Savvy Guide: How To Start A Print-On-Demand Business (2025)

Print-on-demand companies are a growing field that lets you be creative and make money without doing much work. Plus, they do not cost much upfront!

A print-on-demand (POD) business is a great way for artists, graphic designers, illustrators, and other creative people to make money from their work.

POD platforms let designers sell their unique designs on T-shirts, phone cases, mugs, and other items without having to worry about stock and shipping.

It might sound hard to start a POD business, but it is actually pretty simple once you know the steps. It is a simple idea for an automatic business.

This is my step-by-step instruction on how to start a print-on-demand business.

How To Start A Print-On-Demand Business

I love that a print-on-demand company is exactly what it sounds like.

In this case, you sell things that have your art on them, but you do nہt have to do the work yourself.

You do not have to print a lot of T-shirts, mugs, or whatever else you are selling, and hope people buy them. Instead, another business prints the things when someone places an order.

It is a safe way to begin a small business. How do you start a POD business, though?

Here are some things you can do to begin:

1. Pick A Printing Niche

You should first decide what you are going to sell. This is what you need to do: choose a niche.

That will help you with everything else once you know it. You will be able to pick out the right print-on-demand items and sell your stuff more easily afterward.

So you like funny quotes and want them on T-shirts? Or do you like drawing garden scenes and want them on mugs and canvas?

Your POD business will go in the right direction if you know your niche and what items will work well with your style, no matter what style it is.

Spend some time figuring out your niche before you start designing or setting up an online shop.

2. Select Your Products

Now that you have chosen your niche, it is time to choose the goods you will sell through your print-on-demand business.

Going after your dream is not enough; you also need to know whats popular and what your viewers might like.

There are tons of options to consider. Some of my favorite products are:

• T-shirts
• Hoodies
• Coffee mugs
• Home Decor
• Canva art

Clothing items like T-shirts are always popular, but offering a wider range of goods can help you reach more people and become more popular.

3. Create Your Designs

The really fun part now is making your own drawings for a POD business.

Taking the time to make cool designs can help your brand stand out. This can lead to selling custom goods and making money as people place orders.

When you are making ideas, do not forget to think about who you want to sell to. Think about what will interest them and make unique items that stand out.

Try out different styles, colors, and pictures that will appeal to the people you want to reach.

One more thing: make sure you understand the licenses for any stock photos or themes you use so you do not get in trouble with the law later on.

If you know how to use design apps like Canva Pro, you can make them yourself. Do not worry if style is not your thing, though. FlexJobs lets you hire experts to do it for you.

4. Find A Supplier

If you want your business to do well, you need to find the right print service. Believe me, you want a company you can trust that prints well.

I got samples from print-on-demand companies like Printful, Printify, and Gooten when I first opened my store. I could see how quickly and how well they could get things to me.

Here is a tip: look for sellers that carry your items in-house or offer free shipping.

Because fulfillment is done by the company itself, from printing to shipping, everything is taken care of there.

An all-in-one store that can make your life easier, send items faster, and keep an eye on quality.

Finally, think about how the third-party seller will work with your online store as you choose them.

So you can focus on whats important: building your business, you want a supplier that works well with your e-commerce platform.

I will tell you more about a few print-on-demand services below!

5. Determine Your Pricing

Once you have your POD store up and going and have decided which print-on-demand company to go with, it is time to think about your pricing and business model.

You should make sure that the prices in your print-on-demand store are reasonable for your customers and make you money so that it can last for years.

Think about how much it will cost to make, and ship, and how much money you want to make.

You want to charge enough to pay your costs and make a good profit, but not so much that people will run away.

You could also add the cost of shipping to the selling price so that customers are not caught off guard when they check out. We all know that a late fee can make us not want to check out.

6. Open Your Online Store

You are ready to go with your goods, designs, and prices.

To start selling on your POD store, the next step is to open your own online shop.

Make sure the print-on-demand tool you choose works with your website before you choose it.

It should be simple, but it should also have tools and integrations that fit with your business and brand.

Print-on-demand sites use a number of different systems, such as Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and WooCommerce.

Shopify is very easy to use and has lots of tools to help your business grow. It also works well with well-known print-on-demand sites like Printify and Printful.

If your store is mostly about one-of-a-kind or handcrafted items, Etsy is a good pick. And there are already people who like that kind of stuff.

I will tell you more about these shops below so you can quickly compare them!

Give your online business some thought and pick the best one for your print-on-demand service.

7. List Your Products

Now that you have a web store, it is time to stock it with your goods.

