Print on Demand: Your Complete Beginner's Guide for 2025

Print on demand (POD) is one of the easiest ways to start an online business in 2025.

You don’t need to buy inventory, manage warehouses, or ship products yourself. Instead, you create a design, upload it to a product (like a shirt or mug), and your POD partner handles the rest.

It’s low-risk, beginner-friendly, and scalable.

The global print-on-demand market is growing fast-from $10.21 billion in 2024 to a projected $75.30 billion by 2033. That means there’s huge opportunity for new sellers.

Whether you're an artist, designer, or total beginner, POD gives you a simple path to launch your own brand or side hustle.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What print on demand is
  
  
• How the business model works
  
  
• Tips for success
  
  
• And how to start your first store
  
  

Let’s break it all down, step by step.

What Is Print on Demand?

Print on demand is a business model where you sell products that are only printed after a customer places an order. This eliminates the need to pre-buy or store inventory. POD is ideal for creatives and side hustlers who want a low-risk way to monetize designs or start a merch brand.

You upload your artwork to a POD service, choose a product to apply it to (like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases), and list it online. When someone buys it, the POD provider prints and ships it directly to the customer.

How Print on Demand Works ? 

Here’s a clear, concise overview of how print-on-demand works:

1. Choose a Platform:
Start by selecting a print-on-demand service like Podbase, which provides tools for designing and selling products online.

2. Pick Your Products:
Decide what items to sell, such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, or phone cases, allowing you to showcase creativity and personalization.

3. Create Designs:
Develop unique artwork or catchy slogans using graphic design software, or hire a designer if necessary.

4. List Your Products:
Upload your designs to the chosen platform, select product options, and set pricing to include your desired profit margin.

5. Market Your Products:
Use social media, email marketing, or paid advertising to attract customers. Effective marketing boosts your sales.

6. Fulfill Orders:
When customers place orders, the POD provider handles printing, packing, and shipping directly to the buyer, simplifying business management.

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Advantages and Challenges of Print-on-Demand (POD)

Advantages:

• Low Startup Costs: POD requires minimal upfront investment as products are only created after an order is placed.
• No Inventory Management: Eliminates the need for storage space and reduces the risk of unsold inventory.
• Flexible Customization: Easily adapt designs based on trends or customer requests without additional costs.
• Diverse Product Range: Offer products from apparel and accessories to home decor, expanding your market opportunities.
• Global Reach: POD providers handle international shipping, simplifying global ecommerce.

Challenges:

• Lower Profit Margins: POD typically yields lower profits per sale compared to bulk production.
• Quality Control Issues: Dependence on third-party providers can lead to inconsistencies in product quality and shipping.
• Limited Customization: Some platforms restrict product types or printing options.
• Longer Production Times: Products are made after orders, which can extend delivery times.

‍Top 5 Print-on-Demand Providers in 2025

Now that you understand what print on demand is, you have an idea why this business model is revolutionizing ecommerce. It allows entrepreneurs to create and sell custom products with minimal upfront cost. However, choosing a reliable print- on demand provider is a core factor in the success of this business model. 

The right provider can streamline your operations, enhance product quality, and improve customer satisfaction. 

Here’s a look at 5 popular print on demand providers for 2025:

1. Podbase 

Image via Podbase

Podbase is a major player in the print-on-demand industry. The platform connects with multiple print providers, offering flexibility and competitive pricing. It offers a range of products, including tech accessories, wall art, and drinkware, all customizable with your designs. 

One of its standout features is its ability to integrate with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, allowing for seamless store management. Podbase also provides advanced features like product mockups, order tracking, and branding tools.

Pricing:

Podbase operates on a pay-per-sale model, which means you only pay when you make a sale.

2. Printify 

Image via Printify

This is another established print-on-demand provider known for its extensive product catalog. It partners with various print providers around the world, giving users access to a wide array of customization options for 900+ high-quality products. 

Printify's user-friendly design tool makes it easy to upload designs and visualize products before committing. One of its key features is the ability to create and manage multiple stores from a single Printify account. 

Additionally, you can integrate your account with major ecommerce marketplaces like Shopify, Wix, Etsy, Squarespace, and more. 

Pricing:

Printify offers a free plan with access to basic features and products. The Premium plan starts at $29 per month, allowing for discounted product prices. The Enterprise plan allows custom pricing for selected features. 

3. Spring 

Image via Spring

Teespring, recently rebranded as Spring, is a popular POD platform focused on apparel and lifestyle products. It offers a range of tools for promoting products, including social media integration and a built-in marketplace. 

Its design tool is straightforward, enabling users to easily customize 180+ products on offer. Additionally, Spring offers support for fundraising campaigns, making it a popular choice for creators looking to support causes. 

Pricing:

Spring doesn’t charge upfront fees; instead, it takes a percentage of each sale. Base prices for different products differ, with the final sale price determined by the POD business. 

4. Printful 

Image via Printful

One of the leading POD providers known for its extensive product range is Printful. The platform offers products in several categories, including men's, women's, and kids' clothing, accessories, and home decor. All of these products are customizable through its easy-to-use design tool. 

Printful also provides additional features, such as its Logo Maker with 100+ templates to choose from to customize white-label products. 

With Printful, POD businesses can opt for different product design options, including all-over prints, embroidery, direct-to-garment, and more. 

Pricing:

Printful offers a free plan with a pay-as-you-go model. You only pay for the products you order, and there are no monthly subscription fees. However, you can upgrade to the Growth membership plan with custom monthly fees. 

5. Gooten 

Image via Gooten

Gooten offers a comprehensive POD service with 400+ customizable products across various categories, including apparel, home decor, and drinkware. Known for its efficient fulfillment process, Gooten typically ships orders within 3–4 business days from a network of over 70 global routing locations. 

