If you’re looking for a low-risk online business, learning how to start a print on demand business is one of the smartest moves you can make. Print on demand (POD) allows you to sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and more without holding inventory or upfront stock costs.
This business model is perfect for beginners, creators, designers, and entrepreneurs who want to build an online brand with minimal investment. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn exactly how to start a print on demand business, from choosing a niche to launching your store and scaling profits.
What Is a Print on Demand Business?
Before diving into how to start a print on demand business, it’s important to understand how it works.
Print on demand is an eCommerce model where:
- You create designs
- Customers place orders online
- A third-party supplier prints the product
- The product is shipped directly to the customer
You only pay for the product after a sale is made with no inventory risk.
Why Start a Print on Demand Business?
Many entrepreneurs choose POD because of its flexibility and low startup costs.
Key benefits include:
- No inventory management
- Low upfront investment
- Work from anywhere
- Easy scalability
- Wide product range
That’s why searches for how to start a print on demand business keep growing every year.
Step 1: Choose a Profitable Niche
Choosing the right niche is critical when learning how to start a print on demand business.
A niche helps you:
- Target specific customers
- Reduce competition
- Build brand loyalty
Popular Print on Demand Niches
- Fitness & gym
- Pets
- Motivation & quotes
- Anime & gaming
- Travel
- Relationships & humor
Avoid generic designs and specific niches sell better.
Step 2: Validate Your Print on Demand Niche
Before designing products, validate demand.
You can:
- Check trending products on marketplaces
- Research keywords
- Analyze competitors
- Look at social media trends
Validation saves time and money.
Step 3: Choose Print on Demand Products
Next in how to start a print on demand business is selecting products.
Popular POD products include:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Sweatshirts
- Mugs and tumblers
- Tote bags
- Phone cases
- Posters and wall art
Start with 1–3 products to keep things simple.
Step 4: Create Designs (Without Being a Designer)
You don’t need to be a professional designer to start.
Design options:
- Canva
- AI design tools
- Hire freelancers
- Purchase commercial-use templates
Focus on simple, readable designs.
Step 5: Choose a Print on Demand Supplier
Your supplier is crucial to your success.
Popular print on demand suppliers:
- Printful
- Printify
- Gelato
- Teespring
- Redbubble (marketplace)
Look for quality, shipping speed, and integration options.
Step 6: Set Up Your Online Store
Setting up your store is a major step in how to start a print on demand business.
Best Platforms for POD
- Shopify (most popular)
- WooCommerce
- Etsy
- Wix
Shopify + POD apps is the most beginner-friendly option.
Step 7: Price Your Products for Profit
Pricing determines sustainability.
Formula:
Selling Price = Product Cost + Shipping + Platform Fees + Profit
Aim for:
- 30–50% profit margins
Don’t underprice branding matters.
Step 8: Brand Your Print on Demand Business
Branding helps you stand out.
Key branding elements:
- Brand name
- Logo
- Color palette
- Brand voice
Strong branding increases trust and conversions.
Step 9: Market Your Print on Demand Store
Marketing is the engine of your business.
Free Marketing Methods
- TikTok organic content
- Instagram Reels
- Pinterest pins
- SEO blog content
Paid Marketing Methods
- Facebook ads
- TikTok ads
- Influencer marketing
Consistent content wins long-term.
Step 10: Handle Orders & Customer Service
With POD, fulfillment is automated but customer service is still your job.
Best practices:
- Clear shipping policies
- Fast email responses
- Easy returns
Good service builds repeat buyers.
Costs to Start a Print on Demand Business
One reason people research how to start a print on demand business is cost.
Typical startup costs:
- Domain: $10–15/year
- Platform subscription: $29/month (Shopify)
- Designs: $0–$100
You can start with under $100.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these beginner mistakes:
- Choosing a broad niche
- Copying viral designs
- Ignoring branding
- Overloading products
- Quitting too early
Patience is key.
How Long Does It Take to Make Money?
Results vary.
- Some see sales in weeks
- Others take months
Success depends on:
- Niche selection
- Design quality
- Marketing consistency
Scaling a Print on Demand Business
Once profitable, scale by:
- Adding new designs
- Expanding products
- Using paid ads
- Building an email list
Scaling turns POD into a real brand.
FAQs: How to Start a Print on Demand Business
How much money do I need to start a print on demand business?
You can start a print on demand business with as little as $50–$100.
Is print on demand profitable?
Yes. With the right niche and marketing, print on demand can be highly profitable.
Do I need design skills?
No. Many tools and freelancers can help you create designs.
Is print on demand saturated?
Not if you target specific niches and build a brand.
Can beginners start a print on demand business?
Yes. Print on demand is beginner-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to start a print on demand business gives you access to one of the easiest online business models available today. With low startup costs, no inventory, and unlimited scalability, POD is ideal for beginners willing to stay consistent.
If you focus on a niche, create quality designs, and market smartly, a print on demand business can grow into a sustainable income stream.
