Faire: Sell Wholesale vs Printful: Print on Demandfor Shopify (2026)
Faire: Sell Wholesale and Printful: Print on Demand serve fundamentally different merchant needs, although they both fall under the 'Finding products' and 'Sourcing options' categories on Shopify. Faire focuses on connecting existing brands with independent retailers for wholesale distribution, offering a marketplace approach. Its strength lies in providing access to a wide network of retailers and simplifying wholesale operations through order and inventory synchronization with Shopify. The app is ideal for established brands seeking to expand their wholesale reach without significant upfront investment in sales and marketing. Printful, on the other hand, empowers merchants to create and sell custom products through print-on-demand dropshipping. Its strength is in enabling entrepreneurs to launch businesses selling printed or embroidered apparel, wall art, and other customizable goods without holding any inventory. The target audience for Printful is individuals looking to start or scale an online store selling unique designs or custom merchandise.
At a Glance
Faire: Sell Wholesale
259 reviews
Printful: Print on Demand
2,169 reviews
Detailed Overview
Faire: Sell Wholesale
Grow your wholesale business with exposure to independent retailers worldwide
Key Features
- Sell to independent retailers around the world
- Faire offers simple set-up and no commitments
- Quickly and easily publish your products on Faire
- Keep inventory levels in sync and avoid overselling
- Simplify operations by syncing orders to Shopify
Printful: Print on Demand
Create and sell custom products with print-on-demand dropshipping
Key Features
- Quick set-up. Connect to Printful and start selling fast.
- Easy-to-use design tools for you to create or upload your designs.
- High-quality products that will keep customers coming back for more.
- Custom branding with packaging, pack-ins, packing slips, and more.
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
Rating Faire: Sell Wholesale4.5/5 Printful: Print on Demand4.7/5 | ||
| Reviews | 259 | 2169 |
Reviews Faire: Sell Wholesale259 Printful: Print on Demand2169 | ||
| Business Model | Wholesale Marketplace | Print-on-Demand Dropshipping |
Business Model Faire: Sell WholesaleWholesale Marketplace Printful: Print on DemandPrint-on-Demand Dropshipping | ||
| Target Merchant | Established Brands Seeking Wholesale Expansion | Entrepreneurs Selling Custom Products |
Target Merchant Faire: Sell WholesaleEstablished Brands Seeking Wholesale Expansion Printful: Print on DemandEntrepreneurs Selling Custom Products | ||
| Inventory Management | Syncs with Shopify | Managed by Printful (No Inventory Required for Merchant) |
Inventory Management Faire: Sell WholesaleSyncs with Shopify Printful: Print on DemandManaged by Printful (No Inventory Required for Merchant) | ||
| Product Creation | Existing Products | Custom Designs |
Product Creation Faire: Sell WholesaleExisting Products Printful: Print on DemandCustom Designs | ||
| Customer Base | Independent Retailers | End Consumers |
Customer Base Faire: Sell WholesaleIndependent Retailers Printful: Print on DemandEnd Consumers | ||
| Focus | Wholesale Distribution | Custom Product Sales |
Focus Faire: Sell WholesaleWholesale Distribution Printful: Print on DemandCustom Product Sales | ||
Our Verdict
The choice between Faire and Printful hinges on the merchant's business model and objectives. If you are an established brand seeking to expand your wholesale distribution network to independent retailers worldwide, Faire is the clear choice. Its integration with Shopify and focus on wholesale operations make it a streamlined option. However, if you are an entrepreneur or business looking to sell custom-designed products without managing inventory, Printful is the superior option. Its print-on-demand dropshipping model allows you to focus on design and marketing, while Printful handles fulfillment.
Common Questions
Which app is better for businesses without existing products?
Printful is the better choice for businesses without existing products. It allows you to create and sell custom-designed merchandise without the need to manufacture or hold inventory.
Which app is suitable for established brands?
Faire is designed for established brands looking to expand their wholesale distribution to independent retailers.
Does Faire handle product fulfillment?
No, Faire connects you with retailers who will then order from you. You are responsible for fulfilling the wholesale orders.
What kind of products can I sell with Printful?
Printful offers a wide range of customizable products, including apparel, wall art, accessories, and home goods.
Which app is easier to get started with?
Printful is likely easier to get started with for someone new to e-commerce, as it eliminates the need to manage inventory or fulfillment. Faire requires you to have an existing product line and the capability to fulfill wholesale orders.
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