Over the past several years, the print-on-demand (POD) industry has grown by 12%. And if you think it’s slowing down, think again. With the growing demand for one-of-a-kind products and customization, 36% of consumers have expectations for personalization, and 48% are willing to wait longer for them to arrive.
While running a print-on-demand business has its ups and downs, it can be a very profitable business. Know how to start, the pros, cons, and tips before selling print-on-demand products to ensure you’re prepared and well-equipped to run your business.
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What is print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand is a process where you work with a supplier to sell white-label items with customized designs under your own brand name. Selling POD products is ideal if you are starting an online business. How so? The fulfillment method takes place per order and begins as soon as customers complete their orders.
But like any type of ecommerce business you encounter, there are pros and cons to the process of selling POD products.
You don’t want to be in charge of full customization — designing merchandise from start to finish. By opting to print-on-demand products instead, you won't have to. POD is cost-efficient, involves lower lifting, and allows you to have control over what your products look like.
How to start a print-on-demand business
Starting a POD business offers a low-risk, scalable way to turn your creative ideas into something profitable. With no need to manage inventory or handle shipping, you can focus on designing and marketing your products.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you launch your POD business effectively.
1. Choose a profitable niche
Choosing the right niche is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your print-on-demand journey. A well-defined niche helps you rise above the noise, connect with a specific audience, and build a brand that feels specific.
Start by looking at communities you're already part of or passionate about. These might include:
- Fitness enthusiasts: Think people involved in gym culture, yoga, running, or specific sports.
- Pet lovers: People who love specific dog breeds, rescue supporters, or people who’d buy merch with funny pet sayings on it.
- Travel lovers: Those involved in van life, digital nomads, or who have interest in specific destinations.
- Eco-conscious consumers: People invested in sustainability, zero-waste lifestyles, or activism.
The goal is to find a niche with both emotional connection and buying behavior. People buy more often when products reflect their identity or values.
Once you have a few ideas, dig into research. Browse marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Redbubble to see what's selling. Use Google Trends to track seasonality or rising search interest.
Ubersuggest, Keywords Everywhere, or Etsy’s search bar autocomplete can also help you spot keyword demand and competition.
Avoid niches that are too broad (like “fashion”) or oversaturated (unless you bring a fresh twist). Instead, aim for focused, underserved communities where you can carve out your own lane.
2. Select products to sell
Once you’ve chosen a niche, the next step is deciding which types of products make the most sense for that audience. Start by thinking about how your audience expresses themselves. What kinds of items do they use daily, wear often, or gift to others?
To make smart choices, use a mix of inspiration and data. Browse marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or niche-specific stores to see which product types are getting reviews and sales. Look for patterns in product formats (like apparel vs. accessories) and pricing.
Then, narrow your selection to a few core products for launch. Starting small helps you stay focused, manage design quality, and test what actually resonates.
Prioritize items that are:
- Easy to design for (flat surfaces work best)
- Cost-effective to produce and ship
- Frequently purchased or giftable
3. Create unique designs
Your designs are what make your products worth buying. They’re the reason someone chooses your mug or T-shirt over the dozens of others out there.
You don’t need to be a professional illustrator to create something compelling. Tools like Canva and Adobe Illustrator, or even the built-in mockup generators from many POD platforms, can help you get started.
If you’d rather outsource, sites like Fiverr and Upwork make it easy to collaborate with freelance designers. The key is to focus on creating designs that speak directly to your audience. Focus on what feels relevant and personal to them, not just what looks good.
4. Choose a selling platform
Where you sell your products shapes how you run your business, so it’s worth weighing your options.
You can start on an online marketplace like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay, where there’s built-in traffic but also plenty of competition. These platforms are great for testing products and getting early traction.
If you want more control over your brand, customer experience, and marketing, an ecommerce platform like WooCommerce might be a better fit.
