The Print on Demand (POD) business model has gained massive popularity due to its low startup costs, scalability, and the ability to operate without inventory. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or side hustler, print on demand offers a lucrative opportunity to create and sell custom products online.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start, grow, and scale a successful POD business, covering niche selection, product ideas, SEO, marketing strategies, and long-term sustainability.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on demand is an eCommerce model where products are only created and shipped after a customer places an order. Instead of holding inventory, you partner with a supplier who prints your designs on various products and ships them directly to the customer.
Benefits of Print on Demand:
- Low Startup Costs: No need for bulk inventory purchases.
- No Storage or Fulfillment Hassles: The supplier handles printing and shipping.
- Flexible Business Model: Sell on platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or use a standalone website.
- Scalability: Test multiple designs without significant financial risk.
Popular Print On Demand platforms include:
- Printful
- Printify
- TeeSpring
- Redbubble
- SPOD
- Zazzle
How to Start a Print on Demand Business
1. Choose Your Niche
Selecting a niche helps you target a specific audience, making marketing easier and improving conversion rates. Some profitable Print On Demand niches include:
- Pet lovers (dog mom/dad t-shirts, custom pet portraits)
- Fitness and gym enthusiasts
- Mental health and self-care
- Hobbies (fishing, gaming, gardening)
- Travel lovers
- Motivational quotes
- Pop culture and memes
- Political and social activism
2. Pick the Right Products
Your success in Print On Demand depends on choosing the right products to sell. Some of the best-selling POD products include:
- Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, leggings, sweatshirts
- Accessories: Phone cases, tote bags, socks
- Home Decor: Posters, canvas prints, pillows, blankets
- Drinkware: Mugs, tumblers, water bottles
- Stationery: Journals, stickers, planners
3. Design Your Products
If you have graphic design skills, you can create unique artwork using tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva. If not, hire a designer from platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs.
Graphic Design and Core Software Skills Needed
Graphic design is one of the most critical skills for a successful Print On Demand business. You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding the basics of design principles, typography, and color theory can give you an edge. Key skills and tools include:
- Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator: These are industry-standard tools for creating high-quality designs. Photoshop is great for image editing, while Illustrator is ideal for vector graphics that can be resized without losing quality.
- Canva: A beginner-friendly tool with ready-made templates for creating designs.
- Affinity Designer: A cost-effective alternative to Adobe products for vector and raster designs.
- Procreate (for iPad users): A fantastic tool for creating digital artwork and illustrations.
- GIMP & Inkscape: Free alternatives for image editing and vector design.
Key design concepts to master:
- Typography: Choosing the right fonts and arranging text attractively.
- Color Theory: Understanding complementary colors and how they influence buying behavior.
- Composition & Layout: Creating balanced and visually appealing designs.
- Resolution & Print Quality: Ensuring high-resolution designs for crisp printing on products.
4. Select a Print on Demand Supplier
Your choice of POD supplier affects product quality, pricing, and fulfillment times. Here’s a quick comparison of popular suppliers:
I. Printful
Pros:
- High-Quality Products and Printing: Printful is known for its premium product quality and printing techniques, ensuring that customers receive durable and visually appealing items.
- User-Friendly Integration: The platform seamlessly integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it easy for beginners to set up their online stores.
- Warehousing and Fulfillment Services: Printful offers warehousing services, allowing businesses to store inventory and reduce shipping times for repeat customers.
- No Upfront Costs: Businesses only pay for products when an order is placed, eliminating the need for large initial investments.
- Global Shipping Options: Printful ships to customers worldwide, making it an excellent choice for businesses targeting international markets.
Cons:
- Higher Pricing: Printful’s prices are slightly higher compared to some competitors, which can reduce profit margins for businesses.
- Limited Product Customization: While Printful offers a good range of products, customization options for branding and packaging are somewhat limited.
- Longer Shipping Times: International orders may take longer to arrive, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction.
II. Printify
Pros:
- Large Network of Printing Partners: Printify works with a vast network of printing partners worldwide, giving businesses access to a wide range of products and printing techniques.
