Print-on-Demand & Merch

Amazon KDP Print vs Printful / Printify

Amazon KDP Print focuses exclusively on printing paperback and hardcover books sold through Amazon, with no upfront fees but a royalty cut of 40–60%. Printful/Printify specialize in custom merchandise like shirts, mugs, and totes, charging per item and integrating with multiple sales platforms like Shopify or Etsy. KDP is ideal for authors selling their own books, while Printful/Printify serve author branding and merch needs. Pricing models differ fundamentally: KDP takes a percentage of sales, whereas Printful/Printify require upfront per-item costs.

Pick Amazon KDP Print

Pick Amazon KDP Print if you want to publish your book as a paperback or hardcover with no upfront cost and sell exclusively through Amazon.

Pick Printful / Printify

Pick Printful/Printify if you need branded merchandise like t-shirts or mugs to promote your author brand and sell on your own store or other platforms.

At a glance

Amazon KDP PrintPrintful / Printify
PricingFree; 40–60%Per-item
Pricing modelFreemiumPaid
Free optionYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb
Best forPrint-on-Demand & MerchPrint-on-Demand & Merch
AI featuresNoNo
Open sourceNoNo

Amazon KDP Print

kdp.amazon.com

POD paperback/hardcover via Amazon.

Visit Amazon KDP Print

POD merch (shirts, mugs, totes) for author branding.

Visit Printful / Printify

See more options: Amazon KDP Print alternatives · Printful / Printify alternatives