How To Start a Print-On-Demand Business [2024 Guide]

If you’re a creative person looking to start your own unique business, print-on-demand could be perfect for you. With a print-on-demand setup, you don’t need to store inventory or handle shipping—just create your designs, add them to products, and start selling. The print-on-demand provider handles the rest.

Wondering how to begin? How can you set up your store, make those first sales, and grow your earnings over time?

We’re here to help! In this post, we’ll guide you through 10 steps to start a print-on-demand business—even if you’re new to it. Let’s start by exploring what is Print-on-Demand exactly and whether it is a right choice for you.

What is Print-On-Demand (POD)? - Is it still profitable in 2024 and beyond?

Print-on-Demand (POD) is a business model where items are made only after someone places an order. It lets sellers avoid the expense and risk of keeping stock on hand. It’s a popular option in eCommerce, allowing businesses to sell custom products, like clothing, accessories, and home decor, without needing to buy inventory upfront.

How Print-On-Demand Works: Design Creation > Product Selection > Order Fulfillment

• Design Creation: Sellers create or upload designs for their products.
• Product Selection: Sellers choose which blank products (e.g., t-shirts, mugs) to offer.
• Order Fulfillment: Once an order is received, the POD provider prints, packages, and ships the product directly to the customer.

The POD industry is expected to keep growing rapidly. In 2023, it was valued around $8.05 billion and is predicted to reach $10.21 billion by 2024, showing strong yearly growth. Looking further ahead, the market could grow by about 27% annually, expected to reach as much as $59.3 billion by 2033.

(Image Source: market.us) 

This growth is driven by a few key factors:

• Growing Demand for Customization: More consumers are looking for unique, personalized products.
• Low Startup Costs: Without the need for inventory, new businesses have lower financial risks.

Overall, these trends suggest that POD will stay profitable in 2024 and continue to thrive in the future, thanks to its flexibility and alignment with what customers want.

Is Print-On-Demand Right for You?

(Image Source: EComposer’s Template) 

Print-on-Demand (POD) can be a great choice if you want to start a business with minimal upfront costs and little risk. Here are a few signs POD might be the right fit for you:

• You’re Creative: If you enjoy designing or have a knack for creating eye-catching visuals, POD gives you a way to turn those ideas into real products, like custom T-shirts, mugs, or posters.
• You Want Low Investment: POD doesn’t require you to buy or store inventory. You only pay for products after a customer places an order, which means you won’t be stuck with unsold items.
• You Like Flexibility: With POD, you can easily add or change products without much hassle. It’s a flexible business model that allows you to test different designs and products to see what sells best.
• You Want a Simple Setup: Many POD platforms handle the production, packaging, and shipping for you. This hands-off approach is ideal if you’d prefer to focus on creating and marketing instead of handling logistics.

If these points resonate with you, then a print-on-demand business might be the perfect path to explore!

Start a Print-On-Demand Business in 10 Easy Steps

Step 1: Identify Your Niche and Target Audience

The first step to starting a successful print-on-demand business is picking a niche—a specific area or type of product that stands out. It helps your business attract the right customers and gives your store a unique focus. 

Defining a niche market has several benefits, such as better profits, less competition, and lower advertising costs. Choosing a profitable niche can be one of the toughest challenges in your eCommerce journey.

If you're unsure of the niche you want to pursue for your brand, consider starting with something you're passionate about. Consider your interests, trends, or popular themes that might inspire your designs. For example, you could choose a niche that is on trends like Apparel, Home Decor, Drinkware, etc.

(Image Source: Grand View Research) 

Once you’ve chosen your niche, identify your target audience. These are the people most likely to buy your products. Ask yourself questions like:

• Who would enjoy these designs?
• What age group or interests do they have?
• What problems could your designs solve, or how could they add fun to their lives?

To find a profitable niche, explore top-selling products, use tools like Google Trends to spot popular topics, and research keywords related to your target market. Do not try to sell to everyone, just focus on a specific audience for better results.

