Walmart Print on Demand: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Walmart Print on Demand is your chance to turn creative ideas into real income without worrying about inventory or shipping. This business model lets you sell custom products like tees, mugs, and wall art, printed only when a customer places an order.

In this Walmart Print on Demand: A Complete Beginner's Guide, we'll show you how to break into one of the world's largest eCommerce platforms. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand beyond Etsy or Shopify, this guide will help you set up your POD business on Walmart Marketplace from scratch.

What Is Walmart Print on Demand?

Walmart Print on Demand is a low-risk business model where custom products are only created after someone buys them. Instead of stocking shelves or managing a warehouse, a third-party source produces and sends the item once you upload your design.

Think of it like this:

You design a T-shirt → A customer places an order on Walmart → A print provider makes it → The order is shipped to the customer - all without you handling the product.

How It Works:

Here's what happens behind the scenes:

1. Design your product: Upload your artwork or text to items like mugs, hoodies, posters, or tote bags.
2. Connect a print provider: Since Walmart doesn't have built-in POD tools, you'll need to integrate with POD platforms like Printify, Printful, or others that support Walmart Marketplace.
3. List your products on Walmart: Sync your custom items directly to your Walmart seller account for millions of customers to see.
4. Let the provider fulfill the order: When someone buys, your print partner produces and ships the product. You don't touch inventory, shipping, or packaging.

Why Sell Print on Demand on Walmart?

With enormous daily traffic, Walmart is one of the largest internet merchants in the United States. By combining this reach with the flexibility of POD, sellers can:

• Launch a brand with low startup costs
• Provide a large selection of goods without worrying about storage
• Scale quickly by testing new designs or niches

For example, if you're an artist who designs funny pet illustrations, you can turn them into best-selling mugs or T-shirts and sell them at Walmart without ever printing or shipping anything yourself.

This model gives you creative freedom and access to a large audience, all while your print partner handles the hard work behind the scenes.

Key Features of Walmart POD

a) Product Variety

Walmart Print on Demand lets you choose from a huge range of products depending on your print provider. Platforms like Printful, Printify, Gooten, and SPOD offer between 150 to 400+ items, giving you the flexibility to explore different customer segments and scale your brand.

Apparel - Your #1 Bestseller

Clothing is the most popular category in POD. You can create custom designs on:

• T-shirts (regular, oversized, fitted)
• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• Tank tops, crop tops, leggings
• Kids and baby clothes

Best for: fitness brands, family outfits, sarcastic quotes, streetwear collections

Drinkware - Low Cost, High Demand

POD drinkware includes a wide selection like:

• Ceramic mugs and color-changing mugs
• Stainless steel tumblers and water bottles
• Enamel camping mugs

Best for: gift shops, coffee lovers, holiday themes, pet owners

Home & Living - Stylish Everyday Products

This category brings your art into people's living spaces:

• Throw pillows, blankets, and rugs
• Canvas prints, framed posters, wall art
• Shower curtains and table mats

Best for: home decor, motivational quotes, dorm room essentials, boho design

Accessories - Small Products, Big Personality

Great for brand merch or niche targeting, including:

• Tote bags, backpacks, fanny packs
• Phone cases, hats, beanies
• Laptop sleeves and aprons

Best for: eco-conscious buyers, students, gamers, casual fashion

Office & Seasonal Items - Custom Touch for Every Moment

Ideal for gifting, branding, and seasonal campaigns:

• Notebooks, planners, calendars
• Greeting cards, holiday ornaments, mousepads

Best for: corporate giveaways, back-to-school, teacher gifts, holiday promotions

With these five product categories, you can build a diverse, trend-responsive store without ever holding stock. Walmart's POD setup lets you test ideas, refine your offer, and meet customer demand, all while keeping operations lean and creative freedom high.

b) Pricing & Profit Margins

With Walmart Print on Demand, you set your retail prices, giving you full control over your profit margins. Unlike traditional retail, you're not locked into fixed markups—so you can test different pricing strategies based on your niche, product quality, and audience.

But to price your products correctly (and profitably), you'll need to account for three key costs:

• Base product cost: Charged by your POD provider (e.g., $9 for a T-shirt)
• Shipping fee: Often varies by destination and provider
• Walmart referral fee: Usually 8% to 15% of the product's final price

Simple Pricing Formula:

Profit = Retail Price – (Base Cost + Shipping + Walmart Fee)

Or, more clearly:

Profit = Your Price – [Product Cost + Shipping + (Your Price × Referral %)]

Example: You're selling a custom hoodie.

