CustomCat vs Printful: Which POD Service Will Help You Succeed in 2023?

The world of e-commerce has been rapidly growing over the past few years, and with it, the demand for print-on-demand services has also increased. This is because more and more entrepreneurs are looking for ways to monetize their creative skills and make a living out of it. However, it is essential to choose the right print-on-demand partner to ensure that your business runs smoothly and successfully.

In this article, we will be comparing two of the most popular print-on-demand companies, CustomCat vs Printful, and help you decide which one is the right fit for your business needs. We will be examining various aspects such as product offerings, pricing, order fulfillment, quality, integration, ease of use, customer support, and more.

CustomCat is a print-on-demand platform that specializes in customization of apparel and accessories. It offers a wide range of products such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and more. CustomCat also provides an easy-to-use interface, fast order fulfillment, and various integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and more.

Printful, on the other hand, is a print-on-demand platform that provides a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. It also offers an easy-to-use interface, fast shipping, and various integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, and more.

Let’s compare CustomCat vs Printful and determine which one is the right fit for your business.

CustomCat vs Printful: CustomCat Overview

CustomCat is a print-on-demand platform that was founded in 2015 by Donny and Kevin Tomlinson. The company was created to provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with a simple and affordable way to sell custom products. CustomCat operates out of Detroit, Michigan, and has two production facilities in the United States.

CustomCat offers a wide range of collections that cater to different niches, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. Its apparel collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, sweatshirts, and more. The accessory collection includes items such as phone cases, tote bags, and more. CustomCat’s home decor collection includes items such as canvas prints, blankets, and more.

CustomCat works by providing an easy-to-use platform that allows users to design their products, add them to their online store, and then have CustomCat handle the printing, packing, and shipping of the products directly to their customers. The process starts with the user creating their design or uploading it to the platform. The user then selects the product they want to sell and customizes it with their design.

Once the product is finalized, the user adds it to their online store, and when a customer makes a purchase, CustomCat automatically fulfills the order and ships it directly to the customer. Overall, CustomCat’s focus on simplicity, affordability, and ease-of-use has made it a popular choice for many entrepreneurs looking to start a print-on-demand business.

CustomCat vs Printful: Printful Overview

Printful was founded in 2013 by Lauris Liberts and Davis Siksnans as a solution to the frustration of the lack of high-quality print-on-demand services available at the time. Since then, Printful has grown to become one of the leading print-on-demand companies in the world, with multiple locations across the United States and Europe.

Printful offers a wide range of collections that cater to different niches, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. Its apparel collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, sweatshirts, and more. The accessory collection includes items such as phone cases, tote bags, backpacks, and more. Printful’s home decor collection includes items such as posters, canvas prints, blankets, and more.

Printful works by providing an easy-to-use platform that allows users to design their products, add them to their online store, and then have Printful handle the printing, packing, and shipping of the products directly to their customers. The process starts with the user creating their design or uploading it to the platform. The user then selects the product they want to sell and customizes it with their design.

Once the product is finalized, the user adds it to their online store, and when a customer makes a purchase, Printful automatically fulfills the order and ships it directly to the customer. Overall, Printful’s focus on quality, variety, and ease-of-use has made it a popular choice for many entrepreneurs looking to start a print-on-demand business.

CustomCat vs Printful: Ease Of Use

CustomCat’s platform is straightforward to use, with an intuitive design that allows users to select the product they want to sell and customize it with their design. The platform also integrates with multiple ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it easy for users to add their products to their online store.

Printful’s platform is also user-friendly, with an intuitive design that allows users to select the product they want to sell and customize it with their design. Printful also integrates with multiple ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it easy for users to add their products to their online store.

When comparing the overall platform experience, both CustomCat and Printful provide an excellent user experience. Both platforms are easy to navigate and offer a wide selection of products to choose from. The customization process is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing users to upload their designs or create them using the platform’s design tools.

It’s essential to note that the platform experience may vary depending on the user’s familiarity with ecommerce platforms and their technical abilities. However, both CustomCat and Printful offer helpful resources and support to assist users in setting up their online store and products.

Overall, both CustomCat and Printful offer user-friendly platforms that make it easy for users to set up their products for their online store. The overall platform experience is excellent, with both companies providing a wide selection of products and user-friendly customization tools.

