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Expand Your Options: 7 Best Zazzle Alternatives to Consider

02 Oct 2023 | Nico

Zazzle is a well-known name in the Print On Demand (POD) industry, celebrated for its user-friendly interface and a wide array of customizable products. However, Zazzle’s pricing and design limitations make it unsuitable for many people.

This article is your comprehensive guide to the top Zazzle alternatives available today.

You’ll find an assessment of each platform based on factors such as product diversity, user experience, quality of the final product, and customer support, among others. Continue reading to discover which Zazzle alternative fits your business needs.

1. Acme Hat Co

If you’re in the market for custom-designed hats or even contemplating launching your headwear brand, look no further than us at Acme Hat Co. We work closely with our suppliers to source the highest quality products. This focus on quality is why brands such as ARCH Motorcycle and Sneekis trust us.

Getting a quote from us is straightforward. Share your hat, design, volume, and project timeline, and upload your design via our user-friendly website. We don’t ask for money upfront. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive cost breakdown and a mockup for free.

Like Zazzle, we offer a broad range of customizable products. Our specialty, as our name implies, is hats. However, we can help you source clothing and accessories.

We only focus on bulk orders. That makes us an excellent choice for B2B companies searching for a long-term partner. Zazzle, however, is more geared toward selling directly to individual customers. We can ship directly to your chosen third-party logistics provider (3PL). 

There are several key factors to consider when comparing SPOD and Zazzle. Both platforms offer a variety of customizable products. The services differ in several important ways, such as speed, product range, customization options, and customer service.

2. Printful Vs. Zazzle

Printful is a great print-on-demand choice if you’re looking for customizable products. You can choose from clothes and accessories to things for your home and business.

Services offered by Printful:

  • Broad Product Selection: Features an extensive array of customizable items, from clothes and accessories to home goods and marketing materials.
  • Easy E-commerce Connection: Smoothly integrates with popular online shopping platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it simple for businesses to link their online stores.
  • All-in-One Fulfillment: Handles everything from inventory to packaging and shipping, making life easier for sellers.
  • Shipping Limitations: While shipping is generally extensive, some restrictions apply based on location, especially for items like canvases, metal prints, and framed posters.
  • High-Quality Printing: Uses a range of top-notch printing techniques, such as direct-to-garment, embroidery, and sublimation, to make sure designs come out looking great.
  • Flexible Inventory: Allows you to start with little to no upfront inventory, printing items only when an order comes in, which removes the need for initial stock investments.
  • Storage Solutions: Offers warehousing services, letting you store products in their fulfillment centers for quicker order processing, helping you grow your business without worrying about storage.

One of the standout features of Printful is the intergrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. That is super handy if you’re running an online business. Zazzle doesn’t have e-commerce integrations.

Printful handles inventory, packages your products and takes care of shipping. Zazzle provides a platform for designers and artists to sell their work. It doesn’t offer the same kind of full-service fulfillment that Printful does.

Printful does have limitations. Certain products can’t be shipped globally. Zazzle offers global shipping for a larger range of products.

The quality of the print for both platforms is top-notch. Printful uses advanced methods like direct-to-garment and embroidery to ensure your designs look amazing. Zazzle also offers high-quality prints. You can even work with independent artists for unique designs.

What sets Printful apart is its flexibility. You don’t have to keep an inventory; they print as orders come in. Zazzle doesn’t offer this kind of print-on-demand flexibility but makes up for it with features like digital downloads and a unique online marketplace.

Comparison Table: Printful Vs. Zazzle

Feature/Attribute Printful Zazzle
Product Range Extensive (apparel, home decor, promotional items, etc.) Wide variety (apparel, stationery, art, etc.)
E-commerce Integration Broad range (Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, etc.) Various platforms
Fulfillment Services Full-service (printing, shipping, packaging, inventory management) Printing and shipping
Shipping Options Global but may have limitations for certain products Global with premium 2-day shipping available
Print Technologies Multiple methods (DTG, embroidery, sublimation) Various methods
Inventory Requirements Low or zero upfront inventory Print-on-demand
Warehousing Available Not offered
Design Tools Versatile and user-friendly for a wide range of products User-friendly with many customization options
Customer Service Generally positive, but varies Generally positive reviews
Target Market Broad (personal use to business needs) Broad (personal and business)

3. Printify Vs. Zazzle

 

Printify is a leading service in the print-on-demand market. Printify has a good reputation for quick and reliable printing and shipping, which makes it a go-to solution for people looking for quality custom products.

