Which POD to use

Okay, so I'm going to go a bit off topic for today.

Well, not off topic, but jumping the gun sort of. I wanted to present this blog in an orderly fashion of starting to make graphics onto the finer aspects of shopkeeping, marketing and management with a print on demand company. (yes I am OCD, why do you ask?)

BUT, I keep getting asked the same question, so I thought I'd jump tangent and explain a little.

First, let me say that I do love Cafepress. I really do. It has allowed me to do things I've always wanted to do. It has given me a freedom (financial and creative) that I never had.

However, it is not the ONLY print on demand site.

And here is the kicker -- I didn't even make my first sale from Cafepress!

Okay, let's take a look at the aspects of the various PODs.

First round: Cafepress vs. Printfection

Okay, there are a few aspects of Printfection that I do adore. First off, they are free. I really like free. However, there are always drawbacks to free. One thing is Cafepress - by far - is more popular. Yes, they really have the market for customers (think Google vs any other search engine).

Printfection also offers more products. Yeah, they do have that over CP. However, it also seems that CP offers a few more "quality" products (such as the framed prints of keepsake boxes). But Printfection offers more shirts and other products (cutting boards and more kids clothes).

So, what is it that makes me choose CP as my fave? It would be the ease of shop management tools. Yeah, Printfection offers some, but not nearly what Cafepress offers. And for those who are a little anal about order and don't have much time, CP wins.

Both offer nice products at a reasonable price as well.

If I scored them both 1 - 10, I'd probably give Cafepress a 8 (it isn't perfect) with Printfection being a close 6.

Next round: Cafepress vs. Zazzle

Well, Zazzle is not quite like Cafepress, but enough like it (in that it is POD) to bring it into this conversation.

Zazzle is making some changes, but they are still very different. The pricing structure is different (you set percentage royalties, where at CP you can set specific amounts for products). You get a gallery (instead of a "store" or "shop") but now you can customize it.

When I first began, I thought Zazzle was more for "artists" -- you know 'real' artists, not just graphic designers. However, as Zazzle changes, I think it might give CP a run for it's money too.

Scores: CP still 8, Zazzle 5.5 (only because they're just now changing). I think I might look a little deeper into Zazzle after my research too!

The last two of the alternatives are Artsnow and Spreadshirt.

Artsnow is VERY similar to Cafepress. But, they are young. They are working hard and earning some serious respect. But they are still young. And in this day and age, they are going to have to work hard for some time to come close to CP. The one big drawback is Paypal is required. It's not that I don't have an account. But, I don't like it being a requirement. They do offer a variety of types of stores which is a unique option, but it may be a good/bad thing depending on how you look at it.

Score for Artsnow 5 (mostly good, still young)

Now for Spreadshirt -- they too are young -- at least in the US. I've heard tell that they've been around and just now branched out. SO, they are new to me. I will honestly say I haven't done as much research with Spreadshirt as I should have. But to me, young is still young. I've heard mostly good things about them, but a few not so good. I think they need some more experience under their belt for me. But, they may be the perfect solution for you.

Score: 4 (young, a few bad reports)

But here is the deal: I prefer CP. Some shop owners think Cafepress is too difficult or too strict. Some think they make better sales elsewhere. Some use each for various products.

Me, I branch out too.

But, start with one store so you don't go insane. Get to know it. Make it pretty (if you can) and then move on and create another one. That way you are actually in it for the long haul rather than just jumping in both feet and drowning. Even if you REALLY need the money!

Oh, and if you are wondering, I made my first sale from Printfection! :)

And just for you, I'm not even going to bore you with a commercial tonight! :)