How to Make Money Online with Print on Demand: A Beginner’s Guide.
If you’re looking for a way to start an online business with minimal upfront investment and no inventory, Print on Demand (POD) could be the perfect solution for you. POD allows you to design and sell custom products without having to worry about production, inventory, or fulfillment. You only create and pay for products when a customer orders them, which makes it a risk-free business model that’s easy to scale.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make money online with print on demand, covering everything from the basics to advanced strategies for growing your POD business.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on Demand is a business model where you create custom designs for products, and when a customer places an order, the product is printed and shipped by a third-party supplier. You never have to buy inventory in advance, and the products are only printed and shipped when someone orders. This reduces the risk of holding unsold stock, which is one of the biggest challenges for traditional businesses.
How Does Print on Demand Work?
- Choose a Platform: You set up a storefront on a platform like Shopify, Etsy, or your own website, where customers can browse and purchase your custom products.
- Create Designs: You create designs for various products such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, posters, and more. These designs can be based on your own artwork, quotes, or niche-specific themes.
- Connect to a POD Supplier: You partner with a print-on-demand supplier like Printful, Teespring, or Printify. These suppliers handle the printing and fulfillment of your products.
- Customers Place Orders: When someone purchases an item from your online store, the order is sent to the POD supplier, who prints and ships the product directly to your customer.
- Profit: Your profit is the difference between the retail price you set for your products and the cost of production charged by your POD supplier. For example, if you sell a t-shirt for $25 and the cost to print and ship it is $15, you make a profit of $10.
Why Print on Demand Is a Great Way to Make Money
- Low Startup Costs: You don’t need to invest in bulk inventory or equipment. You only pay for products when they sell.
- No Inventory Management: Since your POD supplier handles all the printing and fulfillment, you don’t need to worry about storing or shipping products.
- Scalability: You can easily scale your business by adding more designs, expanding product options, and reaching more customers without worrying about production constraints.
- Flexibility: You can create and sell custom products from anywhere, making it a great option for digital nomads or anyone looking for an online business opportunity.
- Passive Income Potential: Once you have set up your store and designs, the sales process can be largely automated, allowing you to earn money while you sleep.
6 Ways to Make Money Online with Print on Demand
Now that you understand how print on demand works, let’s look at different ways to make money using this business model.
1. Create and Sell Custom Apparel (T-shirts, Hoodies, etc.)
One of the most popular print-on-demand product categories is apparel. Clothing like t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and tank tops are high-demand items that customers love to customize with unique designs.
- How to get started: Use tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop to design graphics, quotes, or illustrations that appeal to a specific target audience. You could focus on niches like fitness, gaming, animals, humor, motivational quotes, or even pop culture references.
- Where to sell: Platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon allow you to set up an online store and sell directly to customers. You can also use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your designs and drive traffic to your store.
2. Sell Custom Accessories (Phone Cases, Mugs, Bags)
In addition to apparel, there are many other products you can design and sell. Accessories like phone cases, mugs, tote bags, and hats are fantastic print-on-demand products because they are often high-margin items that customers are willing to buy.
- How to get started: You can design trendy phone cases, motivational mugs, or personalized tote bags. If you have a unique theme or concept for your designs (e.g., pet lovers, coffee enthusiasts, or bookworms), you’ll appeal to a dedicated customer base.
- Where to sell: You can sell accessories on your own website, or platforms like Etsy and Redbubble are popular marketplaces for selling custom-designed items.
3. Create and Sell Custom Home Decor (Posters, Canvas Prints, Pillows)
Home decor is another lucrative category for print-on-demand products. Items like custom posters, canvas prints, throw pillows, and blankets can be personalized with creative designs, quotes, or artwork.
- How to get started: Focus on designing artwork that resonates with specific niches or themes (e.g., minimalist art, inspirational quotes, or nature-themed prints). You can even offer customized options where customers can add their names or a personal message to products like pillows and wall art.
- Where to sell: Websites like Etsy, Shopify, and even Amazon allow you to sell custom home decor. Instagram and Pinterest are also great platforms to showcase your designs and reach potential buyers who are interested in interior design.
4. Create a Niche Store with Print on Demand Products
One of the most effective ways to make money with POD is by focusing on niche markets. By creating a specialized store, you can cater to a specific audience with unique and tailored designs.
- How to get started: Find a niche that has passionate followers but isn’t oversaturated. For example, you could focus on a specific hobby (e.g., hiking, yoga, or photography), a subculture (e.g., vintage or retro styles), or even a local area (e.g., city-themed apparel or souvenirs).
- Where to sell: You can build a niche store on platforms like Shopify or Etsy. Paid advertising (Facebook, Instagram, or Google Ads) can help you target your audience more effectively.
5. Sell Custom Products for Events and Occasions (Weddings, Birthdays, Holidays)
Event-specific products are a big market in print on demand. Customized items for weddings, birthdays, holidays, and other events are always in demand, as people love personalized gifts and decorations for special occasions.
- How to get started: You can design products for specific events like custom t-shirts for bridal parties, mugs for birthdays, or Christmas ornaments with unique designs or names. Offering personalized options can help you stand out in this niche.
- Where to sell: Etsy, Shopify, and other event-focused platforms are great places to sell these types of products. You can also market through social media, specifically targeting individuals who are planning events or looking for custom gifts.
6. Create a Subscription Box with Print on Demand Products
A subscription box business is an exciting way to make money with print on demand. You can curate a box of custom-designed products and deliver them to subscribers every month. This could include custom t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, stickers, and other products.
- How to get started: Choose a niche for your subscription box, whether it’s pop culture, fitness, wellness, or pet products. Partner with a POD supplier who can fulfill these orders on a recurring basis, and offer subscribers exclusive designs or products each month.
- Where to sell: You can create a subscription box on your own website using a platform like Cratejoy or Subbly. Alternatively, use social media to build a community of subscribers who are excited to receive your custom products.
Tips for Success in Print on Demand
- Focus on Design Quality: Your designs are the core of your business, so invest time in creating high-quality, unique, and appealing designs. Great design sets you apart from the competition.
- Market Effectively: Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to showcase your designs. Use paid advertising to target your ideal audience and drive traffic to your store.
- Optimize for SEO: If you’re selling through platforms like Etsy or your own website, make sure your product listings are optimized for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags.
- Offer Personalization: Personalized items often carry a higher price point. Offering customized products (e.g., name or date personalization) can increase your revenue and appeal to a broader audience.
- Test and Iterate: Experiment with different designs, product categories, and marketing strategies. Use analytics to track what’s working and optimize your approach.
Final Thoughts
Print on demand is a fantastic way to make money online with minimal upfront investment. By leveraging POD platforms and focusing on creating unique designs, you can tap into lucrative markets and build a successful business without worrying about inventory or shipping logistics.
Whether you want to sell custom apparel, accessories, home decor, or even niche-specific products, the possibilities are endless. All it takes is a bit of creativity, strategic marketing, and consistent effort to turn your POD business into a profitable venture.
Ready to start? Pick your niche, design your products, and start building your online store today!