Use full descriptions, good photos, and the right price for each listing to make it work.

That way, people will know what they are getting, and the pictures should show what makes your ideas unique.

Make sure that these pictures have watermarks in the sample so that other people can not take them and use them themselves!

Also, remember that your ads are not just for one time. They should be updated often to make sure they match what you are selling.

Any changes to the style, stock, or prices should show up right away. Updating everything not only makes it look more professional but also helps possible buyers see it.

8. Market Your Prints

Are you ready to open your store and list your products? Okay, but you are not done yet!

Spread the word about your great print-on-demand items and start advertising them to make sales.

This is where paid ads, email marketing, and social media sites like Facebook and Instagram will help you the most.

Pick the sites where the people you want to reach are likely to be so that your message gets through. Do not just spam ads on these sites; use them to meet with other people and grow your business.

Make your customers feel like they are part of your brand group by responding to their comments and sending them fun or useful emails.

Do not forget that marketing is not just about making the first sale. There needs to be a good plan in order to keep customers coming back.

Check to see how your advertising is going. Do not be afraid to change things if they are not working.

9. Land Sales

Let’s talk about how to get more sales and keep customers coming back now that your goods are getting popular.

Getting people to stick with you is important, and here is how I would do it.

To begin, you must have great customer service. Always be nice, helpful, and quick to respond. When your customers have a good time with you, they are more likely to come back and buy more.

You can also contact current customers directly to let them know about deals and special sales. This will make them more likely to come back when they need something.

Another smart move is to offer discounts and specials. You can get the word out through social media marketing, which is a great way to reach your audience and make sales.

Last but not least, always check in on your sales and marketing plans. Do not be afraid to make changes if something is not working.

Printing Suppliers

If you find the right printing company, you can give your customers cool T-shirts, coffee mugs, or tote bags that are properly printed and show off your designs in the best ways.

That being said, let’s talk about printing providers and how they can help your print-on-demand model online business succeed by giving you good products.

Printify

A lot of people know Printify as a great printer company, and for good reason! With a score of 4.8 on Trustpilot, they come highly suggested in their field.

Of the more than 850 items they sell, you can put your drawings on cool things like custom t-shirts, bags, and a lot more.

Plus, they can work with many e-commerce systems, such as Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and WooCommerce, without any problems. This makes them the chameleon of printing companies.

Because of this, Printify can help you start your online store anywhere.

Also, guess what? They even ship all over the world. Of course, they work with the best printers in each of their more than 90 locations around the world.

This means you can quickly send your goods to anyone who might buy them, no matter where they are.

Let’s get down to business and talk about the prices.

There are no big fees for Printify. Which is always a plus, their prices are fair. I really like that you can start for free and do not need a credit card.

Printiful

Printful is one of the top providers of printing materials available. They provide a large selection of customizable products and an extremely user-friendly platform.

Similar to Printify, Printful integrates with numerous e-commerce sites. Therefore, setting up a shop and selling customized products is simple, regardless of the platform—Shopify or another.

And you know what? Printful moves really quickly. Since they have a reputation for quick turnaround, you would not have to wait impatiently for your orders to be printed and dispatched.

Additionally, they provide flat-rate delivery, so getting your products into the hands of your clients does not have to break the money. It benefits your wallet as well as you.

Oh, and did I also mention how well-known they are? On Trustpilot, Printful has an amazing 4.6 rating. That is equivalent to a gold star in the internet service industry.

Gooten

Let me tell you something about Gooten: they are not your typical printing vendor. They are all focused on distinctive elements that will elevate your brand.

I am referring to eye-catching phone cases, eye-catching canvas posters for your walls, and even face masks that may make a fashion statement.

The wonderful thing is that they are all fully customizable. It is similar to having an artistic playground right at your disposal.

This is where Gooten excels right now. They have made it simple to integrate your e-commerce platform and sell your personalized goods.

With just a few clicks, you can start doing business. Nothing to make you sweat.

Selling Platforms

Select the appropriate selling platform based on your goals, whether you want to grow your customer base or are just starting out.

Choosing the ideal platform for your business needs might be difficult with so many options available.

Here are a few of my preferred platforms that I have utilized:

Shopify

One of my favorite tools for setting up an internet store is Shopify. For more than a million firms worldwide, it is a game-changer rather than merely a popular option.

Here are several reasons Shopify should be on your radar:

Firstly, Shopify is all on ease of use. I adore how well-designed their UI is, and how they provide editable templates to build a gorgeous online store.

