Make Money With Print on Demand: A Beginner’s Guide

The internet makes it easy for people with creative skills to make money from their talents. One way to do this is through print-on-demand, a business idea where you can sell things you design yourself, like t-shirts or mugs, without having to pay for them first or keep stock.

You don’t have to invest any money upfront. All you need is a creative mind and a willingness to promote your products online.

You can start your print-on-demand(POD) business from the comfort of your own home, with just a computer and an internet connection. No need for a fancy office or expensive equipment.

If you’re good at making things and can promote them well, print on demand can help you make money from your hobby. You can sell things you design without having to pay for them first.

This can be a great way to start your own business without spending a lot of money. You can work on your own schedule and make money with print on demand business.

What Is Print on Demand Business?

Print on demand is a low-risk, low-cost way to start an online business.

Print on demand(POD) is a way for people to make and sell custom products without having to buy and keep a lot of stock. Instead of printing a bunch of items and hoping they sell, the products are only made after someone places an order.

earn Money With Print on Demand

It’s kind of like having your own little factory that makes things one at a time, just for the people who want them. You don’t have to worry about storing unsold stuff or wasting materials on products that might not sell.

With POD, you can offer all sorts of customized goodies like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. You just upload your cool designs to a website, and they’ll print your design onto whatever product someone buys from you.

The best part is, you don’t have to do any of the printing, packaging, or shipping yourself. The POD company takes care of all that. You just collect a commission (a cut of the money) from each sale.

It’s a really easy way for artists, designers, or anyone with creative ideas to start their own business without needing a bunch of money upfront. You can test out new designs and products without any risk, and change things up whenever you want without getting stuck with inventory you can’t sell.

According to Gradviewresearch, the global print-on-demand market was valued at approximately $4.91 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 26.1% from 2023 to 2030.

Types of Products for Print On Demand

Some common products that can be sold through print on demand include:

  1. T-shirts
  2. Hoodies
  3. Mugs
  4. Bags
  5. Water bottles
  6. Throw blankets
  7. Masks
  8. Pendants
  9. Pet products
  10. Leggings
  11. Shower curtains
  12. Doormats
  13. Throw pillows
  14. Phone cases
  15. Tote bags
  16. Drawstring bags
  17. Cosmetic bags
  18. Ties
  19. Scarves
  20. Coffee mugs
  21. Towels
  22. Bath mats
  23. Duvet covers
  24. Yoga mats
  25. Journals

Related – A Detailed Guide To Make Money With Printables

Steps To Start a Print on Demand Business and Make Money With It

Print on demand business is a low-cost idea to make money. Here are the detailed steps to start your Print on demand business.

how to Make Money With Print on Demand

Step 1 – Pick a Niche

Choosing a niche is crucial for the success of your print-on-demand business. A niche is a specific market segment or target audience that you’ll cater to with your products. Picking the right niche can help you stand out from the competition, connect with your target audience, and create products that resonate with them.

Here are some considerations when choosing a niche:

  • Passion and Interest: Select a niche that you’re passionate about or have a genuine interest in. This will make it easier to create designs, market your products, and engage with your target audience.
  • Competition: Research the competition within your chosen niche. While some competition is healthy, avoid oversaturated niches where it may be challenging to stand out.
  • Profitability: Evaluate the potential profitability of your niche. Consider factors such as the demand for products, the willingness of customers to pay for them, and the potential for repeat sales.
  • Trends: Stay up-to-date with current trends and movements within your niche. This will help you create relevant and appealing designs that align with your target audience’s interests.
  • Niche Size: Ensure that your niche is large enough to sustain your business but not too broad, which could make it challenging to target your audience effectively.

Some popular niche examples for print-on-demand businesses include:

  • Humor and Sarcasm
  • Fandom (e.g., TV shows, movies, video games)
  • Hobbies and Interests (e.g., gardening, fishing, photography)
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Motivational and Inspirational
  • Parenting and Family
  • Pet Lovers

Tip: Choosing the right niche is essential for attracting a loyal customer base, creating products that resonate with your audience, and ultimately achieving success in your print-on-demand business.

Step 2 – Pick Your Product

Once you have picked out your niche, it’s time to figure out which exact things you’re going to provide using your print-on-demand company.

