Print on demand

Print on demand (POD) is a business model where products are made only after someone buys them. You create designs, while a third-party service handles production and shipping. This means you don't need to buy or store inventory ahead of time.

Starting a print on demand business with Shopify is easier than you think. Here are five simple steps to get started:

1. Sign up for Shopify
2. Choose a print on demand platform in the Shopify App Store
3. Pick your product
4. Create your design
5. Add your product to your store and start selling

When someone makes a purchase, the order automatically goes to your print on demand provider who produces and ships the item directly to your customer.

Focus on a specific audience you understand and care about. Look at where your potential customers spend time online—Pinterest, Reddit, Instagram—to discover what designs might appeal to them. Test your ideas by sharing them with friends or using social media polls. Specific niches (like yoga enthusiasts or dog lovers) typically lead to more effective marketing and better profits.

Yes, print on demand can be profitable. You only pay for products after they sell, keeping startup costs low. Your main expenses are design work, your Shopify subscription, and marketing. Profitability depends on smart pricing (charging more than your costs), effective marketing, and choosing products with healthy margins.

The top three print on demand categories are

• Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts)
• Drinkware (mugs, water bottles)
• Home décor (posters, wall art, cushion covers)

Other popular options include bags, phone cases, notebooks, and books.

With print on demand you primarily incur costs when a customer places an order. This means you avoid large upfront investments in inventory, materials, and equipment. Once your business is up and running, however, you will have ongoing costs to consider. These typically include production costs, subscription fees, and marketing expenses. Even so, print on demand is a low-risk way to start a business since it requires very little upfront investment.

Print on demand offers a sustainable path to entrepreneurship. Unlike traditional manufacturing, you only produce what sells, eliminating excessive waste. Not to mention, orders are shipped from the closest distribution center which limits carbon emissions related to shipping.

Yes, you can easily integrate print on demand with your existing Shopify store. Simply pick one of the 200+ print on demand apps from the Shopify App Store. Once connected, your print on demand products will automatically be added to your online store. And, once a customer makes a purchase, the order is routed directly to your print on demand provider.