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Print-on-demand companies (PODs) are on the rise. Consumer trends are changing rapidly, and as more of us seek out quirky custom products, online merchants are looking for the best print-on-demand companies to create and fulfill such orders.
If you're an online business, you've probably started researching different print-on-demand providers. In this case, you know that there are many platforms to choose from. However, each has its own unique features, and prices will vary based on your business needs and the package you choose. That's why we're comparing the two major print-on-demand companies, Printful and Aplik . Here, we'll talk to you about everything you need to know, from key features to pricing, pros and cons, and FAQs.
So, without further ado, let's get started.
Printful vs Apliq: What is Printful?
printful homepage - printful VS apliq
Printful is a print-on-demand service that provides warehousing and fulfillment services to help online merchants fulfill and ship high-quality products and merchandise.
Printful was founded in 2013 and the company has grown from strength to strength since then. In 2019, they celebrated the 10m completed product milestone. Then, in 2020, the company began to expand its services and enter new markets. As such, Printful is a strong competitor in the print-on-demand space. They even won awards like Forbes 2021 ' Americas Best Startup Employers. '
Prinftul serves online businesses and people who want to gift a personalized t-shirt (or other item) to family or friends. Whenever a purchase (by you or your customer) is made, Printful automatically receives the order, completes it and ships it.
The service is free to set up, with no minimum order requirements or monthly fees. Printful also provides customers with a range of features such as private packaging, branding options, product labelling, creative design and more.
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Printful vs Apliq: What is Apliq?
apliq homepage - printful VS apliq
Aplik was founded in 2009, and since then, the company has generated a staggering $845,000 in funding. They have been recognized by the email list Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, Comedy Central and many other famous names.
Like Printful, Apliiq is another print-on-demand company that helps online merchants bring their brand ideas to life. Apliq also offers fulfillment and shipping services, so managing your store has never been easier. However, Apliiq focuses on streetwear, so you can't use their printing services for other custom items like mugs and canvas.
Apliq enables you to collaborate with their artists to design your own labels and apparel. You can order samples and/or the entire collection in bulk. If you choose to do so, you will benefit from a discount. Apliq is free to use, but you will be charged for shipping the product. Plus, their dropshipping service means you don't have to worry about managing your own inventory.
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Printful: Pros and Cons
Towards the end of this review, let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of both platforms, starting with Printful's pros:
Pros of Printful:
Lots of integrations to choose from
Free to use
You will benefit from competitive shipping rates.
There are many customizable options.
The Printful 'Mock Builder' is unique. It can help your store stand out by giving customers accurate visuals about how your products will look.
Disadvantages of Printful:
Certain options such as patching/embroidery are not available.
You have little control over the fulfillment process and quality control of your products.
Order fulfillment may take longer as each product is printed on demand.
Some branding options are limited (for example, you can't offer Printful using your own polyethylene mailers, boxes, or tissues, as you can with Apliq)
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Apliq: Pros and Cons
Now let's look at the pros and cons of Apliiq:
Advantages of Apliq:
Apliq's product catalog is extensive.
There are many customization options, and so are the printing methods.
You pay as you go, so you don't have to worry about monthly fees.
Manage inventory, fulfillment, shipping and returns for you.
Aplik's Disadvantages :
Apliq only offers streetwear and streetwear accessories, so you don't have as many options as Printful.
Integrations are limited to Shopify and Flame.
There are fewer warehouses and fulfillment centers than Printful.
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Printful vs Apliiq: Key Features of Printful
Now that we've touched on the central premise of Printful 's services, what are the main features it provides? Let's take a closer look below.
Mockup Builder
Printful T-Shirt Example
Printful has its own unique model and print file generator. This feature allows customers to bring their brand vision to life and create print ideas to customize their unique products.
Simply select a product from the product catalog, upload an existing design to the product (or use the generator to create a new design), and place it on the product.
You can do this to get a simple, intuitive idea of how your product will look. Or, if you're happy with the final image, you can use it in your store to promote your product.
You can create mockup images for everything from t-shirts, leggings, totes and hoodies to canvas and phone cases.
Warehouse and Fulfillment
Printful, you can take advantage of their dropshipping service. You can store products in one of their warehouses, and when customers make purchases through your online store, Printful will fulfill and ship the order for you.
Printful offers same-day shipping for warehouse orders placed before 12pm. Additionally, you can store your inventory in multiple fulfillment centers in Europe, USA, Canada, Latvia, Spain, Barcelona or Riga. For a complete list of fulfillment centers, go to Printful's website.