Are you a busy mom looking for a flexible, stress-free way to make money from home? Whether you’re juggling nap times, school runs, or managing a house full of chaos, starting an online business with Print-on-Demand (POD) can be a great way to earn extra income—without handling inventory, packing, or shipping.
Two of the biggest names in the POD world are Printful (the platform Healthy Mum and Bub is currently using for our merch) and Printify, but which one is the best for you? In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and differences of both platforms, with fun and practical ideas for moms to get started!
What is Print-on-Demand?
Print-on-Demand (POD) is a business model where you create custom designs for products like T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags, and a third-party company prints and ships the orders directly to your customers.
That means:
✔️ No inventory to store (goodbye, clutter!)
✔️ No upfront costs for bulk stock (no more guessing what will sell!)
✔️ You can run it from anywhere (even from the couch while breastfeeding!)
If you’re ready to start your own online store or create branded merchandise for your mom blog or social media audience, sign up for Printful here or Printify here and get started today!
Printful vs. Printify: A Quick Overview
Both Printful and Printify help you run a POD business by connecting with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. However, they have key differences in pricing, quality, product range, and fulfillment speed.
Here’s a quick comparison of their main differences:
| Feature | Printful | Printify |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | In-house print-on-demand service | Print-on-demand marketplace with multiple providers |
| Pricing |
• Free basic plan • Growth Plan: $24.99/month • Free design tools • Higher base prices • Free sample shipping to some locations |
• Free basic plan • Premium: $29/month • Enterprise: Custom pricing • 20% discount with Premium plan |
| Production Facilities | Owns and operates their facilities | Network of third-party printing providers |
| Geographic Presence | Multiple locations in USA, Europe, and Mexico | Global network of print providers |
| Key Benefits |
• Consistent quality control • Better brand customization • Reliable shipping times • Excellent customer service • Warehousing services |
• Lower base prices • Multiple printer options • Wider geographic coverage • More product varieties • Flexibility to switch providers |
| Limitations |
• Higher base prices • Limited production locations • Longer processing in peak seasons • Higher shipping costs in some regions |
• Quality varies between providers • Less consistent shipping times • Slower customer service • Less control over production |
| Unique Features |
• Mockup generator with lifestyle images • Warehouse storage service • Brand customization • Direct-to-garment printing • Product photography services |
• Provider selection flexibility • Print provider comparison tool • Custom API access • Multiple production options • Quality control service (paid) |
| Best For |
• Quality-focused brands • Businesses needing customization • Those requiring warehousing • Brands with higher margins |
• Price-conscious sellers • Those needing geographic flexibility • Businesses with varied product needs • Startups with limited budget |
Beyond Just an Online Store: How Moms Can Use Printful & Printify for a Mom Blog or Social Media Brand
If you’re a mom who already has a blog, Instagram page, YouTube channel, or a growing Facebook community, why not turn your audience into raving fans with branded merchandise?
Here are a few creative ways to monetize your brand without running a full-scale store:
1. Branded Merchandise for Your Mom Blog or Instagram Page
• Sell custom T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags with your best quotes or hashtags.
• Examples:
-“Tired but Thriving”
-“Raising Legends”
-“Coffee First, Motherhood Second”
• Offer limited-edition designs for seasons like Mother’s Day or Christmas.
💡 How to do it?
• Use Printful or Printify to create your merch and integrate it with Shopify or Etsy.
• Add a “Shop” section to your blog to sell directly to your readers.
• Promote your merch on Instagram and Pinterest with engaging posts.
2. Giveaway Swag for Your Email List or Podcast Listeners
• Reward your most loyal subscribers with free merch!
• Example: If someone signs up for your newsletter, they enter to win a custom mug or T-shirt.
• For podcasts: Give away branded tote bags or notebooks to engaged listeners.
💡 How to do it?
• Use Printful to order single items at cost and ship directly to winners.
• Announce giveaways on social media, blogs, and email lists.
3. Limited-Edition Merch for Community Engagement
• If you run a Facebook group for moms, create inside jokes or community-themed merch.
• Example: If your group is called “Moms Who Love Sleep But Never Get It,” sell matching shirts with that phrase!
• Seasonal Drops: Launch exclusive merch collections for Mother’s Day, Christmas, or Back-to-School season.
💡 How to do it?
• Create a pre-order campaign to see what designs are most popular.
• Use Printify’s low-cost products to maximize profit margins.
🚀 Want to start your own mom-brand merch? Sign up for Printful here or Printify here to create your first product today!
Printful vs. Printify: Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities as a mompreneur!
Choose Printful if:
✔️ You want premium quality and custom branding.
✔️ You prefer an all-in-one platform with embroidery and unique print methods.
✔️ You’re okay with slightly higher prices for better quality.
Choose Printify if:
✔️ You want more product variety and lower base prices.
✔️ You don’t mind testing different suppliers for quality control.
✔️ You want to maximize profits, especially if you plan to scale your store.
How to Get Started in 5 Easy Steps
1. Pick Your Niche
• Mommy & Me clothing? Funny coffee mugs? Trendy tote bags?
• Choose something you’re passionate about!
2. Create Designs
• Use Canva (free and easy!) or hire a designer from Fiverr.
• Add fun text, quotes, or illustrations.
3. Set Up Your Store or Blog Shop
• Use Etsy (great for beginners), Shopify, or WooCommerce.
• Connect your store to Printful or Printify.
• If you have a blog, add a Shop page with direct product links.
4. List Your Products
• Write catchy product descriptions.
• Use keywords like “funny mom mug” or “personalized baby bodysuit” to rank in search results.
5. Promote Your Store or Blog Merch
• Share on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
• Offer discounts for email subscribers.
• Run limited-time giveaways for engagement.
Final Thoughts: Can Busy Moms Make Money with POD?
Absolutely! Whether you choose Printful for its premium quality or Printify for its variety and cost savings, both platforms offer amazing opportunities for moms to start an online business or monetize their existing blog/social media presence.
With a little creativity and marketing, your designs could be selling while you’re playing with the kids, making dinner, or sneaking in a coffee break.
So, why not start today? Sign up for Printful here or Printify here and take the first step toward building your online brand!