Quick answer: If you’re selling in Ireland and want fast shipping, solid quality, and platforms that integrate well with Shopify or Etsy, Printful, Gelato, and Dropshirt are my go-to options.

But each platform suits different business goals, so keep reading to figure out which one fits yours.

I’ve been deep in the POD space for years—built brands from scratch, tested dozens of platforms, and shipped products to Ireland more times than I can count.

So this isn’t a list I threw together overnight. I’ve tested these tools myself or worked closely with brands that have. Some are global names with local fulfilment. Others are Irish or European-born companies.

Here’s how it all breaks down.

Platform	Fulfilment Location	Shipping Time to Ireland	Product Range	Shopify/Etsy	Quality	Pricing
Printify	EU (multi-supplier)	4–10 days	Massive	Yes/Yes	Varies	Low–Medium
Printful	Latvia, Spain	3–7 days	Medium	Yes/Yes	High	Medium–High
Contrado	UK	2–4 days	Niche/High-end	Yes/Yes	High	High
Gelato	EU Network	3–5 days	Medium	Yes/Yes	Medium–High	Medium
Tpop	France	3–6 days	Small–Medium	Yes/Yes	High	Medium
Kin Custom	EU (via SPOD)	5–8 days	Niche	Yes/No	Medium–High	Medium
Dropshirt	Ireland	2–3 days	Small	Yes/Yes	Medium	Medium

What Makes a POD Company Great for the Irish Market?

If you’re selling in or to Ireland, you’ve got different needs than someone targeting the US. It’s not just about who has the lowest base price or the flashiest dashboard.

What really matters is how well the company fits the Irish market in terms of delivery, compliance, and long-term scaling potential.

Most US-based POD platforms just weren’t built with Irish sellers in mind.

That means long shipping times, unexpected customs fees, and disappointed customers. The game changes when you’re working with suppliers who understand EU fulfilment and Irish logistics.

Here’s what I look for before trusting a POD company with my brand:

Fulfilment Speed

Can they get a shirt to Dublin in 3 to 5 business days, or is it going to be stuck in customs for two weeks?

Time matters. Whether you’re selling on Etsy or Shopify, slow shipping kills repeat orders and clogs up your inbox with “Where’s my order?” emails. EU fulfilment centres or local Irish printing partners are key.

Print Quality

Especially if you’re selling art prints, fashion, or premium lifestyle products, your customers expect clean, durable, high-resolution prints.

Look for:

• DTG printing for apparel with vibrant colours
• Giclée prints for art posters
• Quality control standards at the fulfilment facility
• Option to order samples before going live

Shipping Reliability

The best POD companies partner with known couriers that offer tracking and timely updates.

Ask these questions:

• Is tracking included in every order?
• Do they ship with An Post, DPD, DHL, or local EU couriers?
• Is the average shipping time under 7 business days?

Table: Courier Options and Reliability by Platform

Platform	Courier Example	Tracking Included	Avg Delivery to Ireland
Printful	DHL, Correos	Yes	3–7 business days
Gelato	Local partners	Yes	3–5 business days
Contrado	FedEx, DPD	Yes	2–4 business days
Dropshirt	An Post	Yes	2–3 business days

Customer Support

Can you get a response quickly if something goes wrong?

A good POD partner should have:

• Live chat or email support with fast turnaround
• Transparent return and refund policies
• Clear documentation on printing, shipping, and fulfilment timelines

Some platforms, like Printful, offer 24/7 support. Others, like Tpop or Dropshirt, may take longer to respond but give you direct access to decision-makers.

Integrations

Does it work with your store setup?

Whether you’re on:

• Shopify: Most major POD apps plug in easily
• Etsy: Look for direct integration and auto-sync of orders
• WooCommerce: Make sure the API connection is solid

Not all platforms handle integrations equally well. Some require third-party plugins, which can add friction.