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The kind of merchandise you decide on will rely on your niche, target market, and what your print-on-demand provider can do. Here are some typical sorts of stuff to think about:

  • Clothing: Things like t-shirts, hoodies, tanks, and additional garments are some of the top choices in the print-on-demand world. They give lots of options for designing and fit many diverse niches and groups of shoppers.
  • Extras: Gadgets like mobile phone covers, cups, shopping bags, and headgear could make great additionals or even main offers for your small business. Having these kinds of goods lets you branch out and satisfy distinct client tastes.
  • Household Goods: Stuff like posters, toss cushions, coverlets, and printed canvas can attract clients who wish to enhance their homes with special, one-of-a-kind pieces.
  • Office Supplies: Diaries, notebooks, holiday cards, and schedules are samples of office supplies that might be individualized and provided via a print-on-demand enterprise.
  • Unique Objects: Contingent upon your niche, you might look at providing exclusive objects just like essential chains, coasters, or bottle openers with your patterns on them.

While picking what product to sell, remember these aspects:

  • Demand & Appeal: Explore how wanted and admired several forms of commodities are inside your specialized field. Doing so can assist you in selecting those with the best chance of selling nicely.
  • Profitability: Review the revenue margin of varied commodities given by your printing service. A few commodities yield larger profits than others; thusly, settling on wise selections here can boost your income.
  • Target Market Wants: Think over the likes and purchasing behaviors of your desired buyers. If your area centers around a youthful crowd, then garbs and extras might catch their attention better.
  • Provider Abilities: Make certain the printer you select can generate the commodities you intend to peddle while preserving superior standards and realistic delivery intervals.

Step 3 – Create Designs

Creating compelling and unique designs is at the heart of a successful print-on-demand business. Your designs will be the primary factor that attracts customers and sets your products apart from the competition.

Learn as much as you can about the specific area you’re interested in (your “niche”) and the people who are likely to buy your product or service (your “target audience”). By doing this, you can make designs that appeal to them and boost your chances of selling something.

Draw inspiration from various sources, such as trends, popular culture, art, nature, or personal experiences.

Keep an eye on design trends within your niche and incorporate elements that are visually appealing and relevant to your audience.

It’s important to use good design software or online tools to make nice-looking designs. Some popular choices are Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Photoshop.

If you’re not good at designing things yourself, you might want to hire a freelancer to do it for you or use ready-made designs from trustworthy places.

Try to come up with new and special designs for your products so they stand out from others like them. Don’t copy other people’s work because it could get you into legal trouble and hurt your brand’s image. Making your own designs is the best way to go.

Put your company’s logo, colors, and general style into your designs. When you keep your brand consistent, it makes it easier for people to remember and connect your products with your business. This helps build a strong brand identity.

Step 4 – Where To Sell

When starting a print-on-demand business, you have several options for selling your products. The most popular platforms include:

  1. Online Marketplaces: You can sell your POD products on Amazon Merch. This is Amazon’s print-on-demand service, allowing you to upload your designs and sell them on Amazon’s massive marketplace. Etsy is another popular platform for handmade and vintage items, as well as print-on-demand products.
  2. Your Own E-commerce Store: Creating your own e-commerce website or online store using platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce (for WordPress), or Squarespace can give you more control over branding, marketing, and customer experience. However, this option typically requires more upfront investment and effort.
  3. Social Media Platforms: You can leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to market and sell your print-on-demand products directly to your followers or through integrated shopping features.

When deciding where to sell, consider the following factors:

  • Determine where your potential customers are most likely to shop and focus your efforts on those platforms.
  • Some platforms may be better suited for certain types of products or niches than others.
  • Evaluate the fees and commissions charged by each platform to understand their impact on your profit margins.
  • Assess the marketing and promotion tools available on each platform to help you reach more customers.
  • Decide if you want more control over your brand and customer experience, which may favor having your own e-commerce store.

It’s important to research and understand the policies, fees, and requirements of each platform you’re considering.

Many print-on-demand businesses start with online marketplaces for their ease of use and built-in customer base, then later expand to their own e-commerce store as their business grows.

Step 5 – Set Up Your Store

Setting up an online store is a crucial step in starting a print-on-demand business. This is where you’ll create a platform to showcase your designs and allow customers to purchase your products.

Compare the pricing plans of different platforms and consider the features you need. Some platforms offer a free trial or a basic plan with limited features, which can be helpful for startups.

Check if the platform allows customization of templates, layout, and design elements. You want your store to reflect your brand identity, so look for a platform that offers flexibility in terms of customization.

Think about the integrations you might need in the future, such as payment gateways, shipping providers, or third-party apps. Ensure that the platform supports these integrations.

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Try out the platform’s admin dashboard and user interface to ensure it’s intuitive and easy to navigate. After all, you’ll spend a lot of time managing your store through the dashboard.

