Abby B. Looking for the best print on demand API for your ecommerce site? Unsure which company offers their own API integration for seamless order processing? Here are 10 sites to look into.
I get it, not everything goes your way all the time. Your favorite website builder can’t be connected to your favorite fulfillment and you’re confused on what to do next. If you didn’t know, there’s an option to integrate online stores via API! But it only works for some POD companies…
In this article, I’ll be sharing 10 print on demand fulfillment companies you can use to integrate orders via API. I’ll also briefly explain how it works plus pros and cons of using API for print on demand. To make things easier for you, I’ve included a list of products these sites offer and other available integrations.
*This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
What Is Print On Demand API?
To be able to sell print on demand products on an ecommerce website, you’ll have to connect the site to the supplier’s ordering system. This allows you to fulfill orders automatically and ensure accuracy of order details (so nothing is left behind). Every order received on the website will sync and be reflected in your supplier account without you needing to do anything.
While print on demand companies have build specific applications for popular marketplaces and website builders like Shopify, WooCommerce and Wix, they may not have done it for lesser known ones. Integrating manually via API is the only option available – also true for websites with no intentions of installing additional applications or plugins.
To connect a custom website to a fulfillment company’s API, you will need the help of a website developer. It is not a straightforward task hence why most sites prefer that you use their readily available applications instead. I only recommend you going for this route if you’re a seasoned print on demand seller with the right expertise and money to spend.
10 Print On Demand API Fulfillment Sites
1. Printify
One of the major POD company in the market is Printify. They have plenty of plug-&-sell integrations and offers API integration as well. By using API, you’re able to customize how your store looks and edit its online features.
While they can’t offer any major help on integrating sites, there are resources on their site to help you understand better how API works. If the plugins do not meet your needs, Printify recommends using OrderDesk instead.
Find out more on Printify’s API here.
| Products you can design | Apparel Footwear Face masks Phone cases Bags Socks Underwear Hats Baby accessories Mouse pads Car accessories Wall art Notebooks Kitchen accessories Magnets & stickers Towels & blankets Drinkware Pet accessories Home decor |
| Available integrations | Shopify WooCommerce Etsy eBay PrestaShop BigCommerce Wix Squarespace Printify API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | USA |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
Read: 5 key differences Printify vs Printful
2. Printful
There are a lot more integration options on Printful compared to Printify. While they do recommend you using their readily available integrations, you’re always given the option to create a new store via API or manual ordering.
Printful advises you to do so ONLY IF:
- The ecommerce platform you want to use does not integrate with Printful. Wallmart, Volusion and EKM are some sites that do not.
- You plan to sell products in person or physically and want to manually place orders for your customers.
- You want to connect a custom website to Printful using API (a developer is needed)
Find out more on Printful’s API here.
| Products you can design | Apparel Swimwear Hats & headwear Bags Keychains Facemask Hair accessories Jewelry Phone cases Socks Wall art Puzzles Drinkware Stationary Pillows Blankets Towels Aprons Fabric Bean bags Pet products |
| Available integrations | Shopify WooCommerce Etsy Wix Squarespace Magento BigCommerce Ecwid Weebly Prestashop Shipstation Big Cartel Gumroad Shift4Shop Launch Cart Webflow Square Nuvemshop BASE Amazon eBay TikTok Storenvy API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | USA |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
Read: Is Printify or Printful cheaper? 5 pricing elements to know!
3. Prodigi
One of the benefits of using API is a lot more order-monitoring functions are made available to you and possibly, within a single dashboard. Prodigi’s API allows you to place orders, retrieve live status of shipments and send your own branded email notifications to customers.
Similar to Printful, Prodigi uses RESTful API that is easy to use with a lot of programming systems. They have provided online resources to view full print API docs and see API endpoints (available by downloading the Prodigi Postman collection).
Find out more on Prodigi’s API here.
| Products you can design | Men’s clothing Women’s clothing Kids’ clothing Accessories Stickers Device cases Photo books Home & living Stationery Prints & posters Framed prints Canvas Panels |
| Available integrations | Shopify WooCommerce Etsy Squarespace Wix BigCommerce API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | UK |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
4. Merchize
While other sites are shipping some products from parts of Asia, Merchize is one of the many POD sites that is actually based in Vietnam. They ship orders across the world and have a wide-ranging selection of products including candles, doormats and athletic wear.
To compensate for their relatively short list of integrations, Merchize offers API integration for sellers to build their own custom webstores. This way, sellers will be able to streamline processes, manage products, track orders and shipments on their own – without relying on Merchize’s seller dashboard.
