Printify vs. Printful vs. Gelato: Best Print on Demand Services Compared

In today's digital age, the Print on Demand (POD) model has revolutionized the way entrepreneurs and artists create and sell custom products. Print on demand allows individuals to design custom items such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, and more, which are then printed and shipped only when an order is placed. This eliminates the need for large inventories and upfront costs, making it an attractive option for small businesses and creative professionals.

The popularity of Print on Demand has led to the emergence of several prominent platforms, each offering unique features and services. Among these, Printify, Printful, and Gelato are three of the most widely used and highly regarded.

Please see the table below for a comparison of these three platforms, evaluating their pros and cons (Green is great, yellow is okay and orange is not great) to help you determine which is the best fit for your needs.

Feature	Printify	Printful	Gelato
Product Range	Over 250 products	Extensive, but fewer than Printify	Fewer than Printify and Printful
Supplier Network	Multiple global suppliers	Own fulfillment centers	Network of global printers
Quality Control	Variable, depends on supplier	High, consistent across products	High, strict standards
Branding Options	Limited	Extensive (labels and packaging)	Limited
Pricing	Lower base prices	Higher base prices	Higher base prices
Premium Price (Monthly)	$29/month (Printify Premium)	No premium plan	No premium plan
Integration Options	Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, etc.	Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, etc	Major platforms, fewer than others
Customer Support	Can be slow or less helpful	Responsive and helpful	Responsive and helpful
Shipping Time	Depends on supplier location	Fast, with global fulfillment	Fast, local printing globally
Sustainability	Limited focus	Some eco-friendly options	Big focus on eco- friendly practices
User Interface	User-friendly	User-friendly	Very user-friendly
Sales Tax Exemption	Available for eligible businesses	Available for eligible businesses	Available for eligible businesses

Which is Best to Use?

Choosing the right print on demand service is a pivotal decision for your business. Each platform—Printify, Printful, and Gelato—has its own unique strengths and caters to different needs:

- Printify offers a wide product range and competitive pricing, making it ideal for businesses focused on cost savings. The Printify Premium plan at $29/month can further enhance profit margins.

- Printful excels in quality control and branding options, perfect for those prioritizing premium products and comprehensive branding services, despite the higher costs.

- Gelato stands out for its sustainability practices and fast global shipping, making it suitable for businesses that value eco-friendliness and need efficient international fulfilment.

Ultimately, each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate what matters most to your business—whether it’s cost, quality, branding, or sustainability—and choose the platform that aligns best with your goals. The beauty of the Print on Demand model is its flexibility, allowing you to adapt and switch platforms as your needs evolve.

Sales Tax Exemption and Filing Considerations

All three websites allow for sales tax exemption presenting an opportunity to save money and make your business more competitive and profitable. To obtain a sales tax exemption, you'll typically need to provide a valid resale certificate or tax exemption certificate, depending on the specific requirements of each platform and your business location.

However, it is essential to understand that even with sales tax exemption, you are still responsible for sales tax filing in your relevant jurisdictions. This means you must track your sales and ensure that you collect and remit the appropriate sales taxes to the correct tax authorities. Proper sales tax management is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.

Please see our sales tax filing FAQs for more information.

Drop us an email at support@rjmtaxexemption.com if you have any questions.