Top 10 UK Print-on-Demand Suppliers for Custom Products!

Print on Demand (POD) has taken the UK market by storm, providing a smooth process for business owners and artists to transform their ideas into unique goods without having to worry about stock or up-front expenses. With POD, you only produce items when a customer places an order, making it a low-risk, cost-effective business model for anyone looking to sell personalized goods like apparel, accessories, and more.

Selecting the ideal provider is essential to guaranteeing that your personalized goods are of the highest caliber and arrive quickly. In this blog, we'll dive into the "Top UK Print on Demand Suppliers for Custom Products!" to guide you in finding the perfect partners for your business success.

Overview Table of Top UK POD Suppliers

What to Look for in a UK POD Supplier

When selecting the best UK Print on Demand (POD) provider, there are a couple of things to watch out for. Below is what to look out for in order to ensure that you're sourcing your personalized products from a reliable partner:

Product Quality

Quality prints are essential to a robust brand and satisfied customers. Ensure that your POD provider uses high-quality materials and modern printing technology to create high-definition, durable prints. For example, high-quality t-shirts ought to have clean, vibrant graphics that don't fade. Check reviews and inspect sample products to gauge quality prior to committing.

Product Range

A broad range of customizable offerings is a huge advantage. You want your POD supplier to offer more than just t-shirts - look for options like:

• Hoodies, mugs, tote bags, and phone cases
• Home decor, including cushions and wall art
• Seasonal items for promotions and holidays

The wider the range, the more you are able to appeal to different customer tastes and fashions.

Shipping Speed & Costs

Low-cost shipping and speedy delivery are vital for ensuring a good customer experience. Select a POD supplier that offers:

• Next-day or 2-3 days delivery within the UK
• Transparent shipping costs with no extra charges

For instance, suppliers' free shipping on orders of a certain value can give you an edge, especially during promotional campaigns.

Customer Service

Your customer support cannot be compromised on. You need an active supplier who actively solves issues and communicates effectively if you're to have a seamless-running business. From order errors, delayed delivery, or defective products, you need a supplier who gets issues resolved with ease. Select vendors who have help agents on hand via phone, email, or live chat.

Pricing

Competitive pricing allows you to achieve healthy profit margins and offer your buyers competitive prices simultaneously. Have a POD supplier with:

• Transparency in their price structures
• Bulk orders and volume discounts
• Flexible pricing systems allow you to price your products competitively at retail level

For example, a supplier offering wholesale prices for larger orders allows you to scale your business while maximizing profitability.

Top 10 UK POD Suppliers for Custom Products

#1. Printful

Printful is a leading UK-based Print on Demand (POD) supplier known for its high-quality products and efficient services. With fulfillment centers in the UK, it offers quick shipping and easy integration with major e-commerce platforms.

Offered Products

Among the many customizable products offered by Printful are:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, leggings
• Accessories: Hats, bags, socks
• Home & Living: Mugs, cushions, posters
• Stationery & Gifts: Phone cases, notebooks

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High-Quality Printing: Uses DTG, embroidery, and sublimation for vibrant, durable prints.
• Fast UK Shipping: Local fulfillment centers ensure quick delivery.
• Easy Integration: Compatible with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce with ease.
• No Minimum Orders: Start with zero initial investment, best suited for small businesses.

Cons:

• Higher Costs: Premium quality can affect profit margins.
• Limited Customization: Some items have fewer personalization options.
• Shipping Fees: International shipping can be costly.

Ideal For

Printful is great for entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses that prioritize high-quality products, fast UK shipping, and seamless e-commerce integration.

#2. Printify

Printify is a global platform for Print on Demand (POD) that links business owners with a large network of print suppliers. With over 1,300 customisable products and compatibility with major e-commerce sites, Printify is a scalable solution for businesses of any size.

Offered Products

Printify's expansive product list includes:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, leggings
• Accessories: Hats, bags, socks
• Home & Living: Mugs, cushions, posters
• Stationery & Gifts: Phone cases, notebooks, and others

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extensive Product Range: Availability of over 1,300 customisable products.
• Global Fulfillment Network: Multiple print providers in different locations.
• Seamless Integrations: Support integration with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple dashboard and design software.