Find out more on Merchize’s API here.
| Products you can design | T-shirts All over print Long-sleeved Tank tops Polo shirts Hoodies Sweatshirts Sweaters Jackets & coats Bras Youth & baby clothing Bottoms Swimwear & cover ups Ornaments Blankets Flags Mugs Tumblers Stickers & decals Pillows & covers Signs Wall décor Doormat Lightings Toys & games Home & kitchen Bed & bath Office & stationery Face covers Phone cases Keychains Bags Socks Hats Jewelry Car accessories |
| Available integrations | Etsy Shopify Amazon WooCommerce eBay Google Shopping Merchize API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | Vietnam |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
5. SPOD
If you have heard about Spreadshirt, you would love SPOD. SPOD is another brand under the Spreadshirt Group that looks to serve the white label print on demand market. They have six major integration options including OrderDesk – an alternative to connect to popular marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon.
Don’t want the usual marketplaces? More advanced individuals can look into venturing with custom integrations for other lesser known platforms via SPOD API. There are no limits to how many integrations you can use and there no extra charges for using any of them. API documentation is available on their site for you to learn and decide how you want things to work.
Find out more on SPOD’s API here.
| Products you can design | T-shirts Sportswear Tank tops Hoodies & sweatshirts Jackets Bottoms Pajamas Plus sizes for women Dresses Aprons Baby & kids clothing Stickers Caps Bags & backpacks Aprons Buttons Mugs & drinkware Phone cases Christmas products Socks Bandanas Pillows Face coverings Phone cases |
| Available integrations | Shopify WooCommerce Magento Squarespace Order Desk API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | USA |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
6. Shirtigo
Looking for API connection via print on demand site that’s based in Europe? Shirtigo is located in Cologne, Germany and their site operates mainly in the German language. They source sustainable eco-friendly POD products and practice climate-neutral shipping.
Just like some of the sites listed above, Shirtigo uses REST-API that allows flexibility to develop and connect your own branded mobile apps and websites. If you’re a developer yourself or know someone in the field, Shirtigo is also hiring developers to join their team!
Find out more on Shirtigo’s API here.
| Products you can design | Tshirts Hoodies Jumpers Tank tops Tote bags Drawstring gym bag |
| Available integrations | Shopify WooCommerce Shopware PrestaShop eBay Etsy Order Desk REST-API CSV-Importer |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | Germany |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
7. Gooten
API is usually needed by large branded websites looking to create a customizable storefront, add complex ecommerce functions and automate large scale order processing. It is more efficient for staffs to monitor and manage within a single dashboard instead of going into different websites for different purposes.
Large brands also prefer this method as having everything in one spot helps build a better brand image. This is compared to selling off a marketplace e.g. Etsy or having a separate Shopify store just to sell merchandise. Gooten’s API helps businesses to go further with their site by enabling custom carts to display real time price estimates, address validation, shipping options and shipping price estimates.
Find out more on Gooten’s API here.
| Products you can design | Fashion & apparel Notepads Candles Mats & tablecloth Laundry bags Comforters & bedding Wall art Phone cases Stationery Baby Pets accessories Mugs & drinkware Holidays merchandise |
| Available integrations | Shopify Big Commerce WooCommerce Etsy API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | USA |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
8. Gelato
Most might overlook the seriousness of this but selling multiple products on a website can be hectic if product SKUs and orders do not automatically sync to your supplier. It would take hours to place orders plus ensure you’ve entered the right details for both production and shipping. By connecting your site to Gelato via API, all data can be shared in real time ensuring companies start printing and fulfilling it right away.
Relevant API documentation can be found on Gelato’s site. There are a few ways to connect your business to Gelato aside from using API, which includes the usual Shopify app, Etsy, WooCommerce and Squarespace.
Find out more on Gelato’s API here.
| Products you can design | Men’s clothing Women’s clothing Kids & baby clothing Phone cases Wall art Wallpaper Mugs Photo books Cards Calendars Stationery & Business Tote Bags |
| Available integrations | Shopify WooCommerce Etsy Wix Squarespace BigCommerce API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | Norway |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
9. CustomCat
There aren’t a lot of products you can sell with CustomCat but it’s one of the few POD sites that allows direct connection via API. Even if you feel that their catalog is pretty lacking, you can still create an awesome store selling their athletic wear – there’s a good variety.
CustomCat only recommends using their API if you’re a pro at marketing your products and getting sales. Just like everyone else in this list, they do not provide any extra services on building your store or integrating it via API. If this does not sound like it’s for you, you can place orders manually using CSV upload.
Find out more on CustomCat’s API here.
| Products you can design | Apparel Hats Baby clothing Mugs Pillow cases Blankets Posters Bags Footwear Face mask Luggage tags Towels Ornaments |
| Available integrations | Shopify WooCommerce Etsy BigCommerce API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | USA |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
10. Two Fifteen
If you’re looking for a POD fulfillment that’s based in the UK and has API integration, it’s Two Fifteen. There are a wide variety of products you can sell and although prices are in British Pounds (GBP), it’s pretty reasonable. They have a great range of sportswear, baby clothing, homeware and sustainable products.
