Printify vs Print Aura – Which Is Better?

Ecommerce has continued to gain popularity over the years with the ever-increasing growth of internet usage. A peculiar form of eCommerce, which is recently becoming more popular is Print On Demand (POD).

Print On Demand involves selling printed goods on an online store without having them in stock. They only get printed and sent to the customer after they place an order.

Conversely, the numbers of online retailers who provide online POD services are on the rise. It is not just a venture for companies and businesses but also for individuals — creators, artists, designers, etc.

To run a POD online store successfully, you need to use the right platform. Not to mention, several POD service platforms can handle product sourcing, printing, and shipping services.

In this post, we will place two widely used POD service platforms — Printify and Print Aura — side by side to see how they perform. It will help you to decide the ideal POD platform to use for your eCommerce business.

Printify vs Print Aura: What Are They?

Printify

Printify is a print-on-demand and drop-shipping online platform used by more than 250,000 businesses. It was founded in 2015 by two individuals, James Berdigans and Artis Kehris.

On the platform, you can create and sell customized printed products before shipping them to your customers at almost any location. It is a very dynamic platform with about 10,000 products generated daily.

Printify is a straightforward and easy-to-use POD platform. All you have to do is upload your designs and select your products. Not to mention, you can see how your designs look on products by using its Mockup Generator tool. Also, you can order a sample print for quality testing.

Interestingly, Printify has more than 90 print providers. Also, Printify allows you to sell products like t-shirts, posters, hoodies, shoes, and more on its platform.

Printify sets a base price for all items, which allows you to place an ideal selling price for profitability. Payment for printed products can be made directly into your payment account after they deduct the base amount from the selling price.

Worth Reading: Printify Review

Print Aura

Print Aura is a print-on-demand and dropshipping platform founded in 2012 by Matt Brickley. It is the ideal platform for online retailers with a penchant for product design and marketing to sell and make profits quickly.

There are more than 10 product categories available on Print Aura, such as garments, phone cases, hats, bags, accessories, and many more. You can sell any Print Aura product on your online store with customized designs. Additionally, their design tool enables you to test how your designs will appear on products.

Print Aura prints products immediately after customers pay for them. The order is shipped automatically to them, so you don’t get to do any forwarding. Conversely, Print Aura can ship your products to almost any location.

How They Work?

Printify

Printify works in simple five steps. To set up, you need to create an account and connect it to your online store.

From your user dashboard, you gain access to all available products for sale. Then, you can pick the products you want to sell based on price and print providers.

Upload your designs to your account and see how they fit into the product using their mock-up generator. If acceptable, you can then publish them to your online store.

Printify gives you the opportunity of ordering a sample print to test product quality. Though not free, you can get some free sample print credits to use upon sign up.

Print Aura

To set up and make use of Print Aura, you have to sign up on the platform. It integrates with several third-party eCommerce platforms, so you need to follow the setup procedure for your online store.

From the Print Aura product catalog, you can see available products that you can sell. All you have to do is to select the right products for your online store and then upload the designs you want to be printed on them.

With its design tool, you can create mock-ups for your preferred products to see how they look. Besides that, its design tool also allows you to create simple designs like text designs.

After publishing, you can display the products with your designs for sale in your store.

Verdict

Both Printify and Print Aura are easy to set up platforms, and they operate in almost the same way. However, Printify comes out on top due to the possibility of a sample print. This enables you to physically test the printed products that your customers will be receiving; hence, you can switch print providers if the quality does not meet your standards.

Interesting Post: Best Print On Demand Sites That Are Cheaper Too

Product Design

Printify

For a creative designer, product designing on Printify is a cakewalk process. However, Printify provides product design guidelines that you should follow to ensure that your prints are of good quality.

After uploading your designs, you can further customize the product with the Printify Mock-up Generator. All designs uploaded to Printify should be in PNG file format and RGB color mode. However, the platform still accepts JPG and CMYK colors, but CMYK colors are auto-converted to RGB.

Its mock-up generator provides recommended pixel sizes for different product types.

Therefore, you should ensure that your designs match precisely the specified size for the best results. For some product types like phone cases, you can make use of featured design templates by Printify.

Print Aura

The Print Aura design tool is what you need to design your products. There are file requirements you need to meet for each printed product before designing.

