Bonfire vs Spreadshirt

Bonfire and Spreadshirt both offer 100% risk-free ways to sell custom merchandise online. Bonfire focuses on premium quality and optimized fundraising campaigns. Spreadshirt provides dual selling channels and a massive product catalog. Here’s how to choose the right partner for your unique brand.

Bonfire
Bonfire

Easy, risk-free custom merchandise fulfillment.

Ciroapp review
4.7
#1 in Print on Demand

We find Bonfire offers a robust, risk-free solution for creators and non-profits seeking custom apparel without inventory hassle. The platform delivers exceptional product quality, supported by highly responsive and patient customer service throughout the setup process. Overall, we confidently recommend Bonfire for anyone needing easy, reliable custom apparel sales and fundraising tools.

Pros

  • 100% risk-free setup with no inventory required.
  • Excellent and highly responsive customer support team.
  • High product quality, including nice fabrics and professional printing.
  • Platform is easy and straightforward for launching campaigns.

Cons

  • Products are sometimes perceived as slightly more expensive than typical retail items.
  • Occasional, isolated issues related to print quality fading after washing.
  • Limited color options were noted by some design-focused users.
  • Sizing and fit for certain apparel items can be inconsistent (e.g., too long).
Pricing
$0
Free trial
Money-back
Best for
Nonprofits and verified causes needing specialized fundraising features, Creators launching limited-edition drops who prioritize service and peace of mind, Small businesses valuing guaranteed high product quality and customer support handling
Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt

Always Free, High Volume, Mixed Quality

Ciroapp review
4.3
#4 in Print on Demand

We find that Spreadshirt offers an attractive, risk-free entry point for designers due to its entirely free platform model and strong commitment to review verification. While users appreciate the customization tools and material quality, recurring feedback points to some notable inconsistencies in sizing and print execution that sellers should consider. Overall, Spreadshirt is an excellent, high-volume platform perhaps best suited for those prioritizing cost and speed over achieving flawless print consistency on every single order.

Pros

  • Completely fee-free and risk-free platform for designers and shop owners.
  • High quality and durability reported for base apparel materials.
  • Extensive customization options using an easy-to-use configurator.
  • Strong platform commitment to transparent, verified customer feedback.

Cons

  • Inconsistent print quality noted (e.g., streaks, color inaccuracy, or grainy textures).
  • Apparel sizing sometimes runs large or is inconsistent across items.
  • User experience issues encountered during account setup and log-in processes.
  • Packaging occasionally fails to protect items fully from weather damage during shipping.
Pricing
Free
Free trial
Money-back
Best for
Designers maximizing exposure for new designs via the Marketplace, Sellers focused on high-volume production and quick turnover, Creative teams testing designs across 200+ distinct products
Quick verdict
Choose Bonfire if you are a nonprofit or creator focused on fundraising and need guaranteed high quality and customer support handling.
Choose Spreadshirt if you prioritize maximizing market exposure using their Marketplace and want over 200 different products for your designs.

AboutBonfire

Bonfire offers a straightforward way to design and sell custom apparel online. It’s built around opening a branded online store, letting you easily connect with your community.

This platform is designed so you can launch a limited-edition merch drop without ever holding inventory. Whether you are an artist, a small business, a school, or a nonprofit, Bonfire serves a broad base.

They have been trusted by millions of happy customers since 2012. You can even use the platform to easily fundraise for any cause.

AboutSpreadshirt

Spreadshirt is a brand committed to solid customer communication and feedback integrity. They keep customers informed using regular updates sent straight to your inbox. 💡 You will hear about new product offers, discount campaigns, and even exclusive competitions this way. Crucially, they manage customer reviews with a strong commitment to verification. This helps you trust the overall quality rating you see.

Highlights

Quick winners by category at a glance.
Ease of Use
Both Bonfire and Spreadshirt offer simple, stress-free platforms for launching campaigns. They are both highly accessible to new sellers.
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Feature Set
Spreadshirt has the powerful two-channel model (Marketplace/Shop); Bonfire specializes in fundraising tools and inventory control.
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Quality Control
Bonfire consistently maintains a higher review rating and receives fewer reports of print inconsistency than Spreadshirt.
Logistics Management
Bonfire handles printing, shipping, and *full* customer support, offering totally hands-off logistics management.
Sales Channel Options
Spreadshirt uniquely offers both a dedicated shop and built-in sales exposure via the Marketplace channel.
Fundraising Focus
Bonfire is an established nonprofit partner with specialized tools for quickly launching verified fundraising campaigns.