• Base cost: $16
• Shipping: $5
• Your Price: $39.99
• Walmart fee (15%): $6.00
• Your profit = $39.99 – ($16 + $5 + $6) = $12.99 per sale

Tips for Better Profit Margins:

• Start with a 30–50% markup: This gives you room for discounts, promotions, or free shipping offers later.
• Use bundles or upsells: Pair related items together to increase average order value without much extra cost.
• Test premium options: Offer embroidery, eco-friendly materials, or limited editions at higher price points.
• Monitor your niche: Check Walmart Marketplace for similar products to find a competitive but profitable pricing range.

With smart planning, many Walmart POD sellers aim for $5–$15 profit per item, depending on product type. Once you master your pricing strategy, every sale becomes a solid step toward a sustainable, scalable business.

c) Shipping & Delivery

With Walmart Print on Demand, shipping is handled directly by your connected print provider. Once an order is placed, the supplier handles the product's printing, packaging, and delivery to your client. This helps you stay hands-off with logistics while still offering a smooth and reliable delivery experience.

How Shipping Works

Most print-on-demand partners like Printful, Printify, or Gooten will ship orders from their U.S. facilities to domestic customers within 3 to 7 business days. Standard items like T-shirts and mugs often ship faster, while more complex or large orders may take an extra day or two.

You don't need to worry about packaging or shipping labels. The provider prints the item, packs it securely, and ships it under your store name if you choose white-label settings.

Branded Packaging & Tracking

Some providers allow you to customize the delivery experience with:

• Branded packing slips
• Custom labels or stickers
• Optional thank-you cards

These small touches help strengthen your brand even when you're not the one shipping the product. Customers also receive tracking numbers in order for them to track their shipment from manufacturing to delivery.

By using print-on-demand shipping companies, you can concentrate on expanding your product line and brand recognition without being bogged down in logistics. The process is straightforward, dependable, and expert.

d) Fulfillment Workflow

The ability to automate the fulfillment process is one of the best features of selling print on demand through Walmart Marketplace. Once you set things up with your chosen POD provider, the entire workflow runs in the background saving you time while keeping your customers informed.

Here's how the typical order flow works:

1. A customer places an order on your Walmart listing
2. Walmart processes the payment and confirms the sale
3. Your POD provider receives the order automatically through a connected app or integration
4. The goods are printed and sent straight to the buyer.
5. Tracking information is synced back to Walmart and shared with the customer

To make this seamless, most sellers use third-party apps like Printify's Walmart integration or tools like API connectors that link their product catalog and order data to Walmart Marketplace. Once the connection is live, orders are pushed instantly from Walmart to your provider without you needing to intervene manually.

You'll also be able to track order status, shipping progress, and delivery confirmations through your Walmart seller dashboard. This degree of automation keeps everything running smoothly in the background by lowering errors, expediting fulfillment, and guaranteeing that your customers receive real-time updates.

e) Returns and Customer Service

A different strategy is needed for customer service and return handling when selling print-on-demand items at Walmart. Since most POD items are made-to-order, they typically don't qualify for standard returns like mass-produced goods. That's why it's important to set clear expectations and stay proactive with customer care.

Returns: What You Should Know

Walmart usually offers a 30-day return window, but POD products are an exception, especially custom-printed or personalized items.If the product isn't broken, you can restrict returns. You are still in charge of addressing legitimate concerns, though, like:

• Items that were harmed in transit
• Printing errors (inaccurate positioning, hazy designs)
• The item was sent in the incorrect size, color, or

Make sure your product listings and store settings make it clear what your return policy is to prevent confusion. Let buyers know what qualifies for a replacement or refund, and explain that custom items are not eligible for change-of-mind returns.

Customer Service: Your Role as a Seller

Even if a POD provider fulfills and ships the order, you are still the customer's main point of contact. If anything goes wrong, they'll reach out to you through Walmart. That's why excellent communication matters.

Here are some tips to handle service smoothly:

• Reply to messages quickly, ideally within 24 hours
• Use polite, clear language and address concerns respectfully
• Request photos for claims about damaged or incorrect items
• Offer helpful solutions, like a free replacement or discount code for future use
• Follow up after resolving an issue to make sure the customer is satisfied

Providing friendly, efficient service builds trust and increases your chances of getting positive reviews. It also protects your seller metrics, which Walmart uses to measure your store's performance.

In short, even though POD makes operations easier, you still carry the responsibility of delivering a great customer experience. Clear return terms and responsive service can make a big difference in your long-term success.

