Is TeePublic Legit?

‍TeePublic has carved a niche for itself by offering a platform where independent artists can sell their designs on a wide variety of products, from t-shirts to home decor. But with many similar platforms out there, you might be wondering: is TeePublic legit? 

Customers appreciate the quality of prints and durability/softness of fabrics TeePublic offers but there may be occasionally sizing discrepancies. For any prints that look faded or don’t show up on colour, they will promptly replace it for free. TeePublic is known for its exceptional customer service and has been partnering up with artists for years. 

In this guide, we’ll give you a full review of TeePublic from both a customer and creator perspective. We'll improve its reputation, product quality, prices, shipping policies, and standing in the industry.

What is TeePublic?

TeePublic is an online marketplace that was founded in 2013 and quickly gained popularity as a platform where independent artists could showcase their designs. Similar to other print-on-demand (POD) sites, TeePublic allows artists to upload their original artwork and have it printed on a wide range of products such as t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, phone cases, home decor, and more. It handles the production, shipping, and customer service, making it a convenient option for both creators and shoppers.

TeePublic differs from competitors in several ways. First, it emphasises supporting independent creators. The platform boasts a vast array of unique designs from artists all over the world, making it an ideal destination for customers seeking something more original than mass-produced fashion. Second, TeePublic often runs discounts, which can make their products more accessible to a wider audience.

For creators, TeePublic offers an easy-to-use interface for uploading designs and setting up shop. Artists receive a royalty on every sale without having to manage inventory, production, or logistics. While it may not offer the highest profit margins compared to self-owned stores, it does provide an avenue for artists to reach new audiences without a lot of upfront costs.

TeePublic’s Reputation: Is it Trustworthy?

When determining if an online marketplace is legitimate, one of the first aspects to consider is its reputation. TeePublic is part of the Redbubble group, a well-established name in the print-on-demand industry. Over the years, TeePublic has amassed a large following of customers and creators, many of whom leave reviews and feedback on various platforms such as Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and Reddit. TeePublic uses a high

Customer Reviews and Feedback

TeePublic has received mixed reviews from customers, though the majority tend to be positive. Customers praise TeePublic for its wide range of unique designs, affordability, and the ability to support independent artists. Their clients are satisfied with the overall shopping experience, especially during sales when prices are significantly lower. You can buy a wide variety of fabrics and prints for prices as low as $14. The designs are stunning and you can find cool themes like Star Wars, Back to the Future, Nintendo characters, and even your favourite Marvel/DC characters.

But that doesn’t meanTeePublic doesn’t have any critics.Some customers have complained about inconsistent product quality, slow shipping, and issues with their customer service. These concerns are typical of many print-on-demand platforms, where the production process varies depending on the item and region.

Creator Feedback

On the creator side, TeePublic has garnered a reputation for being user-friendly and easy to get started on. Artists appreciate the platform's simplicity when it comes to uploading designs, as well as the hands-off approach to order fulfilment and customer service. Artists can earn up to 30% on each sale and the brand has a transparent commission scheme. They maintain 100% ownership of their artwork and can sell in over 75 different niches. Selling your designs on TeePublic is simple. All you have to do is set up a store on their platform. You will get a store URL, pick a name, and use it to sell your products. Keep in mind that their printing process uses a CMYK colour model. So, if you’re a digital illustrator or concept artist, adjust the fonts, colours, and styles of your designs according to their image specifications.  They have strict submission guidelines and require all artwork to be 150 DPI and 5000 X 5000 pixels for all products. If you’re a beginner artist, you can sign up for their Apprentice account. Experienced designers can upgrade to Artisan accounts which will give them access to more clientele and sell for higher prices.

However, some artists have voiced concerns and report that the profit margins are lower. Despite some mixed reviews, TeePublic’s affiliation with Redbubble and its large, active community helps solidify its legitimacy as a trustworthy platform.

Product Quality

Product quality is often a concern when shopping from print-on-demand platforms, as items are typically produced only after an order is placed. TeePublic’s product range includes clothing, accessories, home decor, and art prints, all of which feature designs created by independent artists. If you’re feeling creative, you can try out their tri-blend fabrics. The classics are on the rougher side but more heavy-weighted. Check out their size chart to view different sizes. TeeRepublic has something for everyone, including plus size fashionistas. You can check out what their products look like on the site since they have petite models showcasing their latest collections too.

T-Shirts and Apparels

One of the main products offered by TeePublic is t-shirts, and customers generally find them to be of decent quality for the price. The t-shirts are typically printed on soft, lightweight fabric, making them comfortable for casual wear. However, some customers have noted that the fabric can feel thin, especially on budget items, and that sizing may not be consistent across all products. You will enjoy your fair share of novelty shirts.

In terms of print quality, TeePublic uses direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which allows for vibrant colours and detailed designs. Most customers report satisfaction with how the designs look on their apparel, though a small number have experienced issues such as fading after washing or misalignment of the prints. It’s important to note that the quality can vary slightly depending on the printing partner TeePublic uses in different regions. TeePublic uses sublimation techniques for non-apparels and direct-to-garment printing for higher-quality prints. They also source garments from ethical suppliers and actively work towards reducing their overall carbon footprint. TeePublic production facilities follow toxin-free production standards and strictly adhere to their Fair Labor Code of Conduct for all their employees, making them one of the best brands to work with.