Select a platform that can grow with your business. If you anticipate significant growth, opt for a platform that can handle increased traffic and sales volume.

Once you’ve decided on a platform, sign up for an account, and follow the setup wizard to create your store. Most platforms offer tutorials or guides to help you through this process.

Customizing Your Store:

  1. Add products: Start adding your print-on-demand products to your store. Make sure to optimize your product images, titles, and descriptions for search engines. Use high-quality images that showcase your designs from different angles.
  2. Categorize and organize: Organize your products into categories and subcategories for easier navigation. Use descriptive names for categories and subcategories to improve user experience and search engine optimization (SEO).
  3. Set up payment and shipping methods: Configure payment gateways and shipping providers according to your requirements. Offer multiple payment options to cater to a broader customer base.
  4. Install necessary apps or plugins: Depending on your platform, you might need to install apps or plugins to enhance your store’s functionality. For example, you might want to add a plugin for social media integration, email marketing, or product reviews.

Step 6 – Pick a Supplier

Choosing a reliable print-on-demand supplier is the next step in starting a successful print-on-demand business.

A print-on-demand supplier is a company that prints your designs on various products, such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or canvas prints, upon receiving an order.

They handle the printing, production, and shipping processes, allowing you to focus on marketing and selling your designs.

Here are some important considerations when choosing a print-on-demand supplier:

  1. Product Range: Evaluate the range of products offered by the supplier. Ensure that they can print your designs on the types of products you want to sell, such as apparel, accessories, home decor items, or other merchandise.
  2. Print Quality: Research the print quality provided by the supplier. Look for reviews, sample products, or test orders to assess the print quality, color accuracy, and durability of the printed designs.
  3. Production Time: Consider the supplier’s production and shipping times. Shorter turnaround times can help you fulfill orders more quickly and provide better customer service.
  4. Pricing and Profit Margins: Compare the pricing structures and base costs offered by different suppliers. This will help you determine your profit margins and set competitive prices for your products.
  5. Branding and Packaging: Look for suppliers that allow you to include your brand logo or customize the packaging for a professional and branded customer experience.
  6. Shipping and Fulfillment: Consider the supplier’s shipping options, costs, and fulfillment capabilities. Some suppliers may offer international shipping or integrate with popular e-commerce platforms for seamless order processing.
  7. Integration and APIs: If you plan to integrate your store with the supplier’s platform, check if they offer APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or plugins for easy integration and order management.
  8. Customer Support: Evaluate the supplier’s customer support options, such as live chat, email, or phone support, in case you encounter any issues or have questions during the process.

Step 7 – Set the Price of Your Product

Setting the right price for your print-on-demand products is a critical factor that can make or break the success of your business. The process involves striking a delicate balance between covering your costs, generating a reasonable profit, and offering competitive prices that attract customers.

It’s essential to account for all the costs associated with the production process. Additionally, you must determine the profit margin you want to make on each sale.

A common practice is to aim for a profit margin between 30% and 50% of the final selling price.

Market research plays a pivotal role in setting prices for your products. Conducting thorough research will help you understand the pricing strategies of your competitors and the average prices for similar products in your niche.

Don’t be afraid to test different prices and see how they affect demand and profitability. Adjust your prices as needed based on the data you collect.

Step 8 – Market Your Product

Once you have set up your store and added your products, it’s time to start marketing them to potential customers.

Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to showcase your products and reach a wider audience. Create high-quality graphics and images to display your products, and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. You can also collaborate with influencers or run paid ads to further boost your reach.

Reach out to influencers in your niche who have large followings and offer them free samples of your products in exchange for reviews or shoutouts. This can help you tap into their audience and generate buzz around your brand.

Host giveaways or contests on social media to generate excitement and reward your followers. For example, ask people to share a photo of themselves wearing one of your products and tag your brand for a chance to win a prize.

Sites to Sell Print-On-Demand Products

Here is a list of sites where you can sell your print on demand products to make money.

get  Money With Print on Demand

Redbubble

You can make your own shop on Redbubble and sell things like t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, phone cases, and home decor.

They take care of printing, shipping, and customer service. With millions of active buyers, it’s a great platform to showcase your designs and reach a large audience.

Sellfy

Another website where you can sell things you design is Sellfy. You can pick from lots of different products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.

They have connections with other websites like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, which makes it easy to put your products on many different sites at once. Plus, their user-friendly interface makes it simple to upload and list your products quickly.