You’ll need a developer to work on connecting your site as there aren’t enough resources online for you to understand how Two Fifteen’s API functions. Browse their site first and sign up for an account to see if you’ll like their services!
Find out more on Two Fifteen’s API here.
| Products you can design | Clothing Activewear Children’s clothing Drinkware Homeware Accessories Giftware Art Prints |
| Available integrations | Shopify Wix WooCommerce Squarespace Big Cartel EKM BigCommerce Etsy API |
| Free to use? | FREE |
| Based in | UK |
| Ships to | Worldwide |
How To Start A POD Business Online
- Choose a niche for your designs
- Niching down is great to attract the right audience with your print on demand products
- Some examples would be abstract drawing, gifting ideas or even typography
- Focus on your chosen niche for the next 100 designs!
- Do research on best selling and trendy designs
- Before making any designs, find out what’s working in the market
- A quick trick is to Google or search for them on Etsy
- Make your own designs or outsource
- Sign up for an account with any of the sites I’ve listed above
- You’ll have to create an account with one of the sites I’ve mentioned above to start selling
- Choose one supplier that resonates to you the most with the right products you’ve envisioned for your business
- Upload designs to products
- Uploading designs to supplier’s products is super easy and you should be able to do this once an account is created
- Position the design correctly when uploading as the actual product will look the same as what you see online
- Set a suitable profit margin for each product
- On most sites, you should be able to set a selling price once you’ve done uploading the design
- A suitable margin should be 40%-50% depending on the platform you’re selling on and any fees you’ll incur on each sale
- This excludes shipping charges to customers!
- Sync them to your ecommerce store
- Start selling and repeat!
- Repeat the process and you’ll get some sales with time!
- Increase your chances of success by uploading more quality designs and bringing in traffic to your store with ads (if you’re not selling on a marketplace)
Benefits Of Using Print On Demand with API Integration
Automated order processing
Users no longer need to key in orders manually, be able to save time and resources for manual data entry. No more mistakes and errors that cost your business money e.g. refunds. Everything is synced automatically from both ends and processed immediately by supplier.
Customizable storefront, store features & dashboard view
Businesses can customize their storefront to display products the way they want, including adding extra features for better customer experience. All details can be viewed from a single customizable dashboard and does not require multiple logins into different systems for daily monitoring. Not always possible with other integration options!
Able to integrate with any platform, website, blog or business
Integrating via API allows any website, marketplace, blog or business to be connected to a print on demand fulfillment, even when a ready plug-&-sell integration is not available. Users are not tied to a set of integrations and can expand their online business.
Build your own marketplace
By using API, advanced businesses can build an online marketplace that enables other users to sell products – which are then sourced from respective fulfillment websites. Businesses have the option to handle all seller transactions and provide support, or leave it to the fulfillment websites.
Downsides Of Using Print On Demand with API Integration
Involves cost to set up
Setting up API connection is not easy and requires a developer to work on the integration. Fulfillment companies do not provide help aside from API documentation that can be found on their website. Compared to using ready integrations which are free, hiring outside help would incur additional set-up costs for your business.
Only ideal for medium to large scale businesses
Due to the potential costs involved, it only makes sense for medium to large branded businesses to use direct API integration. Small businesses often do not have enough sales in the beginning and still figuring out ways to do better marketing. It is best for them to leverage on ready plug-&-sell integrations and work on building a brand before venturing into API.
Bottom Line
If you’re a total beginner in print on demand, setting up your ecommerce store using API is not for you. It is best for more advanced individuals and businesses that are looking to serve markets beyond the usual ones. It makes more sense for you to focus on selling on these marketplaces instead.
Do you have a business with growing sales and a stable brand? Looking to expand your print on demand products to other lesser known marketplaces and be the early bird that catches the worm? Thinking of building another stream of revenue on your website with merchandise sales?
Here are 10 print on demand sites with API integration that you can use for FREE:
- Printify
- Printful
- Prodigi
- Merchize
- SPOD
- Shirtigo
- Gooten
- Gelato
- CustomCat
- Two Fifteen
Decided to focus on a specific product? Check out my POD product guides – I’ve made it as wholesome as possible – just like this one!
- Tote bags for print on demand
- Tumblers for print on demand
- Phone cases for print on demand
- Posters for print on demand
- Leggings for print on demand
- Jewelry for print on demand
- Candles for print on demand
- Doormats for print on demand
- Hoodies for print on demand
- Pet products for print on demand
- Socks for print on demand
- Pajamas for print on demand
- Blankets for print on demand
- Baby clothes for print on demand
- Wrapping paper for print on demand
- Puzzles for print on demand
- Stickers for print on demand
- Athletic wear for print on demand
- Hats for print on demand
- Journals for print on demand
- Greeting cards for print on demand
- Mugs for print on demand
Photo by Vlad Chețan