You can upload your designs to the design tool in PNG, PDF, or PSD file format. However, Print Aura does not print in RGB, but they print in CMYK color mode. Therefore, some color shifting may occur if you upload PNG files due to their RGB-only profile.

Nevertheless, Print Aura gives you the option to buy product designs from other designers if you do not design them yourself.

Verdict

CMYK is the best color mode for product printing, and that is what Print Aura offers. However, they only accept PNG images, which does not support CMYK; hence, a color shift will happen almost every time.

On the other hand, Printify offers RGB design printing and also supports files with RGB color modes. This prevents color shifting; hence, Printify wins.

Interesting Comparison: Printify vs Customcat

Production Process

Printify

Product production on Printify commences right after the payment for the orders is confirmed. However, this will depend on the printing daily cutoff time. The daily cutoff time varies as each print provider fixes their own time.

On average, Printify production takes about seven days to be completed. It can take a longer or shorter time depending on the product type, order quantity, and season. Also, Printify production is affected by public holidays.

Print Aura

Print Aura starts processing orders for production once payment is received. The daily cut off time for production is fixed between 12:30 PM ET — 9:30 AM PT.

Production is only carried out on business days, i.e ., Monday to Friday, while holidays and weekends are excluded. It takes 3 – 5 business days for printed products to be thoroughly processed and ready for shipping. Also, you have the option to pay an additional $2 per product to get them processed within 2 – 3 business days.

Verdict

The Print Aura production process is much faster than Printify, which has an average of 7 days. The option for rush processing at an extra cost is also an advantage as it might be necessary in some cases.

Packaging & Branding

Printify

Printify packages products according to their types. Products come packaged in polyethylene bags, envelopes, tubes, and cardboard boxes. For fragile products, they are protected with foam inserts to prevent damage.

As a white-label POD platform, Printify facilitates branding printing. Therefore, you can brand products in various ways.

Their collaborations with Fifth Sun and DTG2GO allows you to brand your t-shirts and garments using neck labels. Also, Printify facilitates shipping label customization for advanced branding.

Print Aura

Just like Printify, Print Aura is also a white-label POD service provider. You can feature your brand labels on printed products without hassles.

You can brand your products on Print Aura with custom packing slips and personalized shipping labels. Other brand methods like hang tags, neck label removal, etc. are available at a premium.

The packaging is different based on the ordered product. For instance, T-shirts are packaged in white poly mailers, while other items like mugs are packed in boxes. Also, smaller items come in envelopes.

Verdict

Both Printify and Print Aura package your products correctly. Also, they are white-label platforms, so only your branding is printed. However, Printify has the edge over Print Aura as it offers other labeling methods like neck labels and shipping labels at no extra cost.

Also Read: Printify vs Gooten

Shipping & Delivery

Printify

Printify has different print providers located in Europe and America. The print provider you make use of generally determines the delivery time.

However, their major print providers are based in the United States and the United Kingdom. Shipping and delivery in the US takes a maximum of 3 business days.

International shipping from the UK can take between 15 – 30 business days to be completed. You can trace shipping orders in the United States, while non-US shipping orders cannot be tracked.

Print Aura

Print Aura products are shipped after production is complete, which may take 3 – 5 business days.

Domestic shipping (within the United States) is completed within the same 3 – 5 working days. Products shipped internationally to other North American countries like Canada takes 5 – 12 days to be delivered.

For very distant locations — across the continent — it may take weeks for products to be delivered as customs might delay them. Tracking shipping is only possible within the United States.

Verdict

Printify offers faster shipping and delivery services than Print Aura. Printify has partnered with several top-notch shipping companies like USPS, DHL, FedEx, UPS, and others.

Product Cost

Printify

Products on Printify are all priced differently. The cost of clothing products is between $6 and $53 for t-shirts and hoodies, while pants cost more and are between $21 and $30, while some cost even more.

Kids’ clothing is more affordable and sold at $10 on average. Accessories like bags, jewelry, and phone cases cost between $5 and $20. Mug prices start from $4 and up, depending on the material type, whether stainless steel, rubber, or ceramic.

Blankets are the most expensive products on Printify and cost up to $55. Stickers are the most affordable, with an average price of $1.50. Hence, you can set your price at any margin to make a profit.

