TeePublic Review: Is It Good for Selling Your POD Designs?

If you've landed on this page, you're probably ready to put your art out there for the world to buy.

But with a sea of print on demand (POD) suppliers, which one should you choose?

In this piece, we will review one of the options, TeePublic.

TeePublic Overview
Trustpilot Rating	4.5 out of 5.0 (375k+ reviews)
Pros	- Large design selection - Variety of products - Supports independent artists - Environmentally conscious production
Cons	- No returns except for defective products - Issues with customer service and item quality - Fixed pricing for artists
Pricing	Free
Shipping location	US / UK / Australia
Shipping time	4 to 8 business days (depending on the shipping location)
Free trial?	Create your free account here.

Is TeePublic the best choice for POD services?

Keep reading as we guide you through making your decision!

What is TeePublic?

TeePublic is a New York-based print on demand platform established in 2013.

It's a service designed for artists, podcasters, and streamers to sell their creations without the hassle of inventory management, order processing, shipping, or customer service.

Hosting over 500,000 artists, TeePublic actively supports the spirit of independent creativity.

Is TeePublic legit?

TeePublic is a legitimate company based in the US, maintaining a 4.67/5 rating on the Better Business Bureau and a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot:

The platform's credibility was further enhanced when Redbubble, a major player in the online design marketplace, acquired TeePublic in 2018.

This move proved TeePublic's legitimacy and increased its reach.

For nearly a decade, TeePublic has been a go-to for artists and customers in the print on demand industry.

In terms of customer feedback, TeePublic has garnered positive ratings on various review sites (proof of that later in the article).

All in all, you can be assured that TeePublic is a safe platform for creators and buyers.

How does TeePublic work?

TeePublic works through the print on demand model:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to how it all works:

1. The artist creates and uploads designs. An artist creates a unique design and then uploads it to TeePublic.
2. Designs are available on various products. TeePublic is not limited to just t-shirts. They also offer hoodies, phone cases, mugs, and other items.
3. Customers browse and select products. The TeePublic platform hosts thousands of unique designs. As an artist, you can sell your designs directly on TeePublic:

4. Print on demand process starts. TeePublic uses the print on demand model, which means products are printed only after an order is placed.
5. The product is shipped to the customer. Once the printing is completed, TeePublic sends the item to the customer.
6. The artist receives royalties. Artists earn royalties for every item they sell on TeePublic.
7. Customer support and service are provided. TeePublic offers comprehensive support for artists and buyers, handling issues like exchanges, returns, and inquiries about their products and services.

How do you make money on TeePublic?

TeePublic offers an opportunity for artists to sell their designs online.

Here's a guide to the different artist accounts and how to earn through them:

What are the types of artist accounts?

There are two types of artist accounts on TeePublic: Apprentice and Artisan.

These categories cater to artists at various stages of their careers. Your account type affects how much you can earn.

Here are the differences between the Apprentice and Artisan accounts:

Apprentice accounts

Artists with apprentice accounts may produce a high volume of less curated designs and often include less original content like vector packs or clip art.

As a result, these designs may not resonate as strongly with the customer base on TeePublic due to their generic nature.

Note: TeePublic sets fixed product prices. This means artists can't set their own markups on items.

Artisan accounts

Artisan accounts are typically associated with more experienced creators focusing on unique, carefully crafted designs.

These artists often invest significant time and effort into each piece, resulting in distinctive and high-quality artwork that is more likely to appeal to discerning customers.

How do you earn commission on sales?

Artists earn money on TeePublic primarily through commissions from sales of their designs.

The process is straightforward:

• Pricing. TeePublic sets retail prices for all products on the platform.
• Commission structure. Artists receive a commission for each sale, which is determined based on the retail prices.

While TeePublic offers a platform for artists to earn through their designs, it's not without limitations.

Since TeePublic sets the prices, you can't set your own prices. This could affect your profit margins.

Commissions are transparent, but they can change with sales and promotions. This adds unpredictability to your earnings.

These factors are important, especially if you want more control over pricing and profits.

Example of commission earnings

Here's what your commission would look like for each type of account:

• For an Artisan account holder, selling a female fit t-shirt at its regular price could earn a commission of $4.
• If the same t-shirt is on sale, the commission might be reduced to $2.