Step 2: Choose a Reliable POD Fulfillment Service

(Image Source: tigren.com) 

The next step is finding a print-on-demand (POD) provider to handle the printing, packaging, and shipping for you. Choosing a reliable POD service is important because they play a big role in your business’s quality and customer experience. Here’s what to look for:

• Product Variety: Check if the provider offers the types of products you want to sell, like T-shirts, mugs, or home decor items.
• Quality: Look at reviews or order samples to see the quality of their printing and materials. High-quality products mean happier customers and fewer returns.
• Shipping and Delivery Times: A reliable provider should offer reasonable shipping times and provide tracking options so customers know when to expect their orders.
• Pricing and Fees: Compare costs for products and shipping, as well as any extra fees. Choosing a provider with fair pricing will help you keep your profits.
• Integration with Your Ecommerce Platform: Make sure the provider easily connects with your ecommerce platform, such as Shopify or Etsy, to simplify your order and sales process.

Popular POD providers include Printful, Printify, and Teespring, but choose the one that best matches your business needs. A good POD partner can make all the difference in your business success!

Step 3: Select Products to Sell

Now it’s time to pick and create custom products for your online store! If you're thinking about starting a clothing brand, consider classic items like custom t-shirts and hoodies—they're always popular. No matter what kind of business you want to build, look for products that people love in your niche or try out items that reflect your brand's style and values.

A great idea is to choose products that go well together. When doing this, you can create a collection that encourages customers to buy more. For example, if you’re targeting active people, you might offer matching designs on t-shirts, leggings, sports bras, duffle bags, and water bottles. If home decor is your thing, consider a line that includes wall art, tableware, candles, blankets, and pillows.

Having a cohesive collection helps your brand stand out and makes your store memorable. Plus, it makes it easier for customers to mix and match items, which improves their shopping experience. This approach also positions your brand as a go-to place for specific styles or home needs, potentially increasing your average order value.

Remember, there are tons of print-on-demand products out there beyond just t-shirts, hoodies, and coffee mugs. You can also explore options like die-cut stickers, socks, and custom tote bags. Whatever you decide to sell, keep your customers in mind. Make sure your products fit well with your niche, so they don’t get lost in a busy market.

Step 4: Create Unique Designs

Creating unique designs is an essential part of starting your print-on-demand (POD) business, and the good news is you don’t need to be an artist or a pro designer to get started! Here are some simple steps to help you create appealing designs:

• Find Inspiration: Begin by exploring popular designs in your niche. Websites like Pinterest, Dribbble, and Designious are fantastic for gathering ideas. Just remember to use these inspirations as a starting point to craft your own original designs—don’t copy others’ work.
• Do Your Market Research: Understanding your target audience is key to creating designs they’ll love. Look into current trends and see what types of products are selling well to help guide your creative process.
• Consider Hiring a Designer: If you’re not confident in your design skills, consider hiring a professional. You can find skilled designers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Make sure you know what you want so you can communicate your ideas clearly before starting your search.
• Test Your Ideas: Once you have some designs, share them with friends, family, or on social media to get feedback. What you think is a great design might not resonate with your audience, so it’s essential to validate your ideas before launching them.
• Use Design Tools: If you prefer to create your designs yourself, check out user-friendly design tools like Canva, DesignWizard or Piktochart. These can help spark your creativity and make the design process easier.

Creating designs can be both fun and rewarding. Whether you design them yourself or work with a professional, take the time to ensure your ideas will connect with your customers!

Step 5: Decide Where to Sell Your Products

Now that you’ve picked products and found your unique selling points, it’s time to choose where you’ll sell your products. You have a few options, and the best one depends on your business goals and audience:

• Your Own Online Store: Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce let you create a personalized store where you control the branding and customer experience. This option is ideal if you want to build a unique brand, but it may take more effort to attract visitors.
• Online Marketplaces: Sites like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon give you access to a large audience right away, making it easier to get your first sales. However, you’ll face more competition and might have less control over your store’s look and feel.
• Social Media Platforms: If you have a strong following on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, consider selling directly through these platforms. Many social media sites now offer built-in shopping features that let you showcase and sell products to your followers.

In business, there isn’t a perfect solution for everyone. Here are three things to think about to help you decide what works best for you:

• How much time can you dedicate to setting up and managing your store?
• How much control do you want over your brand and its appearance?
• What strategies do you plan to use to attract customers?

Once you consider these questions, the best option for you should be easier to identify.