Feature Comparison

Compare key features side by side
Upfront Fees/Subscription
Bonfire:Free
Spreadshirt:Free (Always free/Fee-free)
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Risk-Free Selling Model
Bonfire:
Spreadshirt:
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Seller Inventory Required
Bonfire:
Spreadshirt:
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Handles Printing & Shipping
Bonfire:
Spreadshirt:
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Handles Customer Support
Bonfire:Bonfire handles all orders fully
Spreadshirt:Spreadshirt handles fulfillment logistics
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Specialized Fundraising Tools
Bonfire:
Spreadshirt:
Bonfire
Available Product Catalog Size
Bonfire:Diverse (Nike, Allmade options)
Spreadshirt:Extensive (200+ different products)
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Dedicated Branded Storefront
Bonfire:
Spreadshirt:true (Spreadshop)
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Access to Mainstream Marketplace
Bonfire:
Spreadshirt:
Spreadshirt
Bulk Ordering at Cost
Bonfire:true (With discounts, no minimums)
Spreadshirt:Not explicitly mentioned
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Customer Review Rating (Trustpilot)
Bonfire:4.7 stars
Spreadshirt:4.3 stars
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Customer Review Verification
Bonfire:Based on overall service/quality
Spreadshirt:Verified only from confirmed buyers
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Print Quality Consistency
Bonfire:High, professional printing
Spreadshirt:Mixed (sometimes grainy/inconsistent)
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Eco-Friendly Apparel Options
Bonfire:
Spreadshirt:Not explicitly mentioned
Bonfire
Design Configurator Ease
Bonfire:Simple and straightforward
Spreadshirt:Easy-to-use and robust
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Target Audience Focus
Bonfire:Fundraisers, quality-focused creators
Spreadshirt:Designers, high-volume market sellers
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Feature Comparison Summary
2
Bonfire
13
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1
Spreadshirt

Features Overview

We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.

Fulfillment & Support

Bonfire provides complete end-to-end management, including customer support for orders. Spreadshirt focuses mainly on production and logistics behind the scenes.

Bonfire

Bonfire handles the comprehensive logistics management from start to finish. This includes printing, shipping, and full customer support for all transactions. Bonfire removes all fulfillment headaches for the creator completely. Spreadshirt also manages fulfillment, including printing and shipping logistics for the seller. However, the data doesn't explicitly state that Spreadshirt handles all customer complaints and issues. Bonfire offers a higher level of integrated service, especially concerning post-sale issues like refunds. This makes Bonfire the more hands-off, stress-free option for busy creators. The guaranteed customer support from Bonfire is crucial for maintaining a professional brand reputation easily.

Fundraising Specialization

Bonfire is the official trusted partner for verified nonprofits and campaign fundraising. Spreadshirt is primarily a commerce platform.

Bonfire

Bonfire offers specialized tools perfect for nonprofit organizations and fundraising campaigns. It helps organizations raise awareness and funds quickly and efficiently. Bonfire treats fundraising as a core part of its business model and community focus. Spreadshirt can certainly be used for fundraising, but it doesn't offer dedicated, specialized nonprofit tools. It approaches sales through its general Spreadshop or Marketplace channels. If your primary goal is running a successful, high-trust fundraiser, Bonfire is clearly designed for this niche. Bonfire maximizes ease-of-use and ensures compliance for verified causes. Use Bonfire if maximizing donation margins and streamlining the public campaign process are essential requirements.

Sales Channel Exposure

Spreadshirt offers a dedicated Marketplace for instant exposure, unlike Bonfire, which focuses only on your separate store.

Spreadshirt

Bonfire allows you to create your own professional, custom branded online store for selling merch. You control the storefront and handle all marketing to drive traffic to Bonfire. Spreadshirt gives you two paths: opening your own Spreadshop or utilizing the Marketplace. Listing on the Spreadshirt Marketplace maximizes visibility immediately. Spreadshirt benefits from having a large existing audience already visiting the platform and actively seeking designs. This offers instant sales potential. Designers seeking immediate high volume sales and validation benefit greatly from Spreadshirt’s pre-built traffic channel.

Print Quality Consistency

Bonfire earns higher praise for consistent quality; Spreadshirt users report more print inconsistencies like graininess.