Services offered by Printify:

  • Diverse Product Selection: They offer everything from t-shirts and hoodies to unique items like water bottles and invitation cards.
  • Easy-to-Use Design Tools: Whether you’re starting from scratch or modifying an existing template, their design tools are user-friendly.
  • Mock-up Generator: See a preview of how your design will look on various products, helping you make better decisions.
  • Complete Fulfillment Service: From printing to shipping, Printify handles it all. They even send all the required files to their trusted manufacturing partners.
  • Personalized Packaging: You can include custom inserts in your product packaging.
  • Intelligent Order Routing: Orders are sent to the most suitable printing facility based on factors like location and product availability.
  • E-commerce Platform Compatibility: Easily integrate with popular online platforms like Wix, Shopify, and Etsy to streamline your sales process.

You can order a wide range of customizable products through Zazzle and Printify. They differ in their approach to order fulfillment and customer service.

Zazzle is known for its user-friendly interface and a marketplace that connects customers with independent artists and designers. It is a good platform for those looking for unique and creative designs. 

Printify is known for quick printing and shipping. It automates the order process through smart order routing. That is handy for businesses that deal with smaller order sizes and want to optimize their operations. That fits with the print-on-demand model.

Both companies have positive reviews for customer service. Though Zazzle has a better reputation.

Another point of difference is in customization. You can include custom inserts in the packaging with Printify, a feature not commonly found in Zazzle. That can add a personal touch to your products and enhance the customer experience.

Zazzle might be the better fit if you’re looking for a platform that offers a creative marketplace and great customer service. Printify is the better option if speed and automation are your top priorities.

Comparison Table: Printful Vs. Zazzle

Feature/Attribute Printful Zazzle
Product Range Extensive (apparel, home decor, promotional items, etc.) Wide variety (apparel, stationery, art, etc.)
E-commerce Integration Broad range (Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, etc.) Various platforms
Fulfillment Services Full-service (printing, shipping, packaging, inventory management) Printing and shipping
Shipping Options Global but may have limitations for certain products Global with premium 2-day shipping available
Print Technologies Multiple methods (DTG, embroidery, sublimation) Various methods
Inventory Requirements Low or zero upfront inventory Print-on-demand
Warehousing Available Not offered
Design Tools Versatile and user-friendly for a wide range of products User-friendly with many customization options
Customer Service Generally positive, but varies Generally positive reviews
Target Market Broad (personal use to business needs) Broad (personal and business)

4. Spod Vs. Zazzle

SPOD is a big deal in the print-on-demand world. Known for getting orders out the door fast and being easy to use, it’s a go-to option for many people in the industry. Here’s a quick overview of the Services Offered by SPOD:

  • Quick Turnaround: Orders are often completed and shipped within 48 hours.
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly interface that simplifies the design and ordering process.
  • Limited but Quality Product Range: Offers a curated selection of high-quality products.
  • Customization Tools: Provides basic design tools for customization, although somewhat limited compared to competitors.
  • Customer Support: Known for responsive and helpful customer service.
  • B2B and B2C Solutions: Catering to both business-to-business and business-to-consumer needs.
  • Global Reach: Ability to ship products internationally.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms for easy order management.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: Some products are available in eco-friendly materials.

Let’s dig into these things.

SPOD is known for its quick turnaround times, often completing orders within 48 hours. This speed can be a significant advantage for businesses that need to get their products to customers quickly. On the other hand, Zazzle may take longer to fulfill orders, especially if they involve complex customizations or a wide range of products.

Zazzle has more types of products than SPOD. Besides clothes, they also have home items, paper goods, and unique stuff like skateboards. Zazzle is better if you want a wide variety of products.

Customization is another area where Zazzle shines. It offers more in-depth customization options, allowing for more personalization of your products. SPOD has limited customization capabilities. That is a problem if you want highly unique or specialized products.