You can also use a mix of these options! Selling in multiple places can help you reach a wider audience and increase your chances of success. You can consider all options and choose the approach that best fits your business style and resources.

Valuable read: 

Top 16 Websites to Sell Online for Beginners

Shopify vs Etsy: Pros and Cons to Consider

Shopify vs Amazon: Which is Better for Business?

Step 6: Build Your Online Store

(Image Source: EComposer’s Template) 

It’s time to bring your store to life! Setting up an online store might sound tricky, but platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce make it pretty straightforward. Here’s how to get started:

• Pick a Theme You Love: Most platforms have a variety of themes to give your store a unique vibe. Choose one that suits your style, whether that’s bright and fun or clean and simple. It’s all about making your store feel inviting!
• Organize Your Products: Think of your store like a well-organized shop. Create sections for each type of product (like T-shirts, mugs, or hoodies), so customers can find what they’re looking for easily.
• Write Friendly Product Descriptions: Describe each product in a way that connects with your audience. Keep it simple but make sure to point out any special features or details that make your designs stand out.
• Show Off with Quality Images: Good photos make all the difference! Use clear, high-quality images from different angles, and if you can, include lifestyle photos that show how your products look in real life.
• Set Up Payments and Shipping: Make it easy for people to pay and get their orders. Most platforms help you set up payment options like PayPal or credit cards, and you can add in shipping options that work for you.

Step 7: Set Your Pricing Strategy

Your profit is determined by the retail prices you set for your products. Here are some key points to think about when deciding on your prices:

• Shipping and Production Costs: Make sure to include all expenses related to making and shipping your products, such as taxes and service fees.
• Market Prices: Look at what similar products are selling for in the market. Research current trends and compare prices with your competitors.
• Customer Location: Choosing a local print provider can help reduce shipping costs and delivery times.

Setting the right prices is essential for the success of your online store. ere are some questions to help you figure it out:

• What are my startup costs? (marketing, labor, fees, and other costs)
• What are competitors charging? Competitive, or charge more?
• How unique are my products? If it’s unique, then price can be higher
• Will I offer free shipping? Include the shipping cost in the product price or offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount?
• What will my profit margin be? Remember to consider all costs including hidden expenses. 

Step 8: Set Up Billing and Learn About POD Wallets

Setting up billing and understanding digital wallets is key to smooth transactions in your print-on-demand (POD) business.

Digital wallets (like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay) securely store payment info so customers can pay quickly, reducing abandoned carts and speeding up checkout. They’re especially helpful for POD businesses as they support international transactions with various currencies, making it easier to reach a global market.

Benefits of Digital Wallets for POD: 

• Easy Payments: Wallets simplify the payment process, leading to more completed purchases.
• Global Reach: They handle different currencies, so you can sell worldwide.
• Loyalty Program Integration: Some wallets work with loyalty programs, helping you offer discounts or rewards to keep customers coming back.

How to Set Up Billing

• Choose the Right Platform: Make sure your eCommerce platform (like Shopify or Printify) supports digital wallet payments for easy integration.
• Select Payment Providers: Use payment services that support wallets for secure and smooth transactions.
• Test for Security: Before going live, test the payment process to ensure everything works well and meets security standards like PCI DSS.

Setting up billing and integrating digital wallets makes your POD store more convenient for customers and helps create a seamless shopping experience, setting you up for success.

Step 9: Develop a Marketing Strategy

(Image Source: getfuelpod.com) 

The final step in launching your POD business is marketing—essential for attracting customers to your store. Here's how to get started:

• Identify Your Audience: Define who your ideal customers are, focusing on their demographics, interests, and shopping habits.
• Pick Your Channels: Use the marketing channels that best reach your audience, like social media, email, or content marketing (blogs and videos).
• Create Engaging Content: Share visuals of your products, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes looks at your design process.
• Use SEO: Optimize your store and content with keywords relevant to your products. SEO approaches vary based on whether you’re on your own site or a marketplace.
• Run Promotions: Entice new customers with discounts or bundled deals to encourage initial purchases.
• Analyze & Adjust: Use analytics to see what’s working and adapt your approach as needed.
• Engage with Customers: Interact through comments and messages to build community and trust. Gathering customer feedback is key for improving both your products and marketing.

