Mall or House? Print-on-Demand Platforms
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m comparing print on demand platforms. Picking where your shop lives is a really big choice!
Remember the three kinds of homes? Big mall, social shop and website. For print-on-demand, only two work: a big online mall, or your own website.
Choice 1: a big mall that prints
Some platforms let you make your product AND sell it in their own mall. Like Amazon Merch on Demand, Redbubble and TeePublic. Adam and Jack from our print on demand examples do this.
The mall puts your product on display. It handles taxes and receipts, and it’s responsible for shipping. So it’s the easiest start for most beginners!
Open malls and closed malls
In an open mall, customers can usually buy without making an account. Easy peasy! That’s great when your visitors come from social media.
In a closed mall, like Amazon, customers have to log in first. That makes some people give up. But lots and lots of people trust Amazon. And that trust rubs off on you!
Choice 2: your own website, with a helper in the back
Your website is your main home. And a printing helper works quietly behind it. Helpers like Printful, Printify and Gelato.
They usually have more kinds of products, often for less money. Lyra and Lila from our examples sell this way.
Now YOU are the seller!
This changes a lot. Grown-ups say you’re the “seller of record.” That means you’re officially the one selling, even though you never touch the product.
So the jobs are yours: prices, talking to customers, helping them, taxes, and all the rules pages. Like a privacy page and terms with refund rules. Plus clear info about delivery and returns, which can be different in different countries.
It’s a lot like running your own online shop. Except somebody else makes the stuff!
What about a social shop?
Social shops usually can’t sell print-on-demand directly. But they’re a great door! They can send people to your website or your mall shop. They just can’t be your main home here.
How to choose
Just starting? A mall is usually easier. Most of the grown-up jobs disappear! Pick an open mall if your visitors come from social media.
Want a brand people recognize, and more kinds of products? Your own website with a helper is stronger for later. Just be ready for the seller jobs.
A story
A designer makes old-style travel posters. She starts in an open mall, and tests which cities sell best. No taxes, no customer help for her!
A year later, she has lots of fans. So she opens her own website with a printing helper. She adds framed prints and tote bags that the mall didn’t have. And she takes on the seller jobs.
What’s next?
The next article shows the setup you need. Two things, always! The whole module is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you choose? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Can I use more than one platform?
Yes! If the designs are yours and you follow each platform’s rules.
Which platforms have their own mall?
Amazon Merch on Demand, Redbubble and TeePublic, for example.
Which helpers connect to my website?
Printful, Printify and Gelato, for example.
What’s an open mall?
One where people can buy without making an account.
What’s a closed mall?
One like Amazon, where people log in first. Less easy, but lots of trust.
Who’s the seller on my own website?
You are! With all the jobs that come with it.
Can I use a social shop?
Not as your main home. But it can send people to your shop.
Which is best for beginners?
Usually a mall, because it does most of the jobs.
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Where can I get help on a small budget?
Lynnaider shows you ways to start that cost nothing, or very little. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
