How to Start a Print on Demand Business From Scratch

Starting a print on demand business is one of the simplest ways to sell custom products online without buying inventory upfront. You create designs, list products in your store, and when a customer places an order, a print-on-demand partner prints, packs, and ships it for you. That means you can focus on building a brand, creating products people actually want, and marketing them—without managing stock or a warehouse.

If you’ve been Googling how to start a print on demand business, this guide walks you through every step in a practical way. You’ll learn what a print on demand business is, how print on demand works, which products to start with, how to price for profit, and what to do to get your first sales. You’ll also see a clean checklist you can follow even if you’re starting as a complete beginner.

What is a Print on Demand Business?

A print-on-demand (POD) business allows you to sell custom products without holding any inventory. With this model, you create unique designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. Once a customer places an order, the product is printed and shipped directly to them by your POD supplier. This means you don’t have to worry about upfront investment in stock or managing logistics.

The POD model is perfect for low-investment business ventures because you only pay for the product when it’s sold. It eliminates the need for inventory, which minimizes risk and upfront costs. Whether you’re looking to sell through platforms like Etsy or your own Shopify store, POD is one of the best dropshipping platforms available. It’s an ideal way to start an online business with minimal investment and significant potential for profits.

Print on demand vs dropshipping vs holding inventory

If you’ve looked into ecommerce before, you’ve likely seen multiple ways to sell products online. Here’s the practical difference:

• Print on demand: You sell custom-designed products printed after purchase. No inventory.
• Dropshipping: You sell ready-made products shipped from a supplier. No inventory, but less brand uniqueness.
• Holding inventory: You buy stock upfront and fulfill it yourself or via a warehouse. Higher risk, more control.

A print-on-demand store is often a stronger fit if your brand identity matters. It’s ideal for creators, niche communities, content-led brands, and anyone who wants merch that feels original.

Why Choose Print on Demand for Your Business?

Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business is an affordable and profitable way for entrepreneurs to enter the eCommerce world. With low investment and minimal risk, POD provides a seamless way to sell custom products online without worrying about managing physical inventory.

Benefits of Print on Demand for Low Investment

• No Upfront Costs for Inventory: With POD, you only pay for the products after a customer has made a purchase. This eliminates the need for expensive upfront investments in inventory.
• Low-Risk Business Model: Since you don’t need to buy products in bulk, the risk of unsold inventory is avoided. You pay only for products that are sold, ensuring minimal financial risk.
• Easy to Set Up with No Physical Inventory: Setting up a POD business is straightforward. You don’t need to worry about storing, managing, or shipping products. Your POD provider takes care of all of that.
• Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows, scaling up is simple. You can add more designs, expand product offerings, and even sell on multiple platforms without worrying about logistical limitations.

How to start a print on demand business step by step

If you want a clean roadmap for how to start a print on demand business, follow these steps in order. This keeps you from doing the common beginner mistake: building a full store before validating what customers actually want.

Choose Your Niche

The first step to starting a POD business is choosing a niche. Select a market that resonates with your interests or taps into trends of 2025. Whether it's fashion, fitness, or eco-friendly products, focusing on a specific niche will help you attract the right customers and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Select Your Products to Sell

Now that you have your niche, it’s time to decide on the products you’ll sell. Custom t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases are always popular choices. However, think about what's trending in 2025. Personalized items like eco-friendly apparel or custom pet accessories can also help you connect with consumers looking for unique products. Focus on products that are not only trendy but also offer high profit margins. Choose products that resonate with your audience and have the potential to generate consistent sales.

Create Stunning Designs

Creating eye-catching designs is key to attracting customers in your print-on-demand business. Focus on originality and trends. Design graphics or hire a professional if you prefer. The more unique and appealing your designs, the better they’ll stand out in a crowded marketplace. Use design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to make your creations pop. Make sure your designs are versatile and fit well on the products you plan to sell, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs. Great designs can be the difference between a customer scrolling past or making a purchase.

