Teepublic
TeePublic is a print-on-demand marketplace known for its community-driven approach and frequent sitewide discounts. Artists upload their designs once, and TeePublic handles printing, fulfillment, and customer service. Products are automatically promoted across its marketplace, including integrations with partner sites like Redbubble. It’s simple to use, beginner-friendly, and ideal for illustrators and typographers looking to earn passive income through t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more. Below you’ll find how TeePublic works, its features, pros & cons, practical tips, and top alternatives.
How TeePublic Works
TeePublic is a print-on-demand marketplace designed for independent artists and designers. Upload your artwork once, and TeePublic automatically applies it to multiple product types. When a customer buys, TeePublic’s fulfillment partners print, pack, and ship the order. You earn a fixed royalty per sale, and TeePublic manages the entire production and support process.
Cost: Free to join
Payout: Fixed royalties per sale
Ownership: Part of the Redbubble Group
Markets: Global audience, mainly U.S. and Europe
Promo Frequency: Regular sitewide sales (often 20–35% off)
Key Features
Artist-Friendly Uploads
Upload one design and it’s auto-applied to dozens of products with optimized mockups and sizing tools.
Automatic Promotions
Designs are included in regular marketplace sales and may appear on Redbubble partner networks.
Simple Payouts
Earnings are fixed per product sold — predictable, transparent, and updated automatically in your dashboard.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No setup or listing fees; upload unlimited designs
- Automatic inclusion in frequent sales drives more traffic
- Consistent print quality and reliable customer support
- Strong community and curated artist marketplace
Cons
- Fixed royalties — limited pricing control
- Competition is high in popular niches (pop culture, memes, typography)
- No direct integrations or custom storefront options
- Marketplace relies heavily on seasonal sales for visibility
Best For
Illustrators, graphic designers, and typographic artists who want simple publishing, automatic promotions, and exposure without managing their own store or fulfillment.
Pricing & Royalties
TeePublic pays a flat royalty per sale, which varies by product type and whether the item is sold during a promotion. For example, a t-shirt may earn $4 during a sale and $8 at regular price. Royalties are fixed by TeePublic and automatically deposited monthly via PayPal.
Content & IP Guidelines
TeePublic follows strict content rules under Redbubble’s broader IP policies. Only upload original or licensed work — copyrighted logos, phrases, or character designs can trigger takedowns. Repeat violations can result in account restrictions or closure.
Practical Tips to Succeed
- Use clear, high-contrast designs that look great on multiple apparel colors.
- Upload in high resolution (usually 3000×3000 px PNG with transparency).
- Optimize tags and descriptions to improve search ranking inside the marketplace.
- Participate in sales — most buyers purchase during discounted campaigns.
- Publish designs regularly to stay visible in TeePublic’s “New” and “Trending” sections.
Where TeePublic Fits in Your POD Stack
TeePublic complements other marketplaces like Redbubble and Spreadshirt by offering simple publishing, predictable earnings, and a built-in audience that values design. It’s a great first step for new creators entering POD before expanding to platforms that offer more control or higher margins.
Alternatives
FAQ
Does TeePublic charge fees?
No. It’s completely free to join and upload designs. TeePublic pays you a fixed royalty per item sold.
Are there sitewide discounts often?
Yes. Sales happen frequently — usually every few weeks — to drive higher traffic and conversions.
Can I integrate TeePublic with my website?
TeePublic doesn’t support external integrations. You can, however, link directly to your store or product pages.