Top 10 Print-On-Demand Companies In Canada
This article explores the top 10 print-on-demand companies, highlighting their services, pricing, pros and cons, and who should consider using them.
Key Takeaways
- The featured print-on-demand companies in Canada offer a wide range of customizable products, from apparel and accessories to home decor and promotional items. Each prioritizes product quality and customization options.
- Printful and Printify are among the best options that work seamlessly with various ecommerce platforms for print-on-demand like Shopify.
The 10 Best Print-On-Demand Companies In Canada
In recent years, the print-on-demand (POD) industry has witnessed a significant surge in popularity across Canada. One of the driving forces behind the growth of POD services is the increasing demand for personalized and unique products.
The print-on-demand market in Canada has unique characteristics compared to the US or UK markets. While choices like Printify and Printful are consistently popular, there are also POD platforms tailored for Canadian users, addressing their specific needs as both buyers and sellers.
Here are the 10 best print-on-demand companies in Canada.
Printful
Printful is a popular print-on-demand service that offers a wide range of customizable products, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. They provide a user-friendly platform with integrated mockup generators and automatic order fulfillment. Printful also offers warehousing services for easy inventory management. While their product costs might be slightly higher, their convenience and quality make them a solid choice for businesses of various sizes.
Pricing
Getting started with Printful is absolutely free. You won’t encounter any setup costs, minimum orders, or monthly fees. Once you make an order, the platform will charge you for manufacturing and shipping.
Here’s a general overview:
- Apparel: T-shirt prices start around $7.95, depending on factors like fabric quality, design placement, and customization. Hoodies and sweatshirts are priced higher, starting at around $20.
- Accessories: Customizable accessories such as phone cases, tote bags, and mugs have varying prices, typically ranging from $10 to $20.
- Embroidery: Embroidered products, such as hats and beanies, may have higher base prices due to the intricacies of embroidery. Prices generally start around $15.
- Sample Costs: Printful offers sample orders at reduced prices to allow you to evaluate the quality of your products. Sample costs are typically lower than regular retail prices.
- Shipping: Shipping costs vary based on the customer’s destination and shipping method. Printful provides transparent shipping pricing during the checkout process.
Pros
- Wide Product Range
- User-Friendly Interface
- Integration with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.
- Mockup Generator
- Easy automatic Order Fulfillment in Canada
- Customizable packing slips, labels, and even adding their logo to packages.
- Warehousing Services
- Global Shipping, including Canada
- High-Quality Printing
- No Upfront Costs
Cons
- Product costs might be slightly higher compared to other POD services.
- Certain products might have limited customization options, restricting design placements or color choices.
Who should use Printful?
Printful is well-suited for a range of individuals and businesses, including:
- New online stores looking to offer various custom products without the need for upfront inventory investment.
- YouTubers, podcasters, bloggers, and social media influencers who sell branded merchandise.
- Artists and Designers seeking to turn their artwork and designs into physical products.
- Small Brands and Businesses looking to expand their brand presence through custom products.
- Events, conferences, workshops, or fundraisers organizers five away custom event merchandise like t-shirts, bags, and posters
Printify
Printify is known for its extensive product catalog and partnerships with multiple print providers. This allows users to choose the best provider for their needs, offering competitive prices. The platform integrates easily with major e-commerce platforms in Canada, making it accessible to entrepreneurs. However, quality consistency among different print providers can sometimes be a challenge, and there might be a learning curve for beginners.
Pricing
Signing up with Printify is completely free. You only need to cover the expenses related to the products you stock and the shipping to customers. Additionally, there’s an option to opt for Premium and Enterprise packages that start at $29 per month to custom pricing. These packages grant you access to a wide variety of pre-existing designs and provide a 20% discount on all your products.
Pros
- Diverse Product Range
- Access to Multiple Print Providers
- Integration with E-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy.
- Design tools and mockup generators
- Scalability
- Ship directly to customers in Canada
Cons
- Product quality can vary depending on the chosen print provider.
- Learning Curve
Who should use Printify?
- Entrepreneurs and startups need to quickly launch custom products without the need for upfront inventory investment.
- Artists and graphic designers expanding their offerings beyond digital artwork.
