By Ikenna Pius
Both Printify and Printiful are innovative companies that have added a new dimension to the business of making and selling things. These companies make e- commerce possible for small designers; people make the graphics and designs, while the companies do the actual printing, and sending to the buyer.
The items could be wallpapers, pictures, artworks, shoes, bags, clothes, and so many other things. Ordinarily, setting up businesses like these would require capital running into millions, but thanks to these companies, people have the opportunity to start small, and then grow into large franchises.
However, choosing a partner is a crucial part of doing business, which explains why many people wonder which to choose between these two companies. The answer lies in the differences between them.
Printify And Printful – What Is The Difference?
Location
Printify is located in Riga, Latvia; while Printful is located in California, USA. Some may find more confidence in dealing with an American company, than one located in northern Europe. It seems that Printful also has an edge when it comes to structure; it has its EU headquarters in Riga, Latvia, as well as various offices in Barcelona, Toronto, Birmingham (UK), Rio, and many other cities around Europe.
If an impressive structure is the basis of the choice, then Printful seems to have the edge.
Years Active
Printify was established in 2015, while Printful was established in 2013. Printful has been in existence longer; and can therefore claim to be the more established company. It certainly has more experience, and can be considered the one with the greater brand identity, and goodwill with the people.
Number Of Users
Savvy readers would be careful about swallowing figures produced by companies themselves as they could be pumped up to present a larger than life image of themselves. In 2019 Printful stated that it had 1 Million registered users, while Printify stated that it has 10 Million users.
It would therefore seem that Printify is the more popular platform. For a platform to be so popular it should be doing good work, providing its services to satisfied customers who then tell others about the company.
Business Expansion
Printful seems to be on an expansion drive; the company has made several key moves in recent years to increase its market share, and solidify its position as a market leader in the print on demand business.
It has opened several offices across Europe and America to increase the efficiency with which it handles logistics. It has secured integration with top e-commerce websites such as Shopify, Wix, Amazon, Ebay, and WIX.
It bought the domain name “printful” for $100,000, and then moved its business to that name. The business looks poised for even more growth.
Are Printiful And Printify The Same?
Both companies are in the business of e-commerce – selling artful items made by their users. Printify and Printful are both popular e-commerce – print on demand companies; and they both have their satisfied customers who insist that the company they use is the best.
But no, they are not the same company. They just have a lot in common, such as selling high quality products made by small designers with original ideas.
The quality of the products is impeccable, the prices are competitive, and the speed of delivery is comparable.
However, the possibility of success with print on demand drop shipping does not depend on the company you choose.
What Does It Take To Be Successful
The three most important aspects of e–commerce are the creation of a good product, packaging, and marketing.
Creating A Good Product
Developing a good product in the case of print on demand simply means creating a beautiful design, one that is original, and appealing. The printing work will be done by the print on demand company you choose to work with, but no matter how good the company, they cannot make an ugly design look good.
After creating a design, it is always a good idea to have a few people look at it. Product review is always a part of the process for big companies, whether they are fashion companies, or whether they produce anything from footwear to planes.
Naming the product is also a part of its creation. The name is stamped on it forever, and if the name is rejected, so will the product.
Packaging
Packaging is all about the way the put before the buyer. It is what the buyer sees when he look at the product. How is it wrapped? How is it photographed? How attractive does it look? One question that usually works is to ask oneself “would I buy something that looks like this?”
On ecommerce the methods are slightly different, but the goal is ultimately the same; to convince potential buyers.
Selling a tee shirt on a platform like this would therefore require the seller to use pictures of the final product – not some generic computer generated image. It is even better when the shirt is worn by a real person, or put on a mannequin.
The images must be professionally taken and edited. Remember that your image will stand beside hundreds of similar images in its category. It has to stand out!
Marketing
Is all about putting the word out about the product. Social media is a favorite way to show family, friends, and the world at large about the product you have created. But family and friends are not the only people you want to sell to, which is why money has to be spent to put the products in front of as many people as possible.
Every seller has a different budget, and the size of the budget can go a long way to determine how fast the products can be sold. Direct advertising on various websites can also go a long way in increasing sales.
Influencers can also be engaged to draw attention to the new brand, and to get the ball rolling. Getting the ball rolling here means to start a trend, or at least to make a design or brand popular.
Further Reading:
- How To Do Dropshipping In 4 Easy Steps
- Are Online Boutiques More Profitable?
- 5 Secrets To A Successful Online Boutique
Whether you choose printify or printful, or any other print on demand service, the most important thing is to create great designs that people will love. Neither company will automatically generate sales for sellers who do not put in the work. Sellers must therefore make sure that they promote their designs and creations so as to get them in front of as many people as possible.