Printful

Printful is similar to Redbubble. You can make your own shop and sell things like t-shirts, hoodies, posters, and more. They also connect with popular websites like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.

What sets Printful apart is their focus on high-quality printing and fast turnaround times, ensuring your customers receive their products quickly and love the final result.

Teespring

If you want to make and sell custom t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, and stuff like that, Teespring is a good choice.

They handle all the work after someone buys something, so you only have to worry about telling people about your products. With Teespring, you can easily create and sell custom apparel without worrying about inventory or shipping.

Society6

Artists and designers can sell their work on Society6 as prints, home decor, clothes, and other things.

You can open your own store and list your products for sale. When someone orders something, they take care of everything else.

Society6 is a great platform for artists who want to monetize their work without the hassle of production and shipping.

Zazzle

On Zazzle, you can make and sell custom products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.

Just like the other ones, you can open your own store and list what you want to sell. They do all the rest. Zazzle has been around since 2005 and has a loyal following of customers looking for unique, custom items.

CafePress

CafePress works the same way as Zazzle. You can make and sell custom t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, and more.

Just set up your own store and let them handle everything when someone orders something. CafePress has been in business for over 20 years and has a strong reputation for quality products and reliable shipping.

CustomCat

CustomCat is great if you want to make and sell custom t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and stuff like that.

They connect with big websites like Shopify and WooCommerce, which helps you keep track of all your sales and stock.

CustomCat offers a wide variety of customizable products, including accessories, home decor, and more.

Spreadshirt

Lastly, Spreadshirt is kind of like the others. You can make and sell custom t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more.

Open your own store, list what you want to sell, and they’ll handle everything else! Spreadshirt has a user-friendly designer tool that makes it easy to create beautiful designs even if you don’t have advanced graphic design skills.

Pros and Cons of Print on Demand Business

ProsCons
1. Low startup costs1. Limited control over product quality
2. No inventory management2. Limited customization options
3. Wide range of products3. Dependence on third-party suppliers
4. Easy to set up4. Shipment and fulfillment challenges
5. Customization and personalization5. Brand differentiation difficult
6. Scalability and reduced risks6. High shipping costs
7. Flexibility in product offerings7. Potential for low profit margins

Don’t Do These Mistakes In Your POD Business

Make Money With pod
  1. Anticipating immediate sales: It’s important to remember that print-on-demand success typically takes time, and it may take about 30 days from posting your designs to see sales.
  2. Not including relevant keywords: Proper keyword research is essential for search engine optimization and helps your designs rank higher. Without proper keywords, your designs may go unnoticed.
  3. Failure to customize designs: Customization is key in the print-on-demand industry, and failing to offer unique and personalized products can hurt your chances of standing out in a crowded marketplace.
  4. Ignoring niche markets: Researching and targeting specific niche markets is crucial for success in the print-on-demand industry. Failing to identify and cater to specific audiences can result in low sales.
  5. Poor pricing strategies: Establishing suitable prices is critical to stay competitive and reap the most benefits in the print-on-demand industry.
  6. Trademark infringement: Ensuring that your designs do not infringe on existing trademarks is vital to avoid legal issues and financial losses.

Is Print-on-demand Good For Beginners?

Yes, print-on-demand can be a good option for beginners. Print-on-demand is a way to start an online business without having to buy a lot of stock up front.

This can be helpful for people who are just starting out and don’t have a lot of money to invest. With print-on-demand, you can make and sell custom products without having to worry about where to store them or how to ship them.

You can also try out new ideas for products without taking too much risk. Plus, many print-on-demand companies work with websites like Shopify, which makes it easy to set up an online store and start selling right away.

However, it’s important to remember that even with print-on-demand, you’ll still need to put in some effort to make your business successful. You’ll need to know how to design products, market them, and take care of customers.

How Long Does It Take To Make Money With Print on Demand?

Print-on-demand businesses don’t always make money right away. It can take time and effort to be successful.

It’s not a way to get rich quickly; it often takes years of hard work to build up a steady income. Some people have been able to make a living off their print-on-demand business, but that’s because they put in the time and effort to grow their business over time.

Final Thoughts

Making money with print on demand is a great way for entrepreneurs and artists to earn income. This business model lets you start an online store with little initial investment and low risk. To succeed, focus on identifying a specific market, designing eye-catching products, and promoting them effectively. With the right approach and dedication, print on demand can become a profitable and expandable business, turning your creative concepts into a steady income stream. Embracing the flexibility and potential of print on demand can be a smart move for achieving financial success and growing your business.

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