Over the last few years, the online marketplace has witnessed a paradigm shift and consumer behavior is leaning towards the demand for customizations.
Fifty percent of customers would prefer to buy personalized products. More so, buyers are willing to pay 20 percent extra for custom-made items.
Customers know what they want and they would relish the opportunity of being a part of the product creation process.
Whether it’s a T-shirt, bag, or gift item, shoppers love custom-made designs and products.
Print-on-demand platforms allow shoppers to buy products with custom designs. These platforms provide customization and design options for buyers.
Art and design experts can earn money by selling their designs on these POD platforms.
In this article, we will compare Redbubble and Spreadshirt. Our comparison will help you choose the best print-on-demand tool for use.
Overview
Redbubble
Redbubble is an online marketplace and print-on-demand platform. With Redbubble, customers can order custom prints on a wide range of products. The company was created in 2006 by Peter Styles, Martin Hosting, and Paul Vanzella and their operational base is in Melbourne, Australia.
Redbubble has a global community of 700,000 creatives including
- Independent designers
- Artists
- Photographers
With Redbubble, creatives can create accounts and upload their work and designs. They can earn royalties when their designs are sold on products including
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Socks
- Phone cases
- Wall arts
When you place an order, Redbubble prints your product and ships to your location.
After Redbubble fulfills your order, the artist gets paid.
Also Read: Redbubble Review
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt is a leading eCommerce platform for print-on-demand and customized products. With Spreadshirt, designers can showcase their designs and earn money for their work. Also, they can sell their designs on products on the Spreadshirt marketplace or shops.
Customers can shop for products with designs from a community of creatives.
The beautiful thing about Spreadshirt is that customers can create their designs using the Customizer. Also, when you customize or shop for products, Spreadshirt prints the products and ships them to your location.
Lukasz Gadowski and Matthew Speiss created Spreadshirt in 2002 and their operational base is in Leipzig, Germany. Over the years, they have amassed an impressive track record with
- More than 9.8 million printed products
- About 100,000 active merchants
Spreadshirt serves emerging brands and large companies. Furthermore, they have 18 marketplaces in three regions and the software is translated into 12 languages.
Similarities
Redbubble and Spreadshirt share a couple of features in common. They have an online marketplace and community where artists and designers can sell their designs on products.
Customers can also shop for beautiful designs from their marketplace.
Redbubble and Spreadshirt provide printing, order fulfillment, and shipping services. Furthermore, they both support bulk orders, product returns, and exchanges.
Differences
Here are some of the features that set both tools apart.
Mockup Design Creator
Redbubble
Redbubble does not allow customers to create designs on their platform, but artists can upload their designs and earn money by selling them.
Check Out: Best Print On Demand Sites
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt has a mockup design tool that allows customers to create unique designs on a wide range of products. With the Customizer Tool, you can
- Select your favorite products from the Spreadshirt catalog
- Choose product size
- Change the color of your product
- Choose a suitable design to add your product
- Add text or upload an image
For some clothing, you can add designs to the front, back, sleeves, and more. Spreadshirt gives you 100 percent freedom to create personalized products for occasions and events. After creating your designs, Spreadshirt will provide you with an estimate of the total cost, including shipping and printing costs.
Spreadshirt allows you to create products for groups and teams and also place bulk orders. For bulk orders, you can get a free quote and enjoy wholesale prices.
Verdict
Spreadshirt wins. Their design tool provides the creativity and flexibility you need to customize your product. You don’t need to depend on artists’ designs. The Customizer tool lets you create your unique design with ease.
Partners Program
Redbubble
Fan Artist Design for Brands
Redbubble connects artists and designers to popular brands so that they can create and sell their designs. This program is for creatives and allows them to make fan arts for known brands.
Redbubble has partnered with popular brands to ensure artists enjoy value for their hours of work.
If you are an artist, the steps are pretty simple.
- Study the requirements of each brand and adhere to their guidelines.
- Create your designs according to their rules and upload it to Redbubble. Tag your designs properly.
- The brands will review your designs, and afterward, they will license your designs.
- When brands have completed their review, Redbubble will send you an email to confirm approval.
Some of the brands who have enrolled in the partnership program include
- Adventure time
- Steven Universe
- Rick and Morty, and more
Your artist margin will not be affected. You will still enjoy full ownership and payment for every design sale.
Global Marketplace
Redbubble has a free and global marketplace where independent artists and designers can sell their work.
Here’s how it works.
