If you’ve looked up “easy passive side hustles”, odds are, you’ve heard about print on demand or POD. Is this an totally oversaturated market or is it actually still really profitable? The answer kind of surprised me. Print on demand is definitely still a viable way to make great money for new and experienced sellers alike, but there are a few necessary considerations to make sure you’re successful. We’ll dive into how to get started, what you can expect realistically in profits as a beginner and give some tips to create an awesome, successful business. Side note: this is NOT a get rich quick scheme. It takes dedication, time and effort to get everything set up and running. Sales will not happen overnight. If they do, tell me your secret here!

I’m Holly, a stay at home mom to two busy little guys and I have made it my mission to help moms figure out how to build creativity, confidence and best of all, financial stability with side hustles. If you’ve found your way to my page and you’re not a mom, fear not! We welcome everyone here. This article will still be relevant whether or not you’re a parent. If you’re interested in learning about what else you can try as a side hustle, check out my other posts here.

What is print on demand?

Print on Demand (POD) is a business model and printing technology that allows for the creation of custom-designed products in small quantities, typically one item at a time, as orders are placed. This approach contrasts with traditional printing methods, which often involve large print runs of identical items. The key features of print on demand include:

Costs of starting up a print on demand shop

The cost and pricing of starting up a print on demand shop depends on a few big factors. Are you opening your own online store to sell your products or will you use a third party shop? Etsy, Ebay, or Amazon Merch on Demand are a few of the most popular choices, but there are many places available to choose from. Opening your own print on demand (POD) website and selling through a third-party platform each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Consider the following pros and cons when deciding which approach aligns better with your goals.

Opening your own website (around $43)

Pros:

1. Branding Control
   • You have complete control over your brand image, including the website design, logo, and overall customer experience.
2. Customization
   • You can customize your website according to your preferences and needs, creating a unique and tailored online store.
3. Direct Customer Interaction
   • You can build a direct relationship with your customers, which can be valuable for customer loyalty and feedback.
4. Higher Profit Margins
   • Without third-party fees, you may have higher profit margins per sale.
5. Flexibility in Product Pricing
   • You have more flexibility in setting product prices and running promotions as needed.

Cons:

1. Higher Initial Investment
   • Launching and maintaining your own website may require a higher initial investment for domain, hosting, and website development.
2. Marketing Responsibility
   • You are responsible for driving traffic to your site, which means you need to invest time and effort into marketing and advertising.
3. Logistical Challenges
   • Handling logistics, including order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, can be more complex and time-consuming.

Selling Through a Third-Party Platform (FREE but they take a commission of everything you sell)

Pros:

1. Established Audience
   • Popular third-party platforms already have a significant user base, potentially giving your products more exposure.
2. Lower Initial Investment
   • Starting on a third-party platform often involves lower initial costs, as you don’t need to invest heavily in website development.
3. Simplified Logistics
   • The platform typically takes care of order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, reducing your operational workload.
4. Built-In Trust
   • Customers may trust established platforms, leading to increased credibility for your products.

Cons:

1. Limited Branding Control
   • Your branding is constrained by the design limitations of the platform, and your store may look similar to other sellers.
2. Competitive Environment
   • High competition on these platforms may make it challenging to stand out among similar products.
3. Fees and Commissions
   • Third-party platforms usually charge fees and commissions, which can impact your profit margins.
4. Less Direct Customer Interaction
   • Building direct relationships with customers may be more challenging, as the platform often handles communications.
5. Policy Restrictions
   • You must adhere to the policies and guidelines of the platform, which may limit certain aspects of your business.

Ultimately, the choice between opening your own print on demand website and selling through a third-party platform depends on your specific goals, resources, and preferences. Some sellers start on third-party platforms to gain exposure and later transition to their own website as they grow. Others prefer the simplicity and built-in audience of established platforms. Consider your priorities and long-term strategy when making this decision.

How to start your own shop

Starting your own print on demand (POD) shop involves several key steps, from choosing products and designs to setting up an online store and promoting your business. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Research and Choose a Niche:

• Identify a niche or target audience for your products. Consider your interests, trends, and potential customer needs. A focused niche can help you stand out in a competitive market. Use SEO to determine what customers are actually looking for. This step is CRUCIAL. If you don’t do any market research before starting, you might never sell anything because no one is wanting to buy what you’re offering.

