Print-on-demand (POD) is one of the easiest and most profitable online business models for beginners. It allows you to sell custom-designed products without handling inventory, printing, or shipping. If you're looking for a way to make money online with minimal upfront investment, a POD store could be your perfect business.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about starting a print-on-demand store, from choosing a niche to marketing your products effectively.

What is Print-on-Demand?

Print-on-demand is a business model where you design custom products (like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and posters), and a third-party supplier prints and ships them when a customer places an order. Unlike traditional eCommerce, you don’t need to buy inventory upfront—products are created only when sold.

Benefits of Print-on-Demand

✔ Low startup cost – No need to invest in bulk inventory
✔ No storage needed – Suppliers handle warehousing and fulfillment
✔ Scalability – Easily add new products without extra costs
✔ Custom branding – Sell unique, personalized designs

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Print-on-Demand Store

1. Choose a Profitable Niche

Selecting the right niche is crucial to your success. A good niche should:

✔ Have a passionate audience
✔ Be specific enough to stand out
✔ Have products with high-profit potential

Top Print-on-Demand Niches:

  • Fitness & Gym Enthusiasts
  • Pet Lovers (dogs, cats, exotic animals)
  • Travel & Adventure Seekers
  • Mental Health & Motivation
  • Funny & Sarcastic Quotes
  • Gaming & Nerd Culture

2. Find a Print-on-Demand Supplier

Your supplier handles printing, packaging, and shipping. The most popular POD platforms include:

  • Printful – High-quality prints with global fulfillment centers
  • Printify – Multiple suppliers with different pricing options
  • Teespring (Spring) – Ideal for creators and influencers
  • Redbubble & Teepublic – Great for marketplaces instead of standalone stores

3. Set Up Your Online Store

To sell your products, you need an online store. The best platforms for POD businesses include:

  • Shopify – Best for building a branded eCommerce store
  • Etsy – Great for selling custom designs with built-in traffic
  • WooCommerce – A WordPress plugin for those who want full customization

4. Create and Upload Winning Designs

Your designs are what make your store unique. You can create them using:

  • Canva – Beginner-friendly with templates
  • Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop – Advanced design tools
  • Hire a Designer – Use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to outsource

5. Price Your Products for Profit

Make sure your prices cover:
✔ Product costs (charged by your supplier)
✔ Marketing expenses (ads, influencers, promotions)
✔ Profit margin (aim for at least 30-50%)

For example:

  • T-shirt base cost: $12
  • Selling price: $25
  • Profit: $13 per sale

6. Market Your Print-on-Demand Store

To make sales, you need traffic. Here are the best ways to market your POD store:

a) Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Optimize your store with keywords related to your niche. Use tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner to find what people are searching for.

b) Paid Advertising

Running ads can generate quick sales. The best platforms for POD ads are:

  • Facebook & Instagram Ads – Great for targeting specific interests
  • Google Ads – Works well for high-intent buyers searching for products
  • Pinterest Ads – Ideal for aesthetic and trendy designs

c) Social Media Marketing

Build a brand presence on social media by:
✔ Posting engaging content (behind-the-scenes, customer photos)
✔ Using trending hashtags in your niche
✔ Running giveaways and contests

d) Email Marketing

Capture leads and convert them into buyers with email campaigns. Use tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo to send:
✔ Abandoned cart reminders
✔ Special promotions
✔ New product launches

e) Influencer Marketing

Partner with influencers to showcase your designs. Micro-influencers (5K-50K followers) often provide better engagement at lower costs.

7. Automate and Scale Your Business

Once you start making sales, streamline your operations by:
✔ Using automation tools – Apps like Printful and Printify integrate with your store for automatic order fulfillment
✔ Expanding your product catalog – Add variations like hoodies, mugs, tote bags
✔ Testing new designs – Upload fresh designs regularly to keep customers engaged

How Much Money Can You Make with a Print-on-Demand Store?

Earnings depend on your niche, marketing efforts, and pricing strategy. Here’s what successful POD entrepreneurs typically make:

  • Beginners: $500-$2,000/month
  • Intermediate sellers: $5,000-$20,000/month
  • Top sellers: $50,000+/month

Common Print-on-Demand Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using copyrighted designs (always create original artwork)
❌ Overpricing or underpricing products
❌ Ignoring branding (create a recognizable store identity)
❌ Poor product descriptions (use engaging, keyword-rich copy)
❌ Slow customer service (prompt responses improve reviews and retention)

Starting a print-on-demand store is a low-risk, high-reward business model for creative entrepreneurs. With the right niche, quality designs, and effective marketing, you can build a profitable POD business and make money online.

Ready to start your own print-on-demand store? Take action today and turn your creativity into cash!