After creating an account, log in to your dashboard. Upload your incredible artwork on a wide range of products. Then add your title, tags, and art descriptions and save. You can make your artwork private or public and also share it on social media.
After your design, add your price markup and publish it.
The beautiful thing is that you retain ownership of your designs and work. You can select the products that your artwork should appear on and your pricing.
No matter the number of products you upload and sell, you retain ownership and control of your work.
Interesting Comparison: Printful vs Redbubble vs Customcat
Spreadshirt
Online Marketplace
Spreadshirt has an online marketplace where artists and designers can sell their designs to millions of people. The marketplace has daily visits of over 100,000 people. So, it provides artists with access to brand new audiences and exclusive campaigns.
Spreadshirt directs a large number of new customers to their platform using smart marketing and advertising.
You don’t need to pay money to start selling your designs. It’s free of charge. Just register, upload your designs, and start earning money.
When you upload your designs on a product, you can change the product color. Also, you can adjust your design size and select the print area. Next, you can choose your design name, description, tags, and create products.
You can add products to your showroom and share links to your email, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter.
With the analytics dashboard, you can view your sales performance, statistics, and bonus.
Customized Store
Spreadshirt allows you to create your custom storefront or shop via Spreadshop. You can customize your shop using your logo, preferred fonts, shop theme, and promotion appearance.
While setting up your shop, you can set your shop name, URL, product categories, and pricing. More so, you can customize your page settings including
- Start Page
- Product List and Details Page
- Topics
- About us and more
Spreadshop allows you to add marketing links and embed your shop on an external website. You can also provide your customers with multiple language options.
Furthermore, customers can buy your ready-made merchandise, or they can customize products before purchase.
Shoppers can create unique and custom designs, add text, change color, etc. on products in your online shop.
They can view the size chart, product details, and choose their sizes before purchase.
Verdict
Spreadshirt edges Redbubble with the customized store option for merchants. Spreadshop provides everything you need to start your print-on-demand and dropshipping business.
With Spreadshop, merchants can explore additional sales channels and reach a wider audience. They can create and sell customized products to customers from their online shop.
The beautiful thing is that the online shopping platform is free.
Product Catalog
Redbubble
Redbubble has a broad catalog of over 70 products. Also, they have millions of designs created by independent artists. Some of the product categories include:
- Clothing
- Stickers
- Phone cases
- Wall art
- Home and living items
- Accessories
- Stationery and gift items
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt has over 200 products in its catalog. Some of the product categories include:
- Home and living items
- Clothing (men, women, kids, and babies)
- Gift items
- Posters
- Accessories and more
Verdict
Spreadshirt has a more extensive product catalog than Redbubble. Therefore, Spreadshirt wins.
Also Read: Printify vs Redbubble
Designs
Redbubble
Redbubble is home to more than one million designs created by independent artists.
Spreadshirt
The Spreadshirt marketplace has over 3.3 million designs crowdsourced from top artists and designers.
Verdict
Again, Spreadshirt is the winner. With Spreadshirt, customers can choose from multiple design categories.
Order Processing and Fulfilment
Redbubble
When you buy your product, Redbubble helps you process, print, and ship your order.
After purchase, Redbubble will send your order confirmation details to your email. They will also forward your order details to their global network print providers. After printing, your order will be shipped to your office or home.
If you want to track your order or check order status, you need to send a request to Redbubble. Redbubble also helps artists coordinate everything, including shipping, payment, and customer service.
Spreadshirt
Once you place your order, sit back, relax, and Spreadshirt will handle the rest for you.
Spreadshirt helps customers process, handle the prints, evaluate the product quality, and ship their order to their preferred location.
However, you can track your order status from your account dashboard. If you purchased the product as a guest, you could use the order confirmation link to track your order.
For merchants, Spreadshirt also handles warehousing, printing, and shipping. They also manage orders and process payments on your behalf.
Verdict
Spreadshirt has a slight win over Redbubble. You can track your order status directly from your account. Their fulfillment and delivery process is straightforward because they handle most of the operations in-house.
Design and Customization
Redbubble
For artists and customers, the customization options on Redbubble are limited. Artists can only upload and place designs at different print areas, increase design size, and centralize design. They can also change the product color or replace images.
Customers can only choose product colors and sizes before purchase.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt offers artists 100 percent freedom to showcase their creativity.
With the Customizer Tool, artists can create custom designs on over 200 products. They can also choose from existing designs, add text, images, or change product color.