- Businesses targeting specific niches, from fitness to gaming
- E-commerce Dropshippers
- Global Sellers.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt offers a straightforward design process with user-friendly tools for creating custom apparel and accessories. They provide customizable online stores and global shipping options. While they have a slightly limited product range compared to some competitors, Spreadshirt is suitable for individuals and small businesses looking to create custom clothing and accessories without the need for extensive design skills.
Pricing
Like many leading POD companies, there’s no subscription cost. Spreadshirt’s pricing is vary based on factors such as the type of product, customization options, and quantities. They offer a variety of plans and pricing models. Here’s a general overview:
- Base Prices: Spreadshirt offers base prices for their products, which can vary depending on the type of apparel or accessory you choose. These prices typically reflect the basic cost of the product before customization.
- Customization Costs: Additional costs are incurred when you add custom designs, logos, or text to your chosen products. The cost of customization can depend on factors like design complexity and placement.
- Bulk Discounts: Spreadshirt often offers volume discounts, meaning that the more products you order, the lower the per-unit cost becomes. This is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to order larger quantities.
- Store Fees: If you’re using Spreadshirt’s platform to create an online store, they might charge certain fees for using their services. These fees can vary based on the features you choose.
Pros
- Easy Customization with user-friendly design tools.
- You can set up your own online store on Spreadshirt’s platform to sell your custom products.
- Global Shipping, including Canada
- Wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to home decor.
Cons
- Lower Product Variety and customization options compared to other POD companies
- Pricing structure might limit your control over setting product prices.
Who should use Spreadshirt?
- Artists, designers, and hobbyists who want an easy way to create and sell their custom designs on apparel and accessories.
- Niche businesses targeting specific interests, hobbies, or communities.
- Event Organizers who need to create branded merchandise for attendees.
- Local businesses, cafes, or shops looking to offer branded merchandise to their customers without investing in extensive inventory.
- Nonprofit Organizations looking to create merchandise for fundraising campaigns, spreading awareness, and rallying supporters.
RedBubble
Redbubble, another prominent print-on-demand (POD) company, has established a global presence with dropshippers across the globe. Although it originated in Australia, Redbubble has expanded its reach and now attracts various dropshipping businesses from around the world. It is a creative platform where artists and designers can showcase their artwork on various products, from clothing to art prints. With a global community, RedBubble offers unique products and Canada shipping options.
Pricing
RedBubble’s pricing can vary based on factors such as the type of product, design placement, and any customization options you choose. Here’s a general overview:
- Base Prices: RedBubble provides base prices for each type of product they offer. These base prices reflect the basic cost of the product without any additional customization.
- Markup: When you upload your design to a product, you can set your desired markup on top of the base price. This markup determines how much profit you make when the product is sold.
- Bulk Discounts: RedBubble offers discounts for customers who purchase multiple items, but these discounts do not affect the earnings of artists. They are applied to the final customer price.
- Currency Conversion: Pricing on RedBubble is available in multiple currencies, and you can set the markup separately for each currency.
Pros
- RedBubble fosters a creative community of artists and designers, allowing them to showcase their work on various products.
- Its existing global marketplace provides exposure to a wide audience of potential customers.
- No upfront costs, as RedBubble handles production and shipping on-demand.
- Quality products with vibrant designs.
- Easy-to-use environment for sellers
- Wide range of customization options for your products
Cons
- Higher base prices can impact potential profit margins for artists and designers.
- Fierce Competition
Who should use RedBubble?
Here are five types of individuals or groups that could benefit the most from using RedBubble:
- Visual artists looking to showcase their artwork to a global audience.
- Graphic designers expanding their reach beyond digital media and offering unique merchandise.
- YouTubers, streamers, and podcasters who create branded merchandise related to their content, connecting with their audience.
- Online communities and fandoms create and sell merchandise that resonates with their members.
- Nonprofit organizations focused on raising awareness or funds by selling merchandise.
Sellfy
For Canadian dropshipping sellers, Sellfy offers a different approach. What makes Sellfy special is that it not only handles dropshipping but also lets you create and launch a complete online store to sell your products, both digital items and physical goods, on one platform.
It’s easy to use and offers customizable store features and tools for marketing. However, keep in mind that Sellfy’s range of physical products is smaller compared to dedicated print-on-demand services.