Print Aura

Print Aura features a pricing wizard for online retailers to see how much their products cost.

Meanwhile, T-shirts on Print Aura cost around $10, while hoodies cost up to $20. For bags and totes, the price is between $15 and $20.

Phone cases are sold between $10 and $20 depending on the type and phone. Also, caps and hats cost between $10 and $15, while stickers on Print Aura run just $1.

These are just the base prices you pay for the products. Hence, you can decide the selling price based on the profitability factor.

Verdict

Both platforms win here as their pricing model is about the same. The costs for products vary and designers are allowed to fix any selling price that suits them.

Explore: Printify vs RedBubble

Analytics & Reports

Printify

Printify does not feature any analytics, report tool, or page of its own. You can link the platform to your eCommerce store for selling your printed products.

To get analytics and sales reports of your online store, you can make use of analytics services compatible with your eCommerce platform.

Conversely, platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce incorporate built-in analytics tools that you can utilize. Not to mention, these platforms can connect to Google Analytics as well.

Print Aura

No analytics or reports platform is available on Print Aura. There is no way for you to track sales statistics from your account dashboard.

However, Print Aura allows you to connect directly to Google Analytics for detailed analytics reporting.

Also, you can view analytics reports for your eCommerce store on platforms like Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and others.

Verdict

Here it is, a draw! Between Printify and Print Aura, none offers analytics and reports to users. However, Print Aura connects directly to Google Analytics.

Third-Party Integrations

Printify

Printify supports third-party integrations with eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce, PrestaShop, eBay, and Etsy. If you run an online store on any of these platforms, you can directly link to Printify.

Shopify’s integration is possible, but you will need to integrate with Shopify by downloading and installing the Printify app. You can get the Printify app on the Shopify App Store. Also, Printify connects with Wix CMS.

If you run your online store on a custom eCommerce platform, you can still integrate by using the Printify API.

Print Aura

Print Aura integrates with several platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, Storenvy, WooCommerce, and OpenCart. Integration is simple, and they provide every detail you need to integrate with these marketplaces successfully.

Conversely, you can do more with the Print Aura API. With its RESTful API, you can build different applications and plugins that can connect with Print Aura on any web platform.

Verdict

Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy are top platforms for eCommerce, and both Printify and Print Aura integrate with them. Also, they both feature APIs for developers to incorporate custom software. However, Printify wins due to a higher number of third-party integrations.

You Might Want To Read: Printify vs Printful

Customer Support

Printify

On Printify, customer support is available on a 24/7 basis. You can reach the customer support service through two significant ways i.e., by email or filling out their contact form.

A help center is available with well-written articles and guides to assist you with any difficulty you may encounter on their platform.

Also, Printify provides several guides for facilitating integrations with eCommerce platforms.

Print Aura

Print Aura offers excellent customer support. The customer support service is only accessible on working days — Monday to Friday — from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST.

You can contact their customer support team through email, phone call, or by using a contact form. A contact form is an ideal option if you want to get a prompt response.

Print Aura features a Getting Started page with published guidelines on how to use the platform. It provides answers and solutions to questions or issues users may have.

Verdict

Although both platforms have excellent customer service with almost the same contact mode; Printify comes out on top for their 24/7 customer support.

Pricing

Printify

Printify is a free POD service platform. You can launch your online store and display products with designs for sale without paying any money. You only get to pay for the base amount of products you sell and shipping costs.

The pricing for shipping varies, depending on the items to be shipped, your print provider, and the shipping destination. However, the amount is usually between $8 — $15.

Printify does offer a premium account plan with additional features and integrations. This premium version costs $29 per month, or $24.99 per month for an annual subscription.

There is also an Enterprise account with more additional features. It is ideal for businesses that handle more than 10,000 orders in a day, and the price is custom-based.

Print Aura

Print Aura does not charge users any amount for using their POD service. It is entirely free of charge. Also, they do not have premium plans. Payment is only made for products and shipping.

Print Aura features various shipping rates based on item, quantity, and location. An initial shipping cost is fixed for the first item and then a lower price for additional ones.

Domestic shipping in the US is affordable and between $5 and $11 per item. International shipping is more expensive and runs between $8 and $16 per item.