Pricing

This goes beyond the base product cost. You also need to factor in:

• Delivery fees to Ireland (some platforms have flat rates, others vary)
• VAT handling and whether it’s charged at checkout or absorbed by the supplier
• Customs and duties (especially if shipping from the UK or US)

Breakdown: Cost Factors to Watch

Cost Type	Why It Matters	Tip to Reduce
Base Product	Impacts your profit margin	Use Printify Premium or bulk orders
Shipping	Adds $4–$10 per item	Pick EU suppliers close to Ireland
VAT/Customs	Can slow delivery and add costs	Use EU-based fulfilment only
Branding Costs	Optional but useful	Test plain packaging before scaling

In short, you want a POD company that’s efficient, consistent, and built to work within the Irish or EU market. If you’re constantly chasing tracking numbers, fixing print issues, or dealing with delays, it’s going to slow down your growth and hurt your brand.

Choose smart, and your business becomes 10 times easier to run.

1. Printify

Why I Like It

Printify is great because it connects you with different print providers around the world. That includes a few based in the EU—so yes, you can ship to Ireland without crazy delays.

The platform acts more like a marketplace than a printer, letting you choose from hundreds of fulfilment partners based on price, location, and reviews.

What makes it especially attractive is the flexibility.

You can switch providers easily if one is too slow or if you want better margins. And if you’re working with Etsy or Shopify, Printify’s integration is plug-and-play simple.

The key thing to understand is that Printify isn’t printing anything themselves. They’re the middle layer between you and dozens of print houses.

That’s both a strength and a weakness depending on how hands-on you want to be.

Pros

• Massive product variety: Over 800+ items including apparel, mugs, accessories, phone cases, wall art, homeware, and more
• Competitive base prices: Especially if you upgrade to Printify Premium
• Easy integrations: Works flawlessly with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
• EU-based suppliers: Options like Textildruck Europa (Germany), Dreamship EU, and Print Logistic (Poland)
• Mockup generator: Quick and easy to create branded visuals
• Scalable: Supports multiple stores and high-volume sellers

Cons

• Quality control varies: You’re relying on individual print partners, so samples are a must
• Shipping times can be inconsistent: Some EU partners ship fast, others are slower—depends on who you pick
• No branding options across all providers: Some offer inside labels and packaging inserts, others don’t
• Printify Premium is almost required: At $29/month, it cuts down prices by up to 20 percent, which can be the difference between profit and loss
• No real-time inventory control: Occasionally, products can go out of stock without notice

Shipping to Ireland

Depending on the EU supplier you choose, shipping to Ireland usually takes between 4 to 10 business days. Most partners in Germany or Poland deliver faster than those in Spain or the Baltics.

Here’s a quick look at how some of Printify’s EU partners perform with Irish orders:

Supplier	Fulfilment Country	Avg Delivery to Ireland	Tracking Available	Branding Options
Textildruck Europa	Germany	4–6 business days	Yes	Limited
Print Logistic	Poland	5–8 business days	Yes	Neck labels, packaging
Dreamship EU	Netherlands	5–7 business days	Yes	Limited
Prodigi (via Printify)	UK	4–6 business days	Yes	Inserts, labels

Keep in mind, each print partner sets their own shipping rates and packaging style, so always double-check their policies before committing.

Best For

Printify is best for sellers who want:

• High product variety
• Low entry cost
• Maximum flexibility

If you’re selling across multiple stores, testing new niches, or want the option to change suppliers on the fly, this is the one to start with.

Just be prepared to put in a bit of extra work upfront testing different print providers and ordering samples before scaling.

For Irish sellers, choosing the right EU-based partner inside Printify makes all the difference between 10-day delays and reliable 5-day shipping. With the right setup, it’s a strong, scalable platform to build your business on.

2. Printful

Why I Like It

Printful is one of the most professional POD companies I’ve worked with. They’ve built a reputation for consistent print quality, a rock-solid backend, and great customer support.

Their EU fulfilment centres in Spain and Latvia mean Irish orders typically arrive within a week, with minimal customs risk and no surprise charges.

The platform is more than just a printer—it’s a full ecosystem for product creation, branding, fulfilment, and customer support.

You can create mockups, sync to your store, and handle orders all from one dashboard. If you’re building a premium brand and need to trust your supplier without micromanaging every detail, Printful delivers.

The trade-off? It’s not the cheapest. But you’re paying for reliability, presentation, and customer experience—and that can be worth far more than a few saved dollars per item.