CustomCat vs Printful: Product Offerings

CustomCat and Printful both offer a wide range of products that cater to different niches. CustomCat’s product catalog includes apparel, accessories, and home decor. Its apparel collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, sweatshirts, and more. The accessory collection includes items such as phone cases, tote bags, and more. CustomCat’s home decor collection includes items such as canvas prints, blankets, and more.

Printful’s product catalog also includes apparel, accessories, and home decor, but with a more extensive selection. Its apparel collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, sweatshirts, dresses, and more. The accessory collection includes items such as phone cases, tote bags, backpacks, and more. Printful’s home decor collection includes items such as posters, canvas prints, blankets, pillows, and more.

When comparing the unique products offered by each company, Printful has a more extensive selection, especially in its apparel collection. For example, Printful offers dresses, leggings, skirts, and more, while CustomCat does not. However, CustomCat offers a unique product in its catalog, which is custom embroidery on select apparel items. Printful does not offer custom embroidery at this time.

Overall, both companies offer a wide range of products, with Printful having a more extensive selection, and CustomCat offering a unique product with custom embroidery. The choice ultimately depends on which products align with the needs of the business.

CustomCat vs Printful: Print Quality

CustomCat’s quality control measures include using high-quality materials, performing print tests to ensure that the design is printed correctly, and performing quality checks on the finished product before it is shipped to the customer. CustomCat also has a return policy that allows customers to return products within 30 days of receipt if they are not satisfied with the quality.

Printful’s quality control measures include using high-quality materials, performing print tests to ensure that the design is printed correctly, and performing quality checks on the finished product before it is shipped to the customer. Printful also offers a print file review service to ensure that the design meets their guidelines and will print correctly.

When comparing product quality and customer reviews, both CustomCat and Printful have received positive feedback from customers regarding the quality of their products. However, some customers have reported issues with the print quality or sizing of the products they received from both companies.

It’s important to note that product quality can vary depending on the design, material, and printing method used. It’s essential to carefully review the product specifications and guidelines provided by each company to ensure that the design will print correctly and the product will meet expectations.

CustomCat vs Printful: Shipping and Fulfillment

CustomCat’s order fulfillment process begins with the user creating their design or uploading it to the platform. When a customer makes a purchase, CustomCat automatically fulfills the order and ships it directly to the customer. CustomCat offers multiple shipping options, including standard shipping, expedited shipping, and overnight shipping.

Printful’s order fulfillment process is similar. When a customer makes a purchase, Printful automatically fulfills the order and ships it directly to the customer. Printful also offers multiple shipping options, including standard shipping, express shipping, and overnight shipping.

When comparing the turnaround times and shipping options, both companies offer similar processing times. CustomCat has a standard processing time of 2-7 business days, while Printful’s processing time is typically 2-5 business days. Both companies also offer expedited processing options for an additional fee.

In terms of shipping options, both companies offer standard and expedited shipping, but Printful also offers express and overnight shipping options. The shipping options and prices may vary depending on the location of the customer and the destination.

CustomCat vs Printful: Packaging & Branding

CustomCat offers branded packaging options, including custom packing slips, poly mailers, and boxes with a user’s logo printed on them. CustomCat also allows users to add their branding to the product itself by using custom tags, labels, and stickers.

Printful also offers branded packaging options, including custom packing slips, boxes, and tape with a user’s logo printed on them. Printful also allows users to add their branding to the product itself by using custom tags, labels, and stickers.

When comparing the packaging and branding features of both platforms, both CustomCat and Printful offer similar options. Both companies offer branded packaging options and allow users to add their branding to the product itself.

However, CustomCat’s branding options are slightly more extensive, with the ability to customize poly mailers and boxes with a user’s logo printed on them. CustomCat also allows users to add a custom label to the inside of the product, which can include additional branding or care instructions.

CustomCat vs Printful: Integrations

Both CustomCat and Printful integrate with multiple ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more.