- Competitive Pricing: Printify’s pricing is generally lower than Printful’s, making it a more affordable option for businesses with tight budgets.
- Wide Range of Products: From apparel to home decor, Printify offers an extensive catalog of products, including niche items that can help businesses stand out.
- Easy Integration: Printify integrates smoothly with major e-commerce platforms, allowing businesses to manage their stores efficiently.
- No Upfront Costs: Like other Print On Demand suppliers, Printify only charges businesses when an order is placed.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Quality: Since Printify relies on multiple printing partners, the quality of products can vary, leading to potential customer complaints.
- Limited Control Over Fulfillment: Businesses cannot choose which printing partner fulfills their orders, which can result in inconsistencies in shipping times and product quality.
- Customer Service Issues: Some users have reported delays and inconsistencies in Printify’s customer support.
III. Gooten
Pros:
- Extensive Product Catalog: Gooten offers a wide variety of products, including apparel, accessories, and home decor, giving businesses plenty of options to choose from.
- Competitive Pricing: Gooten’s pricing is affordable, making it a good choice for businesses looking to maximize their profit margins.
- API Integration: Gooten provides API integration, allowing businesses to automate order processing and streamline their operations.
- No Minimum Order Requirements: Businesses can place orders of any size, making Gooten a flexible option for small and large businesses alike.
Cons:
- Less User-Friendly: Gooten’s platform can be challenging for beginners to navigate, requiring a steeper learning curve compared to other Print On Demand suppliers.
- Slow Shipping Times: Some users have reported longer-than-expected shipping times, which could impact customer satisfaction.
- Limited Branding Options: Gooten offers fewer branding and packaging customization options compared to competitors like Printful.
IV. Teespring (now Spring)
Pros:
- No Upfront Costs: Teespring operates on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning businesses only pay for products when an order is placed.
- Built-In Marketplace: Teespring has its marketplace, giving businesses additional exposure and the potential to reach a broader audience.
- Easy-to-Use Design Tools: The platform offers intuitive design tools, making it simple for businesses to create and upload custom designs.
- Social Media Integration: Teespring integrates with social media platforms, allowing businesses to promote their products directly to their followers.
Cons:
- Limited Product Range: Teespring’s product catalog is smaller compared to competitors, which may limit businesses’ ability to diversify their offerings.
- Lower Profit Margins: The built-in marketplace can lead to increased competition, resulting in lower profit margins for businesses.
- Limited Branding Control: Businesses have less control over branding and customer experience compared to other POD suppliers.
V. CustomCat
Pros:
- Fast Production and Shipping: CustomCat is known for its quick turnaround times, ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly.
- Wide Range of Products: The platform offers a diverse selection of products, including apparel, accessories, and promotional items.
- Competitive Pricing: CustomCat’s pricing is affordable, making it a cost-effective option for businesses.
- E-Commerce Integration: CustomCat integrates with major e-commerce platforms, allowing businesses to manage their stores efficiently.
Cons:
- Limited International Shipping: CustomCat’s international shipping options are limited, which could be a drawback for businesses targeting global markets.
- Inconsistent Print Quality: Some users have reported variability in print quality, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction.
- Less Intuitive Interface: The platform’s interface may be less user-friendly for beginners, requiring additional time to learn.
VI. Zazzle
Pros:
- Massive Product Catalog: Zazzle offers an extensive range of products, including unique and niche items that can help businesses differentiate themselves.
- High-Quality Printing: Zazzle is known for its high-quality printing and durable products, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Built-In Marketplace: Zazzle’s marketplace provides additional exposure for businesses, helping them reach a wider audience.
- No Upfront Costs: Businesses only pay for products when an order is placed, reducing financial risk.
Cons:
- Lower Profit Margins: The built-in marketplace can lead to increased competition, resulting in lower profit margins for businesses.
- Limited Branding Control: Businesses have less control over branding and customer experience compared to other Print On Demand suppliers.
- Higher Pricing: Zazzle’s prices are generally higher than some competitors, which can reduce profit margins.