Pros

• Reliable 3–7 day delivery to Ireland from EU fulfilment centres
• High-quality prints using DTG, embroidery, and all-over sublimation
• Consistent production standards across locations
• Powerful mockup generator with hundreds of templates
• Branded packaging: inside labels, custom packing slips, pack-ins available
• Warehousing services if you want to store custom products with them
• Excellent customer support: fast email and chat response

Cons

• Higher base costs than platforms like Printify or Tpop
• Smaller product range: focused on apparel, accessories, and wall art
• Not ideal for low-margin sellers: you need room to charge premium pricing
• Fewer EU fulfilment centres: limited to Latvia and Spain, which may affect delivery times depending on the destination
• Limited flexibility on production location: you can’t always choose the fulfilment country manually

Shipping to Ireland

Printful ships to Ireland primarily from their European centres.

Latvia tends to handle apparel, while Spain covers things like wall art and posters. Delivery is tracked and typically takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the item and production time.

Here’s a snapshot of Printful’s EU fulfilment performance for Irish orders:

Fulfilment Location	Primary Products	Avg Delivery Time to Ireland	Tracking Included	Branding Options
Riga, Latvia	Apparel, embroidery	4–6 business days	Yes	Labels, pack-ins
Barcelona, Spain	Posters, mugs, artwork	3–5 business days	Yes	Custom packaging
Partner Facilities	Select niche items	5–8 business days	Yes	Varies

Printful uses couriers like DPD, Correos, and FedEx in the EU, which keeps delivery consistent and well-tracked. Most Irish customers get their orders within one week without customs delays or VAT issues.

Best For

Printful is best suited for:

• Quality-focused brands
• Premium pricing models
• Sellers who care about branding

If you’re pricing hoodies at $40 to $60 USD, or you want branded packaging with custom labels, Printful is the strongest choice.

It’s also a good fit for creators who want a hands-off fulfilment experience but still maintain full control of presentation and customer perception.

It’s not a budget option, and you won’t get the cheapest base prices. But you will get a POD setup that feels like it belongs to a real brand—because it does.

3. Contrado

Why I Like It

Contrado is a UK-based print-on-demand company with a sharp focus on premium, custom-made products.

They stand out because they manufacture everything in-house, right in London. That level of vertical integration means fewer surprises, better quality control, and fast turnaround times—even for custom orders.

If you’re an artist, designer, or boutique eCom brand looking to sell something beyond t-shirts and mugs, this is one of the few POD platforms that delivers truly unique product options.

Think silk scarves, leather bags, fine art prints, and even custom furniture. The catalogue is packed with high-margin, statement pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

And because they handle everything internally—from printing to cutting, sewing, and shipping—you don’t have to worry about third-party suppliers messing up your designs.

Pros

• Unique, high-end products: kimonos, custom sneakers, bomber jackets, leather bags, silk textiles, wall art, and even beanbags
• Manufactured in-house in London, offering full control over quality and consistency
• Fast tracked delivery to Ireland: most orders arrive in 2 to 4 business days
• Excellent print quality and materials: especially for textiles and fabric-heavy items
• White-label branding available: including custom labels and packaging

Cons

• Higher base prices: most items cost more than standard POD platforms, so you need higher retail markups to stay profitable
• Platform locked: you can’t choose fulfilment partners like Printify; everything runs through Contrado’s own facility
• User interface feels dated: backend tools aren’t as smooth or modern as Printful or Gelato
• Limited integrations: no built-in Etsy or WooCommerce support—Shopify works best

Shipping to Ireland

Contrado ships all Irish orders from London, which means fast tracked shipping without customs issues thanks to their clear handling of EU orders post-Brexit.

Orders typically arrive in 2 to 4 business days, depending on the product and production time.

They use reputable UK couriers and provide full tracking. Their logistics team is also responsive if you need updates or custom handling.

Here’s how Contrado performs for Irish fulfilment:

Shipping Origin	Avg Delivery to Ireland	Courier Partners	Tracking	Fulfilment Time	Custom Packaging
London, UK	2–4 business days	Royal Mail, DHL, FedEx	Yes	1–3 days	Yes (white-label)

Contrado handles everything in one location, so if you’re selling complex or multi-material items, there’s no waiting on third-party suppliers or shipping across regions.

Best For

Contrado is ideal for:

• Artists, fashion designers, and creatives
• High-ticket stores selling premium goods
• Sellers focused on luxury, sustainability, or exclusivity

If your goal is to build a brand around limited edition art, luxury fashion, or premium home décor, Contrado gives you the tools, quality, and product range to do it right.

