MerchYeah vs Redbubble: Why Creators Deserve More Than Pennies

Redbubble promises exposure, but most creators quickly find out the returns don’t match the hype. Their marketplace is overflowing with millions of designs, and while your art might technically be available, it’s usually buried. Fans buy a sticker or a cheap tee and walk away remembering Redbubble, not you.

The endless product list looks impressive at first glance, but margins are razor-thin, copycats are common, and quality is inconsistent. For anyone serious about building a brand, Redbubble feels less like a springboard and more like a dead end.

MerchYeah takes a different path. We keep the focus on what actually works: premium apparel, real profits, and branded stores that put creators at the center.

1. Earnings: Small Margins vs Real Profit

Redbubble

By default, Redbubble sets the artist margin at 20%. That means if a shirt sells for $20, your cut is only about $4. Stickers and other small products usually pay just a few cents each. You can raise your markup, but the higher your price, the less competitive your product looks in a crowded marketplace.

MerchYeah

Our approach is straightforward. You set the price, we show you the base cost, and the rest is yours. Most creators earn between $9 and $16 profit per shirt, with even higher margins on hoodies, sweatshirts, and tanks. Instead of wasting time on trinkets that barely pay, you can focus on apparel that fans actually buy and wear.

2. Marketplace Overload vs Your Own Store

Redbubble

With millions of listings, Redbubble’s marketplace is overwhelming. Even if someone clicks on your design, they’re immediately shown competing products—including knockoffs. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, and buyers often walk away remembering Redbubble more than the creator.

MerchYeah

Your store is yours alone. It’s free, fully branded, and free of distractions. No competing designs, no marketplace clutter, no copycats stealing the spotlight. Every purchase strengthens your brand.

3. Branding That Matters

Redbubble

Branding is what separates creators who grow from those who fade. On Redbubble, that’s nearly impossible. The platform’s name is always front and center, and fans often think they’re buying “from Redbubble,” not from you. That weakens any long-term connection.

MerchYeah

With MerchYeah, your storefront reflects your identity. From the colors to the layout, everything is tailored to your brand. Every order reminds fans who they’re supporting, helping you turn casual buyers into loyal followers.

4. Product Quality

Redbubble

Trying to offer hundreds of products comes at a cost. Redbubble sources items from different suppliers and fulfillment centers, which makes consistency difficult. Reviews frequently mention shirts that fade, shrink, or crack after just a few washes.

MerchYeah

We keep the focus on premium apparel: Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and Independent Trading Co. Every order is printed with vibrant, long-lasting inks and checked for consistency. Fans receive merch that looks sharp, feels great, and lasts.

5. Support & Community

Redbubble

Creators often run into slow or impersonal support, sudden design takedowns, and copycat problems that go unresolved. The marketplace comes first; the artist comes second.

MerchYeah

We’re a small team of real people who care about the creators we work with. When something goes wrong, we step in quickly to fix it. Beyond customer service, we’ve built a community where artists, bands, and brands share each other’s drops and help each other grow.

Verdict: MerchYeah Wins

Redbubble draws creators in with “millions of products,” but most of those items don’t earn enough to matter. Stickers and mugs might sell, but they won’t build a brand or pay the bills. Being buried in a giant marketplace doesn’t help your career—it only helps theirs. MerchYeah focuses on what counts: apparel that sells, profits that matter, and branding that builds a future. One platform, premium quality, and genuine support from people who care about your success.

Disclaimer: MerchYeah is not affiliated with Redbubble or any other brand mentioned in this article. All information is current at the time of publishing and based on publicly available sources. If you notice anything that’s outdated or inaccurate, please feel free to reach out and let us know.