CustomCat integrates with the following ecommerce platforms:

• Shopify
• WooCommerce
• Etsy
• BigCommerce

Printful integrates with the following ecommerce platforms:

• Shopify
• WooCommerce
• Etsy
• Squarespace
• Wix
• BigCommerce
• Weebly
• Magento
• Big Cartel

When comparing the integration options of both platforms, both CustomCat and Printful offer similar integration options. Both platforms integrate with the most popular ecommerce platforms, making it easy for users to set up their online store and products.

However, Printful offers integrates with Squarespace and Wix, which CustomCat does not support. CustomCat, on the other hand, integrates with Amazon and eBay, which Printful does not support.

Overall, both CustomCat and Printful offer excellent integration options, allowing users to connect their online store with their print-on-demand products seamlessly. The integration options may vary depending on the ecommerce platform a user is using, but both companies support the most popular platforms, making it easy for users to set up their online store and products.

CustomCat Vs Printful: Pricing

CustomCat offers two pricing plans to its users. The first plan is called CustomCat Lite and is designed for beginners who want to start selling their products without any monthly fee. The second plan is the CustomCat plan, which costs $30 per month. This plan offers reduced prices for products compared to the Lite plan. For instance, a t-shirt on the Lite plan costs $9 per tee, whereas on the CustomCat plan, it costs $7 per tee.

For individual items, the basic v-neck tee is priced at $11.19 per item. However, the exact pricing may vary depending on the product type and order quantity. CustomCat also provides a 30-day free trial for their paid plan, which can be beneficial for those who want to try out the platform before committing to a subscription.

Printful operates on a pay-per-order pricing model and does not charge any monthly fees to its users. For example, a v-neck t-shirt on Printful costs $13.54, which is slightly higher than CustomCat’s basic v-neck tee price of $11.19 per item. However, with Printful, you do not have to worry about any monthly fees.

CustomCat’s prices are typically slightly lower than Printful’s, although the difference may not be significant for smaller orders. CustomCat also offers a subscription plan that provides additional discounts and benefits, which may make it a more cost-effective option for some users. Ultimately, the choice between CustomCat and Printful will depend on the user’s specific needs and priorities, including the volume of orders they expect to fulfill and their budget for product and shipping costs.

CustomCat vs Printful: Customer support

CustomCat offers customer support via email, phone, and a help center. The help center includes articles, videos, and guides to help users navigate the platform and resolve common issues. CustomCat also has a community forum where users can ask questions and receive answers from other CustomCat users.

Printful offers customer support via email, phone, live chat, and a help center. The help center includes articles, videos, and guides to help users navigate the platform and resolve common issues. Printful also has a community forum where users can ask questions and receive answers from other Printful users.

When comparing the customer support options of both platforms, both CustomCat and Printful offer similar support options, including email, phone, and a help center. However, Printful also offers live chat support, which CustomCat does not have.

In terms of response times, both CustomCat and Printful have received positive reviews from users. However, some users have reported longer wait times for CustomCat’s customer support compared to Printful.

CustomCat vs Printful: Pros and Cons

CustomCat:

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of customizable products, including sublimation products and all-over print clothing.
• Integrates with multiple ecommerce platforms, including Amazon and eBay.
• Offers low prices for products and shipping.
• Provides a variety of branding and packaging options.
• Offers a community forum where users can ask questions and receive answers from other users.

Cons:

• Some users have reported longer wait times for customer support.
• Limited international shipping options.
• Some users have reported quality control issues with their products.
• No live chat support option.

Printful:

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of products, including unique items like phone cases and blankets.
• Integrates with multiple ecommerce platforms, including Squarespace and Wix.
• Offers high-quality products with reliable print quality.
• Offers live chat support for quick customer service.
• Provides a variety of branding and packaging options.

Cons:

• Higher prices compared to other print-on-demand services.
• Longer processing and shipping times for certain products.
• Limited customization options for some products.
• Some users have reported issues with quality control and order fulfillment.

CustomCat vs Printful: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between CustomCat and Printful depends on several factors that may vary depending on the needs of your business. When deciding which platform to use, consider the following factors:

• Product Offering: Consider the types of products you want to sell and which platform offers a better selection of those products.
• Pricing: Compare the pricing of the two platforms for the products you want to sell and determine which one offers more cost-effective solutions for your business.
• Order Fulfillment: Look at the turnaround times and shipping options for each platform and determine which one can meet the needs of your customers.
• Quality: Evaluate the quality control measures of each platform and customer reviews to determine which one has better quality products.
• Integration: Consider the integration of each platform with your e-commerce store and the ease of use of each platform.
• Customer Support: Look at the support options offered by each platform and evaluate the quality and response times.