Just be sure your margins can handle the higher production costs, because this platform isn’t built for budget dropshipping.

But if you want a product that feels like it came from a boutique design studio—not a mass production line—Contrado is one of the best-kept secrets in POD.

4. Gelato

Why I Like It

Gelato isn’t a typical POD company. It doesn’t own printing facilities. Instead, it connects your store to a network of over 100 local print partners in 32+ countries, including several across the EU.

It’s more like Uber for print-on-demand—orders are routed to the closest qualified facility to your customer, based on location and product type.

This approach means faster delivery, lower emissions, and reduced customs friction, which is a major win if you’re selling to customers in Ireland or anywhere across Europe.

I’ve tested orders that arrived in as little as 72 hours, which is rare in the POD space.

The platform is clean and easy to use, integrates well with all the big eCommerce platforms, and leans heavily into sustainability—ideal for brands that care about local fulfilment and reducing their carbon footprint.

Pros

• Local EU fulfilment: Orders in Ireland often ship from nearby countries like the UK, Netherlands, or Germany
• 72-hour delivery: Irish customers can get orders in as little as 2–3 business days
• Supports all major eCom platforms: Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
• Eco-friendly approach: Prints are produced closer to the buyer, which cuts down on CO₂ emissions
• No customs delays: Since fulfilment is local or intra-EU, VAT and customs are already baked in
• Automated routing: System selects the fastest available fulfilment centre based on customer location

Cons

• Limited branding options: Only some print partners support branded labels or pack-ins
• Smaller product catalogue: Especially compared to Printify, you’re limited mostly to apparel, mugs, wall art, stationery
• Print quality varies by location: Since you’re working with a network, consistency isn’t 100% guaranteed
• Pricing is middle of the road: Not the cheapest, not the most expensive

Shipping to Ireland

This is where Gelato shines. Thanks to their distributed fulfilment model, most orders to Ireland are routed through a local or EU-based facility.

That means no Brexit issues, no customs fees, and delivery times as fast as 2 to 4 business days.

They use reliable EU couriers with full tracking, and customers in Dublin, Cork, Galway, or anywhere else in Ireland benefit from predictable shipping.

Here’s a breakdown of how Gelato performs with Irish orders:

Fulfilment Model	Avg Delivery to Ireland	Common Fulfilment Countries	Tracking Available	Branding Support
Distributed EU	2–4 business days	UK, Netherlands, Germany	Yes	Limited

Delivery time varies slightly depending on product type, but for apparel, mugs, and posters, it’s fast and reliable.

You can also set fallback production regions if one partner is overloaded, which adds a layer of flexibility.

Best For

Gelato is ideal for:

• Sellers who want fast, local shipping
• Eco-conscious brands
• Founders who want predictable fulfilment without micromanaging

If you’re targeting the Irish market and want to skip the headache of international customs and long delivery times, Gelato is one of the smartest choices out there.

You may sacrifice some advanced branding features, but what you get in speed and reliability more than makes up for it.

And if your brand talks about sustainability, carbon reduction, or local production, Gelato actually backs that up with infrastructure that supports the message.

5. Tpop

Why I Like It

Tpop is a French-based print-on-demand company that’s built entirely around eco-responsibility.

From the ground up, everything about the platform is geared toward sustainability—organic materials, zero plastic packaging, water-based inks, and local EU production.

If your brand speaks to ethically minded consumers or you operate in a niche where sustainability matters (think: ethical fashion, green lifestyle brands, eco art), Tpop is one of the few POD platforms that actually aligns with those values—and can back them up operationally.

Unlike most competitors, Tpop includes fully branded packaging even on the free plan, which is rare.

That means your customers get a professional unboxing experience without needing to pay extra for inserts or labels.

It’s not the platform with the biggest catalogue or the most bells and whistles, but what it does, it does with precision and purpose.

