Print on demand is one of the most beginner-friendly online business ideas available today. It allows individuals to sell custom-designed products online without managing inventory, handling shipping, or investing large amounts of money upfront.
Print on demand is one of the business models covered in our main guide, 30 Best Online Businesses to Start in Your 20s (No Experience), where different online business options are compared based on startup cost, skills required, and long-term potential. This article focuses specifically on explaining the print-on-demand business model, how it works in practice, and whether it is a good fit for beginners in 2026.
What Is Print-on-Demand?
Print on demand, also known as print-on-demand (POD), is an ecommerce fulfillment model where products are printed only after a customer places an order. Sellers do not buy inventory in advance. Instead, they upload designs to a print-on-demand platform and connect it to an online store.
When a customer makes a purchase, the print-on-demand company prints the design on the selected product, packages it, and ships it directly to the buyer.
In simple terms, print on demand allows you to design and sell custom products online without holding stock or managing logistics.
Core Characteristics of Print-on-Demand
- No inventory or storage requirements
- Products are manufactured only after a sale
- Printing, packing, and shipping are outsourced
- The seller focuses on design, branding, and marketing
This model is commonly used by designers, writers, artists, influencers, and first-time ecommerce sellers.
How Does Print-on-Demand Work?
Understanding how print-on-demand works helps beginners avoid unrealistic expectations.
Step-by-Step Print-on-Demand Process
- Create or source a design
Designs may include illustrations, typography, patterns, or artwork. - Select products
Popular options include t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, posters, phone cases, and notebooks. - Connect a selling platform
Most sellers connect POD services with Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce. - Create product listings
Add titles, descriptions, mockup images, and pricing. - Customer places an order
The order is completed through your online store. - Order fulfillment
The print-on-demand provider prints, packages, and ships the product.
The seller never handles physical products, which reduces operational complexity.
Print-on-Demand vs Dropshipping
Beginners often compare print on demand with dropshipping because both models eliminate inventory management.
Print-on-Demand
- Products are customized with your designs
- Strong brand-building potential
- Less competition for unique designs
- Higher production cost per unit
Dropshipping
- Products are mass-produced
- High competition and price pressure
- Minimal branding differentiation
- Often lower base product costs
Which model is better for beginners?
Print on demand is generally better for creators and brand-focused sellers, while dropshipping suits trend-based product testing and price-driven strategies.
Who Is Print-on-Demand Best For?
Print on demand works well for specific types of beginners.
It is a good fit if you:
- Enjoy creating designs or ideas
- Want a low-risk business model
- Prefer branding over price competition
- Already have a small audience or community
It may be less suitable if your goal is fast scaling without content creation, branding, or customer engagement.
How to Start a Print-on-Demand Business (Beginner Overview)
Starting a business using print on demand follows a predictable structure. Below is a practical overview without going into full pillar-level depth.
1. Choose a Niche
The most successful print-on-demand stores focus on a specific audience instead of trying to sell to everyone.
Common niche examples:
- Pet owners
- Fitness and gym culture
- Mental health and self-care
- Gamers and streamers
- Students and young professionals
Validate niche interest using Google Trends, Etsy search suggestions, Reddit communities, and Pinterest.
2. Design and Sell Print-on-Demand Products
If you have design skills, you can create original artwork using tools like Canva, Procreate, or Adobe Illustrator.
If you do not have design skills:
- Hire freelance designers
- Buy commercial-use design assets
- Use AI tools for concept generation and refinement
Always confirm you have commercial rights to sell the designs.
3. Choose the Right Print-on-Demand Platform
The platform you choose affects product quality, shipping times, and customer satisfaction.
Best Print-on-Demand Sites for Beginners
Printful
Known for reliable print quality, strong Shopify integration, and branding options.
Printify
Offers a large supplier network, competitive pricing, and flexible product sourcing.
Gelato
Focused on global fulfillment with strengths in wall art and stationery.
Redbubble and Teespring
Marketplace-based platforms with built-in traffic but limited control over branding and customer data.
4. Build Your Online Store
Beginners typically choose one of the following platforms:
- Shopify for full customization and scalability
- Etsy for quick setup and marketplace exposure
- WooCommerce for WordPress-based sites
Your store should be mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and visually consistent.
5. Create Clear and SEO-Friendly Product Listings
Product listings play a major role in conversions.
Best practices include:
- Writing descriptive, benefit-focused titles
- Using high-quality mockups
- Including sizing, materials, and care instructions
- Being transparent about shipping timelines
Focus on clarity and trust instead of aggressive keyword usage.
6. Price Products for Sustainability
Pricing should account for:
- Base product cost
- Printing and fulfillment fees
- Shipping
- Platform and payment fees
Many beginners aim for a 30 to 50 percent gross margin, depending on the product and niche.
7. Promote Your Print-on-Demand Store
Marketing determines long-term success.
Effective beginner-friendly channels include:
- Instagram and TikTok short-form content
- Pinterest for long-term discovery
- Email newsletters
- Community engagement and collaborations
Paid advertising is more effective after designs have been validated organically.
Print-on-Demand Products List for Beginners
Popular print-on-demand products include:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Tote bags and backpacks
- Mugs and drinkware
- Posters and wall art
- Stickers and decals
- Phone cases
- Notebooks and journals
- Print-on-demand books
Choose products that align with your niche and audience behavior.
Common Print-on-Demand Mistakes Beginners Make
Beginners often struggle due to avoidable mistakes:
- Targeting a broad audience
- Using low-resolution designs
- Ignoring shipping expectations
- Underpricing products
- Skipping product samples
- Inconsistent branding across platforms
Testing designs and improving gradually leads to better results than rushing.
Is Print-on-Demand Still Worth It in 2026?
Print on demand remains a viable online business option in 2026. The model continues to grow due to ecommerce adoption and the rise of creator-led brands. However, success depends on niche selection, design quality, and consistent marketing.
Print on demand works best as:
- A creator monetization method
- A brand-building business model
- A low-risk entry into ecommerce
It is not a guaranteed income source, but it offers flexibility and scalability.
Final Thoughts
A print-on-demand business is one of many online business models beginners can explore. It offers low startup risk, creative freedom, and the ability to test ideas without large investments.
If you are still deciding which online business is right for you, revisit our complete guide, 30 Best Online Businesses to Start in Your 20s (No Experience), where print on demand is compared with other beginner-friendly options.
👀 Explore Related Guides
Interested in other creative and product-based online businesses? Check out these beginner-friendly step-by-step guides:
• How to Start a Digital Product Store in 2025
• Etsy Printables Shop Guide – 2025
• How to Start a Subscription Digital Bundle in 2025