Find Reliable Print-on-Demand Suppliers

Choosing a reliable print-on-demand supplier is crucial for a successful business. You’ll need a platform that can handle your products' production and shipping efficiently. Top POD platforms like Spocket, Printful, and Printify offer excellent services. They provide access to a wide range of products and handle everything from printing to delivery, leaving you to focus on marketing and sales.

Spocket: The Best Print-on-Demand Supplier with Fast Shipping and High-Quality Products

Spocket stands out as one of the best POD suppliers for entrepreneurs looking for fast shipping times and high-quality products. It offers seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, making it easy to manage your store and orders. With suppliers based in the US and Europe, Spocket ensures that your customers receive their products faster. Moreover, the product selection on Spocket is top-notch, making it a trusted choice for sellers looking to provide the best quality items to their customers. When you use Spocket, you're not just getting a supplier—you're getting a reliable partner to help you grow your custom print-on-demand business efficiently.

Set Up Your Online Store

Setting up an online store for your custom print on demand business is simpler than ever. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce are user-friendly and allow you to create a professional-looking store without needing technical expertise. With these platforms, you can customize your store to fit your brand, choose from a wide variety of themes, and easily integrate with Spocket for seamless order fulfillment. Shopify, for example, also provides you with tools for managing payments, tracking sales, and optimizing your store for mobile devices. In just a few clicks, you'll be ready to sell to customers around the world.

Price Your Products Strategically

Setting the right price for your print on demand products is essential for balancing competitiveness and profitability. Research the market to understand the price range for similar products and make sure your pricing is competitive. Factor in costs like production, shipping, and platform fees to ensure you're making a profit. It’s also important to consider psychological pricing strategies, such as pricing products at $19.99 instead of $20, to make them appear more affordable. With Spocket and other dropshipping platforms, you can track pricing trends and adjust as needed to stay ahead of the competition.

Market Your Print-on-Demand Products

Marketing is crucial to driving traffic to your store and increasing sales. Start by leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, which are great for showcasing your custom print on demand products. Use paid ads on these platforms to reach a larger audience and drive more traffic. You can also implement SEO strategies by optimizing your store’s product descriptions, images, and blog posts to improve search engine rankings. Running giveaways or collaborations with influencers in your niche can help boost brand visibility. Remember, the more eyes on your store, the more sales you’re likely to make.

Important Factors to Consider When Starting a Print-on-Demand Business

Starting a custom print on demand business in 2025 can be an exciting venture, but it's important to consider several key factors to ensure success. From choosing the right supplier to setting up an efficient online store, each step plays a crucial role in establishing a profitable business. Let’s dive into the essential elements for starting a print-on-demand business with low investment.

1. Supplier Selection

The supplier you choose is one of the most important decisions when starting a print-on-demand business. Spocket is a top choice for many entrepreneurs due to its fast shipping, high-quality products, and seamless integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy. By selecting a reliable supplier, you ensure that your customers receive high-quality products with minimal delays, which builds trust and helps grow your business. Look for suppliers who offer a wide range of customizable products, competitive pricing, and fast fulfillment to ensure the smooth running of your store.

2. Setting Up Your Shop

Once you've selected a supplier, setting up your online store is the next crucial step. Platforms like Shopify and Etsy are ideal for custom print on demand businesses. Shopify allows you to create a fully branded store with user-friendly tools, while Etsy is great for sellers focusing on unique, handmade items. The key to setting up your shop efficiently is choosing the right theme, optimizing product listings with strong keywords, and ensuring a smooth checkout process. Both platforms also offer integrations with print-on-demand suppliers like Spocket, making it easier to manage orders and inventory.

3. Product Quality and Shipping

The quality of your products and the speed of shipping are essential for customer satisfaction. It’s important to choose print-on-demand products that are durable, visually appealing, and high-quality. Spocket offers products that meet these standards, ensuring that your customers receive premium items. Fast shipping is another critical aspect. Customers expect quick delivery, and Spocket’s fast shipping options can help you meet these expectations. Quality products and reliable shipping times will help build a positive reputation for your business and lead to repeat customers.