What factors can affect earnings?

The following factors can impact your earnings on TeePublic:

• Site-wide sales. Payments can vary during sales events.
• First 72 hours. After a design goes live, sales within this period have different commission rates.
• Use of coupons. Earnings can also differ if a customer uses a coupon in your storefront.

For detailed information and specific earnings breakdowns, visit TeePublic's earnings page.

How is the quality of products at TeePublic?

With over 15 years in the industry, TeePublic has built a reputation for quality and commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

They use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing for apparel and advanced sublimation for non-apparel items, aiming for high-quality prints.

However, while TeePublic is known for these techniques and their collaborations with brands like American Apparel and Gildan, customer reviews reveal a more complex picture of the product quality.

Here's a look at what TeePublic is good at:

1. Printing technique. Many customers have praised the clarity of TeePublic's DTG prints.
2. Brand collaborations. Their partnerships with well-known brands are often seen as a commitment to quality.

Here's the criticism received from their customers:

1. Print longevity. Despite the general appreciation for print quality, some users have reported issues like fading after several washes.
2. Clothing fit and sizing. A notable concern among customers is the fit of the clothing. There are instances where the actual fit differs from what the sizing guide suggests.

TeePublic's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of biodegradable DTG inks.

All apparel products available on TeePublic carry the WRAP certification, a testament to their ethical manufacturing ethos.

TeePublic has a detailed view of their products on their product information page.

What is TeePublic's return policy?

TeePublic’s return policy offers free exchanges within 60 days of receiving your order.

This sounds generous at first glance, but there's a catch: this policy applies only if the product is in its original condition.

It's also important to know that once you exchange an item, you can't return or refund it again.

What are TeePublic's shipping times and rates?

TeePublic offers various shipping options, both domestically and internationally.

For customers in the United States, TeePublic provides several shipping methods, including standard, ground, and expedited shipping:

Standard shipping typically takes six to eight business days, while expedited options can shorten this to four to eight business days.

For international orders, TeePublic's reach is extensive. Shipping from the US to other countries typically takes between ten to 20 business days.

TeePublic also practices carbon-neutral shipping. To facilitate efficient deliveries, they've fulfillment centers in various countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

How good is TeePublic's help and support?

TeePublic offers responsive customer service through various channels like email and live chat:

TeePublic's customer service operates from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST.

If customers miss the operating hours, they can send an email and expect a response within two business days.

Pros and cons of TeePublic

Let's continue this in-depth review by looking at the pros and cons of TeePublic:

Pros

• Large design selection. TeePublic features millions of designs across over 100 product types.
• Variety of products. From clothing to accessories, TeePublic provides a broad range of products.
• Supports independent artists. Every purchase on TeePublic directly supports independent artists.
• Environmentally conscious production. TeePublic is committed to sustainable practices. Their third-party printers adhere to non-hazardous and toxin-free standards, with all DTG inks being 100% biodegradable, water-based, vegan-friendly, and free from animal by-products.

Cons

• No returns except for defective products. TeePublic's return policy is limited to faulty products.
• Issues with customer service and item quality. Some customers have reported problems with customer service responsiveness and the quality of items received.
• Fixed pricing for artists. TeePublic sets fixed product prices, limiting artists' control over their markup.

What are TeePublic's user reviews?

When it comes to user reviews, TeePublic presents a varied picture.

Positive experiences generally highlight the platform's range of designs and product variety.

However, there are also complaints about product quality, shipping times, and customer service responsiveness.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile reviews

According to TeePublic's BBB profile, there were 161 complaints closed in the last three years, including 52 in the last 12 months.

One recent complaint highlighted an issue with a shirt shrinking after washing, although the customer was pleased with the printing quality.

These examples reflect small issues, but generally, customers express satisfaction with TeePublic.

Excellent selection of designs. Considering the size of my order (over a dozen), the time it took to arrive home was reasonable. All shirts came in with no defect. The printing looks top-notch. They fit very well but I do hope that over time, they do not shrink too much.

Complaints Board reviews

According to TeePublic's profile on the Complaints Board, 62% of complaints have been resolved.

The common issues raised by customers include slow shipping and inadequate customer service.