VII. Redbubble
Pros:
- Built-In Marketplace: Redbubble’s marketplace has a large customer base, providing businesses with additional exposure and sales opportunities.
- No Upfront Costs: Businesses only pay for products when an order is placed, making it a low-risk option.
- Wide Range of Products: Redbubble offers a diverse selection of products, including art, home decor, and apparel.
- Easy-to-Use Design Tools: The platform’s design tools are user-friendly, making it simple for businesses to create and upload custom designs.
Cons:
- Lower Profit Margins: The marketplace’s competitive nature can lead to lower profit margins for businesses.
- Limited Branding Control: Businesses have less control over branding and customer experience compared to other Print On Demand suppliers.
- Slow Shipping Times: Some users have reported longer shipping times, which could impact customer satisfaction.
General Pros of Print on Demand Suppliers:
- Low Startup Costs: Print on Demand eliminates the need for businesses to invest in inventory upfront, reducing financial risk.
- Scalability: Businesses can easily scale their operations as demand grows without worrying about inventory management.
- Wide Product Range: Print On Demand suppliers offer a variety of products, allowing businesses to diversify their offerings without manufacturing them themselves.
- Global Reach: Many Print On Demand suppliers offer international shipping, enabling businesses to reach customers worldwide.
- Risk-Free: Businesses only pay for products when an order is placed, ensuring that they never lose money on unsold inventory.
General Cons of Print on Demand Suppliers:
- Lower Profit Margins: Since POD suppliers handle production and fulfillment, businesses typically earn lower profit margins compared to bulk manufacturing.
- Limited Customization: Some POD suppliers restrict branding and packaging options, limiting businesses’ ability to create a unique customer experience.
- Quality Control Issues: The quality of products can vary depending on the supplier or printing partner, leading to potential customer complaints.
- Longer Shipping Times: POD products often take longer to ship, especially for international orders, which could result in customer dissatisfaction.
- Dependence on Third Parties: Businesses rely on POD suppliers for production and fulfillment, which can lead to challenges if the supplier experiences delays or quality issues.
Additional Considerations for Choosing a Print On Demand Supplier
When selecting a POD supplier, businesses should consider the following factors:
- Product Quality: Ensure the supplier offers high-quality products that meet your customers’ expectations.
- Pricing: Compare pricing across suppliers to maximize your profit margins.
- Shipping Times: Choose a supplier with fast and reliable shipping options to keep customers satisfied.
- Integration Options: Look for suppliers that integrate seamlessly with your e-commerce platform to streamline operations.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is essential for resolving issues quickly and maintaining a positive reputation.
By carefully evaluating these factors, businesses can choose the POD supplier that best aligns with their goals and target audience. Each supplier has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
5. Set Up Your Store
A Print on Demand (POD) store allows you to sell custom-designed products without holding inventory. You can set up a POD store on various platforms, depending on your target audience, budget, and technical expertise. Below is a detailed guide to the best platforms for selling print-on-demand products, along with their pros and cons:
I. Shopify
Overview:
Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms for creating a standalone Print On Demand store. It offers extensive customization options and integrates seamlessly with major POD suppliers like Printful, Printify, and Gooten.
Pros:
- Full Control: You own your store and have complete control over branding, design, and customer experience.
- Customization: Shopify offers thousands of themes and apps to customize your store.
- Integration: Works well with Print On Demand suppliers and other tools like email marketing and analytics.
- Scalability: Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
- Mobile-Friendly: Shopify stores are optimized for mobile devices.
Cons:
- Monthly Fees: Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee (starting at $29/month).
- Transaction Fees: If you don’t use Shopify Payments, you’ll incur additional transaction fees.
- Learning Curve: Requires some time to set up and manage, especially for beginners.
II. Etsy
Overview:
Etsy is a marketplace known for handmade, vintage, and custom products. It’s a great platform for selling POD items like t-shirts, mugs, and art prints.
Pros:
- Built-In Audience: Etsy has millions of active buyers searching for unique products.
- Low Startup Costs: Listing fees are low ($0.20 per listing), and there’s no monthly subscription.
- Easy to Use: Setting up a store is simple, even for beginners.
