Turn Designs into Cash: How to Make Money from Print on Demand
If you’re looking for a creative way to generate passive income online, learning how to make money with print on demand (POD) can be a fantastic option. Print on demand allows you to design custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without worrying about holding inventory or shipping logistics. In this guide, we will dive into what print on demand is, how it works, what products sell best, and which platforms can help you get started.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on demand is a business model that allows you to create and sell custom designs on various products without the hassle of maintaining inventory. You only pay for a product once it’s sold, which significantly reduces upfront costs and risks. Essentially, when a customer orders an item from your store, the print-on-demand provider produces the product and ships it directly to the buyer.
How Does Print on Demand Work?
Print on demand starts with choosing a platform that integrates with an online store or marketplace, such as Etsy, Shopify, or your own website. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to the process:
Create Your Design: Begin by designing artwork or graphics that can be applied to different products like t-shirts, mugs, or hoodies. Your design could be a simple slogan, intricate artwork, or something personalized like names or quotes.
Select Products: Once you have your designs, you can upload them to your chosen print-on-demand platform and select products you want to sell. These can range from apparel to home decor to accessories.
Set Your Prices: With print on demand, you control the pricing of your products. The platform typically gives you a base cost, and you add your markup for profit. The final price is what the customer sees.
Marketing & Selling: Promote your products through social media, ads, or email marketing to drive traffic to your online store. Platforms like Etsy already have a built-in audience, while Shopify gives you more control over branding and customer relationships.
Fulfillment & Shipping: When someone buys a product, the print-on-demand provider prints your design on the item, packages it, and ships it to the customer, all without you needing to handle the logistics.
Best Print-on-Demand Products to Sell
One of the benefits of print on demand is the wide variety of products you can offer. Below are some of the most popular choices:
Unisex T-shirts: A classic item that appeals to a wide audience.
Personalized Baby Clothing: Parents love unique, custom designs for their little ones.
Mugs: Great for custom messages or niche designs.
All-over Print Hoodies & Yoga Pants: These are trending in the fitness and fashion industries.
Engraved Jewelry: A personalized, high-margin item.
Posters and Wall Art: A great option for designers and artists.
Tote Bags: Eco-friendly and versatile, perfect for custom designs.
Phone Cases: A popular accessory with a low cost but high demand.
Hats, Stickers, Cushions, and Water Bottles: These smaller, everyday items can become big sellers, especially if they fit into a niche market.
Let’s continue with how to make money with print on demand.
Best Print-on-Demand Websites
Choosing the right platform for your print-on-demand business is essential for your success. Below are some of the top options available:
Printify: Known for its wide range of products and integrations with platforms like Shopify, Printify allows you to choose from multiple print providers across the world.
Gooten: Gooten offers an extensive catalog of over 100 products and emphasizes automation in the order fulfillment process.
Apliiq: Specializing in custom apparel, Apliiq gives you the option to create private-label clothing with your brand name.
Gelato: With global printing hubs, Gelato can provide faster delivery times and reduced shipping costs.
SPOD: Backed by Spreadshirt, SPOD offers lightning-fast production times and reasonable prices.
Teelaunch: A user-friendly platform with various unique products, including home goods and accessories.
CustomCat: Known for its large catalog and competitive pricing, especially for apparel.
T-Pop: An eco-friendly print-on-demand provider with a focus on sustainability.
JetPrint: Specializes in custom shoes, watches, and other unique items.
AOP+: Short for “All Over Print,” AOP+ is excellent for creating fully printed garments and accessories.
Teespring (now Spring): Teespring focuses on social commerce, allowing you to market your designs directly through social media channels.
How Much Money Can You Make from Print on Demand?
The amount of money you can make with print on demand varies based on factors like product selection, pricing, and marketing efforts. Some successful POD sellers make thousands of dollars monthly, while others treat it as a side hustle for extra income.
To maximize your earnings, consider offering products with higher margins, like all-over print apparel or engraved jewelry. Additionally, targeting niche markets can help you stand out and attract a loyal customer base.
Best Print-on-Demand Sites for Artists
If you’re an artist looking to sell your designs, platforms like Printify, Teespring, and Redbubble offer great tools for showcasing your work. You can create print-on-demand posters, wall art, and home decor items to tap into the art lover’s market.
Print on Demand Stickers and T-Shirts
Two of the most popular print-on-demand items are stickers and t-shirts. Stickers are inexpensive to produce and easy to ship, making them a great option for building a low-cost product line. T-shirts, on the other hand, offer higher margins and are a staple for anyone starting in the POD industry.
Etsy and Print on Demand
Etsy is a great platform for selling print-on-demand products because it already has an audience of shoppers looking for unique, handmade, or custom items. Integrating POD products with Etsy can boost your visibility and sales without needing to invest heavily in marketing.
Conclusion
Print on demand is a flexible, low-risk way to make money online. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or entrepreneur, this business model allows you to turn your creative ideas into tangible products without worrying about inventory or fulfillment. By choosing the right products, platforms, and marketing strategies, you can start generating income with print on demand and potentially grow it into a successful online business. If you’re ready to take the plunge, now is the perfect time to explore how to make money with print on demand!