In the world of print-on-demand (POD) businesses, choosing the right supplier can make or break your venture. Two popular options are SPOD (Supplier of Products on Demand) and Shirtee, but which one should you go for? Let’s dive deep into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
Key Takeaway
| Feature | SPOD | Shirtee |
|---|---|---|
| Product Range | Extensive (apparel, home decor, accessories) | Limited (primarily apparel) |
| Printing Techniques | Embroidery, Screen Printing, DTG, Flex, Flock | DTG, Sublimation |
| Pricing | Slightly higher base prices | Competitive prices |
| Customization | Design Tool, Customizer feature | Basic customization options |
| Fulfillment Speed | 95% orders shipped within 48 hours | Good turnaround times |
Winner: SPOD – With a more extensive product range, advanced printing techniques, customization features, and impressive fulfillment times, SPOD emerges as the better choice for most print-on-demand businesses.
What is SPOD?
SPOD, or Supplier of Products on Demand, is a print-on-demand fulfillment platform designed to help merchants create and manage their online stores. It’s part of the larger Spreadshirt company and integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
SPOD offers an extensive range of products, from apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants) to home decor (mugs, posters, canvas prints) and accessories (phone cases, tote bags, watches). With various printing techniques like embroidery, screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG), flex, and flock printing, SPOD caters to a wide variety of design preferences.
What is Shirtee?
Shirtee is another popular print-on-demand service that specializes in white-label products. Unlike SPOD, Shirtee’s product range is more limited, focusing primarily on apparel items like t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts. However, Shirtee is known for offering competitive pricing and an all-in-one solution for product creation.
While Shirtee may not have the same breadth of products as SPOD, it excels in its core offerings. Its printing techniques include direct-to-garment (DTG) and sublimation, ensuring high-quality prints on various fabrics.
Product Range and Printing Techniques
As mentioned earlier, SPOD offers a significantly broader product range compared to Shirtee. From apparel to home decor and accessories, SPOD provides a one-stop-shop for all your print-on-demand needs. This versatility allows you to cater to a wider customer base and explore various product lines without relying on multiple suppliers.
When it comes to printing techniques, SPOD takes the lead again. In addition to DTG and sublimation (which Shirtee also offers), SPOD offers embroidery, screen printing, flex printing, and flock printing. This variety of printing methods ensures that your designs are accurately represented on different materials, from fabrics to hard surfaces like mugs and phone cases.
Embroidery:
SPOD offers embroidery services, which add a premium touch to your apparel products. Embroidered designs are durable, long-lasting, and provide a unique, textured look that can elevate your brand’s perceived value.
Screen Printing:
Screen printing is a classic technique that allows for multicolored designs with precise color registration. SPOD’s screen printing capabilities make it an excellent choice for intricate or vibrant designs that require a high level of detail and color accuracy.
Pricing and Customization
While Shirtee is known for its competitive pricing, SPOD’s base prices are slightly higher. However, SPOD offers bulk discounts of up to 30%, making it a more cost-effective option for larger orders or businesses with higher sales volumes.
In terms of customization, SPOD stands out with its powerful Design Tool and Customizer feature. The Design Tool allows you to create or upload designs, check their compatibility with different printing techniques, and even order product samples. The Customizer feature enables customers to personalize products by adding text, changing colors, or adjusting design placement.
While Shirtee offers basic customization options, SPOD’s advanced customization tools provide a more seamless and engaging experience for your customers, potentially leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
Fulfillment and Shipping
Efficient fulfillment and shipping are crucial for any print-on-demand business, and both SPOD and Shirtee excel in this area. SPOD boasts an impressive fulfillment time, with 95% of orders shipped within 48 hours. This rapid turnaround ensures that your customers receive their orders promptly, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
Shirtee, on the other hand, is known for its reliable shipping services and good turnaround times, although specific details on their fulfillment speed are not widely advertised.
Integrations and Support
Both SPOD and Shirtee offer seamless integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. These integrations allow for automated order and product syncing, streamlining your business operations and reducing manual effort.
In terms of customer support, SPOD offers live chat, support articles, and video walkthroughs to assist you with any queries or issues you may encounter. Shirtee’s support options are not as widely advertised, but they likely offer similar channels to assist their customers.
The Verdict
When it comes to choosing between SPOD and Shirtee for your print-on-demand business, SPOD emerges as the better option for most entrepreneurs. With its extensive product range, advanced printing techniques (including embroidery and screen printing), customization features, and impressive fulfillment times, SPOD provides a comprehensive solution that caters to diverse business needs.
However, if your primary focus is on apparel products and you prioritize competitive pricing over a broad product range, Shirtee may be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific business requirements, target audience, and long-term goals.
Regardless of your choice, both SPOD and Shirtee offer reliable print-on-demand services that can help you kickstart or expand your e-commerce venture with minimal overhead and inventory risks.