- Niche Appeal: Etsy’s audience loves personalized and custom items, making it ideal for POD.
Cons:
- High Competition: The marketplace is crowded, making it harder to stand out.
- Fees: Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees (6.5%), and payment processing fees.
- Limited Branding: You have less control over branding compared to a standalone store.
III. Amazon
Overview:
Amazon’s Merch on Demand program allows you to sell Print On Demand products directly on the Amazon marketplace. It’s ideal for reaching a massive audience.
Pros:
- Huge Customer Base: Amazon has millions of daily shoppers, giving your products high visibility.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon handles shipping and customer service.
- Trusted Platform: Customers trust Amazon, which can lead to higher sales.
Cons:
- Approval Process: You need to apply and get approved for the Merch on Demand program.
- High Competition: The marketplace is highly competitive, with many sellers offering similar products.
- Fees: Amazon takes a significant cut of your profits.
IV. WooCommerce
Overview:
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that allows you to turn your WordPress website into an e-commerce store. It’s a great option for those who want full control over their store.
Pros:
- Customization: WooCommerce offers endless customization options through themes and plugins.
- No Monthly Fees: Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce is free to use (though you’ll need to pay for hosting and domain).
- Integration: Works well with Print On Demand suppliers like Printful and Printify.
- Ownership: You own your store and have complete control over it.
Cons:
- Technical Knowledge Required: Setting up and managing a WooCommerce store requires some technical expertise.
- Hosting Costs: You’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name.
- Maintenance: You’re responsible for updates, security, and backups.
V. BigCommerce
Overview:
BigCommerce is another robust e-commerce platform that allows you to create a standalone POD store. It’s known for its scalability and advanced features.
Pros:
- Scalability: Ideal for growing businesses with high sales volumes.
- Built-In Features: Includes advanced features like abandoned cart recovery and multi-channel selling.
- Integration: Works well with Print On Demand suppliers and other third-party tools.
- No Transaction Fees: Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees.
Cons:
- Monthly Fees: BigCommerce plans start at $29/month, which can be expensive for small businesses.
- Complexity: The platform can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Design Limitations: Fewer free themes compared to Shopify.
VI. eBay
Overview:
eBay is a global marketplace where you can sell Print On Demand products. It’s a good option for reaching a wide audience without building a standalone store.
Pros:
- Large Audience: eBay has millions of active users worldwide.
- Low Startup Costs: Listing fees are relatively low, and there’s no monthly subscription.
- Auction Option: You can sell products through auctions, which can drive higher prices.
Cons:
- High Competition: The marketplace is crowded, making it harder to stand out.
- Fees: eBay charges listing fees, final value fees, and payment processing fees.
- Limited Branding: You have less control over branding compared to a standalone store.
VII. Social Media Platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
Overview:
You can sell Print On Demand products directly through social media platforms using features like Instagram Shopping, Facebook Marketplace, and TikTok Shop.
Pros:
- Massive Reach: Social media platforms have billions of active users.
- Low Cost: Setting up a shop on social media is often free or low-cost.
- Engagement: Social media allows you to interact directly with customers and build a community.
Cons:
- Limited Features: Social media shops lack advanced e-commerce features like inventory management.
- Algorithm Dependence: Your visibility depends on platform algorithms, which can change frequently.
- Branding Limitations: You have less control over branding compared to a standalone store.
VIII. Wix
Overview:
Wix is a website builder that allows you to create an online store with minimal technical knowledge. It’s a good option for beginners.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Wix’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to design your store.
- Affordable: Wix offers affordable pricing plans for small businesses.
- Integration: Works with Print On Demand suppliers like Printful.
Cons:
- Limited Scalability: Wix is not as scalable as Shopify or BigCommerce.
- Fewer Features: Lacks advanced e-commerce features compared to other platforms.
- Design Constraints: Once you choose a template, you can’t switch it without rebuilding your site.
IX. Squarespace
Overview:
Squarespace is a website builder known for its stunning designs. It’s a great option for creatives who want a visually appealing store.