Based on these factors, our final recommendation is that CustomCat may be a better option for businesses that are just starting with print-on-demand and want to minimize costs. Printful may be a better option for businesses that want to offer a wide variety of products with high-quality standards and are willing to pay a little more per item.

CustomCat vs Printful: Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Printful and CustomCat, here are some other print-on-demand companies to consider:

• Gooten – It is a print-on-demand platform that, like Printify, works with multiple suppliers for their products. They have fulfillment centers located in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and offer over 140 unique products. Their lead time is between 3-7 days, and shipping time depends on the supplier location and the customer’s location. Gooten only integrates with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
• Teelaunch – It is a print-on-demand app that is solely focused on Shopify stores. It doesn’t sell on any other platform, but only connects with Shopify as an app and allows you to upload your own custom designs to the products they offer. They have around 124 products divided into different categories and subcategories.
• Printify – It is a print-on-demand platform that connects e-commerce store owners with a network of print providers. They offer a wide range of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more, which can be customized with your own designs. Printify has fulfillment locations in the US, UK, China, Mexico, Australia, and more, allowing for faster and more affordable shipping options. They integrate with major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it easy for store owners to manage their print-on-demand products.
• Teespring – It is a print-on-demand company that allows users to create and sell custom-designed products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more. Teespring offers a wide range of customization options for its products, including design, color, and size variations It integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce, and also has its own online marketplace where sellers can showcase their products to a wider audience. Teespring operates on a no-risk, no-upfront-costs model, meaning that sellers only pay for the products that are sold.

CustomCat vs Printful: FAQs

What is the difference between CustomCat and Printful?

CustomCat and Printful are both print-on-demand companies, but they differ in their product offerings, pricing, shipping options, and integration capabilities. CustomCat offers a lower-cost plan with no monthly fee and fewer product options, while Printful charges per order and has a wider range of products.

Which company offers better product quality?

Both CustomCat and Printful have quality control measures in place to ensure that their products meet certain standards. However, product quality can vary depending on the specific product and design. It is recommended to read customer reviews and request product samples to determine which company may offer better product quality for your specific needs.

Which company is more affordable?

CustomCat offers a lower-cost plan with no monthly fee, but higher individual item prices, while Printful charges per order with slightly higher individual item prices. The choice of which company is more affordable ultimately depends on your business needs and order volume.

Can I integrate CustomCat or Printful with my e-commerce platform?

Both CustomCat and Printful offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy.

What is the turnaround time for orders with CustomCat and Printful?

CustomCat’s turnaround time is typically 3-5 business days, while Printful’s is 2-7 business days. These times do not include shipping time, which varies depending on the location of the customer and shipping method chosen.

What happens if there is an issue with an order from CustomCat or Printful?

Both CustomCat and Printful have customer support teams that can help resolve any issues with orders, such as defects or shipping problems. Customers can contact the companies through their respective support channels.

How do I get started with CustomCat or Printful?

To get started with CustomCat or Printful, you would need to sign up for an account on their respective websites, connect your e-commerce platform, and start creating and selling your products. Each company has a user-friendly interface to guide you through the process.

CustomCat vs Printful: Conclusion

Both CustomCat and Printful offer a range of print-on-demand products and services for businesses. Each company has its own unique features and benefits, and it ultimately comes down to individual business needs when choosing which platform to use.

CustomCat has a free plan for beginners and a paid plan that provides cheaper pricing for high volumes of sales. The platform also offers a 30-day free trial for its paid plan, making it easy to try out. On the other hand, Printful does not have monthly fees, and instead, you pay per order. While it may be slightly more expensive per item, there are no monthly fees to worry about.

If you’re looking for a platform that offers cheaper pricing for high sales volumes, CustomCat may be the better choice. If you prefer to pay per order and have no monthly fees, then Printful may be a better option. However, both platforms offer quality products and services, making them both viable options for businesses.