Pricing
Unlike charging a commission on each sold product, Sellfy operates on a subscription model. Users pay a monthly or yearly fee that covers various services like web hosting, website building tools, product manufacturing, and access to marketing tools. This empowers you to set your product prices and leaves shipping and taxes to the customer’s invoice.
Sellfy offers three pricing plans, each with a sales threshold. For example, the Starter plan allows up to $10,000 in yearly sales. If sales surpass this limit, upgrading to the next tier is necessary.
All paid plans include a 14-day free trial with prices ranging from $19 per month to $99 per month (with annual billing). These plans encompass print-on-demand services, digital product sales, and marketing tools. Higher-tier packages offer additional product upselling and marketing options, such as email marketing, pop messages, and promotions.
Pros
- User-friendly and easy to set up
- Ability to sell digital products like ebooks, courses, music, and art.
- Secure file hosting and delivery.
- Customizable storefront.
- Built-in marketing tools like discount codes, email marketing integration, and upselling options.
- Subscription selling such as memberships or recurring digital content.
Cons
- Some of Sellfy’s plans may include transaction fees on each sale, which can affect your profit margins.
- Limited E-commerce features compared to dedicated e-commerce platforms.
Who should use Sellfy?
Here are five types of individuals or businesses that could benefit the most from using Sellfy:
- Authors, musicians, artists, and course creators who want a user-friendly platform to sell their digital products.
- Instructors and educators who want to sell online courses, tutorials, and educational content.
- Musicians who want to sell their music tracks, albums, and merchandise directly to their fans bypass traditional distribution channels.
- Small businesses or entrepreneurs selling digital and physical products such as ebooks, printables, and crafts.
- Designers, photographers, and freelancers looking to monetize their creative work, such as graphics, photography, and design resources.
Gelato
Gelato provides a global network of printing facilities, enabling efficient worldwide shipping. Their API integration allows for automated workflows. Gelato is suitable for businesses seeking a streamlined and efficient POD solution for global customers. However, customization options might be more limited compared to some other services.
Pricing
Gelato offers a free plan with a connection to eCommerce stores on Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommere.
For an upgrade to Gelato+, priced at $14.99 per month, you gain access to premium fonts, stock photos, images, and graphic filters, along with the product personalization tool. This plan permits connection to up to ten stores and offers a 30% shipping discount.
The Gelato+ Gold plan, available at $99 per month, provides connectivity to 25 stores and a shipping discount of up to 50%. Essentially, Gelato’s upgrade options become advantageous as your business expands.
Pros
- Global printing network for efficient order fulfillment and reduced shipping costs
- Wide product range
- Integration with various e-commerce platforms
- Free plan available
- Emphasizes sustainability with eco-friendly printing options
- Access to a robust Canadian print-on-demand network across 9 locations
Cons
- Some products might not be available through certain print partners
- Potential printing quality variation
Who should use Gelato?
- Businesses targeting a global audience
- Multinational companies looking to maintain a consistent brand presence worldwide.
- Creative professionals seeking to sell their artwork on a wide range of products.
- Businesses with a focus on sustainability.
- New businesses with limited resources
Teehatch
Teehatch focuses on sustainability with eco-friendly printing options. They offer a variety of apparel products but have a smaller product range compared to larger POD services. Teehatch is ideal for environmentally-conscious businesses and individuals looking for sustainable and unique customization options.
Pricing
Signing up with Teehatch is free. Generally, Teehatch offers a range of pricing that depends on factors such as the base cost of the product, the complexity of the customization, and any additional features you might add.
Pros
- No upfront costs
- A range of products for customization, including apparel, accessories, and home decor.
- Direct Shopify integration
- Bulk discounts
- Global shipping
- In-house dropshipping experience within Canada
- Fast and exceptional shipping for Canadian customers.
Cons
- Limited Features in the free plan
- Fewer Customization options compared to other platforms, Teehatch might offer fewer customization options for some products.
Who should use Teehatch?
- Entrepreneurs and startups with limited budgets
- Artists and designers
- Individuals who want to create personalized gifts
TPOP
TPOP offers all-over print options, allowing for unique and vibrant designs across various clothing items. They have a strong focus on apparel and provide a mockup generator for easy visualization. However, information about their services might be limited on their website.
Pricing
TPOP’s pricing structure can vary based on the type of products you’re looking to customize, the complexity of the customization, and the quantities you plan to order.