Marketing is about testing and learning. Stay open to trying new tactics and refining your strategy based on what drives the best results.

Step 10: Start Selling and Keep Getting Better

After everything is all set and done with a launching checklist, it’s time to start! First and foremost, share your store link with friends, family, and followers on social media to spread the word. Your first sales are exciting milestones, but the work doesn’t stop here.

Focus on improving your store and your customers' experience by listening to their feedback. Ask for reviews and check for comments about product quality, delivery times, and customer support—these insights are gold for making adjustments that will keep people coming back.

Regularly review your sales and traffic data to see what products are popular and what marketing strategies are working. Use this information to refine your offerings and promotions. Keep adding fresh designs, updating your collection with seasonal items, and staying on top of trends in your niche to keep your store appealing.

Remember, success in POD is about steady growth, so be patient, keep learning, and adapt as you go. With dedication and a willingness to improve, your business can thrive.

Top 5 Print-On-Demand Service to Choose from

1. Printful

Printful is a well-known print-on-demand company with a large variety of products you can customize, like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and even bean bag chairs. They offer several printing options, including direct-to-garment, cut-and-sew, sublimation, and embroidery.

With Printful's mockup generator, it’s simple to create your own designs, and it connects easily with major platforms like Shopify and Etsy. You can also add custom tags and even include stickers and inserts in your packaging. Once an order is placed, Printful usually ships it within two to five business days.

Key Features

• Wide variety of products, including clothing, accessories, and home decor
• High-quality printing for colorful and long-lasting products
• Automatic order handling and worldwide shipping options
• Simple connection to major eCommerce platforms
• White-labeling options to add your brand to products

Pricing

• Free Plan
• Paid Plan - $24.99/month

2. Printify

Printify connects you with a large network of print-on-demand suppliers worldwide, allowing you to pick a supplier in your country for faster and more affordable shipping. However, shipping times and product quality can vary depending on the supplier you choose.

With Printify, you can customize over 900 different products using methods like embroidery, sublimation, and direct-to-garment printing. They also offer Premium and Enterprise plans that give discounts to businesses with high sales, helping you save more as you grow.

Key Features

• Printify partners with suppliers worldwide and ships within 2-7 business days, helping to lower shipping costs.
• Easily connects with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, eBay, and Etsy.
• Offers a wide range of products from clothing, accessories, home decor, to pet items.
• Supports various printing methods like DTG, AOP, DTF, and embroidery, with flexible pricing for merchants.

Pricing

• Free Plan
• Premium Plan: $24/month
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing

3. CustomCat

CustomCat is a print-on-demand company based in the U.S., with orders usually ready to ship within two to three business days. They offer several printing options, including direct-to-garment, 3D dye infusion, and sublimation.

With one of the largest catalogs of products, CustomCat is a great choice if you're looking for unique items to customize.

Key Features

• Orders ship from the U.S. within 2-3 business days, with delivery times of 1-7 days domestically and 4-15 days internationally. U.S. shipping costs $4.99 for the first item and $1.50 for each additional item.
• Offers direct-to-garment, sublimation, 3D dye diffusion, and embroidery options.
• An optional paid plan provides discounts on select apparel and homeware products.

Pricing:

• Free Registration
• Order Costs: Base price of each item plus shipping 
• PRO Subscription: around $25/month

4. SPOD 

SPOD is one of the quickest print-on-demand providers, with 95% of orders shipped within 48 hours. While it has a smaller range of products compared to other providers, its straightforward shipping process and affordable prices make it a great choice for sellers.

SPOD offers various printing methods, including digital direct, laser transfer, special flex, and sublimation. Additionally, its customization tool allows customers to personalize their products using their own images or choose from over 50,000 free designs.

Key Features

• SPOD ships orders from factories in the US and Europe within 48 hours.
• Mainly works with Shopify but also connects with WooCommerce, Squarespace, and Magento. For eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, you can use Order Desk, and there's an API available for SPOD.
• Offers a variety of products, including clothing workwear, pajamas, and accessories.
• Guarantees that orders will be fulfilled in 48 hours or less.
• Over 50,000 free designs available for those who aren't designers.

Pricing

• No startup fees
• Fees: Charges depend on the order value, shipping method and the product's price.