It requires more setup, but gives you full ownership of your store and data. Many sellers begin on a marketplace to validate demand, then build their own site once they’re ready to scale on their own terms.
5. Set up your online store
Once you’ve picked a platform, it’s time to bring your storefront to life. Start by uploading high-quality product images — mockups or real photos if you’ve ordered samples — and write clear, compelling product descriptions that highlight features, benefits, and use cases.
Make sure your payment options, shipping settings, and return policies are easy to understand.
Don’t forget SEO basics, either. Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and page URLs to improve your visibility in search.
And finally, your site should look and feel like your brand, from colors and fonts to messaging and layout. A cohesive, intuitive experience can be the difference between a visitor browsing and a customer buying.
6. Partner with a reliable POD supplier
Your print-on-demand supplier is the engine behind your business. They handle everything from printing to packaging to delivery. That makes choosing the right partner essential. Look for a supplier that meets your standards for product quality, shipping speed, and customer service.
Popular options like Printify, Printful, Gooten, and SPOD each offer different catalogs, pricing models, and integrations with platforms like Etsy and WooCommerce.
Take time to compare them carefully. Order test products, review their fulfillment locations, and explore how well they sync with your store. A dependable supplier fulfills orders and helps protect your brand’s reputation.
7. Price your products strategically
Smart pricing involves covering costs, yes, but also how you stay profitable while remaining competitive in your niche. To get it right, factor in all the moving parts:
- Base cost from your POD supplier
- Shipping fees
- Marketplace or platform fees
- Desired profit margin
Once you’ve done the math, research what similar products in your niche are selling for. If your designs or quality justify a higher price, don’t be afraid to charge more. Just make sure your product presentation backs it up.
You can also experiment with bundles, upsells, or limited-time offers to increase perceived value and boost revenue.
8. Order samples for quality assurance
Before you start selling, take the time to order samples of your products. This gives you a chance to check print quality, color accuracy, material feel, and how items are packaged and shipped.
It’s the easiest way to catch potential issues early, avoid unhappy customers, and make sure what you’re selling matches the experience you’re promising. Plus, having the product in hand makes it easier to create authentic marketing content and write better descriptions.
9. Launch, market, and monitor your store
With your store up and running, it’s time to start bringing in traffic and making sales. Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your products and connect with your audience.
You can also drive traffic through content like blog posts or videos, build an email list to share updates and promotions, and collaborate with influencers to reach more people.
Once your store is live, track how it’s performing. Keep an eye on sales, traffic, and customer feedback.
Use that data to improve your products, adjust your marketing, and deliver a better customer experience. Growing a successful POD business is all about testing, learning, and refining as you go.
What are the best-selling print-on-demand products?
Choosing the right products can make or break your print-on-demand business. Picking popular items is a piece of the puzzle but your designs also need to align with what people already love to buy and are likely to repurchase.
Below are some of the most consistently profitable and in-demand product types in the POD space.
T-shirts
According to Market.us, apparel accounts for 37% of POD sales. T-shirts, then, are a POD staple. They’re versatile, easy to customize, and appeal to just about every demographic. Whether you’re targeting niche communities, running seasonal campaigns, or creating viral designs, T-shirts give you a canvas that sells year-round.
Mugs
Mugs make great gifts and impulse buys, especially when paired with witty sayings, pop culture references, or custom illustrations. They’re inexpensive to produce and ship, making them a high-margin option with wide appeal across holidays and special occasions. They’re also a popular option within the drinkware POD category, which makes up 19% of POD sales.
Hoodies and sweatshirts
These cozy wardrobe staples are ideal for brands with loyal audiences, especially in colder seasons. Higher price points mean bigger profits per sale, and they work well for building community identity. Think teams, fandoms, or inspirational lifestyle brands — they all benefit.
Tote bags
Eco-friendly and functional, tote bags are perfect for brands that lean into sustainability or artistic design. The eco-conscious tote bag available from Printful is a solid example of this:
They’re lightweight, practical, and often purchased in multiples, which makes them great for bundles or upsells alongside other merchandise.