How to Get Started with POD on Walmart

Setting up a print-on-demand business at Walmart might seem intimidating at first. Still, the process is simple once you break it into three main steps: applying for a seller account, choosing a POD partner, and connecting everything with seamless automation.

a) Apply for a Walmart Seller Account

Before you can sell anything on Walmart, you need to become an approved seller. Walmart has a more selective application process than some other marketplaces, but if you're prepared, approval can happen quickly.

Basic Requirements:

• U.S. business tax ID (EIN)
• U.S. business address
• Product categories and catalog details
• A working return and shipping policy
• Ability to ship across the U.S.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the Walmart Marketplace signup page
2. Fill in your business information and tax details
3. Provide contact info and category selection
4. Submit your shipping and return policy
5. Wait for approval (usually takes 2 to 10 days)

Once approved, you'll get access to the Seller Center, where you can manage your listings, orders, and performance.

b) Choose a POD Fulfillment Partner

Next, you'll need a print-on-demand platform to fulfill your orders. These platforms let you upload your designs, create mockups, and handle everything from printing to shipping.

Top POD Options:

• Printful: Known for high-quality products and fast U.S. fulfillment
• Printify: Great for price comparison and a variety of global suppliers
• Gooten: Offers flexible pricing and solid automation tools
• SPOD: Known for fast production times and basic product selection

Compare platforms based on the following:

• Product catalog size
• Fulfillment speed
• Branding options (custom labels, packing slips)
• Integration with Walmart
• Base costs and shipping fees

Choose the provider that aligns best with your product goals, audience, and pricing strategy.

c) Connect the POD Platform with Walmart

To streamline your business, you need to link your POD platform to your Walmart store. This lets you sync products, push orders automatically, and keep inventory up to date.

Integration Methods:

• CedCommerce: A direct Walmart integration partner that supports many POD apps
• Shopify: Use Shopify as a middle layer, then add the Walmart sales channel
• Custom API: If you're tech-savvy or working with a developer, this offers full flexibility

Once connected, your products will be pushed from your POD provider to Walmart. When a customer buys something, the order goes to your provider, gets fulfilled, and tracking info syncs back automatically.

This hands-free workflow helps you grow faster without juggling multiple platforms or worrying about manual errors. With the right setup, you can focus on what matters most: creating unique products and building your brand.

What Should You Sell with POD on Walmart?

To launch a successful print-on-demand business at Walmart, start with products that are already in strong demand. These four categories consistently deliver high sales and search volume, making them ideal for beginners.

1. Apparel - T‑Shirts, Hoodies & Leggings

Apparel remains the top-performing POD category, representing roughly one-third of global sales. On Walmart, searches for terms like "funny tee" and "matching leggings" consistently rank high, proof that customers are ready to buy custom clothing. These items span seasons, celebrations, and lifestyles, giving sellers maximum flexibility.

Why it's a winner:

• Huge, year-round demand
• High search volume reflects strong buyer intent.
• Perfect for niche designs and personalization

2. Drinkware - Mugs & Tumblers

Drinkware makes up about one-fifth of POD revenue and is especially popular during gift-giving seasons. Personalized mugs and tumblers are frequently bought for birthdays, holidays, and office appreciation, meaning steady demand and easy upselling.

Why it's appealing:

• Affordable to produce with high emotional value
• Ideal for personalization and repeat purchases
• Great for holidays, teachers, pet lovers, and more

3. Wall Art - Posters & Canvas Prints

Wall art accounts for over a quarter of POD sales, making it a high-value, low-cost choice. At Walmart, stylish canvas prints and poster designs featuring motivational quotes or trendy graphics sell steadily. They appeal to shoppers looking to decorate homes, offices, and dorm rooms.

Why it's profitable:

• High perceived value with low fulfillment cost
• Strong visual appeal
• Timeless decor suitable for gifting and personal style

4. Accessories - Tote Bags, Phone Cases & Hats

Accessories make a large impact despite their small size, making up around 10–15% of POD sales. They're easy to ship and ideal for impulse buys. At Walmart, customized tote bags, phone cases, and hats appeal to students, commuters, and style-conscious buyers.

Why it's strategic:

• Low cost, lightweight, and quick to ship
• Great for bundling with apparel or drinkware
• Works well for trend-based or niche designs

Pros and Cons of Walmart POD

Before diving into Walmart's print-on-demand world, it's important to weigh the benefits and challenges. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide if it's the right fit for your business.

