10 Best Zazzle alternatives to sell custom products (2026)

Zazzle has long been a staple in the print-on-demand space, particularly for creators focusing on invitations, stationery, and wedding supplies. Its marketplace model allows you to upload designs without managing a website or inventory. However, as the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve in 2026, many entrepreneurs are seeking Zazzle alternatives that offer better brand control, higher profit margins, and ownership of customer data.

Recent changes to marketplace algorithms and increased competition have made it harder for new artists to stand out on online marketplaces. If you’re looking for sites like Zazzle but want more flexibility to scale your business, this guide compares the best alternative platforms to help you choose the right partner for your journey. 

Key takeaways

• While Zazzle offers a built-in audience, moving to print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Printify allows you to build your own brand and retain customer data.

• Transitioning from an online marketplace to your own store typically leads to higher profit margins as you control your own selling prices. 

• Using a POD platform instead of a marketplace provides more branding tools, including custom packaging and branded packing slips, to ensure a professional customer experience.

• Modern print-on-demand sites eliminate upfront costs, offering fast global shipping and a massive product catalog that scales with your business needs.

What is Zazzle, and how does it work?

Source: Zazzle

Zazzle is an online marketplace that connects independent designers with customers looking for personalized products. It functions on a royalty-based model: you upload your artwork to their extensive catalog of products – ranging from t-shirts to custom postage stamps – and set a royalty percentage (typically between 5% and 15%).

When a customer buys your design, Zazzle handles the manufacturing, shipping, and customer support. The platform is famous for its design tools, which allow customers to add their own names or dates to your art, making it a leader for custom gift sites.

What are the pros and cons of using Zazzle?

Before switching to marketplaces like Zazzle, it’s important to understand where the platform excels and where it falls short.

Pros:

• Built-in audience: Access to millions of customers worldwide without running your own ads.

• No upfront costs: It’s entirely free to create and sell designs.

• Customization: Advanced design tools allow for deep customer personalization.

Cons:

• Low profit margins: Higher platform fees often mean you earn less per sale than on other print-on-demand platforms.

• Zero brand control: Customers are Zazzle’s customers, not yours. You don’t get access to customer data for email marketing.

• Closed ecosystem: You can’t integrate Zazzle with Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce.

• Market saturation: With millions of designs, your work can easily get buried in search results.

What are the best Zazzle alternatives for Print on Demand?

If you’re ready to move beyond a marketplace and start a serious print-on-demand business, these alternatives to Zazzle offer various ways to sell products.

1. Printful

Printful is a top choice for those looking to build their own brand. Unlike Zazzle, Printful is a fulfillment partner that integrates directly with your own store on eCommerce platforms.

• Product count: Over 300 high-quality items, including premium custom apparel, home decor, and accessories.

• Pricing structure: Free to use; you only pay the base price when an order is placed.

• Best for: Serious entrepreneurs and businesses wanting brand control and high print quality.

Printful stands out because it owns its fulfillment centers across the USA, Europe, and other global regions. This means high-quality printing and consistent production quality. You can also use branding tools like custom packaging, branded packing slips, and inside labels to ensure your brand is front and center. 

2. Printify

Printify is one of the most popular print-on-demand platforms for sellers who prioritize competitive pricing. It operates a global network of Print Providers, allowing you to choose where your products are made.

• Product count: A massive product Catalog with over 1,300 items.

• Pricing: Free plan available; Premium plan ($39/month) offers up to 20% off production costs.

• Best for: Scaling businesses looking for the lowest base price and a broad range of products.

3. Gelato

Source: Gelato

Gelato focuses on local production to offer fast global shipping. With over 140 partners in 32 countries, it’s a strong POD platform for international sellers.

• Product count: Focused selection of t-shirts, wall art, and stationery.

• Pricing: Free tier; Gelato+ offers advanced branding options and shipping discounts.

• Best for: Eco-conscious brands and those needing to reach customers worldwide quickly.

4. Fourthwall

Source: Fourthwall

Fourthwall is a specialized print-on-demand platform designed specifically for the creator economy. It combines a website builder with built-in POD.

• Product count: 350+ retail-quality items.

• Pricing: Free to start; they take a small percentage of the selling price.

• Best for: YouTubers and influencers who want an all-in-one online store with memberships and digital products.

5. AOP+

Source: AOP+

AOP+ (All Over Print Plus) is a UK-based print-on-demand platform that specializes in, as the name suggests, all-over print items.

• Product count: 120+ unique products.

• Pricing: Free Start-Up plan; paid tiers for higher profit margins.

• Best for: Designers creating bold, repeat patterns on apparel and home goods.

6. Apliiq

Source: Apliiq

Apliiq is a strong option among Zazzle competitors for those focused strictly on high-end custom apparel and streetwear.

• Product count: 750+ clothing items.

• Pricing: No monthly fees; focus on premium blanks and woven labels.

• Best for: Fashion brands that want a private-label feel with custom branding.

7. Redbubble

Source: Redbubble

As an online marketplace, Redbubble is the most direct competitor to Zazzle. It’s ideal for artists who want passive sales potential through a built-in audience.

• Product count: 70+ products.

• Pricing: You set your own markup over a fixed base cost.

• Best for: Artists who don’t want to manage their own store or marketing.

8. Society6

Source: Society6

Society6 is another marketplace, but it focuses heavily on the “art” side of Print on Demand. It’s one of the top choices for wall art and furniture.

• Product count: 100+ premium home decor items.

• Pricing: Standard artist royalties.

• Best for: Fine artists and photographers.

9. CafePress

Source: CafePress

One of the oldest custom merchandise sites, CafePress is similar to Zazzle in its “gift” focus but with a slightly more vintage catalog.

• Product count: 450+ items.

• Pricing: Set your own retail prices via a markup system.

• Best for: Niche hobbyist groups and political or topical designs.

10. Amazon Merch on Demand

Source: Amazon Merch on Demand

This is the heavyweight of print-on-demand sites. You upload designs directly to Amazon’s listing pages.

• Product count: Limited to core apparel (t-shirts, hoodies) and some accessories.

• Pricing: Fixed royalty per sale.

• Best for: High-volume sellers who can optimize for Amazon’s search engine.