Phone cases
Phone cases are always in demand because they combine protection with personal style. With frequent device upgrades and strong aesthetic preferences, customers often purchase more than one case over time, giving you repeat purchase potential.
Posters and wall art
Art prints, motivational quotes, or fandom-themed posters work well for dorms, home offices, or creative spaces. POD makes it easy to offer different sizes and finishes, and your designs can live on long after a trend fades, especially if they strike an emotional chord.
Stickers
Low-cost, high-volume, and endlessly customizable, stickers are a POD winner. They appeal to kids and adults, work across nearly every niche, and are often bought in sets. They're also great for bundling or as add-ons to larger purchases. Many people offer POD sticker bundles on sites like Etsy:
Print-on-demand products let you play around with different designs and explore different products to expand your offerings.
If you’ve been selling customizable T-shirts and they’ve been selling quickly, you may want to consider venturing out to similar items like long-sleeve shirts or hoodies (especially when seasons change).
Shift your mindset to be data-driven to experiment with new products. Throughout the process, you’ll discover what additional print-on-demand products are worth keeping and which don’t add value to the business.
Pros and cons: benefits and challenges to keep in mind
Before you get started, it’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges of the print-on-demand model so you can build your business with realistic expectations and a solid plan.
Let’s take a look at these pros and cons now.
Pros: 3 benefits of selling print-on-demand products
Print-on-demand products are ideal for sellers who are short on time. You let a third-party platform handle storing, shipping, and fulfilling inventory, among other tasks. In turn, you can focus more on the creative aspects and marketing your brand to gain more customers and sales. A few positives worth noting include:
1. Design customization is simple
Design customization is easy because print-on-demand platforms handle making the product variations. As a seller, all you have to do is upload your product and offer designs for customers to choose from.
And if customers are looking to add their name or specific lettering to a product, great! You can do that easily through your POD provider.
2. No required investment in your own inventory
Unless you’re still selling non-print-on-demand items, we have good news for your business: The days of storing a load of your own inventory are over. That responsibility is on your POD platforms, too.
For POD products, inventory is ordered on an as-needed basis. That means you don’t have to worry about keeping old items that will likely go to waste.
Not having to invest in your inventory is a gift, especially if you are a new business with limited capital. The reduced overhead allows you to test the market with different designs and lowers risk.
3. Freedom from the responsibility of fulfillment and shipment
As the seller, your main focus is attracting customers to your website to make purchases and grow your brand. Leave the logistics of fulfillment to your print-on-demand platform.
With the right supplier on your side, they’ll deliver fast results. This leaves your customers satisfied and ready to continue doing business with you.
Since you won’t have to worry about fulfillment and shipping, you can focus instead on building strong customer relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Cons: 3 print-on-demand product challenges to consider
Working with print-on-demand providers can greatly help your business. But at the same time, they cut into your profits. You can’t keep all the profit you generate. Some of the gains are paid to the POD provider for handling inventory and shipping.
So before you go all in, take a moment to consider some of the challenges below:
1. Order fulfillment can take a long time
Because print-on-demand products are made after a customer makes a purchase, the process to create and deliver will take longer than shipping an item that’s already completely made.
Between you and your buyers, be the first one to set the expectations for your buyers. Reduce the number of customers reaching out about estimated times of delivery. Make a visible note on each product or checkout page to notify customers about the extended delivery times.
The more information they know ahead of time about their purchase, the more patient they will be when waiting for their customized products to arrive at their door.
2. Profit margins are low
Because print-on-demand products are often custom, you can’t buy items in bulk for wholesale pricing. As a result, profit margins are lower than non-print-on-demand items.
And unfortunately, because the printing company handles shipping and handling, a large part of your profit goes to them.
To help make bigger profits, consider negotiating shipping rates with your supplier.