✅ Pros:

• Low Startup Costs: You don't need to invest in inventory or warehouse space. With POD, you only pay for the product once you get an order, making it a budget-friendly way to start selling on a major platform.
• Massive Customer Reach: Walmart Marketplace gets millions of visits each month. Listing your custom products here gives you access to a wide and diverse customer base without spending heavily on ads.
• Automated Fulfillment: With the right POD partner, everything from printing to shipping can run on autopilot. This means less time handling logistics and more time growing your brand.
• Easy to Scale: Whether you're selling 10 mugs a week or 1,000 hoodies a month, POD scales without extra effort. You can test new designs, add products, or expand categories with minimal risk.

❌ Cons:

• Strict Approval Process: Getting approved as a Walmart seller isn't instant. You'll need to meet specific requirements like having a U.S. tax ID and a track record of order fulfillment. This can be a barrier for new sellers.
• Third-Party Integrations Are a Must: Walmart doesn't offer native print-on-demand tools. You'll need to connect your store using platforms like Printful, Printify, or CedCommerce to sync orders and manage fulfillment.
• Limited Branding Control: Since the fulfillment is handled externally, you won't have full control over the packaging design or unboxing experience. Branding is possible, but it often depends on your POD provider's features.

Walmart POD is a great way to build a low-risk ecommerce business with huge potential. As long as you're prepared for the setup process and willing to use third-party tools, it offers solid long-term value and reach.

Tips for Success on Walmart POD

Once your store is live, it's time to optimize. Here are five proven ways to increase your visibility, boost sales, and build a reputation that keeps customers coming back.

1. Focus on a Niche, Not Everything

Instead of launching with a random mix of products, start with a small, curated collection. Focus on a specific style, audience, or theme, like funny dog mugs, astrology tees, or motivational canvas prints.

Why this works:

• Makes your brand look professional
• Helps build loyalty within a target audience
• Easier to test what sells before expanding

Example: A store that only sells custom tumblers for nurses or teachers tends to convert better than one selling 50 unrelated designs.

2. Use Sharp Images and Descriptive Titles

Your product listing is your storefront. Make it stand out with:

• High-quality pictures that display the goods from many perspectives
• Lifestyle mockups to help customers picture the product in real life
• Keyword-rich titles that are easy to read

Tips to remember:

• Avoid blurry or generic-looking product photos
• Use keywords like "Funny Cat Mug - Dishwasher Safe - 15 oz"
• Add alt text and clear descriptions for SEO

3. Optimize for Walmart Search (SEO)

Walmart has its search algorithm, so your listing needs to be clear and keyword-focused. Aim to include:

• Keywords in product titles (without keyword stuffing)
• Key characteristics and advantages are highlighted in bullet points
• A short, natural-sounding description with relevant search terms

Pro tip: Use Walmart's search bar to see what phrases autocomplete (e.g., "custom t-shirt for dad"). Those are the phrases people are actually typing.

4. Offer Fast Shipping and Fair Returns

Buyers at Walmart expect quick delivery and transparent return options. Even though POD products are custom, you can still make the process smooth.

What to offer:

• Use a POD provider that ships within 3-7 business days
• Clearly explain which products are returnable and under what conditions
• Keep shipping costs competitive to avoid abandoned carts

Note: While custom items aren't always returnable, offering replacements for damaged or misprinted items builds trust.

5. Track Reviews and Metrics Like a Pro

Walmart tracks seller performance closely. Monitoring your reviews and order data isn't just helpful; it's essential.

Watch these indicators:

• Product reviews and customer feedback
• Order defect rate (delays, returns, complaints)
• Conversion rates and page views

Always respond to reviews, even the negative ones. A polite and helpful reply can turn a bad situation into a second chance at a sale.

Success on Walmart POD doesn't come from listing hundreds of random items. It comes from clear branding, great visuals, competitive delivery, and attention to customer experience. Nail these basics, and the algorithm and your customers will reward you.

Read more:

• 25 Most Profitable Print On Demand Products to Sell Online
• How to Start a Print-on-Demand Planner Business
• Top 10 Eco-Friendly Print on Demand Suppliers

Final Thoughts

Walmart Print on Demand offers a smart, low-risk way to build an online business, even if you're starting. You don't need inventory, warehousing, or a huge budget to get going. What you do need is a strong product idea, the right POD partner, and a well-set-up Walmart seller account.

With millions of active shoppers, Walmart gives you the exposure to scaling your brand faster than many other platforms. If you're ready to turn custom designs into real income, now's the time to explore trusted POD tools and start your Walmart Marketplace application. Your next sale could be just a few clicks away.