Print on Demand

What is Print on Demand?

Print-on-demand is a business model that allows sellers to make on-demand products and dropship them to customers.

Unlike dropshipping methods, print-on-demand products are only produced once the order is made. There is no minimum quantity required.

By choosing print on demand, you won’t have to worry about manufacturing, storage, and shipping. Everything, except for designs and promotions, is handled by print-on-demand providers.

Pros and Cons of Print on demand

Pros

  • No upfront cost: It takes not a single penny to start print on demand business. You don’t have to pay for the product before anything is sold.
  • No stock: You won’t have to worry about keeping and managing stocks. It’s a huge cost reduction and stress relief.
  • Low risk: No stock and no upfront cost mean lower risk on your part. You have the freedom to unleash your creativity and try out more products and ideas as you want.
  • Low entry barrier: Simple and automated process will help turn your ideas into products easily. No past experience is required. You can start anytime, anywhere.
  • Cross-border business: Expanding your business across borders has never been easier. Your products can be delivered anywhere in the world without complicated processes and paperwork.

Cons

  • Limited control: You rely on the print on demand providers for the production and shipping of your products. It means you have less control over the process and quality.
  • Longer shipping time: Print on demand requires more time to be delivered since the product needs to be printed before being packed and shipped to customers.
  • Higher product cost: Print-on-demand products usually costs more than regular mass-produced goods because each item is made individually, on demand. But it also means more room for personalization.
  • Fewer product options: Not everything can be provided through print on demand. Instead, print-on-demand businesses focus on highly customizable products.
 

Tips for Print on demand Beginners

Pick Your Niches

To guarantee a better chance of success, a newbie should find their niche or a specific market with a special demand to aim at. Here’s how you can find the best print-on-demand niches with high potential:

  • Do your research: Use keyword and trend forecast tools, both free and paid, to detect solid and trending niches. Keeping your eyes on the market and competitors will give you ideas on which niches are worth trying.
  • Understand your niches: To make a product appeal to customers, understanding niches is seriously important. This way, you can create relevant designs that speak to your audience.
  • Validate niche potential with testing: Before going in full force, you must test the demand for your selected niches. If your campaigns gain positive results, you can start investing more in this niche.