Shopify has an abundance of options, ranging from inventory management assistance to analytics tools that provide you with insider information. Furthermore, their marketing skills are excellent.

The real kicker is that Shopify gets along with others. It may be easily integrated with other programs, such as Google Analytics and QuickBooks, to make your life easier.

Let’s now speak money. Shopify monthly cost is as low as $39, which includes hosting, payment processing, and an unlimited number of products.

However, if you use my link, you can begin with just $1 a month for the first three months—a significant savings that you can reinvest in your POD business.

Etsy

One of my favorite sites is Etsy, and I will tell you, it is a veritable gold mine for anything handcrafted, retro, and distinctive.

A staggering 81 million active customers and millions of sellers participate in this thriving global industry.

You get to be in charge when you sell goods on Etsy. You set up your small shop and present your products to the public. It is similar to having your storefront in the center of this enormous marketplace.

This is where Etsy excels right now. They offer convenient solutions to track your inventory, handle orders, and expedite the shipping process.

You can now concentrate on what you do best, which is making incredible things.

But there is still more! Though Etsy is great on its own, if you are trying to grow beyond it, you can combine it with other platforms like Shopify.

In this manner, you will be able to reach a larger audience and make more money without exerting yourself.

Let’s talk about fees now. When you sell something on Etsy, they charge a little $0.20 listing fee plus a 6.5% transaction fee.

eBay

One of my favorite sites is Etsy, and I will tell you, it is a veritable gold mine for anything handcrafted, retro, and distinctive.

A staggering 81 million active customers and millions of sellers participate in this thriving global industry.

You get to be in charge when you sell goods on Etsy. You set up your small shop and present your products to the public. It is similar to having your storefront in the center of this enormous marketplace.

This is where Etsy excels right now. They offer convenient solutions to track your inventory, handle orders, and expedite the shipping process.

You can now concentrate on what you do best, which is making incredible things.

But there is still more! Though Etsy is great on its own, if you are trying to grow beyond it, you can combine it with other platforms like Shopify.

In this manner, you will be able to reach a larger audience and make more money without exerting yourself.

Let’s talk about fees now. When you sell something on Etsy, they charge a little $0.20 listing fee plus a 6.5% transaction fee.

WooCommerce

For WordPress users who want to start selling things online, WooCommerce is the ideal solution.

You may create a bespoke, adaptable platform for print-on-demand companies with WooCommerce.

The best part is that you may design a distinctive online store that precisely embodies the aesthetic of your company.

It easily interacts with print-on-demand platforms such as Printify and Printful, making the process of converting your original concepts into tangible goods simple.

Adding WooCommerce is a no-brainer if your website already runs on WordPress. WordPress

WooCommerce is completely free of charge. Even though WooCommerce is a free plugin, using it requires a WordPress website, which has hosting fees.

These can be had for as little as $5 a month. Furthermore, there may be a fee associated with using some features and extensions.

Additionally, keep in mind that although WooCommerce does not charge transaction fees, the payment gateway of your choice will charge you for payment processing.

Pros & Cons Of Printing Business

Pros

• Creative Outlet: Running a printing business allows you to express your creativity through design and customization.
• Customization: You can offer personalized print-on-demand products catering to specific customer preferences.
• Low Overhead: Many print-on-demand models have low upfront costs, making them accessible for start-ups.
• Scalability: As your business grows, you can easily scale your operations to meet demand.
• Diverse Product Range: You can offer various customizable products, from apparel to home decor.
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The print-on-demand industry is expected to grow by 25.6% through 2030.

Cons

• Competition: The printing business can be highly competitive, with many players in the market.
• Quality Control: Ensuring consistent print quality can be challenging and may lead to customer dissatisfaction.
• Inventory Management: Managing inventory can be complex, especially with a diverse product range.
• Marketing Effort: Effective marketing efforts are crucial to stand out in a crowded market.
• Profit Margins: Profit margins can vary based on how you market your business and the pricing strategy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Creating a print-on-demand business is an excellent way to generate income online without having to deal with the hassles and financial hazards of a regular brick-and-mortar store.

With this guidance, you are headed down a potentially rewarding route toward entrepreneurship.

When you launch a print-on-demand company, choose a specific market, create eye-catching graphics for your intended customer base, and collaborate with a reputable print-on-demand provider.

By following these steps, you may create a profitable firm and revolutionize the print-on-demand industry.

Why then wait? Jump in, start selling on Shopify, and get noticed right now! using a print-on-demand company!

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