Here are some of the best free alternatives to Merch Informer, which is a popular tool used for researching and designing print-on-demand products. These alternatives can help you with product research, keyword analysis, and even designing your merch.
1. TeePublic
TeePublic offers a free platform for designers to upload and sell their designs on a variety of products, similar to Merch by Amazon. While it doesn’t have the full suite of research tools as Merch Informer, it does offer insights into trending designs, which can help you identify popular niches.
2. Printful
Printful is a print-on-demand fulfillment service that integrates with e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce. It provides free design tools to create custom merchandise. While it doesn’t offer in-depth niche research, its design tool and product mockups can be useful for merch creators.
3. Placeit by Envato
Placeit offers a free and easy-to-use design tool for creating mockups, logos, and other merchandise-related graphics. Though its primary focus is on design rather than research, it’s still a valuable tool for creating professional-looking visuals without the need for advanced design skills.
4. Redbubble
Redbubble is another print-on-demand platform where you can sell your designs. It provides insight into trending designs and keywords, which can help you with niche research and design ideas. While it doesn’t offer as much research power as Merch Informer, it is a free and easy way to get started with print-on-demand selling.
5. Zazzle
Zazzle is a well-known print-on-demand marketplace that allows you to create and sell custom merchandise. Similar to Redbubble, Zazzle provides a marketplace where you can see what types of products are trending and use this information to inform your designs.
6. Shopify with Oberlo
Shopify offers a free trial and allows integration with Oberlo for dropshipping. While not strictly a print-on-demand tool, Shopify gives you access to design and sell products, and Oberlo can be used to research trending items, which can be useful for merch creation.
7. Google Trends
Google Trends is a completely free tool that allows you to explore search trends and topics in various niches. It helps you identify what people are searching for, which can be a good starting point for merch ideas.
8. Canva
Canva is a free online graphic design tool that is perfect for creating designs for merchandise. It has an easy-to-use interface with templates for T-shirts, mugs, posters, and more. While it doesn’t offer niche research, it provides a powerful and free design platform.
9. Etsy Search and Research
Etsy offers a free marketplace for custom designs and can serve as a source for market research. You can use Etsy’s search tool to explore trending products and discover popular niches. While Etsy doesn’t offer direct keyword research tools, you can glean valuable information from what’s selling well.
10. Merch by Amazon
While Merch by Amazon is a paid platform (in terms of the royalties it pays), the platform itself can be used for free to upload and sell designs. You can use Amazon’s search function to explore trending products and niches, which can give you insights into what customers are looking for.
These tools can help you with different aspects of the print-on-demand process, including design, niche research, and marketplace insights, without needing to pay for a tool like Merch Informer. While none of them provide the exact same functionality as Merch Informer, they are useful, free alternatives that can help you get started with your print-on-demand business.
