Print on demand is a simple yet powerful business model where you create the designs, whether it’s for t-shirts, mugs, posters, or even books, and a third-party supplier takes care of the rest. Once someone places an order, the product gets printed, packed, and shipped on your behalf.What makes it so appealing? You don’t have to worry about buying inventory upfront or storing products. It’s a low-risk way to test different ideas, try out new designs, and see what resonates with your audience, all without breaking the bank.A print on demand service lets you:
- Try out a new product line or small business idea without having to buy stock.
- Sell branded goods to your YouTube crowd or fans to make money.
- Create unique products for niche customers, such as Fitness enthusiasts and French doggie owners.
- Make a few items to spread the word about your event or business.
- Offer goods that honour holidays or culture trends with seasonal themes
- Compare designs and products to determine which ones your customers like.
How Print on Demand Works
It is easy to use a print on demand service. In general, this is how it works:
Step 1: Create a design
Start by coming up with a design that feels original and true to your brand. Most print on demand apps come with built-in design tools, so you can easily create a logo, graphic, or pattern that fits the vibe of the product you’re planning to sell.It could be something fun like a meme on a t-shirt or a subtle embroidered sketch on a tote bag, whatever you think will click with your audience. Just make sure it’s something they’ll connect with.
Step 2: Choose products
Next, it’s time to pick your products. Browse through the catalog in your print on demand app and decide where your designs will live. You’ll usually find a good mix, everything from clothing and accessories to stationery and home decor, so you’ve got plenty of room to get creative.
Step 3: List products for sale
Once your print on demand products are ready to go, it’s time to list them in your online store. Take a moment to write clear, compelling product descriptions, set the right prices, and upload high-quality images that show off your products in the best light.Make sure your store looks great and is easy to browse, customers should be able to find what they need without any confusion.
Step 4: A customer makes a purchase
When someone decides to buy, they simply place an order through your store’s checkout like they would on any other site.
Step 5: The order is sent to your print on demand provider
As soon as the order is placed, the details are automatically forwarded to your print on demand partner, especially if you’ve connected your store with a POD app. From there, they take care of printing and shipping it to your customer.
Step 6: Printing, packing, and shipping
The company prints the product, packages it, and ships it directly to the customer. Depending on the service you use, customers may also be able to send returns back to your print on demand partner.
Pros and Cons of Print on Demand
Print on demand is a
dropshipping business concept. This makes it easy to run an online business, which has several advantages:
- Quick to launch: You can create a design and have it up for sale within minutes.
- No need for inventory: That means lower startup costs and less risk—you don’t need to buy or store anything upfront.
- Hands-off fulfillment: Your print on demand partner handles the printing and shipping for you.
But like any business model, it’s not perfect. There are a few downsides to keep in mind:- Higher cost per item: Since you’re not buying in bulk, each product ends up costing more to produce.
- Less control over shipping: You might not have a say in how much shipping costs or how the delivery is handled.
- Design limitations: If your product ideas are super complex or highly customized, most print on demand services won’t be able to deliver exactly what you want.
Tips for Starting with Print on Demand
It’s often easier to use a print on demand service than to keep track of your own supplies, but there are some things you should know about them.Here are some important rules that every print on demand business should follow.
1. Always Order Samples
Firstly, before you start selling, make sure you actually know what you’re offering. Ordering samples is a simple but essential step; it gives you peace of mind about the quality of your products, especially when they’re coming from a third-party supplier.Place a test order through your own store so you can experience what your customers will, from browsing to unboxing. Some print on demand platforms like
Printful even offer discounts on sample orders, making it easier to check things like print quality, sizing, and fabric feel.Plus, those samples come in handy for taking your own product photos, whether for your website or social media content.
2. Use Product Mockups
While samples are great for real-life photos, mockups help bring your product to life before it’s even printed. They let customers imagine what your designs will look like in the real world—on a person, in a setting, or laid out flat.Most print on demand platforms include mockup generators, so you can easily create clean, professional-looking visuals that make your store look polished and trustworthy.
3. Be smart about shipping
You may not be handling the shipping yourself, but your customers will still look to you for updates and support, so clear communication is key.The best print on demand partners are usually upfront about their shipping timelines and keep you in the loop. Still, you’re the one your customers will reach out to if anything goes wrong, so it’s important to stay informed.Make sure your shipping estimates factor in printing time, not just delivery. And to avoid confusion, explain what customers should expect on your FAQ or a dedicated Shipping page.If you can, try to include shipping costs in your product prices. Free shipping is a strong selling point and can make your offer more appealing, while unexpected fees at checkout can easily scare people off.
4. Focus on a niche audience
Lastly, because profit margins with print on demand tend to be slim, your best bet is to be strategic about your brand positioning. And the best way to do that? Know exactly who you’re selling to.A clearly defined audience helps you market more effectively and reduce
customer acquisition costs. It also makes it easier to create products and content that resonate, helping you build a loyal following over time.
Print on Demand FAQ
What is the best way to use print on demand?
If you’re thinking about launching a print-on-demand business, the first step is to choose a niche that excites you and figure out what types of products you want to offer—think t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. Once you’ve got that sorted, work on your designs and get your website set up.Next, partner with a reliable print-on-demand service and upload your products to your store. From there, it’s all about marketing your site. As orders come in, your print provider will handle the printing and shipping for you—easy and hands-off!
How much money can you make with print on demand?
Your income with print on demand really depends on a few things: who you’re targeting, how much demand there is for your products, and even the time of year. To get a clear picture of potential earnings, you’ll want to factor in your product pricing, the fees your print provider charges, and how many orders you expect to get.The good news? It’s a low-risk way to run an online business, and if you play your cards right, it can become a solid income stream.
Can I do print on demand for free?
Yes, technically you can. Most print-on-demand platforms let you create and list products—like t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, phone cases, and even wall art—without paying upfront. But here’s the catch: while setting up might not cost you anything, getting sales usually does. You’ll likely need to invest in marketing or run ads to start getting real results.
How do you price print-on-demand products?
Pricing depends a lot on how you position your brand and who you’re targeting. A good place to start is by checking what others in your niche are charging. If your designs are customized or offer something unique, you can price a bit higher. But if you’re aiming for a broader audience, matching or slightly undercutting competitors could help you get traction while still making a profit.
Final Thoughts
Print on demand is a fantastic way to turn your creative ideas into real products without the usual headaches of inventory and upfront costs. It’s a low-risk, flexible business model that lets you test new designs, reach niche audiences, and grow your brand at your own pace.Just remember, while it’s easy to get started, success comes from paying attention to quality, customer experience, and smart marketing. If you take the time to order samples, use great product mockups, communicate clearly about shipping, and focus on a specific audience. You’ll be well on your way to building a print-on-demand business that truly stands out.By the end of the day, you’ll know whether this model fits your goals—and if it doesn’t, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to try next.
