering free shipping is a powerful incentive. Consider incorporating shipping costs into your product prices to offer “free shipping” while maintaining profitability. This strategy can significantly increase conversion rates.
Leverage Social Media Marketing
Social media is a potent tool for promoting your Etsy business. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, with their visually-driven nature, are ideal for showcasing your Etsy products and reaching your target audience. Consistent social media marketing builds brand awareness and drives traffic to your Etsy store.
Utilize Paid Advertising
To jumpstart your Etsy store’s growth, consider paid advertising. Facebook and Instagram ads can effectively target potential customers. Etsy Promoted Listings are also a valuable option for increasing visibility within the Etsy marketplace itself.
Best-Selling Print on Demand Products for Etsy
For new Etsy POD sellers, starting with best-selling products is a strategic approach. Classic POD items like t-shirts, mugs, canvas prints, and wall art are consistently in demand and readily available from most POD partners. Unique designs in these categories can generate strong sales. While some partners offer niche products, focusing on proven best-sellers initially can provide a solid foundation.
Explore our comprehensive list of best-selling print on demand products for your Etsy store for detailed insights.
By leveraging the information and partner reviews in this guide, you are well-equipped to find the ideal Etsy print on demand partners to propel your business success in 2025 and beyond.