Cons:

• Variable Print Quality: Quality will be different based on the print supplier used.
• Shipping Times: Third-party reliance means longer shipping times.
• Limited Branding Options: Fewer branding and packaging customization options.

Ideal For

For entrepreneurs and small businesses that desire a variety of customizable products with international shipping options, Printify is the best. Its simple-to-use interface and integration capabilities make it perfect for those looking to scale their POD business successfully.

Learn more about Printify here!

#3. The Print Space

The Print Space is a British fine art and photography printing organization with a great reputation for delivering top-notch services. It specializes mainly in artists, photographers, and illustrators and provides both print-on-demand and fulfillment centers with the attention each piece gets.

Products Offered

• Fine Art Prints: Giclée and C-Type prints on high-quality papers such as Hahnemühle.
• Framing & Mounting: Solid wood frames with custom matting and acrylic mounting.
• Certificates of Authenticity: Digital signatures and certificates for limited edition prints.
• Branded Packaging: White-label service with custom inserts and eco-friendly packaging.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Gallery-Quality Prints: High-quality materials and professional printing methods.
• Fast Fulfillment: Orders processed and shipped within 2-5 working days.
• Seamless Integrations: Works on platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
• Eco-Friendly: 100% carbon-neutral with support for the World Land Trust.

Cons:

• Premium Pricing: Quality comes at a price.
• Limited Product Range: Principally fine art and photography.
• UK-Centric: UK-focused operations, which affect worldwide delivery times.

Ideal For

The Print Space is perfect for artists and photographers looking to offer high-end, customizable prints. Its eco-friendly practices and professional services make it ideal for those aiming to build a premium brand in the art market.

#4. Gelato

Gelato is a global Print on Demand (POD) platform that leverages a network of local print partners to offer fast and sustainable production. Gelato is a UK-based company that allows entrepreneurs to create and sell personalized products in a hurry while cutting carbon footprints through local production.

Products Sold

Gelato sells a diverse range of personalized products, including:

• Clothing: T-shirts, hoodies, leggings
• Accessories: Bags, hats, socks
• Home & Living: Mugs, cushions, posters
• Stationery & Gifts: Phone cases, notebooks, and more

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Local Production: Utilizes a network of print partners to produce items closer to the customer, reducing shipping time and cost.
• Sustainable Practices: Focuses on minimizing carbon footprints through producing items in the country of sale.
• Seamless Integrations: Integrates seamlessly with stores like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, simplifying the order process.
• Global Reach: Offers fulfillment in different countries to enable global sales with localized production.

Cons:

• Limited Product Range: While diverse, the product line may not be as broad as available with some other POD providers.
• Variable Print Quality: Based on the print partner and product type selected, quality can vary.
• Shipping Costs: While local production reduces shipping time, shipping fees can fluctuate by destination.

Ideal For

Gelato is best suited for entrepreneurs and small businesses that need a sustainable POD solution with quick shipping. Its worldwide shipping network and seamless integrations render it fit to serve businessmen who would wish to grow their business without leaving a big environmental impact.

#5. Contrado

Contrado is a British Print on Demand (POD) retailer focusing on producing high-quality, handcrafted goods while prioritizing sustainability and responsible production. Serving artists, designers, and boutique brands, Contrado features an extensive line of customizable goods with fast turn-around times made and printed in London.

Products Available

Contrado boasts a vast catalog of over 450 customizable products including:

• Apparel: All-over-print t-shirts, dresses, jackets, and leggings
• Accessories: Leather bags, scarves, wallets, and footwear
• Homeware: Cushions, bedding, curtains, and rugs
• Wall Art: Canvas prints, metal prints, and wallpapers
• Custom Fabrics: Over 100 fabric types for design and printing

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High-Quality Materials: It employs high-quality fabrics and environmentally friendly inks to provide vibrant, long-lasting prints.
• Fast Production: Most products are handmade and printed within 1–2 working days, with next-working-day delivery available.
• Deep Customization: Offers rich design attributes, including custom labels, packaging, and branding.
• Green Initiatives: 100% carbon-neutral company with a contribution made to the World Land Trust.