Pros
- Wide Product Selection
- Global Shipping
- High-Quality Printing
- Integration with various e-commerce platforms
- Custom Packaging
Cons
- Limited Pricing Information
- Less Transparent
Who should use TPOP?
- Artists and Illustrators looking to turn their artwork into a range of products.
- YouTubers, podcasters, and social media influencers who create branded merchandise
- E-commerce Entrepreneurs
- Small Businesses and Startups:
- Event Organizers
Printeez
Printeez offers a diverse range of customizable products with multiple printing techniques. They emphasize a variety of products for customization. Like TPOP, details about their services could be limited on their website.
Pricing
The Printeez print provider operates similarly to other print-on-demand stores. You’ll cover the basic item cost you intend to sell, and additional charges may apply for special features when utilizing the mockup generator. Next, you determine a markup to ensure your print-on-demand business generates a profit.
Pros
- Custom Print Solutions
- Diverse Printing Techniques
- Ships internationally
- Bulk Ordering
- Custom Branding
Cons
- Some user experiences regarding print quality and customer service have been mixed.
Who should use Printeez?
- Small businesses, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants can create branded merchandise.
- Individuals or companies organize events, festivals, conferences, and trade shows.
- Amateur sports teams, clubs, and organizations
- Marketers running promotional campaigns, giveaways, or contests.
- Nonprofit Organizations
Art Of Where
Art Of Where is an artist-focused platform offering high-quality products for artists and designers. They emphasize made-to-order production, ensuring quality for each item. However, their pricing might be higher compared to some competitors, and they might offer fewer marketing tools.
Pricing
Art of Where’s pricing can vary depending on the type of product you’re interested in customizing and the options you choose. Generally, print-on-demand platforms offer a base cost for the product, and additional costs might be incurred for customization, branding, and shipping.
Pros
- Artisanal Approach
- Designed with artists in mind, allowing them to showcase their work on various products.
- Eco-Friendly Printing
- Global Shipping
- Unique Customization like all-over printing and custom labels.
Cons
- Potentially Higher Prices
- Niche Focus
Who should use Art Of Where?
- Artists and Illustrators
- Fashion Designers
- Home Decor Brands who sell customized products such as throw pillows, blankets, and wall art.
- Gift Shops and Boutiques
- Online Artists and Crafters selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and art
Tips For Choosing The Best POD In Canada
Choosing the best Print on Demand (POD) service in Canada requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that it aligns with your goals, products, and business model. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Product Range: Look for a POD platform that offers a wide range of products that match your creative vision. Consider whether they offer the specific products you want to customize and sell.
- Quality and Printing Techniques: Research the printing techniques used by the POD service. High-quality printing ensures that your designs look appealing on the final products. Look for platforms that provide detailed information about their printing processes.
- Customization Options: Assess the level of customization the platform allows. Can you control design placement, colors, and other details? The more flexibility you have, the better you can tailor products to your brand.
- Integration with E-commerce Platforms: If you have an existing online store or plan to create one, ensure that the POD service integrates seamlessly with your chosen e-commerce platform (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce).
- Pricing Structure: Compare the pricing structures of different POD services. Consider factors such as base prices, customization costs, shipping fees, and transaction fees. Choose a platform that aligns with your budget and profit goals.
- Shipping Options: Check the available shipping methods, delivery times, and costs for different regions. Fast and reliable shipping is essential for a positive customer experience.
- Global Reach: If you plan to sell internationally, opt for a POD service with a global print network. This reduces shipping costs and delivery times for customers around the world.
- Ease of Use: The platform’s user interface should be user-friendly and intuitive. This is especially important if you’re new to selling online.
- Quality Assurance: Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge the platform’s reputation for product quality and customer service.
- Support and Resources: Consider the level of customer support available. Look for platforms that offer educational resources, tutorials, and responsive customer service to assist you when needed.
- Terms and Policies: Carefully read the platform’s terms of service, refund policies, and intellectual property rights to ensure they align with your expectations.
Final Thoughts
The list above highlights the top 10 print-on-demand services in Canada. Before finalizing your decision, make sure to thoroughly review the shipping and fulfillment options provided by the company you’re considering partnering with, as not all businesses offer shipping to Canada.