Customer service is a strong point for SPOD. The platform has built a reputation for responsive and helpful customer support, which can be a significant advantage for smaller businesses that require immediate assistance. The customer service team at Zazzle isn’t as good as SPOD.

Choosing between SPOD and Zazzle depends on what you need for your business.

Comparison Table: SPOD Vs. Zazzle

Feature/Attribute SPOD Zazzle
Product Range Wide variety Even wider variety
Design Tools Intuitive platform Intuitive platform with more customization
Production Time Within 48 hours Varies, generally longer
Custom Inserts Limited or not available Available
Order Routing Standard Standard
Customer Support Strong reputation Good but may vary
E-commerce Integration Selected platforms Many platforms including Shopify, Wix, Etsy, etc.
Shipping Global with varying times Global with varying times
Price Competitive Competitive
Target Market Small to medium businesses Good for all sizes, including individual sellers

5. Gooten Vs. Zazzle

Gooten is a go-to option for print-on-demand, working with trusted makers to give you high-quality stuff. They offer a lot of things you can customize, from clothes to home items, and even things like pet gear and baby products.

What Gooten Offers:

  • Wide Product Selection: A wide range of products you can customize, like clothes, home stuff, wall art, and more.
  • White Label Branding: Add your branding to items like pet and baby products.
  • Shopify Integration: Connects easily to Shopify stores with a simple app.
  • Full Service: Takes care of everything from making the product to shipping it out.
  • Focus on Quality: Only works with manufacturers that make high-quality stuff.
  • Test Orders: Allows you to order samples to check quality before selling.
  • Customize Your Design: Offers different ways to make the product fit your brand.
  • Worldwide Shipping: Works with manufacturers globally for cheaper and faster shipping.

There are some key differences to consider when comparing Gooten and Zazzle. These differences are critical for brands that care about product quality and operational efficiency.

Gooten offers the ability to place sample orders. That is a big plus for businesses that want to check product quality. Zazzle doesn’t have this feature.

Both Zazzle and Gooten offer end-to-end fulfillment services. That means they take care of everything from manufacturing the product to shipping it to the customer. However, while Gooten gives you a comprehensive service, Zazzle focuses on speed.

Zazzle is the better choice if speed is a critical consideration.

Lastly, you have integrations. Gooten has a Shopify integration, but Zazzle does not.

If you’re looking for a platform that allows for quality checks and has easy Shopify integration, Gooten is likely the better fit. Zazzle has the edge if speed of delivery is the primary factor.

Comparison Table: Gooten Vs. Zazzle

Features/Services Gooten Zazzle
Product Catalog Extensive: Fashion, Home Goods, Wall Art, Lifestyle Items, Pet and Baby Products Even More Extensive: Apparel, Stationery, Art, Home Goods, and More
Shopify Integration Easy Plugin from Shopify App Store Less Streamlined
Fulfillment End-to-End Including Production and Shipping Quick and Efficient
Quality Assurance High-Quality Products with Rigorous Vendor Selection Generally High Quality
Sample Orders Available Not Emphasized
Custom Branding Available, Including Niche Categories Limited to Product Design
Design Customization Highly Customizable User-Friendly but Less Extensive
Global Distribution Multiple Manufacturing Partners Worldwide Primarily U.S. Focused
Customer Service Not Specified Generally Positive Reviews
Target Market Small to Medium Businesses Broad (Personal and Business)

6. CafePress Vs. Zazzle

CafePress is an online platform where you can create and buy custom-designed products like t-shirts and mugs. It’s easy to use with a wide range of customizable items you can purchase or sell to others via the CafePress marketplace.

What CafePress Offers:

  • Custom Products: Create personalized items like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
  • Online Marketplace: Buy or sell designs created by other users.
  • Design Tools: Easy-to-use tools for creating your designs.
  • Bulk Orders: Option for ordering products in large quantities.
  • E-commerce Integration: Allows you to sell CafePress products directly on your website.
  • Shipping Options: Offers various shipping methods, including international shipping.
  • Gift Shop: Pre-designed items available for quick purchase as gifts.

CafePress and Zazzle both operate online marketplaces. They offer a wide range of customizable products. CafePress provides a space for designers to market products. Zazzle works similarly but with a larger product inventory.

Both platforms allow users to create their products using built-in design tools. CafePress offers specific templates to ensure design compatibility with their product catalog.