Accessories and Home Decor

Aside from apparel, TeePublic offers a range of other products, including phone cases, mugs, wall art, and stickers. Customer feedback for these items tends to be generally positive, though, as with apparel, the quality can be hit or miss depending on the item. The materials used for these products, such as the paper stock for posters or the vinyl for stickers, are usually of decent quality, but there may be slight variations depending on the product type. You can buy or sell iPhone cases, magnets, pillows, and totes on their platform. They also feature tapestries and canvases in their product catalogue.

Price vs. Quality

One of TeePublic’s biggest selling points is affordability. With frequent sales and discounts, customers can often find t-shirts for as low as $13, which is considerably cheaper than many competing platforms. However, as with most budget-friendly options, customers should be mindful that lower prices can sometimes mean lower quality. While TeePublic offers good value for money, it’s important to manage expectations, especially when purchasing lower-priced items. 

Shipping, Returns, and Customer Service

TeePublic’s shipping policies, return process, and customer service are critical factors in determining its overall legitimacy.

Shipping Times

TeePublic ships fast. As soon as you place your order, you will get it within 7 to 14 business days. They have standard shipping options for domestic orders too and their main logistics partners are DHL and UPS. For remote locations as well, the shipping is a smooth process. You just have to wait a bit longer depending on where you order from. The good news is, no matter where you are, you will get your items delivered. Keep in mind that peak seasons may be a bit tough due to high order volumes from other customers. So don’t be surprised if shipments get delayed during festive times. But TeePublic will keep you informed and provide up-to-date tracking info. Some customers have complained about the lack of constant communication when it comes to delays though.

Return Policy

TeePublic offers a straightforward return policy, allowing customers to return or exchange items within 30 days of receiving their order. However, the process can be slow, and customers are typically responsible for covering return shipping costs unless the item is defective or incorrect. TeePublic’s return policy is comparable to other print-on-demand platforms, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re ordering from a region with high return shipping fees.

Customer Service

TeePublic’s customer service receives mixed reviews. While some customers have had positive interactions with helpful and responsive representatives, others have reported slow response times or unsatisfactory resolutions. The lack of phone support can be frustrating for customers who prefer immediate assistance, as TeePublic primarily handles customer service through email.

TeePublic for Creators: Is It Worth It?

For independent artists, TeePublic offers a platform to showcase their designs and earn passive income. But how does it stack up in terms of profitability and user experience for creators?

Royalty Rates and Profit Margins

TeePublic operates on a royalty-based system where creators earn a set amount for each sale. While the earnings per sale can vary depending on the product and whether it’s sold at a discount, the profit margins on TeePublic are generally lower compared to running your own store or selling on other platforms like Etsy or Society6.

During sales, which occur frequently, creators earn less per item. For example, a t-shirt that normally sells for $20 may be discounted to $13, and the artist's earnings are adjusted accordingly. However, TeePublic’s wide customer base and frequent promotions can help offset lower individual profits by providing higher overall sales volume. If you are a curator, you can sign up for their affiliate program. You can make up to 11% commission for each sale you refer. TeePublic has a network of suppliers and works with popular dropshipping brands like Spocket. It also offers wholesale programs for fashion businesses who want to purchase in bulk at discounted rates and resell them in their own channels. 

Ease of Use

TeePublic’s platform is user-friendly and intuitive for artists, with an easy process for uploading designs and creating a storefront. 

It handles production, shipping, and customer service, allowing creators to focus on producing new designs rather than managing the logistics of running an online store. Keep in mind that the designs you sell on TeePublic cannot be sold anywhere else. TeePublic partners with suppliers worldwide.

For artists who are just starting out, TeePublic can be an excellent way to gain exposure and build an audience without any upfront costs. However, for creators looking to maximize profits, selling on TeePublic might not be the most lucrative option.

Pros of TeePublic

• Affordable prices: TeePublic makes great sales and receives a high volume of orders from a wide range of customers globally. This makes their products accessible and affordable to all.  
• Unique designs: TeePublic’s platform features designs from independent artists, providing shoppers with more original and creative options than typical retail stores.
• User-friendly for creators: Artists never have to worry about logistics when selling their designs online as TeePublic takes care of it. It’s a seamless experience and absolutely hassle-free. They can focus more on creating and making money as a result.

Cons of TeePublic

• Inconsistent quality: Product quality can vary depending on the item or printing partner.
• Slow shipping: Some customers experience delays, particularly for international orders.
• Low profit margins for creators: Frequent sales and discounts mean lower royalties for artists.

Final Verdict: Is TeePublic Legit?

Yes, TeePublic is legit. It is a great platform for shoppers, curators, and creators. The brand offers a wide range of unique products at affordable prices, but there may be occasional issues such as product defects or shipment delays. But those are very rare and most shoppers worldwide have positive experiences. For creators, it provides an easy way to earn passive income, but profit margins maybe sometimes be a bit on the low side. That’s not for all products and it depends on where you’re located, the season of the year, and what you’re selling.

As a customer, if you’re looking for original designs and want to support independent artists, TeePublic is a solid choice. They’re also an emerging pioneer of slow fashion so you’ll find plenty of innovative sustainable fashion products to look forward to soon. If you're looking to connect with the best suppliers for dropshipping fashion products across the US/EU, use Spocket today.