Pros

• Fully branded packaging included: your logo, brand colours, and message on packing slips and labels
• Eco-friendly materials: organic cotton, recycled packaging, and no plastic used in shipping
• EU-based printing: all fulfilment is handled in France, ensuring fast delivery to Ireland and the rest of Europe
• Sustainable production practices: water-based inks, solar-powered facilities, carbon-offset shipping options
• Transparent platform: you know where and how your products are made
• Free plan: includes all features—no paywall for branding or integration

Cons

• Smaller product range: primarily apparel, mugs, posters, and tote bags
• French-only customer support: documentation and communication may be a hurdle if you’re not comfortable with the language
• Slightly higher base prices: compared to barebones POD providers, but worth it if your brand charges premium pricing
• No network of print providers: all products ship from the same fulfilment centre, so you’re limited in terms of scaling options

Shipping to Ireland

Tpop ships from their facility in Albi, France, with full tracking and quick turnaround. Most orders arrive in 3 to 6 business days, depending on the product and carrier.

They use eco-conscious delivery partners where possible and minimise packaging waste, which is consistent with their brand promise.

Here’s how Tpop’s fulfilment looks for Irish-based deliveries:

Fulfilment Location	Avg Delivery to Ireland	Courier Services Used	Tracking	Branding Options
Albi, France	3–6 business days	Colissimo, La Poste	Yes	Included by default

Shipping prices are competitive and clearly listed inside the dashboard. Because everything is shipped from inside the EU, you don’t need to worry about customs or VAT surprises.

Best For

Tpop is best suited for:

• Eco-conscious fashion brands
• Ethical product lines
• Brands focused on storytelling and sustainability

If you’re building a store where the origin and footprint of your product matters just as much as the design, Tpop is a great fit.

The built-in branding and eco focus help you stand out in a crowded market—especially when selling to younger audiences, creative shoppers, or ethical consumers in Ireland and across the EU.

Just make sure your product line fits within their catalogue. If you’re only looking to sell standard print-on-demand hoodies and mugs with tight margins, there are cheaper, broader platforms out there.

But if quality, sustainability, and brand-first presentation matter to you, Tpop delivers.

6. Kin Custom (via SPOD)

Why I Like It

Kin Custom used to be limited to US fulfilment only, which made it a tough sell for anyone targeting customers in Europe or Ireland. But that’s changed.

Thanks to their partnership with SPOD, Kin Custom now offers European fulfilment, with orders routed through SPOD’s production network in the EU. That means faster delivery and fewer headaches for Irish sellers.

What makes Kin Custom stand out is their product catalogue. It’s not your standard mugs and tees setup.

They offer items like yoga mats, bomber jackets, travel bags, athletic wear, and fashion-forward pieces that most POD platforms don’t touch.

If you’re running a niche store or you want to stand out with more premium, lifestyle-focused products, this is a strong option.

While the UI feels a little more rigid than Printful or Gelato, the backend does its job, especially when connected to Shopify.

If you’re willing to learn the platform, you’ll unlock some of the most unique print-on-demand products on the market.

Pros

• EU fulfilment through SPOD: no more relying on US shipping or customs delays
• Unique, high-margin products: bomber jackets, shoes, duffel bags, yoga mats, athletic gear, premium fashion
• Reliable print quality: vibrant DTG and sublimation printing
• Supports Shopify out of the box: seamless syncing, easy product setup
• Custom branding options available: neck labels, hang tags, and custom packaging (on Kin Custom US site; limited in EU)

Cons

• No direct Etsy integration: unless you run it through a separate app or middleware
• Branding options are limited in EU: not all features carry over from the US system
• UI isn’t beginner-friendly: more clicks and setup steps compared to smoother platforms like Printful or Tpop
• Pricing can feel inconsistent: some premium items are affordable, others are priced high even before shipping

Shipping to Ireland

Once connected to SPOD’s European production network, Kin Custom products ship from Germany or the Netherlands, depending on product type.

Delivery to Ireland typically takes 5 to 8 business days, with tracking provided. For faster delivery, stick with core items that are fulfilled directly by SPOD’s primary facilities.

Here’s a breakdown of the Irish shipping performance through Kin Custom via SPOD:

Fulfilment Origin	Avg Delivery to Ireland	Courier Services	Tracking Available	Branding Options in EU
Germany, Netherlands	5–8 business days	DHL, Hermes	Yes	Limited (via SPOD only)

You’ll want to check each product’s fulfilment region inside the dashboard, as some custom products may still default to US production. For Irish orders, always select EU fulfilment when available.

