Selling merch with print on demand sounds simple… until you actually have to pick a supplier.
I’ve worked with dozens of ecommerce brands and helped creators launch print-on-demand stores across Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
The biggest pain point? Fulfilment. Slow shipping, bad print quality, or missing orders — it always comes down to who you trust with your products.
So I spent months testing different POD platforms, running real orders, checking delivery speeds, comparing margins, and figuring out what’s hype and what’s actually useful.
Here’s my full head-to-head comparison of the best print on demand companies for UK sellers — and who each one is really for.
TL;DR: Best Print on Demand UK Companies
| Platform | Best For | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|
| Inkthreadable | UK-based beginners | Fast UK shipping, free branding, eco-friendly, easy setup |
| Two Fifteen | Sellers focused on volume | Bulk discounts, reliable UK fulfilment, simple interface |
| AOP+ | Apparel brands needing white-label | Branding options with paid plan, UK production, Shopify sync |
| Printful | Premium brands with global customers | Excellent product quality, strong branding, higher costs |
| Printify | Budget-focused and flexible sellers | Cheapest base prices, wide supplier choice, quality varies |
| Gelato | Print sellers needing fast delivery | Ideal for posters/art prints, consistent UK fulfilment |
| Contrado | High-ticket and luxury product lines | Boutique quality, full branding included, expensive |
| Printsome | Bulk orders and branded clothing | Best for teams, events, or fashion brands with UK fulfilment |
| Snuggle | UK-based apparel sellers | Manual POD, but high-quality prints and responsive support |
What I Look For in a UK POD Company
Here’s what matters when choosing the right supplier for a UK-based store:
- UK-based fulfilment = faster shipping, fewer refunds
- Product range = more than just t-shirts
- Branding options = make it look like your own store, not some dropship warehouse
- Profit margin = can you actually make money?
- Integrations = plug-and-play with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce
1. Inkthreadable: Best for UK-Based Sellers Who Want Fast, Eco-Friendly Fulfilment
Setup Experience
Easy setup. I integrated it with Shopify in under 30 minutes. You upload your artwork, choose your product, and sync — simple, no tech drama.
Features That Matter
- All fulfilment is done in the UK (Blackburn)
- Eco printing (biodegradable packaging, water-based inks)
- Free packing slip branding
- Solid product range: apparel, mugs, art prints, etc.
Costs
No monthly fee. T-shirts are around £7.50, mugs ~£5. Shipping in the UK is usually £2–£4. Branding your packing slips is free. There’s no custom packaging, but for smaller stores or side hustlers, it covers all the essentials.
Pros
- UK fulfilment = fast and local
- Free branding
- Responsive UK-based support
- Eco credentials help with customer trust
Cons
- No branded packaging or labels
- Smaller product range than Printify or Printful
Verdict
Inkthreadable’s perfect if you’re UK-based, care about sustainability, and just want a supplier that delivers on time.
2. Two Fifteen: Best for Bulk Orders and Simple UK Fulfilment
Setup Experience
Straightforward. It’s not the prettiest platform, but you can sync with Shopify or Etsy in under an hour. Functional and reliable.
Features That Matter
- UK-based production
- Bulk pricing options
- Fast delivery and turnaround
- Product range includes clothing, mugs, posters
Costs
No fees to use. T-shirts start at ~£7, mugs at ~£4.75. UK shipping is flat-rate and generally under £3.50. Bulk discounts start kicking in after ~25 orders/month, making it ideal for scaling stores.
Pros
- Great value at scale
- Consistent print quality
- Good for fast-moving stores
- Free basic branding (packing slip)
Cons
- UI feels outdated
- Branding is basic
- Mockups could be better
Verdict
If you’re selling volume and want simplicity + savings, Two Fifteen is a solid UK-based workhorse.
3. Printsome: Best for Bulk Orders, Events, and Branded Clothing
Setup Experience
Printsome is a little different from standard POD platforms — it’s more focused on bulk custom apparel for events, teams, and companies.
They do offer print-on-demand options through their “Printsome On Demand” service, but it’s a custom request rather than a plug-and-play app.
I had to contact their team directly to get setup support, which was responsive and helpful, but not instant.