Also, customers shop in the Spreadshirt marketplace and customize products before checkout. They can add images, add text, rotate, and centralize designs. Customers can also reduce or increase design size.
Before adding products to cart, shoppers can choose the size of the apparel and color. Furthermore, Spreadshirt has a size guide to help customers choose the best fit.
Check Out: Zazzle vs Redbubble
Verdict
Spreadshirt has more product customization options. The design creator offers more value for artists and shoppers. It provides flexibility and allows users to interact with multiple design elements. Therefore, Spreadshirt wins.
Printing
Redbubble
Redbubble relies on a network of third party print providers to print designs on products. When a customer places an order, Redbubble sends order details to their print partners to commence printing.
Third-party printers use Direct to Garment (DTG) technology to print apparel. The DTG printing technology uses inkjets to spray the inks onto the clothing. This popular print method allows the prints to soak into the fibers of the textiles, and make them durable and long-lasting.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt handles your printing from the computer screen down to your finished product. They provide two printing techniques, including digital printing and plot printing.
Digital printing is the standard printing method for the marketplace and the Spreadshop. However, you can choose plot printing if it’s available as a print method for your selected design.
Digital printing uses pixel graphics as the basis for print production. Also, digital printing supports all image file formats.
Spreadshirt has three digital printing methods for marketplace products.
- Digital Direct is suitable for prints on fabrics, textiles, and clothing. It delivers brilliant printing results with smooth surfaces and bright colors.
- Thermo Sublimation is for printing on non-fabric items and accessories, including mugs, phone cases, and more. The minimum pixel graphics resolution must be 400 dpi.
- Digital or Laser Transfer is for printing on accessories like caps and bags. Spreadshirt prints the design on a transfer foil and imprints it on the product.
Plot printing uses vector graphics as the basis for print production and Spreadshirt uses two types of plot printing methods for fabrics.
- Flex printing is used for text and smaller designs like logos. It supports a maximum of three colors per design. The print texture has a shiny and smooth feel.
- Flock printing supports three colors per design, and the design has a smooth and velvety feel.
By default, Spreadshirt only uses plot printing methods for products that are not suitable for Digital Direct printing.
For bulk orders, printing methods include
- Embroidery
- Digital Direct
- Thermo Sublimation
- Flex Printing
- Flock Printing
- Screen Printing
- Apparel Dye Sublimation
Verdict
Unlike Redbubble, Spreadshirt does not rely on third-party print providers to print products. Spreadshirt has made massive investments in printing technology and they offer different printing options to help you deliver brilliant print results. Spreadshirt wins again.
Integrations
Redbubble
Redbubble does not integrate with Shopify or other third-party platforms.
Spreadshirt
Although it doesn’t integrate with online marketplaces, Spreadshirt supports integration with Shopify. You can connect to your Shopify shop and process orders.
Using their Customizer Tool, you can create your designs and upload them to your store. You can also choose from their rich library of products and fill your store with quality designs. Spreadshirt prints, packages, and ships your products within 48 hours, while you focus on sales and marketing.
With the Spreadshirt Print-on-Demand (SPOD) Shopify app, merchants can enjoy higher profit margins.
Verdict
Spreadshirt is the winner. Shopify shop integration is fast and seamless. Spreadshirt simplifies your order fulfillment process while you focus on driving sales.
Furthermore, merchants have full access to design elements and a wide range of designs and products. They also enjoy complete control of their shop and customers.
Also Read: Society6 vs Redbubble
Marketplaces
Redbubble
Redbubble has only one marketplace.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt is available in three major regions and has 18 marketplaces
- Europe
- France, Switzerland, Ireland, Spain, Finland, Poland, Germany, Netherlands
- Belgium, Norway. Austria, the UK, Denmark, Italy, and Sweden
- North America (the U.S. and Canada)
- Oceania (Australia)
Verdict
Spreadshirt has established itself as a leading eCommerce platform with a global reach. Customers can shop for products and designs across multiple markets. Artists can also tailor their designs to capture customers in certain regions. Spreadshirt is the winner.
Shipping & Shipping Costs
Redbubble
Redbubble provides the Standard and Express shipping methods. To ensure fast and efficient service delivery, they rely on a network of shipping service providers including
- UPS
- FedEx
- DHL
- USPS
Shipping costs depend on
- Shipping method (standard or express)
- Shipment location and delivery location
- The type of packaging
- Order type (single or multiple items)
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt offers a wide range of shipping methods, including Standard, Premium, and Express. They partner with USPS and UPS for local and international shipping.
