
Worried Society6 might be a scam? You’re not alone—lots of people wonder whether this company is trustworthy.
Here’s the scoop: we dug into real buyer and artist experiences, checked product quality, shipping times, and verified Society6’s business credentials.
By the end of this article, you’ll know:
- Whether the platform is really worth your time and money.
- How Society6 works for buyers – what’s great, what’s frustrating, and what to watch out for.
- How Society6 works for artists – the pros, cons, and earning potential.
Real Talk: Everyone’s experience is a little different — it all depends on how you use the platform and what you’re into. So, before you dive in, think about what really works for you!
Society6 in a Nutshell
Society6 is a print-on-demand platform. Basically, independent artists upload their designs, and Society6 takes care of printing and shipping. No artist warehouses. No “out of stock” nightmares. Just art that goes from screen to your home.
For buyers, it’s a wonderland: wall prints, rugs, mugs, phone cases, even furniture. For artists, it’s a way to sell work without dealing with the nightmare of shipping or inventory.
And yes—it’s a legitimate platform.
Society6 has a physical headquarters and even boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This is not some sketchy “click here and lose your money” website. But like any online marketplace, experiences vary wildly depending on what you buy, who you buy from, and when you buy it.
Buyers, Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re an art collector looking to snag Society6 items, here’s the good, the bad, and the slightly frustrating.
The Good
- Unique Designs You Can’t Find Anywhere Else: Society6 is all about independent artists. You’re not buying the same mass-produced stuff your neighbor has. Want a bedspread with abstract chaos? A mug with a design so weirdly specific it’s perfect? This is the place.
- Endless Variety: From tech accessories to shower curtains, rugs, and prints, there’s a little something for every corner of your home. You could literally outfit your entire apartment without leaving the site.
- Secure Payments: You’ll need a credit card for verification, but buyers report no security issues. Payment processing is safe, so your personal info isn’t floating in some hacker’s dreamland.
- Support Artists: Every purchase helps an independent creator earn money. Even though artists earn a small commission per sale, your purchase still makes a real impact.
The “Okay, But” Stuff
- Quality Can Be… Hit or Miss: Some items are stellar. Others, less so. Buyers have reported rugs that feel more like towels, phone cases that barely protect your phone, and prints that don’t exactly match the online color. Basically, check the reviews before committing.
- Customer Service Isn’t Instant: No phone support here. Everything is handled by email. So if something goes wrong, it might take a minute (or a few) to resolve. Patience is required.
- Shipping Can Be Slow: Because every item is printed on demand, shipping isn’t instant. Some buyers get their items in two weeks. Others report waits of eight weeks. International buyers may face customs fees or extra delays.
- Mixed Reviews Are Everywhere: Browse Reddit, forums, or review sites, and you’ll see extremes: glowing five-star experiences and horror stories of missing or damaged products. Your experience can swing either way.
- Curated Marketplace Changes: Society6 now curates designs to highlight high-quality artwork and remove non-selling or low-quality items. This ensures top designs get more visibility, but it also means the platform is no longer a fully open marketplace.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique designs you won’t find anywhere else | Quality can be hit or miss |
| Endless variety of products | Customer service is email-only |
| Secure payments | Shipping can be slow |
| Support independent artists | Mixed reviews online |
Artists Selling on Society6
Thinking of making some extra cash (or a full-time hustle) by selling your art? Society6 can be appealing—but it has its quirks.
The Pros
- Easy Setup & Exposure: Signing up is free (though there’s a subscription if you want more uploads). Society6 handles the production, shipping, and customer service, freeing you up to create.
- Passive Income Potential: Artists can focus on art, not logistics. If your designs catch on, you can make steady, if modest, income.
- Global Audience: Society6 gets a lot of traffic, giving artists a chance to reach buyers they might never meet on their own.
The Cons
- Low Commission Rates: Artists earn 10% on Free Plan designs, while Basic and Pro Plans allow more pricing control and additional features. Even with popular designs, payouts per item are modest unless you sell consistently.
- Limited Control & Transparency: Free Plan artists face limits on pricing and uploads, while Basic and Pro Plans give more freedom and access to sales analytics. Some creators still find it a bit tricky to fully track earnings at first.
- Subscription Costs: Society6 provides Free, Basic, and Pro Plans. Free Plan artists can upload up to 10 designs at no cost, while Basic and Pro Plans let you host more designs and access extra features — monthly fees are optional.
- Mixed Artist Experiences: Some artists enjoy smooth payments and responsive support, while others find learning the new plan features, upload limits, and earnings a bit of trial and error — especially under the Free, Basic, and Pro Plans.
| Plan | Upload Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 10 designs | No cost, limited features |
| Basic | More designs | Monthly fee optional, more pricing control |
| Pro | Unlimited uploads | Access to analytics, full control over pricing |
Real Buyer Stories from the Trenches
Reddit and other forums are full of firsthand accounts:
- The Happy Campers: Some buyers rave about prints that arrive quickly and exactly as expected. Customer service is sometimes responsive and helpful, resolving issues without drama.
- The Strugglers: Others report damaged items, missing packages, and refunds that require escalating through credit card disputes.
- The Waiting Game: Because it’s print-on-demand, timing can vary. Some U.S. buyers get items in 10–14 days; others wait much longer. International shipping? Add customs fees and extra patience.
Bottom line: this marketplace is trustworthy, but your experience may vary. Check reviews, product specs, and shipping details before committing.
Scam Concerns: What You Need to Know
Some people online scream “SCAM!” especially artists frustrated with low payouts, lack of transparency, or subscription fees. Let’s be real:
- For buyers: The risk of a scam is extremely low. Most purchases arrive eventually. Minor issues aside, your money is safe.
- For artists: It’s not a scam, but the low commissions and opaque reporting can feel unfair. Frustration is real, but legality is fine.
So yes, Society6 is real—but not everyone loves every aspect.
The Bottom Line: Society6 in 2026
Here’s the truth: the platform is reliable but not without flaws.
Buyers can discover unique art, support independent creators, and snag products you won’t find anywhere else—but don’t expect flawless quality or instant shipping. Artists can earn exposure and some income, but commissions are low, and transparency isn’t always great.
Totally real. Totally usable. Totally worth considering… if you know what you’re signing up for.
- Want unique designs? Go for it.
- Want to support independent artists? Absolutely.
- Want instant shipping and flawless products? Manage your expectations.
In short, Society6 works, it’s functional, and it can be awesome—but it’s not perfect. Approach wisely, do a bit of research, and you can enjoy building a home full of original, creative art without ending up in a shipping or service nightmare.
This article has undergone peer review and adheres to the highest editorial standards, reflecting our commitment as the #1 art buying guide in the United States.