Top Print-on-Demand Apps for Beginners

Before picking a provider, understand your real costs with Print-on-Demand Profit Margins Explained. When your store is live, track profit (beyond gross revenue) with The Complete Guide to Tracking Profits in POD.

What Beginners Should Look for in a POD App

As a new POD seller, you need tools that minimize friction and risk. Focus on these six factors:

• Free to install — No upfront cost until you sell.
• Ease of use — Clear UI and helpful documentation.
• Product variety — So you can test different items.
• Transparent pricing — Avoid hidden fulfillment or shipping fees.
• Global reach — Local fulfillment reduces shipping delays.
• Quality consistency — Samples are a must before scaling.

Top POD Apps for Beginners

1. Printify

Printify is ideal for beginners because it’s free to use, offers a vast product range, and lets you pick print partners based on price or region.

• Pros: Huge catalog, low base costs, multiple providers, easy Shopify integration.
• Cons: Quality varies by provider—always order samples.

2. Printful

Printful is known for consistent quality, premium branding, and top-tier customer service. It’s slightly pricier but beginner-friendly.

• Pros: Reliable prints, packaging customization, strong brand tools.
• Cons: Higher base prices compared to Printify.

3. Gelato

Gelato focuses on localized production in 30+ countries, reducing shipping costs and times—great for international sellers.

• Pros: Global fulfillment, excellent for wall art and posters.
• Cons: Apparel catalog smaller and region-dependent.

4. Apliiq

Apliiq specializes in branded apparel—custom labels, patches, and private-label features.

• Pros: Great for branding, streetwear, and fashion POD brands.
• Cons: Smaller catalog and higher per-unit cost.

5. Gooten

Gooten offers hundreds of product types including home décor and accessories, making it flexible for niche stores.

• Pros: Broad catalog, useful for scaling beyond apparel.
• Cons: Quality and fulfillment time can vary.

6. ShineOn

ShineOn is perfect if you want to sell jewelry or sentimental gifts with high perceived value.

• Pros: Excellent profit margins on small items, fast fulfillment.
• Cons: Niche focus—less suitable for general POD catalogs.

Comparison Table

How to Decide Which App to Use

Here’s how to choose your first app logically:

• Order test samples from two providers to compare print quality and fulfillment time.
• Match the app to your niche — Printify for apparel, Gelato for wall art, ShineOn for gifts.
• Pick a provider near your target customers for faster delivery and lower shipping costs.
• Check branding potential — custom packaging and labels matter once you build a brand.
• Calculate real margins including shipping, taxes, and fees before scaling.

Setup Tips & Common Mistakes

• Start with 3–5 core products; don’t upload your entire catalog at once.
• Order samples for every product before launch.
• Provide accurate sizing charts to reduce returns.
• Prioritize local providers to reduce long delivery times.
• Track metrics weekly—especially AOV, ROAS, and profit per sale.
• Don’t rely on discounts too early; build perceived value first.

FAQs

Which POD app is best for beginners?

Start with Printify for flexibility or Printful for simplicity. Once comfortable, layer in Gelato or Apliiq depending on your audience or branding goals.

Printful vs Printify — which should I choose first?

Printful is consistent and brandable, ideal for those who value quality. Printify is cost-efficient and gives you choice. Many sellers test both before committing.

Do these apps cost money upfront?

No. All major POD apps are free to install. You pay only when customers order (product + print + shipping).

Can I use multiple apps?

Yes. You can mix apps—for example, Printify for apparel, ShineOn for jewelry—to expand your catalog. Just manage inventory and fulfillment carefully.