Pros:
- Beautiful Templates: Squarespace offers some of the most visually appealing templates.
- Ease of Use: The platform is user-friendly and requires no coding knowledge.
- All-in-One Solution: Squarespace includes hosting, domain, and e-commerce features.
Cons:
- Limited Integration: Fewer integrations with Print On Demand suppliers compared to Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Higher Pricing: Squarespace’s e-commerce plans are more expensive than some competitors.
- Less Scalable: Not ideal for large businesses with high sales volumes.
X. Redbubble (Marketplace)
Overview:
Redbubble is a POD marketplace where you can upload designs and sell them on various products. It’s ideal for artists and designers.
Pros:
- No Upfront Costs: Redbubble handles production, shipping, and customer service.
- Built-In Audience: The marketplace has millions of active buyers.
- Easy to Use: Simply upload your designs, and Redbubble takes care of the rest.
Cons:
- Lower Profit Margins: Redbubble takes a significant cut of your profits.
- Limited Branding: You have no control over branding or customer experience.
- High Competition: The marketplace is crowded, making it harder to stand out.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Platform:
- Budget: Consider upfront costs, monthly fees, and transaction fees.
- Target Audience: Choose a platform that aligns with your audience’s preferences (e.g., Etsy for niche buyers, Amazon for mass-market appeal).
- Technical Skills: If you’re a beginner, opt for user-friendly platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
- Branding: If branding is important, go for standalone platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Scalability: Choose a platform that can grow with your business.
By selecting the right platform and integrating it with a reliable POD supplier, you can create a successful online store and start selling custom products with minimal upfront investment.
SEO Strategies for Print on Demand
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial for driving organic traffic to your POD store. Here’s how you can optimize your store and product listings:
1. Keyword Research
Find high-traffic keywords related to your niche. Use tools like:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Ubersuggest
Include these keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags to improve search rankings.
2. Optimized Product Titles & Descriptions
- Use clear and engaging titles with main keywords. Example: Funny Dog Lover T-Shirt – Cute Pet Gift for Dog Owners
- Write compelling descriptions that include relevant keywords naturally.
- Highlight key features and benefits.
3. Image Optimization
- Use high-quality images and mockups to showcase products.
- Add alt text to images with relevant keywords.
4. Backlinks & Content Marketing
- Write blog posts related to your niche and link them to your products.
- Get featured on other websites and industry blogs.
- Share your store on social media and forums.
5. Improve Site Speed & Mobile-Friendliness
- Use lightweight themes and optimize images.
- Ensure your store is mobile-friendly for better rankings and user experience.
6. Leverage Customer Reviews
- Encourage buyers to leave reviews as they build credibility and improve rankings.
Skills Needed for a Successful Print on Demand Business
To thrive in Print On Demand, you should develop the following skills:
- Graphic Design: Ability to create attractive and marketable designs.
- SEO & Keyword Research: Helps improve product visibility on search engines.
- Marketing & Social Media Management: Essential for driving traffic and sales.
- Customer Service: Engaging with customers and handling inquiries professionally.
- Business & Financial Management: Managing pricing, profits, and expenses effectively.
- Trend Analysis: Keeping up with trending products and niche demand.
- Branding & Storytelling: Creating a compelling brand that resonates with customers.
Success Stories in Print on Demand
1. Michael Essany – ViralStyle
Michael started with no design skills but used market research to create viral T-shirt designs. His brand, ViralStyle, now generates millions in revenue.
2. Sarah Chrisp – Wholesale Ted
Sarah built a six-figure POD business and now educates others on strategies through her YouTube channel.
3. Adrian Morrison – Teespring Success
Adrian mastered Facebook Ads to sell thousands of print-on-demand items, generating millions in revenue.
Final Thoughts
Print on Demand is a fantastic way to start an online business with minimal investment. By focusing on niche selection, product quality, SEO, and strategic marketing, you can build a successful and sustainable POD business.
Start small, test your ideas, and scale over time. The key to success is consistent effort, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
Are you ready to launch your print-on-demand business? Get started today!
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Starting and Growing a Profitable Small Business in 2025
