Choosing the right platform to sell your art online can be tricky, especially with giants like Society6 and Redbubble dominating the print-on-demand (POD) space. Both offer a vast product selection, global reach, and a convenient hands-off approach to production and fulfillment. But which one reigns supreme?
Short Comparison Of Society6 And Redbubble
Deciding between Society6 and Redbubble hinges on your artistic style, target audience, desired level of control, and profit margins.
In a classic Society6 vs Redbubble comparison, Society6 fosters a minimalist aesthetic with a focus on home decor, while Redbubble caters to a broader audience with a quirky, fandom-friendly vibe. Society6 sets product prices, offering you a 10% commission (except for art prints), while Redbubble lets you set your profit margin on a base price. Ultimately, the “better” platform depends on your specific needs and artistic goals.
This in-depth comparison delves into every facet of Society6 and Redbubble, empowering you to make an informed decision and launch your artistic journey into the POD realm.
Meet 2 Print-on-Demand Powerhouses: Society6 and Redbubble
The POD business model allows artists to upload their designs onto various products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. Partnering with a POD platform takes care of production, printing, shipping, and customer service, freeing you to focus on creating art.
Society6 and Redbubble are industry leaders, boasting extensive product catalogs, user-friendly interfaces, and established customer bases. But beneath the surface, key differences emerge, impacting your earning potential, brand identity, and overall experience.
Comparing Their Artistic Showcase: Society6 vs Redbubble
Society6: Cultivates a curated, minimalist aesthetic. Think clean lines, geometric patterns, and nature-inspired designs. Their products like throw pillows, tapestries, and wall art cater to individuals seeking stylish home decor. While they offer apparel like t-shirts and hoodies, the selection aligns with their overall minimalist theme.
Redbubble: Embraces a more diverse, quirky style. Fan art, pop culture references, and bold graphics flourish here. Their product range caters to a broader audience, with a strong emphasis on t-shirts, phone cases, and stickers.
Choosing the Right Platform
Consider your artistic style. Does your work resonate with the clean lines of Society6 or the vibrant energy of Redbubble? Analyze your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? If it’s home decor enthusiasts, Society6 might be ideal. For a more general audience with a taste for pop culture, Redbubble could be the key.
Product Showdown: Society6 vs Redbubble
Society6: Offers a curated selection of high-quality products, including:
- Wall art (prints, tapestries, framed art)
- Home decor (throw pillows, duvet covers, shower curtains)
- Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, leggings)
- Tech accessories (phone cases)
- Society6 allows you to upload your design to an unlimited number of products, giving you more control over your product offering. However, you don’t have complete control over product pricing.
Redbubble: Features a wider range of products, including:
- Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, leggings, dresses)
- Stickers (variety of sizes and finishes)
- Wall art (prints, posters, framed art)
- Stationery (notebooks, greeting cards)
- Tech accessories (phone cases, laptop sleeves)
- Redbubble limits the number of products you can apply each design to, preventing marketplace saturation. The upside? You have complete control over pricing, allowing you to set your profit margin.
Choosing the Right Platform:
Consider the product variety that best compliments your art. If you specialize in wall art and home decor, Society6 might be sufficient. But if you offer a broader range of designs suited for t-shirts, stickers, and more, Redbubble’s wider selection could be advantageous.
Choosing Either Based On Pricing & Profit Potential: Society6 vs Redbubble
Society6: Sets pre-determined base prices for all products. You earn a 10% commission on sales (except for art prints, which you can price yourself). This simplifies pricing but limits your control over profit margins.
Redbubble: Allows you to set your own markup on a base price for each product. This offers greater profit potential but requires setting competitive prices while factoring in production costs. Redbubble also has a $20 minimum payout threshold.
Choosing the Right Platform:
If you prefer a hands-off approach and prioritize convenience, Society6’s commission structure might be suitable. However, if you’re comfortable setting prices and maximizing profit margins, Redbubble’s approach offers greater control.
Choosing Either POD Platforms Based On User Experience & Marketing Tools: Society6 vs Redbubble
Society6:
- User Interface: Simple and user-friendly, making it easy to upload designs and manage your shop.
- Customization: Offers some customization options for product mockups and shop layout.
- Marketing Tools: Limited built-in marketing tools. You’ll need to rely on external marketing efforts to drive traffic to your shop.
- Customer Service: Provides support through email and knowledge base articles.
Redbubble:
- User Interface: Similar to Society6, offering a user-friendly experience for shop management.
- Customization: Provides more extensive customization options for product mockups and shop branding.
- Marketing Tools: Offers basic marketing tools like discount codes and coupons. However, robust marketing still relies on external efforts.
- Customer Service: Offers support through email and a help center.
Choosing the Right Platform:
Both platforms offer user-friendly interfaces. If extensive customization and built-in marketing tools are crucial, Redbubble might be a better fit. However, Society6 remains a strong contender for those prioritizing a simple experience.
Monetization & Payment: Society6 vs Redbubble
Society6:
- Payment Schedule: Pays artists on a monthly basis, once earnings reach $1.
- Payment Methods: Offers payout via PayPal or direct deposit.
Redbubble:
- Payment Schedule: Pays artists once a month, but only if earnings exceed $20.
- Payment Methods: Offers payout via PayPal, direct deposit, or Payoneer.
Choosing the Right Platform:
Consider your preferred payment method and payout threshold. If immediate access to funds is important, Society6’s lower threshold might be ideal. However, if you use Payoneer or prefer more payout options, Redbubble could be preferable.
The Community Aspect: Society6 vs Redbubble
Society6:
- Community Features: Lacks a dedicated artist community forum or social features within the platform.
Redbubble:
- Community Features: Offers a basic artist forum where you can connect with other sellers and discuss POD-related topics.
Choosing the Right Platform:
If fostering connections with fellow artists is important, Redbubble’s basic forum might be a plus. However, both platforms rely heavily on external marketing and community building efforts on your part.
The Final Verdict: Society6 vs Redbubble
Deciding between Society6 and Redbubble boils down to your artistic goals, target audience, and desired level of control. Here’s a quick recap:
- Choose Society6 if:
- Your art aligns with a minimalist aesthetic.
- You prioritize home decor products.
- You prefer a hands-off approach to pricing.
- You value a simple and user-friendly interface.
- Choose Redbubble if:
- Your art embraces a broader, quirky style.
- You cater to a diverse audience.
- You want control over product pricing and profit margins.
- You value extensive customization options and basic marketing tools.
Ultimately, the best approach might be to experiment with both platforms. You can list your designs on both Society6 and Redbubble to see which one resonates better with your audience and generates higher sales.
Bonus Tip: Expanding Your Reach Beyond Society6 and Redbubble
While Society6 and Redbubble are powerful platforms, consider these additional strategies to maximize your reach:
- Build Your Online Store: Having your website allows complete creative control and branding. However, it requires more effort for marketing and managing sales.
- Explore Other POD Platforms: Several POD platforms cater to specific niches or offer unique product selections. Research and experiment to find those that complement your art and target audience.
- Leverage Social Media: Promote your art on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to drive traffic to your shop(s).
By combining these strategies with your presence on Society6 or Redbubble, you can establish a strong online presence and build a successful art business.
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