Cons:

• Premium Pricing: High product price may impact profit margins, especially for small businesses.
• Limited Integrations: Only direct Shopify integration available; other shops require manual processing of orders.
• No Sample Discounts: No reduced sample offering, so sellers are unable to directly experience product quality.

Ideal for

Contrado is most appropriate for designers, artists, and boutique brands seeking high-end, made-to-measure products with a focus on sustainability. It is particularly well-suited for Shopify users who care about premium materials and responsible production.

#6. Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt is a UK-based online Print on Demand (POD) store with a range of customization options. It accommodates sole traders as well as businesses, with design and merchandise-selling tools. Offered with the option to sell via the Spreadshirt marketplace or build a customized shop, it offers flexibility for various selling strategies.

Offered Products

Spreadshirt's extensive product catalog includes:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and more
• Accessories: Caps, bags, socks, and scarves
• Home & Living: Mugs, water bottles, aprons, and tote bags
• Kids & Baby: T-shirts, bodysuits, and hats
• Embroidered Items: Hoodies, caps, and bags

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Wide Product Range: Offers over 250 customizable products, catering to diverse customer needs.
• Flexible Selling Options: Sell through the Spreadshirt marketplace or create a personalized shop with your branding.
• User-Friendly Design Tools: Easy-to-use design editor for creating custom products.
• No Upfront Costs: Free to set up a shop and list products; pay only when an item is sold.
• Global Reach: Ships to multiple countries, including the UK, EU, North America, and Australia.

Cons:

• Limited Pricing Control: In market sales, Spreadshirt has the control over the price, which limits profit margins.
• Quality Variability: Depending on the product and printing method, product quality can vary.
• Marketing Responsibility: It is the sellers' responsibility to generate traffic for their store, and it may require additional effort and investment.

Ideal For

Spreadshirt is perfect for designers, artists, and small companies who want to offer customized products without paying for them in advance. It's perfect for anyone looking for a hassle-free design tool, autonomy in starting a business, and access to the international community.

#7. Inkthreadable

Inkthreadable is a UK-based Print-on-demand (POD) provider specializing in custom apparel, accessories, and homeware. Founded in 2013, it has fulfilled over 1.5 million orders, offering a seamless experience for entrepreneurs seeking eco-friendly, high-quality products with fast UK-based fulfillment.

Offered Products

Inkthreadable offers a diverse catalog of over 250 customizable products, including:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and activewear
• Accessories: Hats, bags, socks, and scarves
• Homeware: Mugs, cushions, posters, and wall art
• Kids & Babywear: T-shirts, hoodies, and babygrows
• Sustainable Options: Organic and recycled materials with vegan-friendly inks

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• UK-Based Fulfillment: Products are printed and shipped from the UK, ensuring fast delivery times within the country.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Utilizes 100% plastic-free packaging, carbon offsetting, and vegan inks.
• Custom Branding: Offers printed neck labels, custom packing slips, and other branding options.
• Seamless Integrations: Integrates platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, TikTok Shop, Wix, and Squarespace.
• Reward Pricing: Provides up to 10% discount as your business grows.

Cons:

• Limited Global Fulfillment: While UK-based, shipping internationally may be slower than with in-country suppliers in other regions.
• Platform Limitations: Some platforms may require orders to be manually processed if not directly supported.
• Product Range Constraints: While expansive, the product range may be missing specialty items found in other POD services.

Best For

Inkthreadable is ideally suited for UK-based small companies and entrepreneurs that want quality, eco-friendly bespoke products with quick fulfillment. It's particularly optimized for Shopify, Etsy, or other supported store users looking to build a sustainable brand with great customer retention.

