If you’re running a print-on-demand (POD) business—or thinking about starting one—you’ve probably come across platforms like Zazzle, Redbubble, and Society6. These sites promise an easy, no-hassle way to sell your designs on products without worrying about production, shipping, or inventory. Sounds like a dream, right? But can they actually help you grow your business in a meaningful way?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Third-Party Print-on-Demand Platforms?
Platforms like Zazzle let artists, designers, and small business owners upload their artwork and sell it on various products—t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, stickers, and more. When a customer buys something, the platform takes care of the rest. In return, you earn a royalty or commission on each sale.
It’s a super convenient way to start selling, but there are some big factors to consider before making these platforms your main focus.
The Pros of Selling on Zazzle and Similar Platforms
✅ No Upfront Costs – You don’t have to buy inventory or pay for production. You only make money when someone places an order, so there’s zero financial risk.
✅ Built-In Traffic – Platforms like Zazzle already have an audience. If your designs are well-optimized with the right keywords, you can make sales without having to drive traffic yourself.
✅ No Customer Service Hassles – Zazzle handles everything from printing to shipping to returns, so you don’t have to deal with the headache of customer support.
✅ Great for Passive Income – If you upload high-quality designs and they start selling, you can make money without actively managing orders or marketing. It’s a low-maintenance way to earn.
The Downsides (And Why They Can Hold You Back)
⚠️ Limited Branding & Customer Loyalty – Your shop is on their platform, not yours. Customers often don’t remember the artist or brand—they remember Zazzle. Unlike running your own store, you don’t have full control over branding or customer relationships.
⚠️ Tons of Competition – These platforms are crowded. Thousands of new designs are uploaded daily, which means it can be really hard to stand out. Without marketing, your listings can get lost in the sea of other sellers.
⚠️ Low Profit Margins – Since these sites handle fulfillment, they also take a significant cut of your sales. That means you’re making way less per product than if you were selling on your own website or Etsy shop.
⚠️ Platform Risks – You don’t own the platform, which means they can change policies, fees, or algorithms at any time. Worst case? Your shop could be removed without warning, and you’d lose all your work overnight.
So, Can Zazzle Help You Grow?
It depends on what you mean by grow. If you’re looking for a side income or a low-maintenance way to test designs, then yes, sites like Zazzle can be a useful tool. They can bring in some extra cash without a huge time commitment.
BUT—if you want to grow a brand seriously and build a long-term business, relying solely on third-party POD platforms isn’t the best move. Instead, consider:
✔️ Creating your own store (on Shopify, Etsy, or your own website) for more control.
✔️ Building an email list & social media presence so you can market directly to customers.
✔️ Developing a strong brand identity that customers remember and come back to.
Third-party POD platforms can be a great addition to your business strategy, but they shouldn’t be your entire business strategy. Real growth happens when you take control of your brand, marketing, and customer relationships.
Have you sold on Zazzle or similar sites? What’s been your experience? Let’s chat in the comments!
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