Features That Matter
- UK-based fulfilment and printing
- Specialises in t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts
- Bulk and B2B orders handled well
- Print-on-demand available with setup support
- Branding available (tags, packaging)
Costs
Printsome’s pricing varies depending on your order volume and needs. For standard POD, t-shirts usually start around £8–£10, with shipping around £2.50–£4 depending on size and speed.
Branding options like custom neck tags, inside labels, or eco packaging are available but quoted separately. No monthly fees, but setup might take a few days longer than self-serve platforms.
Pros
- High-quality prints for clothing
- Great for bulk POD or team gear
- Custom packaging and branding available
- UK fulfilment
Cons
- No app or instant integrations
- Slower to get started
- Limited to apparel (no mugs, art, etc.)
| Feature | Printsome |
|---|---|
| Setup Time | 2–3 days with team support |
| Branding Options | Full (custom tags, packaging) |
| Fulfilment Location | UK |
| Best For | Clothing brands, corporate POD |
Verdict
If you’re a clothing-focused brand and need a reliable UK printer that handles branding and bulk — Printsome is a solid pro option. Just know you won’t get the instant Shopify-style integration most POD tools offer.
4. Snuggle: Best for Custom Clothing with In-House UK Printing
Setup Experience
Snuggle is a UK-based print company with in-house DTG and screen printing. They don’t have an app, but they do support manual POD fulfilment if you have consistent orders.
You’ll need to reach out and speak to their team to set it up — which is less automated, but more personal. Great service, fast replies.
Features That Matter
- All production done in the UK
- T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts — apparel focused
- In-house printing (no outsourcing)
- Offers POD fulfilment and bulk
- Custom labels and branding options available
Costs
Snuggle’s prices are solid for a direct print partner — t-shirts start around £7–£8, with shipping around £2.75–£3.50 depending on tracked delivery. Custom branding (inside labels, tags, etc.) is offered as part of their bulk setup or with consistent POD fulfilment orders. No monthly platform fee.
Pros
- Reliable UK production
- In-house control = consistent quality
- Fast shipping
- Responsive, human customer support
Cons
- No storefront integration (manual setup only)
- No product mockup generator
- Clothing only (no mugs or prints)
| Feature | Snuggle |
|---|---|
| Setup Time | 1–2 days via email/onboarding |
| Branding Options | Custom labels, tags |
| Fulfilment Location | UK |
| Best For | Apparel sellers with consistent POD needs |
Verdict
Snuggle’s a great behind-the-scenes partner if you’re focused on clothing and want a UK printer with tight quality control. It’s not plug-and-play, but once set up, it’s reliable and scalable.
5. AOP+: Best for Custom Branding and White-Label Dropshipping
Setup Experience
I had AOP+ running with a Shopify test store in under an hour. Product designer is smooth, and setting up branding is straightforward — if you’re on the paid plan.
Features That Matter
- London-based fulfilment
- Custom branding: neck labels, packing slips, inserts
- Good for clothing brands
- Focused integrations: Shopify, Etsy
Costs
Free plan to start. Paid plan at £9.99/month unlocks full branding. T-shirts around £8.50. Shipping sits between £2–£4. Serious about building a brand? You’ll want the paid plan.
Pros
- Full branding for a professional feel
- Fast UK production
- Solid customer service
- Built for clothing brands
Cons
- Paid plan needed for serious branding
- Small product selection
- Not ideal for non-apparel niches
Verdict
AOP+ is your go-to if branding matters more than margins. Perfect for turning a basic POD store into something that looks like a real brand.
6. Printful: Best for High-End Quality and Global Shipping
Setup Experience
This is where Printful shines. The dashboard is polished, the mockups look premium, and integrations are seamless. It felt like using a pro tool from day one.
Features That Matter
- Excellent product quality
- Huge product range
- EU fulfilment (some UK coverage)
- Custom branding: labels, stickers, slips
Costs
No monthly fee. Base prices are high — T-shirts start at £11–13. Shipping adds another £3–£5. Branding options are paid add-ons. If you want quality, you’ll need to build that into your pricing strategy.
Pros
- Top-tier print and product quality
- Strong mockup builder
- Scales with your brand
- Massive integration support
Cons
- High product and shipping costs
- Some items ship from EU (slower to UK)
- Branding adds up
Verdict
Great for stores that sell premium — but margins are tight if you’re pricing like a bargain bin.