#8. Two Fifteen

Two Fifteen is a UK-based Print-on-demand (POD) provider specializing in custom apparel, accessories, and homeware. Emphasizing ethical and sustainable methods, Two Fifteen offers a seamless experience for entrepreneurs seeking eco-friendly, high-quality products with fast UK-based fulfillment.

Offered Products

Two Fifteen offers a diverse catalog of over 250 customizable products, including:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and activewear
• Accessories: Hats, bags, socks, and scarves
• Homeware: Mugs, cushions, posters, and wall art
• Drinkware: Ceramic mugs, travel mugs, and water bottles
• Giftware: Compact mirrors, money boxes, and chopping boards

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• UK-Based Fulfillment: Products are printed and shipped from the UK, ensuring fast delivery times within the country.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Utilizes 100% plastic-free packaging, vegan-friendly inks, and renewable energy-powered production facilities.
• Custom Branding: Offers printed neck labels, custom packing slips, and other branding options to enhance your brand identity.
• Seamless Integrations: Compatible with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, TikTok, Wix, Squarespace, and more.
• No Minimum Orders: Start selling without upfront costs; only pay upon order placement.

Cons:

• Limited Global Fulfillment: Although UK-based, international shipping may be slower than local providers abroad.
• Smaller Product Range: Although extensive, the product catalog may not carry niche products found in other POD services.
• Limited Printing Methods: Primarily offers Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and dye sublimation printing that may not be suitable for all product types.

Ideal For

Two Fifteen is ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the UK looking for high-quality, eco-friendly custom products with fast fulfillment. It's particularly ideal for those using Shopify, Etsy, or other platforms that integrate with it, who wish to build a sustainable brand with decent customer retention.

#9. Zazzle

Zazzle is a popular print-on-demand (POD) service that enables designers to use its online marketplace to produce and sell customized products. Although it provides a wide range of products and product customization, it is interesting to note that Zazzle's core operations are based in the United States. This can influence shipping rates and times for UK buyers and sellers.

Products Offered

Zazzle provides a wide range of products for customization, including:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, leggings
• Accessories: Hats, bags, socks
• Home & Living: Mugs, cushions, posters
• Stationery & Gifts: Phone cases, notebooks, and more

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extensive Product Range: Appeals to a wide range of consumer interests with a huge variety of customisable products.
• User-Friendly Design Tools: Easy design tools to create customised products.
• Global Marketplace: Exposure to a large, worldwide customer base, with greater sales potential.
• No Upfront Costs: It is free to establish a shop and list items; only pay when an item sells.

Cons:

• Shipping Times: Since most items are made and shipped from the USA, shipping to the UK can take longer and may influence customer satisfaction.
• Shipping Costs: International shipping charges can be more than domestic-only suppliers, which can cut into profit margins.
• Marketplace Competition: It can be difficult to get noticed on the marketplace due to intense competition from other vendors.
• Limited Control Over Brandning: Less flexibility in customizing the storefront and branding than some other POD websites.

Ideal For

Zazzle is ideal for designers, artists, for entrepreneurs who want to expand their exposure globally without having to make a large initial investment. It is very well-suited for those who want to capitalize on an established marketplace with a gigantic customer base. However, UK-based sellers must consider the implications of longer shipping times and higher shipping rates when they use Zazzle as their POD service.

#10. Snuggle

Snuggle is a UK-based Print on Demand (POD) provider specializing in custom apparel, accessories, and homeware. With a focus on quality and efficiency, Snuggle offers a seamless experience for entrepreneurs seeking high-quality products with fast UK-based fulfillment.

Offered Products

Snuggle offers a diverse catalog of over 250 customizable products, including:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and activewear
• Accessories: Hats, bags, socks, and scarves
• Homeware: Mugs, cushions, posters, and wall art
• Stationery & Gifts: Phone cases, notebooks, and more
• Sustainable Options: Organic and recycled materials with vegan-friendly inks

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• UK-Based Fulfillment: Products are printed and shipped from the UK, ensuring fast delivery times within the country.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Utilizes 100% plastic-free packaging, carbon offsetting, and vegan inks.
• Custom Branding: Offers printed neck labels, custom packing slips, and other branding options.
• Seamless Integrations: Compatible with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, TikTok Shop, Wix, and Squarespace.
• Reward Pricing: Provides discounts of up to 10% as your business grows.