Bonfire

Bonfire receives strong positive sentiment regarding its high product quality and nice fabrics. Users describe the printing as professional and durable after washing. Bonfire's higher rating suggests reliable execution. Spreadshirt users frequently note high quality base apparel materials, but the actual print quality varies. Some report issues like streaks, grainy textures, or inaccurate color matching. If flawless execution on every single order is mandatory, Bonfire presents a slightly safer option. The 4.7-star rating reflects reliable performance by Bonfire. The trade-off is often higher volume (Spreadshirt) versus fewer quality complaints (Bonfire) for critical designs.

Product Catalog Variety

Spreadshirt blows away the competition with over 200 products; Bonfire offers a diverse, curated selection including premium brands.

Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt lets you sell your designs across an impressive catalog of over 200 different products instantly. This allows for unmatched breadth in product testing and offering. Bonfire offers a diverse catalog, including Tees, Drinkware, Activewear, and Nike branded apparel. Their focus is often on premium or curated selection, like Allmade eco fabrics. For sheer product count and variety, Spreadshirt is the clear winner if you want to apply your design everywhere. Two hundred products offer vast opportunity. Bonfire might offer slightly better brand recognition and quality thanks to their Nike and Allmade affiliations.

Personal/Bulk Ordering

Bonfire explicitly offers at-cost ordering for personal use with bulk discounts. Spreadshirt focuses on selling to third parties.

Bonfire

Bonfire allows creators to order products at cost for personal staff use or events. This includes access to valuable bulk discounts. Best of all, Bonfire requires no order minimums for self-purchases. Spreadshirt’s primary model is focused purely on selling designs to the public via the shop or Marketplace. The data does not detail specific at-cost bulk ordering options for authors. The ability to skip minimum order quantities is a huge benefit for small teams using Bonfire. This flexibility is great for corporate gifts or small club events. Bonfire provides a seamless solution if you need high-quality team apparel simultaneously with public sales.

Our Verdict

Objective guidance based on features, pricing, and user fit.

Deciding between Bonfire and Spreadshirt requires knowing your sales priorities. Both platforms offer amazing risk-free setups for selling custom gear. Bonfire excels if quality and comprehensive service are your top concerns. Spreadshirt wins heavily on exposure and access to a vast, instant product variety. Bonfire specializes in making the process completely effortless for the seller. Bonfire handles all printing, all shipping, and all customer support issues that arise. It is the gold standard for high-trust fundraising campaigns and nonprofit organizations. Overall, Bonfire provides a higher level of dedicated, hands-off service and boasts a superior 4.7-star rating. Spreadshirt focuses on impressive scale and maximum market reach for designers. You can list your new designs on over 200 different products instantly using Spreadshirt. Their unique Marketplace gives your merchandise immediate visibility to a massive existing brand audience. Spreadshirt is the ideal solution for high-volume designers entering the print-on-demand space. The key choosing factor is sales channel exposure versus service depth commitment. Pick Bonfire if you value total peace of mind and excellent quality control for your brand. Choose Spreadshirt if you need maximum product scale and instant market access upon launch time. If you run a one-time charity campaign or a nonprofit, Bonfire is the safer, specialized bet. If you are a prolific designer needing to test many product lines quickly, use Spreadshirt. Both Bonfire and Spreadshirt are completely free, risk-free platforms to help you start selling today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for dedicated fundraising: Bonfire or Spreadshirt?

Bonfire is the superior choice for fundraising campaigns and nonprofits. Bonfire has specialized tools and is a trusted partner for verified causes. Spreadshirt is focused on general merchandise sales rather than specific campaign features.

Does Bonfire have an existing marketplace like Spreadshirt?

No, Bonfire focuses on helping you create your own custom branded online store. Spreadshirt offers the major advantage of listing your designs on their high-traffic Marketplace for instant exposure.

Which platform promises better print quality: Spreadshirt or Bonfire?

Bonfire generally reports higher quality and consistency, maintaining a 4.7-star rating. Spreadshirt's reviews show more mixed results concerning print quality; some users report grainy textures.

Between Bonfire and Spreadshirt, which has the largest product selection?

Spreadshirt is the clear winner for product variety, offering over 200 distinct items. Bonfire offers a diverse, curated list that includes premium brands like Nike and Allmade apparel.

Can I order items in bulk for my own team using Bonfire?

Yes, Bonfire offers the ability to order products 'at cost' for personal use. You can access bulk discounts without having to place any required order minimums.

Who handles the customer service for my orders on Bonfire versus Spreadshirt?

Bonfire provides full customer service support throughout the entire process. Spreadshirt handles the fulfillment and logistics, but the degree of customer support provided is less clear.

Ready to Choose?

Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.