2. Select Print on Demand Products:

• Decide on the types of products you want to offer. Common options include T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and more. Choose products that align with your niche and have a broad appeal.

3. Create Unique Designs:

• Develop high-quality and unique designs that resonate with your target audience. Consider hiring a graphic designer if you’re not proficient in design.

4. Choose a Print on Demand Provider:

• Research and choose a reliable print on demand provider. Consider factors such as product quality, printing options, shipping times, and the range of products offered. Popular providers include Printful, Printify, and Gooten.

5. Set Up an E-commerce Platform:

• Choose an e-commerce platform to host your online store. Popular options include:
  • Shopify
  • WooCommerce (WordPress)

6. Design Your Online Store:

• Customize your online store to reflect your brand. Add your logo, choose a color scheme, and organize your products into categories. Ensure a user-friendly and visually appealing layout.

7. Integrate Print on Demand Provider:

• Integrate your chosen print on demand provider with your e-commerce platform. This integration allows for seamless order processing and fulfillment.

8. Set Product Prices:

• Determine the pricing strategy for your products. Consider the base cost from the print on demand provider, your desired profit margin, and any additional costs (e.g., shipping fees).

9. Establish Payment and Shipping Methods:

• Set up secure and convenient payment methods for your customers. Decide on shipping options and clearly communicate delivery times.

10. Create Policies:

• Establish clear policies for returns, exchanges, and customer service. Transparency helps build trust with your customers.

11. Launch Your Store:

• Once everything is set up and tested, officially launch your print on demand shop. Announce your launch on social media and other relevant platforms to generate initial interest.

12. Market Your Shop:

• Implement a marketing strategy to drive traffic to your store. Use social media, content marketing, email campaigns, and other channels to promote your products.

13. Optimize and Iterate:

• Regularly analyze your sales, customer feedback, and website analytics. Optimize your product offerings, marketing strategies, and website based on the data you collect.

14. Build a Brand Presence:

• Invest in building a strong brand presence. Consistent branding across your products, website, and marketing materials helps establish recognition and trust.

Starting a print on demand shop requires careful planning and ongoing effort. Stay responsive to market trends, listen to customer feedback, and continuously refine your business strategy to achieve long-term success.

How much can I make selling print on demand items?

Let’s look at the pessimistic outlook for selling print on demand. The lower end of earners will make between $0-$2,708/month. The average amount is $4,639/month according to ZipRecruiter.

This could be a very lucrative side hustle with some initial time investment. Sales will not happen overnight as with any business, but if you have a good product in the right niche, you could begin to see growth quickly.

6 Tips for choosing a successful niche

Choosing the right niche is absolutely crucial to whether or not your store will succeed or not. A niche is like a specific group or category. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, you focus on one particular group of people who share a common interest or need. It’s like finding your own special corner in a big market. For example, instead of just selling clothes, you might focus on creating unique and stylish T-shirts for cat lovers. That’s your niche!

1. Passion and Interest:

• Consider your own passions and interests. Creating designs for a niche you genuinely care about can lead to more authentic and compelling products. Your enthusiasm will also show in your marketing efforts.

2. Niche Down:

• Instead of targeting broad categories, consider niching down to specific subcategories. For example, if “fitness” is a saturated niche, you could focus on something more specific like “yoga for moms” or “outdoor HIIT workouts.”

3. Research Trends:

• Use tools like Google Trends, social media analytics, and trend forecasting websites to identify emerging trends. Look for niches that are gaining popularity but are not yet oversaturated.

4. Customer Needs and Pain Points:

• Identify customer needs or pain points within specific niches. Creating products that solve a problem or fulfill a specific need can set you apart in the market.

5. Competition Analysis:

• Research competitors in potential niches. If a niche is oversaturated, it may be challenging to break through. Look for areas where competition is moderate or low.

6. Evaluate Search Volume:

• Use keyword research tools to assess the search volume for potential niches. If a niche has high search volume, it may indicate strong demand, but it could also mean higher competition. Finding a balance is key.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a print on demand business, now is the time! All that’s left to do is get started. I’d love to hear about your adventures in print on demand – fill me in here. Have you had success or been thinking about starting your own store? Cheering you on! Here’s to finding some financial stability – one side hustle at a time.