However, shipping costs depend on the
- Order value before Spreadshirt deducts applicable discounts
- Shipping location (Australia, Canada, the U.S., and country of delivery)
- Delivery methods
- The number of products and more.
Verdict
Both Redbubble and Spreadshirt are winners. They both rely on third party shipping services for worldwide delivery.
Customer Service & Support
Redbubble
Redbubble offers live chat, Twitter, and email support. Also, they have an extensive resource base, including articles, blogs, and FAQs.
Redbubble has an active group of shoppers and artists. They also have a community of design experts on Facebook and Instagram.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt provides email and phone support. They also have an active customer forum, blog, and FAQs. Spreadshirt offers helpful tips for designers, customers, and merchants.
Verdict
Redbubble offers live chat and social media support while Spreadshirt provides phone support. Both customer support options allow users to enjoy instant responses and answers to queries. Therefore Redbubble and Spreadshirt are winners.
Worth Reading: Threadless vs Redbubble
Pricing
Redbubble
Redbubble has a pricing system that allows artists to enjoy total control of their earnings. Retail price for any product is based on
- Base price: Cost of manufacturing plus Redbubble’s service charge.
- Artist Margin: Percentage markup of the base price. Artists can increase or decrease their markup value.
For example, a large art frame print shipped to the U.S. has a base price of $125. So a 25 percent markup means the artist margin will be $31.
The Base Price plus Artist margin will give you the retail price. So, the retail price for the frame will be $125 plus $31, which sums up to $156.
Where sales and discounts apply, Redbubble will deduct the discount from the base price and the artist markup will be based on the retail price minus the base price.
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt has a new pricing model for marketplace designers and shop owners.
Designers can no longer set their design prices.
Spreadshirt has a fixed and standardized design price for each product type and country.
For example, in the U.S., the design price for every premium sweatshirt sold is $6 and $3 for a standard T-shirt.
When customers use your design from the Customize Tool, you will also receive a $3 commission per design.
For shop owners, their margin is the difference between their base price and sales price. Merchants can adjust their final retail prices to increase their margins.
Verdict
The flexible design prices allow artists to earn more money for their work. However, this model inflates product prices and sales turnover may be slow.
On the other hand, the fixed design price allows shoppers to buy products at low prices. Although designers may earn less for their work, they may sell more designs. Both Redbubble and Spreadshirt are winners.
Advantages
Redbubble
Some of the pros of this tool include:
- Artists have complete control over their margins and design price
- They have a wide assortment of products
- Customer service and support is great
- They have a large community of artists on Facebook and Instagram
- Redbubble has a comprehensive resource base for artist and shoppers
- They offer live chat and Twitter support
Spreadshirt
Here’s why Spreadshirt has amassed lots of positive customer reviews
- The tool is user-friendly
- Spreadshirt has 18 marketplaces in three different regions and five production centers
- They support integration with Shopify
- Spreadshirt has over 200 different products in its catalog
- They control the printing, offer different print options, and produce excellent print quality
- Excellent packaging and timely delivery
- Extensive design and customization options
- Artists and shoppers can customize product designs to suit their needs
- They offer phone support and an extensive knowledge base
- Spreadshirt offers multiple sales channels. Merchants can sell on the marketplace or create their shop.
- The customer service response is swift and very helpful
Disadvantages
Redbubble
Some of the issues you may experience with this tool include:
- Poor print quality and quality control
- No design tool and customization options are limited
- You may experience shipping delays
- They do not provide custom store
Spreadshirt
- Designers have limited control over their design fees.
Check Out: Zazzle vs Society6 vs Redbubble
Final Verdict: Redbubble vs Spreadshirt
From our comparison, you can see that Spreadshirt is a clear winner for running a POD business. Spreadshirt is a valuable tool for shoppers, merchants, and artists.
With 18 marketplaces, artists can create product designs targeted at a specific audience. Shoppers can access a more extensive product assortment with millions of excellent designs. Their Customizer Tool provides flexible custom design options for both customers and designers.
Spreadshirt has made massive investments in printing technology. They provide a wide range of printing options and deliver quality prints.
Spreadshirt provides multiple sales channels to help merchants make money. They can sell products in the marketplace or create their store.
You can seamlessly connect your Shopify store to Spreadshirt. Just focus on your sales, and Spreadshirt will fulfill orders on your behalf.
If you are looking for a great tool that fulfills all your on-demand printing needs, Spreadshirt should be your top choice.
