POD Options
Just like my advice for choosing an e-commerce platform, I can't tell you one platform that will work best for everyone, but I can give you some things to consider when deciding what printer to use for your merch shop.
If you have questions about what POD is and the benefits of using a POD printer, I have a a resource post about that you can read first.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a POD printer:
Interface: Do you like the look of the platform and how the process works? Do they make it easy for you to pick products, get samples, and add your designs?
Integration: Does it integrate with the e-commerce platform you are considering?
Cost: Do they charge extra for using the platform? How do the product costs compare across the different printers you are considering? What are the shipping costs for the products? Do they charge taxes or fees on orders?
If you are interested in POD printers, there are a few options to look into:
Printful: One of the printers I have a experience using. They have great quality products and integrates with lots of shop platforms which is really helpful so you don’t have to manually enter orders.
Printed Mint: One of the printers I have experience using. They have a great products and great customer service, but they don't integrate with many shop platforms.
Printify: This is a vendor platform of third-party POD printers around the world, so the products, shipping costs, location, packaging, production times depend on the printer you choose. No experience using, but it has some unique products that could be fun to offer to your readers. Gives the ability to shop for the cheapest or best printer.
SPOD: While I have no experience using this platform, they have a unique calculation for shipping that could save you money on shipping, which means more profit. This does complicate including shipping prices in the price of the product for the listing (free shipping).
Gelato: Again, no experience using this platform. They have very limited product options, but some unique stationery products if that would be a good tie-in for your books.
Bonfire OR Spring: These platforms are both combo e-commerce and printer platforms. You set up your store and choose the products to offer all in one place.
Choosing an POD printer for your book merch store is really based on what fits best with you and your work style.
If you are interested in starting a merch shop, but would like some help with designs and even getting your shop set up, check out my post about my offerings, my Work With Me page, or just contact me.
This post contains affiliate links.