Uploaded images appear washed out

[LuciFinch]

When I open a design in Photoshop (img1 attached) the colors are vibrant. And when I upload that same file to Zazzle's design interface (img2 attached), the colors also appear vibrant. But in Zazzle's product display page the colors of the design look flat and washed out (img3 attached).

Same thing with mockup images. My mockups appear vibrant, even on the product page. But the *actual* product appears washed out by default.

I've noticed this to be a problem on other seller's product pages as well. If the seller has created a mockup, and uses the mockup for their front cover image (media), the mockup appears vibrant but, in comparison, the actual product display image appears washed out.

I've ordered a sample of a product I've had this problem with, so I'll know soon enough whether the printed product appears more like the original design I've uploaded to Zazzle, or more like the displayed "washed out" version. When it arrives, I'll update this post with my results so others may benefit from the information I've learned.

At first I thought it's something I'm doing wrong. But especially since others are having the same problem, I would just like to understand why this happens? 

Thanks 🙂
Colors are vibrant in PhotoshopColors are vibrant in Zazzle's design interfaceColors washed out in product display page

[PenguinPower]

Zazzle does its best to accurately display how images will print on different products... by nature items made of cloth or printed on matte papers, or other items that may absorb ink or be less reflective will appear to be more dull than those that are shiny or hard - like ceramics, gloss papers or coated items... They also try to take into account how the background tone of the item being printed will affect the final product. You will note as you design more that different products will display the same image differently - trust them that they are simply trying to give the customer a realistic impression, so that they are not disappointed when they receive their item. 

[LuciFinch]

Thank you for such a thorough explanation, this makes complete sense.

SInce I want the colors of the product (as it is displayed) to more closely resemble my mockup/media image, I presume the solution is to simply increase the vibrancy of the design before uploading to Zazzle? 

[PenguinPower · Accepted solution]

You may - but be aware that printing has limits.. you will never get a look as bright or vibrant or saturated on a printed item as you can on a computer screen, as reflected light simply is not able to reproduce the same range as transmitted light. If you over saturate you may just be destroying detail in your images without gaining much if anything in the final product. I would suggest that if your editing software gives you the ability to view a print proof (working CMYK will be a good general overview) that you use it to adjust your images more to your satisfaction.