You can upload your designs to CafePress in PNG, JPG, and SVG formats. You can use a wider variety of file types with Zazzle.

CafePress uses advanced printing technologies, such as digital press and thermal wax resin printing, to ensure high-quality products. Zazzle has a similar approach.

Both platforms also offer affiliate programs to boost earnings for sellers. CafePress and Zazzle have similar offerings, but Zazzle has a slight edge in product variety and file format flexibility.

Comparison Table: CafePress Vs. Zazzle

Feature/Attribute CafePress Zazzle
Product Range Wide variety Even wider variety
Design Tools Native designer with templates Flexible design tools
File Formats JPG, PNG, SVG More flexible
Printing Technologies Various (Digital press, thermal wax, etc.) Various
Royalty Payments 5-10% Varies
Affiliate Program Available Available
Marketplace Yes Yes
Custom Branding Available Available
Global Distribution Limited More extensive
Customer Service Varies Generally positive
Shipping Options Standard Standard and Premium
Target Market General public and businesses General public and businesses

7. RedBubble Vs. Zazzle

Redbubble is an online marketplace that allows independent artists to sell their unique designs on a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and stationery. The platform handles all aspects of order fulfillment, including printing, shipping, and customer service.

What Redbubble Offers:

  • Artist Marketplace: Allows independent artists to upload and sell their designs.
  • Wide Product Range: Offers a variety of products including apparel, home decor, and stationery.
  • Print-on-Demand: Prints products as they are ordered, eliminating the need for inventory.
  • Order Fulfillment: Manages the entire process from printing to shipping and customer service.
  • Global Shipping: Ships products worldwide, making it accessible to a broad audience.
  • Artist Royalties: Artists earn a percentage of each sale, with the ability to set their own margins.
  • Customization Options: Customers can choose different product types, sizes, and colors for each design.
  • User Reviews: Features customer reviews and ratings for products and designs.
  • Affiliate Program: Offers an affiliate marketing program to earn extra income through referrals.
  • Community Features: Provides forums and blogs for artists to connect and share resources.

Zazzle and Redbubble allow independent artists to sell custom-designed products. However, they offer different advantages and features.

Redbubble has built a large community by connecting over 700,000 artists worldwide with consumers. The platform offers a broader range of products compared to Zazzle, with more than 70 items available for customization and purchase.

Another point of difference between the platforms is the ease of setting up a shop.

Both platforms allow artists to open online stores for free. Redbubble simplifies the process by handling all aspects of printing and shipping. This makes it easier for artists to focus on their creative work.

Redbubble places a strong emphasis on socially responsible production. The company invests in programs that offset carbon emissions. Products are made in an environmentally friendly manner.

Both platforms offer secure payment transactions. Redbubble has a more streamlined payment process. Unlike Zazzle, Redbubble directly transfers the earnings from customer purchases to the artist’s account.

While both platforms have a lot to offer, Redbubble has a slight edge in terms of product variety and ease of payment.

Comparison Table: Redbubble Vs. Zazzle

Features/Services Zazzle Redbubble
Product Range Wide but limited compared to Redbubble More than 70 types of products
Shop Setup Free but requires more involvement Free and handles all aspects of printing and shipping
Social Responsibility Not specified Invests in carbon offset programs
Payment Security Secure transactions Secure transactions with direct payment to artists
Shipping Worldwide but varies Almost any location worldwide
Payment to Artists Not specified Direct payment from customer to artist
Return Policy Varies Money-back guarantee on all orders
Design Tools Available Not required; artists upload their own designs
Affiliate Program Available Not specified

Conclusion

Choosing the right print-on-demand platform for your business or creative endeavors is a crucial decision. Each platform has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs. Whether it’s the extensive product range of Redbubble, the social responsibility focus of CafePress, or the all-in-one solution provided by Printify, the alternatives to Zazzle are abundant and diverse.

However, if you’re looking for a specialized, high-quality solution, particularly in the realm of custom-designed hats and headwear, Acme Hat Co stands out as a compelling option. With our focus on delivering top-notch products, easy quoting process, and the ability to handle bulk orders efficiently, we offer a unique blend of quality and convenience that’s hard to beat.

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