Making money online is now easy and comes in a lot of different forms. One model that often goes unnoticed by new business owners is selling print-on-demand goods, which is both simple and full of potential.
This could be the perfect way for you to start selling online if you’re artistic and have an eye for design or if you want to try it out without having to deal with inventory.
What Is Print on Demand?
Print on demand, or POD, is a way for sellers to add their own designs to white-label goods like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.
A POD company does everything after the customer places an order: prints the design, packs the product, and sends it straight to the customer.
There is no need to buy inventory up front, which is what makes this model different from standard retail or wholesale businesses.
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on stock, worry about having goods that don’t sell, or deal with complicated logistics.
Simply put: You design it. They ship it. You profit.
Why Selling Print-on-Demand Products is a Smart Move
Let’s look at why print on demand isn’t just a fun side job, but also a business model that’s becoming more and more popular among artists, celebrities, and even big online brands.
1. Low Risk, Low Investment
Starting a POD business doesn’t take a lot of money up front. You don’t have to pay much to join most POD platforms, and since you’re not buying goods ahead of time, there isn’t much risk to your money.
This makes it a great choice for people who are just starting out and want to try out business ideas without spending a lot of money.
2. No Inventory Hassles
Keeping track of inventory is often the hardest thing for people who own online stores. With print on demand, you don’t have to worry about storage, restocking, or stock that hasn’t been sold. Due to the fact that goods are only made after a customer buys them.
3. Creative Freedom
If you are an artist, creator, or otherwise creative person, POD lets you show off your uniqueness.
You can put your designs on common items like t-shirts and mugs, as well as on yoga mats, wall art, and pet supplies. There are a lot of options.
4. A Passive Income Stream
After setting up your online store and adding goods, marketing will be your main job. You can make a passive stream of income if you plan it right, especially if your ideas start to get popular.
How to Start Your Print-on-Demand Business
Starting a POD business may sound technical, but it’s surprisingly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your very first store:
Step 1: Choose a Platform
There are several ways to sell POD products:
- Launch your own website using Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Sell through marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or Redbubble.
- Use print-on-demand services like Printful, Printify, or Teespring that integrate with your store.
For beginners, platforms like Etsy combined with Printful or Printify offer an excellent blend of ease and exposure.
Step 2: Connect a Print-on-Demand App
Most eCommerce platforms allow you to connect POD apps directly. These apps let you:
- Select blank products
- Upload your designs
- Generate mockups
- Automatically process orders
Apps like Printify and Printful are user-friendly and come with extensive product catalogs.
Step 3: Select Your Products
Start small. Choose 3-5 products that are most relevant to your audience or niche. Popular options include:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Mugs
- Tote bags
- Posters
- Phone cases
If your niche is unique (like yoga lovers or gamers), tailor your products accordingly.
Step 4: Upload Original Designs
Now comes the fun part—designing your products! You don’t need to be a professional designer. You can use tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or hire freelancers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to bring your ideas to life.
Make sure your designs are original and high-resolution. If you’re selling on marketplaces, originality also helps you stand out from the crowd.
Step 5: Set Your Prices and Delivery Terms
You decide how much profit you want to make. Each product will have a base cost set by the POD company. Add your markup based on market research and competitor analysis. Be transparent about shipping times and costs to avoid unhappy customers.
Step 6: Create Compelling Listings
Your product listings should include:
- High-quality mockup images
- Descriptive, benefit-focused product descriptions
- Keywords to improve search visibility
Think like your customer. Why should they choose your t-shirt over another? Highlight what makes it special.
Who Can Benefit Most from Print on Demand?
POD is for anyone who wants to explore making money online, especially if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a no-risk eCommerce entry point
- Influencers and content creators who want to sell merch to their followers
- Artists and designers who want to monetize their creativity
- Side hustlers who want to build an income stream with flexibility
And the best part? You can run a POD business from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
Tips for Success in the Print-on-Demand Game
Here are a few golden tips to help your POD business flourish:
- Find a niche – Don’t try to appeal to everyone. Target a specific audience, like dog lovers, gamers, bookworms, or yoga enthusiasts.
- Stay on trend – Keep an eye on seasonal trends, pop culture, and current events to inspire timely and viral designs.
- Offer excellent customer service – Even though POD companies fulfill orders, you are still the face of the business.
- Use social media – Promote your designs on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Share behind-the-scenes content and engage with your followers.
- Test and tweak – Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different products, design styles, and pricing strategies until you find what works.