Best print-on-demand products to sell

If you’re still deciding what to offer, use this list as a practical starting point for a print on demand business.

Best beginner POD products

• T-shirts (simple, easy to photograph, easy to market)
• Hoodies and sweatshirts (higher perceived value)
• Mugs (giftable, strong repeat sales)
• Tote bags (great for aesthetics and minimal designs)
• Posters/prints (good for art niches)

High perceived value POD products

These can increase margins if quality is solid:

• embroidered items
• premium heavyweight tees
• home decor prints
• limited-edition seasonal drops

Product categories that pair well with POD

• niche humor merch
• local pride designs
• creator merch
• pet lover designs
• fitness identity merch
• profession-based designs

How much does it cost to start a print on demand business?

Most people start print on demand because it’s accessible. But you still want a realistic cost expectation.

Typical startup costs

• Store platform plan (if using your own store)
• Domain name
• Design tools (free or paid)
• Sample orders (recommended)
• Small marketing test budget

Can you start with no money?

You can start extremely lean by:

• using free design tools
• choosing organic marketing (TikTok, Reels, Pinterest)
• skipping paid ads early
• ordering samples later

It’s possible, but it’s typically slower. A small budget helps you move faster and learn quicker.

Marketing Strategies for Print on Demand Business

Marketing plays a vital role in growing your custom print on demand business. The right marketing strategies help you reach the right audience, increase visibility, and drive sales without breaking the bank. Whether you're just starting or scaling your print-on-demand business, here are some effective ways to market your products in 2025.

Paid Ads: A Quick Way to Boost Visibility

Paid advertising is one of the quickest ways to gain traction for your print on demand products. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads allow you to target specific customer groups based on demographics and interests. For instance, if you're selling custom t-shirts or mugs, you can target people who are interested in personalized gifts or unique fashion. The POD business model allows you to run ads with low upfront costs, making it perfect for low investment business ideas. With a small ad budget, you can scale quickly and reach a wider audience.

SEO: Drive Organic Traffic

While paid ads bring in immediate results, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial for long-term success. By optimizing your product listings and website with keywords like "custom print on demand" or "personalized gifts," you'll increase your chances of appearing in search results. SEO helps potential customers find your print on demand products without relying solely on paid advertising. Over time, good SEO practices can significantly boost your traffic and sales while keeping costs low.

Influencer Marketing: Leverage Social Proof

Partnering with influencers in your niche is a great way to increase credibility and reach a broader audience. Find influencers whose followers match your target market. For example, if you're selling custom mugs, reach out to lifestyle influencers or gift bloggers who can feature your products. Influencers often offer affordable rates or may even work in exchange for free products. This type of social proof can help drive engagement and sales, especially for low-cost business ideas that rely on organic growth.

Common print-on-demand mistakes to avoid

Avoid these and you’ll already be ahead of most beginner stores.

• Choosing generic designs with no niche hook: If your design could belong to anyone, it belongs to no one. Specific sells.
• Underpricing and killing your margins: Low prices create high pressure. You’ll need huge volume to earn profit.
• Skipping samples: Photos can lie. Samples protect your reputation.
• Weak mockups and unclear sizing: If your mockups look fake or sizing is confusing, conversion drops.
• Trying to sell too many products too early: Start tight, test quickly, scale winners.

Conclusion

A print on demand business works best when you treat it like a real brand from the start. Choose a niche with clear identity, launch with a small but focused collection, create designs people genuinely want to wear or gift, and price with profit in mind. Then market consistently through one channel until you get traction. That’s the difference between a store that “looks nice” and a store that sells.

If you want a smoother path for building and launching your POD strategy with a more curated approach to products and fulfillment workflows, Spocket is a strong next step. Use this guide as your roadmap, to move faster from idea to launch and start testing designs that can grow into a brand.