7. Printify: Best for Flexibility and Lowest Product Costs
Setup Experience
You can launch with Printify in under 30 minutes, but the hard part is choosing your supplier. Quality varies, so I recommend running test orders with multiple printers.
Features That Matter
- Network of UK and global print providers
- Flexible product options
- Cheapest base prices
- Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce
Costs
Free plan or Premium (£21/month) gives you 20% off products. T-shirts from £6.50. UK shipping varies by printer (~£2–£3.50). Branding depends on who you pick — some suppliers offer it, some don’t.
Pros
- Low-cost entry
- Huge supplier network
- Great for niche testing
- Decent UK fulfilment options
Cons
- Quality control = your responsibility
- Inconsistent branding
- Support isn’t centralised
Verdict
Printify is flexible and affordable — but be ready to manage it more hands-on. Great for sellers running product experiments or testing niches.
8. Contrado: Best for Premium, High-Ticket Dropshipping
Setup Experience
Contrado’s platform is more hands-on. It’s not built for beginners — it’s built for brands that want to sell boutique-quality goods. Products are handmade in London.
Features That Matter
- Premium/luxury product focus
- Homeware, accessories, silk, leather
- Fast UK fulfilment (1–3 days)
- Full branding included
Costs
No fees to use. Products start high — T-shirts around £16, other items £30–£50+. UK shipping is £4–£6. But branding (labels, swing tags, packaging) is included. Margins are fine — if you’re charging enough.
Pros
- Incredible product quality
- Boutique-level branding
- Handmade in the UK
- Unique product selection
Cons
- Expensive base costs
- Manual setup for some stores
- Not for fast fashion or budget sellers
Verdict
If you’re selling £50+ products and want them to feel like £50+ — Contrado nails it. Built for artists, designers, and boutique brands.
9. Gelato: Best for Print Sellers Wanting Fast Fulfilment
Setup Experience
Smooth and modern. Ideal for anyone selling prints, cards, or posters. Upload your designs, pick your paper type, and Gelato handles the rest.
Features That Matter
- Fast print network with UK printers
- Flat products = fewer return risks
- Free branded packing slips
- Great for wall art, calendars, posters
Costs
No monthly fees. Posters and art prints from £6–£9. Shipping £2–£4 in the UK. Branded slips are free, and there are no sneaky fees in the backend. It’s one of the most reliable options for art-based POD.
Pros
- Speedy UK fulfilment
- Simple pricing
- Clean, consistent results
- No hidden costs
Cons
- Limited to flat products mostly
- Not ideal for apparel
- Fewer branding customisation options
Verdict
Best option for art sellers who want reliable, fast shipping without worrying about tech issues or high margins.
Pricing Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay
| Platform | Monthly Fee | Product Base Price | UK Shipping | Branding Add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inkthreadable | £0 | ~£7.50 | £2–£4 | Free packing slip |
| Two Fifteen | £0 | ~£7 | £2–£3.50 | Free packing slip |
| AOP+ | £0–£9.99 | ~£8.50 | £2–£4 | Paid neck labels + inserts |
| Printful | £0 | ~£11–13 | £3–£5 | Paid custom branding options |
| Printify | £0–£21 | ~£6.50 | £2–£3.50 | Varies by supplier |
| Gelato | £0 | ~£6–£9 | £2–£4 | Free branded slips |
| Contrado | £0 | £16–£50+ | £4–£6 | Full branding included |
| Printsome | £0 | ~£8–£10 | £2.50–£4 | Quoted per branding option |
| Snuggle | £0 | ~£7–£8 | £2.75–£3.50 | Custom labels/tags available |
Pro Tip:
Platforms like Printify and Printsome offer flexible pricing but need more hands-on checking. Always calculate your full cost per sale — including branding, shipping, and payment processor fees — before pricing your products.
Pro Tip: Always calculate total cost per sale, not just base price. Include product, shipping, branding, platform fees, and payment processor cuts.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?
Every platform on this list works. The key is picking one that fits how you sell.
- Want fast fulfilment and simple setup? Inkthreadable
- Doing bulk orders? Two Fifteen
- Building a brand? AOP+
- Premium products? Printful or Contrado
- Budget testing? Printify
- Selling prints and posters? Gelato
Don’t overthink it — run a few test orders, see how the product looks and ships. Then scale what works.