This POD provider supports various industries, such as fashion, entertainment, and home goods. It also caters to enterprises, small and medium businesses, and startups alike. Moreover, it allows integration with major ecommerce platforms, such as Shopify and Etsy, for simple and efficient order management. 

Pricing:

Gooten doesn’t operate on a traditional subscription-based pricing model. Instead, the platform uses a pay-as-you-go approach, where users only pay for the products they sell.

Quick Guide to Starting Your Print On Demand Business

If you're looking to run a business without holding inventory, the print-on-demand model can be a profitable online business idea to consider.  

Follow along as we break down each step to help you set up a print-on-demand business and start selling.

Step 1: Market Research and Niche Selection

Identify your niche by considering your interests and ensuring market demand through tools like Google Trends, Reddit, Etsy, and Amazon. Your niche determines your target audience, product selection, and how you differentiate from competitors. Choosing a niche you're passionate about helps maintain motivation, but ensure there's sufficient market interest to guarantee profitability.

For example, take a look at the search terms trending under the topic ‘print on demand’ on Google Trends.

Image via Google Trends

2. Deciding on Your Print-on-Demand Products

Once you've picked your niche, select products that align with it. POD platforms offer a wide variety, including t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, phone cases, mugs, wall art, and more. Research what similar brands offer and focus on products that fit your brand identity and audience. Start with a few high-quality items, gather feedback, and expand your catalog as you grow.

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Image via Sunshine

3. Choosing a Print-on-Demand Platform 

Pick a print on demand platform that fits your business needs. Look for product variety, quality, customization options, and seamless integration with your store. Platforms like Podbase offer advanced print features, reliable shipping, and Shopify or Etsy integration. Compare pricing models, test print quality by ordering samples, and choose one that supports your profit goals and customer experience.

4. Setting Up Your Online Store

• Pick an ecommerce platform like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce and connect it to your POD provider.
• Buy a domain that fits your brand.
• Choose a theme and customize your store design, logo, and colors to reflect your niche.
• Add products with high-quality images and clear, keyword-optimized descriptions. Use your POD provider’s catalog and offer customization where possible.

5. Designing Your Products

Design is what sets your print-on-demand business apart. Use tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create eye-catching, branded artwork. Prefer outsourcing? Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork connect you with skilled freelance designers. Check portfolios and reviews before hiring.

Focus on simple, on-trend, and emotionally resonant designs. Track what’s trending in fashion, pop culture, and social media to stay relevant. Use color psychology to influence buyer emotions and align colors with your brand’s message.

Make sure your visuals are original or royalty-free to avoid copyright issues. Use image sources like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay. For fonts, try Google Fonts.

For fonts, Google Fonts provides many free fonts and icons. 

Image via Google Fonts

If you want complete legal protection, consider registering your original designs for copyright. This can help secure your intellectual property and prevent others from using your work without permission.

6. Pricing Your Products

Running a profitable print-on-demand company requires proper product pricing. First, you need to know all the costs involved in selling products. This often includes:

• Base Cost: This is the price charged by your print provider for producing each item. It can vary based on the product type and the printing method used.
• Shipping Fees: Consider how much it will cost to ship the product to your customers. Some POD services include shipping in their base cost, while others charge separately.
• Marketplace Fees: These can include listing fees, transaction fees, or payment processing fees charged by your print-on-demand platform.

Make a list of all these costs to get a clear picture of what you need to cover in your pricing strategy. 

Once you’ve identified the costs, it’s time to decide how much profit you want to make on each sale. A common practice is to mark up your prices by a certain percentage over the base cost. 

Here’s a common formula for calculating your profit margin:

Image via Investing Answers

The average profit margin for POD businesses is 20%. However, this can vary based on your niche and competition and can go as high as 60%.

Remember that pricing is not static. Keep an eye on market trends, customer feedback, and changes in costs over time. Be ready to adjust your prices as needed to maintain profitability and stay competitive.

7. Marketing Your Print-on-Demand Brand

Marketing is a core part of any business, and that's especially true for print-on-demand businesses. An effective marketing strategy allows you to reach your target audience, build brand awareness, and increase sales. 

Here are some strategies to help increase awareness for your print-on-demand company: 

Marketing is key to driving traffic and sales for your print-on-demand store. Here are five simple strategies:

1. Optimize Your Website: Make sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
2. Use Social Media: Share product images, promotions, and customer reviews on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
3. Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and boost brand trust.
4. Run Targeted Ads: Use Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads to attract specific audiences to your store.
5. Offer Deals: Use discounts, bundles, and seasonal promotions to drive conversions and repeat purchases.

8. Managing Orders and Customer Service

Once your store is live and marketing is in motion, orders will start coming in. Your POD provider handles printing and shipping, but it's your job to keep customers informed.

Use your platform’s dashboard-like Podbase-to track each order. Communicate clearly by sharing shipping timelines on product pages and sending tracking info after purchase. If delays or stock issues occur, notify customers immediately with updates and new delivery estimates.

Set a clear return policy, explaining who pays for return shipping and how the process works. Even with smooth operations, issues like misprints or delays can happen-so make sure customers can easily reach you via email, live chat, or social media. Responsive service builds trust and keeps your brand reputation strong.

Final Thoughts: What Is Print on Demand?

Print on demand is a smart, low-risk way to launch an online business. It lets you sell custom products without managing inventory or making big upfront investments.

By working with a trusted POD provider, you can turn your designs into sellable products and reach customers around the world. As the industry grows, tools and features will only improve-making it even easier to scale your business.

Focus on great designs, a well-defined niche, and solid marketing. Follow the steps in this guide, stay consistent, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful print-on-demand brand.