5. TPOP 

TPOP is a European print provider that focuses on letting you fully customize your customer experience. You can add your brand to everything, including packaging and packing slips. Once you sell more than 100 items each month, you can also customize the labels inside your products.

TPOP cares about the environment and uses no plastic in its packaging, opting for 100% recycled paper for packing slips. Its main supplier is part of the Fair Wear Foundation, which ensures that clothing is made according to labor laws.

Shipping with TPOP is quick and efficient. Orders are printed in France and are usually ready to ship within two to four days.

Key Features

• Delivery takes 2-3 days within France, 3-7 days for other European countries, and 5-10 days for international orders. 
• Offers direct-to-garment printing, sublimation dye for polyester items, and accessories.
• Provides a white label experience with customizable packing slips, focusing on eco-friendly products, printing methods, and packaging that is free of plastic.

Pricing

• Free Plan
• Plus Plan: 30 EUR/month
• Pro Plan: 70 EUR/month

Examples of Successful POD Stores

1. Classic Dad

Based in Austin, Classic Dad is a great example of a successful print-on-demand store that has found its niche. This shop focuses on clothing featuring “Dadisms”—funny phrases that perfectly capture the spirit of dads everywhere.

Classic Dad stands out with a clean and straightforward design. The Shopify store is efficient and gets right to the point. From the homepage, it highlights its “top sellers” immediately. The layout  helps keep the attention on the products due to its simple and clean design. A clear navigation bar allows customers to easily find what they’re looking for, whether it’s shirts, tank tops, or items with lawn or grill-related quotes.

2. The Feminist Vibe

The Feminist Vibe is more than just a print-on-demand Shopify store; it stands for a mission. Its goal is to “empower feminists who advocate for their beliefs and share their message with compassion.”

The store's success comes not just from its message but also from how effectively it communicates that message through creative design and catchy text.

The homepage of The Feminist Vibe is designed to blend shopping with a meaningful cause. The first thing visitors notice is a striking image of women wearing the brand’s feminist clothing, paired with a clear call-to-action button encouraging customers to check out the “Summer Collection.”

The Feminist Vibe understands that a brand's words alone aren't enough; it’s essential to get customers talking about you too. That’s why the Shopify store features several five-star reviews from happy influencers, adding credibility and attracting more shoppers.

3. Pop Chart

Pop Chart describes itself as a company that “creates infographic posters about everything,” offering print-on-demand designs in a wide range of topics, from skyscrapers and soccer to sharks and space travel. It’s an aspirational brand with a visually appealing Shopify store to match.

The site showcases Pop Chart's bright and colorful designs prominently. Saying that the site is attractive is an understatement—it's one of the most impressive examples of print-on-demand. Users can browse scrollable galleries of “trending” artwork to see what’s popular, and a pop-up box encourages visitors to sign up for the latest email updates from Pop Chart.

Like The Feminist Vibe, Pop Chart understands the importance of social proof. The brand proudly highlights its big-name clients, including ESPN, HBO, NBA, and Disney, making sure potential customers know about these impressive partnerships.

Closing Thoughts: Take the First Step Today

Every successful business begins with an idea, no matter its size. Starting a print-on-demand business is a great way to learn about the market, manage your own company, and create something meaningful.

With this guide, you're getting closer to making your dream of owning a print-on-demand shop a reality. So, here’s the big question: Are you ready to launch your print-on-demand business from the comfort of your home and turn your dream into a successful venture?

FAQs about Print-On-Demand

1. Is print-on-demand business profitable?

Yes, a print-on-demand business can be profitable. However, how much money you make depends on factors like your niche, product designs, marketing strategies, and pricing. By picking a good niche, creating attractive designs, and promoting your products well, you can earn profit margins between 20% to 50%.  

2. Can I start a print-on-demand business with no money?

While it's tough to start a print-on-demand business without any money, you can begin with very little investment. You can use free design tools, market your products on social media, and set up a basic online store. However, you may still need to cover some initial costs, like registering a domain name and hosting.

3. How much does it cost to start a print on demand business?

The cost to start a print-on-demand business can vary based on what you need and your skills. If you're good at designing, you can save money on design costs. You'll need to think about expenses like domain registration, website hosting, e-commerce platform fees, and possible marketing costs.