Interesting Comparison: Printify vs Teespring

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

• Both POD platforms offer POD and drop shipping
• They both have various base prices for various products
• Both Printify and Print Aura allows online retailers to decide on selling price
• Both Print Aura and Print Aura offer free accounts
• Both integrate with similar third-party platforms
• They both offer good customer support
• Both POD platforms do not offer Analytics or reports
• Both Printify and Print Aura are white-label
• They both offer flat shipping rates

Differences

• Printify has more print providers than Print Aura.
• Unlike Print Aura which offers only a free plan, Printify also offers Premium and Enterprise pricing plans.
• Unlike Print Aura, Printify integrates with Wix CMS
• Printify support is 24/7, while Print Aura’s support is limited.
• Unlike Printify, Print Aura can connect directly to Google Analytics.
• Printify does not charge any branding cost. Print Aura charges for some branding methods
• Printify shipping rates are different for various print providers

Pros & Cons

Printify

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Various print providers
• Free plan
• Premium plans available
• Third-party integrations
• Printify RESTful API
• 24/7 customer support
• White-label platform

Cons

• Not much integrations
• No analytics

Print Aura

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Free plan
• Third-party integrations
• Design tool
• Print Aura RESTful API
• Good customer support
• White-label platform

Cons

• No analytics
• Not much integrations
• International shipping takes much time

Interesting Post: Best Printify Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Printify Include Tax?

Printify collects sales tax from sellers on its platform on all sales made. The amount they end up paying in sales tax is usually determined by the destination location of the customer (buyer).

However, the sales tax is only deducted in states where Printify legally operates (registered) within the United States.

To get the tax amount, Printify considers the order coming in from the specific sales channel or API and collects tax based on the resale certificate that the seller provides. For sample orders, the total amount due in taxes is displayed at checkout.

Does Print Aura Include Tax?

Print Aura charges sales tax on all products that are shipped to California. Usually, the sales tax rate stands at 7.5 percent on products going to California, and 8.5 percent for products to Sacramento County.

Orders placed manually are charged a flat tax rate of 10 percent of the product sale price. This is because Print Aura does not have access to the exact amount that a seller charges for such a product from their website storefront.

Is Printify Legit?

Since it was established in 2015, there has not been any reported case of scam on Printify. All orders are delivered and customers are generally positive about this POD platform.

Printify customer reviews on Trustpilot are largely positive. It has a 4.3 stars rating out of a possible 5. Some of the reviews point out Printify’s features, speed of delivery, ease of use, and its large number of print providers, especially in Europe.

Based on this, we can conclude that Printify is legitimate.

Is Print Aura Legit?

Print Aura has been around for almost a decade now. The POD company operates from Yorkville, in New York. So far, there has never been any form of red flag that indicates the company is not legitimate.

Overall, Print Aura has a 4 stars rating out of 5 on Trustpilot. Customers are generally pleased with print and product quality, the ease of use, and its quick order fulfilments. However, there were a few reviews that pointed out Print Aura’s poor customer service recently.

Nevertheless, we can conclude that Print Aura runs legitimately for this reason.

What Are The Best Printify Alternatives?

As you might have already known, the print on demand industry is already booming and there is stiff competition going on. Some of the best Printify alternatives you can find are listed below:

• Printful
• Society6
• Zazzle
• CafePress
• Teespring

What Are The Best Print Aura Alternatives?

Just like Printify, Print Aura has several competitors within the industry. Some have been mentioned below:

• Spreadshirt
• Teelaunch
• Gooten
• Bonfire
• CustomCat

Printify vs Print Aura: Which Is Better?

Selling printed products online using print-on-demand platforms is strenuous. It requires more than just designing and publishing products in your store.

It is best that you opt for a POD platform that is convenient for you and your online store as well.

Printify and Print Aura are both efficient POD platforms that you can utilize for your product printing business. However, the best among both platforms is Printify.

With Printify, you can easily penetrate the global market as they have print providers spread across the United States, Europe (UK), and China. Print Aura prints and ships all items only from the United States.

Additionally, Printify has various print providers with varying shipping prices. Hence, you have the option to pick the most affordable print provider.

Also, you can brand your products in ideal ways without having to pay an extra cost, unlike Print Aura, which charges you extra money for product branding.

As your business expands and grows, you will need more features, resources, and space. Printify supports business expansion by offering premium and enterprise plans.