Best For

Kin Custom is a great fit for:

• Niche eCom stores looking for unique products
• Fashion-forward or lifestyle brands
• Shopify sellers who want more than basic tees and mugs

If your store needs product variety that turns heads, and you want to test designs on less saturated items like leggings, footwear, or gym bags, Kin Custom has the edge.

It’s not ideal for new sellers who need hand-holding or want basic automation. But for experienced store owners looking to add real differentiation, it’s a solid tool in your stack.

Just be sure to test your supply chain before scaling. The backend setup is solid, but you’ll want to sample products, verify shipping times, and confirm which items ship from Europe before launching.

7. Dropshirt

Why I Like It

Finally, a homegrown POD option. Dropshirt is based right here in Ireland and offers something no other platform on this list can match: true local fulfilment.

All printing and shipping happens in-country, which means Irish sellers get the fastest delivery available with minimal risk of customs issues or unexpected delays.

They’re focused on simplicity and speed, offering a small but solid selection of apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, and a few basics.

This isn’t the platform for advanced integrations or huge product ranges—but it’s extremely effective if you want fast local delivery and personal support from a team that understands the Irish market.

And because they’re a smaller operation, you’re more likely to get direct, human communication, which can be a huge plus if you’re running a lean eCom business or just getting started.

Pros

• Local fulfilment in Ireland: All products are printed and shipped from within the country
• Fastest delivery times on this list: usually 2 to 3 days nationwide
• No customs or VAT worries: everything is handled inside the Republic
• Supports Shopify and WooCommerce with direct plugins or API access
• Simple, responsive customer support: direct communication with the Dropshirt team
• Great for sample runs and short lead times

Cons

• Small catalogue: Mostly limited to t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and tote bags
• Limited branding options: Not ideal for sellers who want custom labels, inserts, or premium packaging
• Less automation: Lacks the workflow sophistication of platforms like Printful or Printify
• UI is basic: The dashboard works, but it’s not as slick or intuitive

Shipping to Ireland

This is where Dropshirt really shines. All orders are fulfilled and shipped from within Ireland, typically using An Post.

That means 2–3 business days max to any part of the country, whether you’re sending to Dublin, Galway, Limerick, or Cork.

There’s no customs clearance, no cross-border shipping issues, and no delay—just fast, local delivery.

Here’s how Dropshirt stacks up from a fulfilment perspective:

Fulfilment Location	Avg Delivery in Ireland	Courier Partner	Tracking	Customs Risk	Branding Options
Ireland (local)	2–3 business days	An Post	Yes	None	Basic only

Their local presence also means returns and exchanges are faster and cheaper to handle, which is a big advantage for customer satisfaction and retention.

Best For

Dropshirt is the best option for:

• Irish-based eCom sellers
• Local brands focused on domestic sales
• New sellers who want to keep it simple
• Anyone tired of long delivery times or customs delays

If your brand’s audience is in Ireland and you care about quick shipping, easy communication, and supporting local, Dropshirt is worth testing.

The product range is small, but the convenience and turnaround speed make it ideal for tight product launches, sample testing, or running an Ireland-first brand.

It’s not built for high-volume international scaling or complex workflows, but it fills a critical gap for sellers who want to stay local, stay fast, and stay in control.

Who’s Best For What?

Choosing the right POD platform depends entirely on who you are, what you sell, and how you want your business to run. No single platform fits everyone, but here’s how I would match each one based on seller type and business model.

Seller Type	Best POD Platform(s)	Why It Fits
Etsy sellers	Printful, Printify	Seamless integration, auto-order sync, mockups, and good support for branding
Artists/designers	Contrado	Premium product selection, luxury quality, tight print control
Eco-conscious brands	Tpop, Gelato	Organic materials, sustainable practices, low carbon fulfilment
Speed-focused stores	Dropshirt, Gelato	Fastest delivery times (2–5 business days), no customs issues
Budget sellers	Printify (with Premium)	Lowest base prices, wide product selection, scalable margins
Unique/niche stores	Kin Custom	Product range includes fashion-forward and lifestyle items

If your business has a tight focus or you’re building a brand around a specific value—like sustainability or premium design—these matches will save you time and frustration long-term.

