If you're uncertain about what kind of online business to start, POD (Print-on-demand) might be the perfect option for you. It's a business that can be easily started from home, and the initial cost is minimal. The crucial question is, How to make money with Print On Demand? Worry not - I am here to guide you on how to make money through PoD and provide you with all the essential information you need to know: Print on demand meaning, the prediction for POD business in the next 3 years, is Print on demand worth it, How to make money with Print On Demand in 2023, etc. Without any further ado, let's get started.
What is Print on demand?
The Print on Demand (POD) fulfillment model enables suppliers to apply designs to various products, including clothing such as shirts and hoodies, as well as items like mugs, towels, art prints, and phone cases. As a supplier, you don't need to physically stock the items as a traditional retailer would, and the product with your design is shipped directly to the customer. This eliminates the need for you to manage the delivery and inventory of the product, saving you time and effort.
The future of POD (Print-on-demand) in the next 3 years
To answer the question of How to make money with Print On Demand, we better start with the predictions of this giant industry in the next few years. So, is Print on demand profitable after years of development?
The POD business saw record levels of interest during the pandemic, while other industries struggled. This can be attributed to several factors. One of the standout reasons is that COVID-19 has forced people to change their habits, and online shopping became a new norm, which is expected to continue even after the pandemic. In 2021, e-commerce accounted for 18.8% of global retail sales, and this percentage increased to 19.7% in 2022. It is expected to reach 24% by 2026, resulting in a significant increase of nearly 6% in just four years.
Any chance for newcomers to make a profit from the POD business?
We are pretty sure that questions like, can you catch up with or beat the existing merchants in the market or will you make it in an industry holding the potential of being saturated soon - have sprung into your minds oftentimes.
For your concern, you can rest assured that Print-on-demand has not yet reached a saturation point and offers great opportunities for newcomers despite existing merchants dominating the market. With the rise in income, internet access, smartphone usage, and demand for personalized products, being a first-mover can give you an advantage.
Not to mention that the market always has gaps that can be exploited. Take a look at the highlights below.
- Low-quality POD businesses that copy from competitors or offer poor products and services are likely to disappear quickly, leaving room for superior products and excellent customer service policies.
- There is a continuous increase in niche ideas, and not every POD business sells the same products in the same niche, giving you the opportunity to introduce new and unique ideas.
- There is no perfect POD business, and by examining competitors' reviews, pricing, shipping, or return policies, you can identify weaknesses and find ways to improve and gain a competitive edge.
How does POD business work?
Before guiding you with How to make money with Print On Demand, it is important to know how it functions. The following is a breakdown of how POD (Print-on-demand) typically works.
1. Select a POD platform
Entrepreneurs choose a print-on-demand platform that specializes in the type of products they want to create, such as apparel, mugs, phone cases, or wall art. Examples of such platforms are Printful, Teelaunch, and Gooten.
2. Create designs
The entrepreneur either uses software like Photoshop or Canva to create their designs, or hires outsourced graphic designers to create them for them.
3. Upload designs to the POD platform
The entrepreneur uploads their designs to the print-on-demand platform and selects the products they want to sell, such as t-shirts or hoodies.
4. Determine prices and profit margins
Entrepreneurs set the prices for their products and determine the profit margin they wish to achieve.
5. Market and sell
Entrepreneurs promote their products on their own websites, social media, or other sales channels. When a customer makes a purchase, the POD platform automatically prints the product, packages it, and ships it directly to the customer.
6. Receive payment
The POD platform handles payment processing and deducts its fees, while the entrepreneur receives the remaining profits.
How to make money with Print On Demand?
There are several ways for you to make money with Print on Demand (POD). See our suggestions below.
- Create and sell your own designs
One of the simplest ways to make money with POD is to create and sell your own designs on products. This could be anything from t-shirts to mugs to phone cases. You can use software like Photoshop or Canva to create your designs, and then upload them to a POD platform like Printful or Printify. When a customer purchases your product, the POD platform will handle the printing and shipping, and you'll receive a portion of the profits.
- Sell products with licensed designs
Another option is to sell products with licensed designs from other creators or companies. You can find licensed designs on sites like Creative Market or Etsy, and then upload them to a POD platform to sell. Again, when a customer makes a purchase, the POD platform will handle the printing and shipping, and you'll receive a portion of the profits.
- Create a brand and sell a variety of products
You can also create your own brand and sell a variety of products through POD. This could be anything from a niche t-shirt brand to a lifestyle brand with products like mugs, phone cases, and tote bags. By creating a brand, you can build a following and loyal customer base, and potentially increase your profits.
- Offer custom designs and products
Many POD platforms such as Printerval or Etsy allow customers to create their own custom designs on products. By offering custom designs and products, you can appeal to a wider audience and potentially increase your sales.
- Use POD as a supplement to your existing business
If you already have an existing business, you can use POD as a supplement to offer additional products and increase your revenue. For example, if you run a blog or YouTube channel, you could create merchandise with your logo or catchphrase and sell it through POD.
What are the most profitable Print on demand products?
The profitability of print-on-demand products can vary depending on various factors, such as the niche, the design, the platform used, and the marketing strategy. However, some of the most profitable print-on-demand products include:
- Apparel, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts
- Phone cases and accessories
- Home decor items, such as wall art and throw pillows
- Mugs and Drinkware
- Stationery and notebooks
- Pet accessories, such as pet beds and collars
- Bags and backpacks
- Face masks and other pandemic-related items
Ultimately, the profitability of a print-on-demand product will depend on its demand, quality, and uniqueness, as well as the cost of production and shipping. It is essential to research and tests different products and niches to determine which ones are most profitable for your specific business.
Reputable POD platforms for new beginners
In conclusion to the discussion on "How to make money with Print On Demand", it is crucial for business owners to find a reliable and reputable POD platform for a long-term collaboration. Some of the most popular and trustworthy platforms include Shopify, Etsy and Printerval. These platforms offer integration with various POD suppliers, such as Printful, Gooten, and Printify.
1. Shopify
Shopify is a highly popular e-commerce platform that provides integration with various print-on-demand suppliers such as Printful, Gooten, and Printify. Shopify is recognized for its easy-to-use interface, vast app store, and excellent customer support.
2. Printerval
Printerval is a marketplace where independent designers from around the world can sell their print-on-demand products and turn their creative ideas into physical products, generating profits through sales. The platform has a large and engaged customer base and is designed to make it easy for sellers to list and sell their products.
3. Etsy
Etsy has a large and engaged customer base, and its platform is designed to make it easy to list and sell products, although it charges fees for each listing and sale, which should be considered when developing pricing strategies.
Let’s wrap up
In conclusion, starting a print-on-demand business is relatively simple, but to the question “How to make money with Print On Demand”, there is still potential for a significant profit if you approach it strategically. It is crucial to stay up-to-date with market trends to stay relevant. If you found this post helpful, you may also find our What Is A Print On Demand Business and What Is Print On Demand? How To Start A Print On Demand Business? posts interesting.