There are reports of customers receiving items that did not match their product descriptions or had quality issues, such as fading after a single wash.

I recently had an experience with TeePublic that left me feeling frustrated and disappointed. I uploaded three designs to my storefront on a Thursday night, hoping to take advantage of the 72-hour deal that comes with new designs. However, when I searched for my designs the next day, I couldn't find them anywhere on the site.

M. Wiegand

Trustpilot reviews

With an impressive overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot, it's clear that most customers have had positive experiences with TeePublic.

However, the story doesn't end there.

Despite the predominantly positive reviews, a closer look at the individual feedback reveals a more nuanced picture.

For example, there have been instances where customers reported issues with product descriptions not matching the received items, specifically citing concerns with the sizing and coloring of a shirt:

I ordered 3 shirts with same pattern but received two of same pattern and a third in a totally different pattern and size from what I ordered.
I am also waiting for satisfaction on an issue from a September order. Your ads all state that you will make it right but this has not happened. I'm getting very frustrated with TeePublic although I have ordered many things in the past with satisfaction.

Joan Westfall

FAQs about TeePublic

Next, let's review some frequently asked questions about TeePublic!

TeePublic alternatives

Although TeePublic has its strengths, including its large design selection, several excellent alternatives are worth considering.

We will go through three alternatives that we recommend:

1. Redbubble

Redbubble is a global online marketplace where artists can sell their designs on various products.

Customers flock to Redbubble for its unique and often exclusive artwork.

For more information on how to sell on Redbubble, check out our other guide here!

2. Zazzle

Zazzle sets itself apart with its powerful personalization tools, allowing customers to customize their purchases extensively.

This platform is ideal for consumers looking for a personal touch and artists who wish to offer customizable options.

Zazzle also offers a vast product range, from apparel to home decor.

3. Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt offers a robust platform with a significant footprint in Europe, providing artists access to a broad international market.

It is user-friendly, with intuitive design tools that simplify creating and selling custom apparel and accessories.

Related reviews

Are you not sure yet about using TeePublic for your online business? Or are you interested in seeing what other companies are out there?

We've got you covered! Check out the reviews below to find great companies that will help you:

• Gelato Review: Is it the Best Print on Demand Supplier of 2024?
• Jasper Art Review: Where AI Robots Become Artists! (2024)
• Modalyst Review: Should You Use It After Wix Acquired It?
• Sellvia Review: Does it Have the Best US Suppliers?
• Spocket Review: Does It Have the Best Suppliers?
• Syncee Review: Does It Have the Best Global Suppliers?

And for more reviews, visit the review hub!

Taking action

Reading and absorbing information and knowledge is great (definitely if it’s free!), but do you know what’s even better?

Taking action!

So, to help you with taking action with what you have learned in this article, take a look at the bullet points:

• TeePublic is one of the largest print on demand marketplaces for independent creators.
• It's a legitimate platform with many designs that focus on artist rights.
• TeePublic operates on a POD model. Artists upload designs, which are printed on various products upon customer purchase.
• Artists can earn through Apprentice or Artisan accounts, with commissions varying by account type.
• Product quality is a priority, with ethical manufacturing practices and high-quality printing techniques.
• Shipping options are diverse, with carbon-neutral practices and global fulfillment centers.
• TeePublic has pros (large design selection, product variety, artist support, eco-friendly production) and cons (limited return policy, customer service, and item quality issues).
• User reviews are mixed, with some reports of poor quality, service, and positive experiences.

Conclusion

TeePublic stands out as a platform offering various unique designs from independent artists.

While TeePublic, like any platform, has its share of issues, it's a viable option for those looking to explore print on demand as a customer and an artist!

One key advantage is you don't need to handle customer support or logistics. As an artist, your main task is to create designs.

This setup makes TeePublic an appealing choice for earning passive income, especially compared to other print on demand platforms that may require setting up your own website and managing orders.

Thank you for reading, and have a great day!

Want to learn more about POD?

Ready to move your print on demand store to the next level? Check out the articles below:

• The 9 Best Print on Demand T-Shirt Suppliers in 2024
• The 19 Best Selling Print on Demand Products in 2024
• Crafting a Compelling Brand Story for Your T-Shirt Business

Plus, don't forget to check out our in-depth how to start a print on demand business guide here!