Pros and Cons of Using EU or Irish POD Companies

Sourcing from within the EU—or better yet, directly from Ireland—comes with major advantages. But it also brings a few trade-offs compared to using US-based providers.

Pros

• No customs headaches
  Orders ship within the EU or domestically, avoiding clearance delays and import taxes.
• Faster shipping
  EU and Irish POD companies deliver in 2–7 business days. US-based platforms often take 10+ days, not including customs delays.
• VAT already included
  Prices often include VAT upfront, making accounting easier and preventing unexpected fees for customers.
• Easier returns and exchanges
  Handling returns is simpler when the product never leaves the EU. This lowers your costs and boosts customer satisfaction.

Cons

• Smaller product catalogues
  Platforms like Printify and Printful US have hundreds more SKUs, especially in tech accessories, home décor, and novelty items.
• Higher base prices on premium items
  Local fulfilment and eco production raise costs. Margins may be tighter unless you’re charging higher retail prices.
• Fewer branding options
  Some EU print partners limit custom labels or packaging inserts, especially compared to US-based fulfilment houses.

That said, for Irish and EU customers, the speed and simplicity of local fulfilment usually outweigh the limitations, especially if you’re focused on customer experience.

Mistakes I See POD Sellers Make in Ireland

After working with sellers across different POD platforms and countries, I’ve noticed the same avoidable mistakes pop up over and over again.

If you’re based in Ireland—or selling to Irish customers—keep these in mind:

1. Ignoring Fulfilment Location

Just because the platform looks professional doesn’t mean your products are printed in Europe. Always check where fulfilment happens before you go live. A “EU warehouse” isn’t the same as “local EU fulfilment.”

2. Skipping Samples

Print quality, fabric feel, packaging—it all matters. Never trust a mockup alone. Order samples before launching any product. This helps you catch issues before your customers do.

3. Overcomplicating Logistics

You don’t need five suppliers and ten products to start. In fact, that’ll slow you down. Start with one platform and one or two products. Scale once you’ve tested the full process end to end—from print to delivery.

These aren’t just beginner errors. I’ve seen experienced sellers burn profit by expanding too fast without vetting their suppliers properly.

If I Had to Start From Scratch…

If I were launching a brand-new POD store in Ireland today, here’s exactly how I’d set it up.

Step-by-Step Plan

1. Use Printful for premium basics
   Tees, hoodies, and framed posters. Printful has the quality and the brand feel to anchor a product line.
2. Test Gelato for local fulfilment speed
   Mugs, apparel, and wall art with 3-day shipping and local EU production make Gelato a great support option.
3. Keep Dropshirt in my back pocket
   For fast Irish fulfilment on standard apparel. Great for promotions, local drops, or quick reorders.
4. Start with Shopify
   It’s stable, customisable, and integrates easily with all three platforms.
5. Keep the product range tight
   I’d launch with no more than 3 to 5 SKUs. It’s easier to test quality, pricing, and delivery without overcommitting.
6. Order samples from each supplier
   I’d compare packaging, print sharpness, fulfilment time, and customer experience before scaling any product.

Why This Setup Works

• Reduces shipping risk
  All suppliers are either in the EU or local, so orders get delivered fast without customs headaches.
• Keeps brand image strong
  Printful and Tpop allow custom branding and professional-looking packaging.
• Keeps it manageable
  One store, a few products, tested suppliers. That’s all you need to hit the ground running without drowning in options.

Simple. Sustainable. Scalable. That’s how I’d build a POD business in Ireland right now. Keep it lean until the proof is there. Then scale hard, but only once your system is tight.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all POD platform—especially when you’re selling from or to Ireland. The key is choosing the right tool for your business model, your audience, and your goals.

If speed matters most, stick with Dropshirt or Gelato.

If you care about quality and branding, Printful is hard to beat. Want unique products? Test Kin Custom.

Selling premium art or fashion? Look at Contrado. And if sustainability is your brand’s backbone, Tpop will align with your values.

You don’t need to test every platform to succeed. Just pick one, test thoroughly, keep it simple—and build from there. Your time’s better spent growing the brand, not chasing down lost orders or refunding delays.

Irish sellers have more options than ever. Use that to your advantage. Build lean, scale smart, and focus on giving customers the kind of experience that gets them coming back.