3. Returned items are hard to resell
Because print-on-demand items are made for individual customers, it can be challenging to resell returned items.
To decrease the number of returns, add a sizing chart and encourage previous customers to leave reviews with photos modeling the product. Have them include measurements and the size they purchased to offer as much accuracy as possible for the next potential buyer.
To decrease the number of items coming back to you, ensure your third-party provider is on the same page about return policies, too.
Tips for running a successful print-on-demand business
Succeeding in the POD space takes more than uploading a few designs and hoping for the best. With low upfront costs come plenty of competition, so making smart, strategic decisions from day one really matters.
Here are key tips to help you stay ahead and grow a sustainable business.
Choose high-profit niches with strong demand
Some markets naturally attract more loyal buyers than others. Niches like fitness, pet lovers, career pride, or fandom communities often have engaged audiences who are ready to spend.
The key is finding that balance between strong demand and less competition. To spot opportunities, dig into platforms like Google Trends, TikTok, Etsy, or even niche-specific forums to see what’s gaining traction.
Establish clear return and refund policies
Even if you’re not handling fulfillment, you're still the face of your brand. Set clear, fair return and refund policies and make them easy to find on your site. Work closely with your POD supplier to understand how they handle damaged or lost items so you can manage customer expectations.
Differentiate your products and brand identity
Generic designs won’t cut it. Your products should reflect a unique personality, aesthetic, or point of view. Maybe it’s your humor, your illustrations, or your cultural commentary. Create a cohesive brand with consistent colors, messaging, and tone across your storefront, social channels, and product packaging.
Select POD suppliers based on quality and speed
Fast shipping and consistent quality are two things customers won’t compromise on. Compare platforms like Printful, Printify, SPOD, and Gooten by ordering samples from each.
Check their printing methods, product range, and shipping times before committing. And make sure they integrate well with your ecommerce platform.
Invest in marketing from the start
You could have the best products in the world, but if no one sees them, you won’t make sales. Build an audience with a combination of:
- SEO: Optimize product titles and descriptions for relevant keywords so people can find your products organically.
- Social media: Share behind-the-scenes content, design previews, and customer photos on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest.
- Email marketing: Offer a discount in exchange for email sign-ups, then use that list to promote new drops or seasonal sales.
- Content marketing: Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast around your niche to build trust and drive long-term traffic.
The more touch points you create, the more likely people are to remember and buy from you.
Is printing on demand profitable?
Print-on-demand can absolutely be profitable. But the right approach is key. When you combine a strong niche, compelling designs, and a solid marketing strategy, it’s possible to build a steady stream of income without the usual risks of holding inventory or managing fulfillment.
It does take work to stand out in a crowded space, but the low upfront costs and scalable model make it a smart starting point for creative entrepreneurs ready to launch something of their own.
FAQs about print-on-demand business model
Is print-on-demand good for beginners?
Yes, print-on-demand is ideal for beginners because it doesn’t require upfront inventory, warehouse space, or complex logistics. It’s a low-risk way to start selling online with minimal costs and no need for advanced technical skills.
Which print-on-demand products have the highest profit margin?
Products with low base costs and strong perceived value, like posters, stickers, mugs, and digital art tend to have the highest profit margins. Apparel like hoodies and premium T-shirts can also be profitable when priced strategically.
How do I find a good print on demand service?
Look for services that offer high-quality products, reliable shipping, competitive pricing, and many integration options. Read reviews, order samples, and compare platforms like Printful, Printify, and SPOD before choosing.
How much money can I make with print on demand?
Earnings vary based on your niche, marketing efforts, and pricing strategy. Some sellers make a few hundred dollars per month, while others scale to six-figure incomes. Consistency, branding, and product-market fit are key to higher profits.
Does print-on-demand require LLC?
No, you don’t need an LLC to start a print-on-demand business, but forming one can offer legal protection and tax benefits. Many sellers start as sole proprietors and form an LLC later as the business grows.