Cons:

• Limited Global Fulfillment: While UK-based, international shipping may take longer compared to local providers in other regions.
• Platform Limitations: Some platforms may require manual order processing if not directly integrated.
• Product Range Constraints: While extensive, the product catalog may not cover niche items found in other POD services.

Ideal For

Snuggle is ideal for UK-based entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for high-quality, eco-friendly custom products with fast fulfillment. It's particularly suited for those using Shopify, Etsy, or other supported platforms, aiming to build a sustainable brand with strong customer loyalty.

How to Choose  Perfect POD Supplier: The Easy 5-Step Guide

Step 1: Know Your Products

Before you start out your Print on Demand (POD) journey, you need to determine your niche and what type of products you will be selling. Are you selling:

• Unique Mugs for that special gift
• Fashionable Apparel like trendy t-shirts, hoodies, and sports clothing
• Home Decor like personalized cushions, wall decorations, and similar
• Environmentally friendly options like organic cotton or recyclable items

Why it matters:

Knowing your products will help you choose a supplier who offers exactly what you need. For example, if you're handling customized clothing, make sure the supplier has a range of good-quality clothing. Choose a supplier that provides eco-friendly materials and inks if your company is all about green products.

Step 2: Match Your Brand

Your supplier isn't just whom you buy from—but a representation of your brand. Make sure that they mirror your values as well. Ask:

• Does the supplier value ethical practice like green production and reasonable pay?
• Do they offer personalized branding solutions like personalized labelling, packing notes, or coloured boxes?
• Do they care to be green? Are they utilising earth-friendly packaging or doing carbon offset?

Why it matters

Choosing a supplier that matches your brand ethos ensures consistency and authenticity in your products. For instance, if your brand stands for eco-conscious fashion, partnering with a supplier who uses organic fabrics and recyclable packaging will help strengthen your message.

Step 3: Speed, Speed, Speed

No one likes waiting, and in today's e-commerce world, fast shipping is essential. Here's what to look for:

• Quick production time - How quickly can your supplier print and ship orders?
• Affordable shipping rates - Is the supplier providing low rates that don't cut into your margins?
• Multiple fulfillment centers - If your supplier has multiple facilities near your target market, you can offer faster shipping.

Why it matters:

The quicker your supplier can fill and ship orders, the better the customer experience. Quick delivery will have your customers smiling and returning more frequently. A dependable, quick supplier can make your brand's reputation soar.

Step 4: Check Integration Capabilities

Make sure your chosen POD supplier is friendly with your e-commerce platform. Depending on whether you're using:

• Shopify
• Etsy
• WooCommerce
• Wix or Squarespace

Why it matters

Seamless integration between your store and your supplier's platform makes order processing simple and minimizes manual effort. For example, if a customer places an order from your Shopify store, it should be automatically routed to your POD supplier for fulfillment without you doing anything. This saves your time and eliminates errors.

Step 5: Test Before You Commit 

Before committing to a supplier, always order a sample to test their product quality and service:

• Print quality: Does the design look crisp and colorful?
• Material feel: Is it comfortable and durable?
• Shipping speed: Does the product arrive on time and in good condition?

Why it matters:

Sampling the products first-hand will allow you to decide:

• Quality control: Ensure the product meets your quality standard before it reaches your customers' hands.
• Customer experience: If you like the sample, then so will your customers.

You can be sure you're delivering your best to your customers from day one by testing!

Conclusion

We've covered the top UK Print on Demand suppliers that offer everything from high-quality prints to eco-friendly products. Each of these suppliers brings something unique to the table, whether it's fast shipping, custom branding, or sustainable practices, helping you create the perfect products for your business.

Now that you have an overview of your options, it's time to choose the right supplier for your needs. Start designing and get your custom product business up and running today. Your ideal POD partner is just a few clicks away!