10 Best Branded Merch Store Platforms for Creators

In today's competitive business environment, merchandise has become a crucial aspect of brand promotion and customer engagement. From fashion merchandise to band merch, branded merchandise plays a significant role in creating brand awareness and fostering customer loyalty. 

Whether you're making corporate merchandise, concert merch, sports merch, or even celebrity merch, having an online merch store can help you reach your target audience and boost your brand's visibility. 

With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the top 10 merchandise store platforms that cater to various industries and needs. These platforms offer a wide range of services, including custom merch, wholesale merchandise, gaming merch, merchandising display, promotional merchandise, music merch, and more.

Image credit: ART + Marketing

1. Merch by Amazon

As the largest online marketplace globally, Amazon offers a dedicated platform for creators and businesses to sell their merchandise. With Merch by Amazon, you can easily create and sell custom merch, including t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more. The platform handles everything from production and shipping to customer service, allowing you to focus on marketing and engaging with your audience. Moreover, with Amazon's extensive customer base, you have the opportunity to reach millions of potential buyers.

Features:

Invite-only platform

Easy design upload and pricing management

Access to Amazon's vast customer network

No upfront costs or inventory requirements

Image credit: Bonfire

2. Bonfire

Bonfire is a popular online platform that enables users to design, sell, and buy custom products, such as t-shirts, tote bags, and mugs. The platform takes care of payment processing, order fulfillment, and customer service, allowing you to concentrate on growing your following and connecting with your audience. Bonfire is an excellent choice for influencers, non-profits, and organizations looking to raise funds or generate a steady stream of income through merchandise sales.

Features:

Free online platform

Wide range of customizable products

Integrated payment processing and order fulfillment

No upfront costs or inventory requirements

Image credit: Spreadshop

3. Spreadshop

Spreadshop is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that provides all the necessary features for creating and selling merch online. The platform offers print-on-demand services, handling payment processing, order fulfillment, and shipping on your behalf. With Spreadshop, you can customize your online store to align with your brand, create promotional campaigns, and offer discounts to boost sales.

Features:

Easy-to-use platform

Customizable online store 

Control over pricing and profit margins 

No upfront costs or inventory requirements 

Support for merchandising strategies and campaigns

Image credit: Printify

4. Printify

Printify is a well-known print-on-demand network that simplifies the process of sourcing and creating merchandise at competitive prices. With over 250 products in their catalog, you can create a diverse range of custom merch for your brand. Printify integrates with leading e-commerce platforms such as Etsy, eBay, and Shopify, making it easy to get your products into your online store. The platform also offers a quality control process before shipping products directly to your customers.

Features:

Extensive product catalog

Easy design upload and mockup generator

Integration with popular e-commerce platforms

No upfront costs or inventory requirements

Image credit: Zazzle

5. Zazzle

With over 15 years of experience, Zazzle is a well-established merchandise platform that offers high-quality products and a vast collection of designs. The platform allows you to earn money in two ways: by selling your own products through its online marketplace or by earning commissions through its affiliate program. Zazzle boasts a network of 30 million shoppers, ensuring your merchandise gets the exposure it deserves.

Features:

Large collection of customizable products

Ability to set your own royalty fees

Access to Zazzle's extensive customer base

Affiliate program for additional income

Image credit: E-Commerce Guide

6. Bigcartel

Bigcartel is an e-commerce builder designed specifically for artists and creators who already have printed merchandise and want to sell it online. While it doesn't offer print-on-demand services like other platforms on this list, it provides a user-friendly interface to create an online store, upload products, and set pricing. However, you'll need to handle your own printing and shipping, making it a better fit for those who prefer managing these aspects themselves.

Features:

Customizable online store

No transaction fees

Multiple pricing plans, including a free option

Inventory tracking and order management

Image credit: Teespring

7. TeeSpring

TeeSpring is a powerful social commerce platform that offers print-on-demand products, making it easy to create and sell a wide range of merchandise online. The platform provides its own marketplace, removing the need for you to manage a separate online store. One of the significant advantages of TeeSpring is its integration with websites like Streamlabs, Twitch, Instagram, and YouTube, making it easier for influencers to market their products.

Features:

Easy-to-use platform

Wide range of customizable products

In-platform marketplace

Integration with popular social media platforms

Image credit: Courier-Journal

8. CafePress

CafePress offers two options for selling merchandise: Seller Shops and Design & List. The latter is a simpler approach, where you upload a design, and CafePress automatically selects the best product for your design and sells it through their website. Seller Shops, on the other hand, allows you to create a customizable online shop and sell your products with more control over profit margins and product selection. However, it's essential to note that all products sold on CafePress come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which may result in delayed royalty payments.

Features:

Customizable online shop

Wide range of products

Control over pricing and profit margins

Affiliate program for additional income

Image credit: Printful

9. Printful

Printful is a popular merch store platform, specializing in selling t-shirts and other apparel items. The platform provides print-on-demand order fulfillment and warehousing services, handling everything from production and shipping to customer service. With no upfront costs, minimum order requirements, or inventory management, Printful is an excellent choice for businesses and influencers looking to sell merchandise without the hassle.

Features:

Easy design upload and product selection

Integration with popular e-commerce platforms

No upfront costs or inventory requirements

Customizable online store

Image credit: RedBubble

10. Redbubble

Redbubble is a popular merch site that offers complete control over your profit margin and a wide range of customizable products. With over 70 unique products available, you can create and sell everything from stickers and posters to t-shirts and device cases. Redbubble takes care of printing, collecting money, and delivery, allowing you to focus on designing and promoting your merchandise.

Features:

Extensive product catalog

Control over pricing and profit margins

No upfront costs or inventory requirements

Exposure to Redbubble's large customer base

Wrapping Up

Merchandise is an exciting way to capitalize on your social media following and strengthen your brand's presence. Whether you're an influencer with millions of followers or just starting, selling merchandise can provide an additional income stream and improve brand awareness. By choosing the right merch store platform, you can create high-quality, engaging products that resonate with your audience and boost your brand visibility. Explore the platforms mentioned above and find the perfect fit for your merchandising needs.