If you sell t-shirts with print on demand, this guide is for you. It covers the best providers, cheapest options, and top quality picks. You will also find quick answers in the FAQ. If you are still choosing a platform, compare Shopify vs Etsy. For head-to-heads, see Printful vs Printify, Printify vs Gelato, and Printful vs Gelato.
Top t-shirt POD vendors at a glance
“Price” is an example base cost for a Bella+Canvas 3001 or similar, where available. “Avg. fulfillment” is production time before shipping.
| Vendor | Example base price* | Print method(s) | Avg. fulfillment | Ships to US / EU | Key integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printify | from $11.29 | DTG, DTF, embroidery (by partner) | about 2 to 7 business days | Yes / Yes | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce |
| Printful | about $12.95 | DTG, DTF, embroidery, cut and sew | about 2 to 5 business days | Yes / Yes | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce |
| Gelato | varies by country | DTG, DTF, embroidery (by partner) | about 2 to 5 business days | Yes / Yes | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce |
| CustomCat | $11.47 Lite / $8.67 Pro | DTG, DIGISOFT, embroidery | about 1 to 3 business days | Yes / Limited EU | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce |
| Gooten | from ~$8.84 | DTG, DTF (by partner) | about 0 to 6 business days | Yes / Yes | Shopify, Etsy, API |
| teelaunch | about $11.50 | DTG, DTF, laser | about 4 to 7 business days | Yes / Yes | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce |
| Apliiq | varies | DTG, DTF, embroidery, screen | about 3 to 7 business days | Yes / Ships worldwide | Shopify, WooCommerce |
| Awkward Styles | from $10.70 | DTG, DTF, embroidery | about 1 to 3 business days | Yes / Ships worldwide | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce |
| Inkthreadable | from £9.26 | DTG, embroidery | about 3 to 5 working days | Ships to US / Yes EU | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce |
| merchOne | varies | DTF, DTG, embroidery | often 48 hours | Yes / Yes | Shopify, Etsy via Order Desk |
* Always confirm current catalog pricing and shipping before launch.
Cheapest picks vs best quality
Cheapest base costs
If you want the lowest base price on a popular tee like Bella+Canvas 3001, start with CustomCat Pro, Awkward Styles, and cost-focused providers inside Printify. Add shipping and taxes to compare true landed cost.
Best quality and reliability
For consistent output, strong color, and broad coverage, look at Printful, Gelato, and merchOne. Their networks keep production close to the buyer, which shortens delivery for US and EU orders.
Balanced value
If you need price and choice, Gooten and teelaunch are solid picks. Order samples before launch to check blanks, color, and print feel.
US-based providers
Prefer US production for faster domestic delivery and branding options.
- CustomCat in Detroit, MI.
- Apliiq with facilities in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
- Awkward Styles in the Los Angeles area.
- teelaunch in Sioux Falls, SD plus partners.
- Printful with multiple US facilities.
If your audience is in Europe, consider Gelato, Inkthreadable, Two Fifteen, or merchOne.
How we verify
We track a Base Cost and Lead Times Index for core SKUs like the Bella+Canvas 3001. We log public catalog prices, run test orders, and check current fulfillment windows on vendor status pages. We cross-reference our findings with each brand page in our directory, like Printify, Printful, and Gelato. We also use our comparison guides such as Printful vs Printify to surface trade-offs that show up in real stores.
FAQ
What t-shirt blank should I start with?
Bella+Canvas 3001 is a strong beginner choice. It has a soft hand, a broad color range, and reliable DTG results. If margins matter, test Gildan 5000 as a cheaper option. Order samples from two providers and compare side by side.
DTG or DTF for t-shirts?
DTG feels soft on cotton. DTF works across fabrics and holds color well. Run a white and a dark sample in both methods before launch.
How fast will orders ship?
Production is the main variable. Most major providers average two to five business days before shipping. Add a buffer in Q4.
Which supplier is best for EU customers?
Gelato, Inkthreadable, Two Fifteen, and merchOne have strong EU coverage. That reduces transit time and cost.
Where should I sell first?
If you do not have an audience, Etsy is the fastest way to test. If you want full control, Shopify is better. See Shopify vs Etsy.