I’ve looked at two print on demand platforms: Zazzle and Printful. Both allow creators to design and sell custom products online without inventory. While both have their pros, I found some key differences.

Printful has better design tools and more flexibility to build a brand. It allows integration with multiple sales channels so sellers have more control over their online presence.

Zazzle is a marketplace where creators can list their designs. It has a huge product catalog but less customization for individual stores.

My Verdict

I recommend Printful for entrepreneurs who want high quality products and multi channel selling. It’s scalable and potentially higher profit margins.

Zazzle is better for those who want to get started in custom product sales without managing a separate online store. It’s an all in one solution for creators who want to monetize their designs fast.

Zazzle vs Printful: Pros and Cons

Printful’s Pros and Cons

Printful has a wide range of premium products with lots of customization options. I love their all over print and embroidery capabilities.

Their design tools are awesome, with AI powered image upscaling. Printful integrates with many sales channels which is a big plus. They also offer additional services like design assistance.

On the other hand, Printful’s base product cost is high. Their customer support isn’t always the fastest to respond.

Zazzle’s Pros and Cons

Zazzle has hassle free setup – no upfront costs and no need for a separate ecommerce platform. They have a wide range of unique products and user friendly design tools.

With over 30 million online visitors, Zazzle has a built in customer base. Creators can set their own royalty rates.

The downside? Zazzle’s marketplace is competitive. It’s hard to build a brand on their platform. Growth potential is limited compared to having your own store.

Zazzle vs Printful: Features Compared

Product Range and Customization

Printful and Zazzle have product customization but they approach it differently. Printful has more apparel options with focus on quality and eco friendly products.

I love their mockup generator which has AI powered upscaling tools that improves image quality.

Zazzle has more products like sports accessories and party supplies. Their design tools are user friendly but not as advanced as Printful’s.

Printing methods differ between the two. Printful has all over print and embroidery. Zazzle uses direct to garment printing.

Quality and Profit

Printful’s quality is evident in their 99% customer satisfaction rate. They source from reputable suppliers and use latest machinery. This high quality allows for higher pricing.

Zazzle’s print quality is hit or miss depending on the files uploaded. They have quality control but results may vary.

For profitability, both have flexibility. Zazzle allows you to set royalty rates but takes 15% commission. Competition on their marketplace can affect pricing.

Printful gives full pricing control when selling through your own channels. Their base cost is higher than some competitors which can impact profit margins.

Order Fulfillment and Sales Platforms

The main difference is sales channels. Printful integrates with many e-commerce platforms, marketplaces and social media. This allows for branding and sales expansion.

Zazzle only allows sales on their marketplace. While this limits options, it does give you a ready made platform with built in traffic.

Both have global fulfillment and shipping options. Zazzle allows customers to choose and pay for shipping methods themselves. With Printful you decide whether to include shipping cost in product price or charge separately.

User Experience and Support

I found both platforms user friendly, no design or coding knowledge required. Printful’s design tools feel more intuitive especially with their AI features.

Zazzle’s design interface is simpler but more limited. They manage storefront setup, Printful requires you to manage your own sales channels.

For support, both have extensive self help resources. Zazzle has email support with phone option. Printful has 24/7 email and live chat support. I’ve had quick response from both.

Zazzle vs Printful: Pricing

Zazzle keeps it simple with a flat pricing model. I found they take 15% from each item sold on their platform.

No upfront cost to start selling and payments are processed through PayPal once you reach a certain earnings threshold.

Printful has a different approach. Their basic plan is free and includes all the essential tools for product design and global fulfillment.

For sellers who want extra perks Printful has premium options:

• Growth Plan: $24.99/month (free for $12k+ annual revenue)

• 20% off DTG products
• 30% off other categories
• 7% off branding
• Product transfer support

• Business Plan: (for $60k+ annual revenue)

• 33% off various product categories
• 22% off DTG products
• 9% off branding
• Free embroidery digitization

Printful also has paid services like design assistance and custom labeling.

Both allow you to start without initial investment but Printful’s tiered structure can save you a lot of money if you’re a high volume seller.

Printful vs Zazzle: Who Wins?

Printful is the better choice for entrepreneurs looking for scalability and flexibility in their print on demand business.

Their platform allows you to build a brand and sell across multiple channels easily. Printful’s design tools are slightly more advanced so you have more control over product customization.

Zazzle excels in product selection, you can start immediately without needing a separate online store. But that comes at a cost.

The marketplace structure puts sellers in competition with each other and can affect visibility and sales. Zazzle also doesn’t have omnichannel selling so it can limit growth for ambitious businesses.

I recommend Printful for those who want to build a full print on demand business. It has the tools and flexibility to scale.

Zazzle is better for those who want to try out custom product sales with minimal upfront investment and effort.