What is a Print on Demand Business?
A Print on Demand business is an e-commerce model where products are custom-printed and shipped only when an order is placed. Instead of keeping inventory, a third-party supplier handles printing, packaging, and shipping, allowing you to sell custom apparel, accessories, home decor, books, and even supplements without upfront costs.
7 steps to make money with print on demand store
Print-on-demand is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to break into e-commerce, and it’s quickly become a go-to income stream for creatives, entrepreneurs, and side hustlers alike. Whether you’re a designer with a strong aesthetic, a niche meme curator, or just someone who wants to make money from clever product ideas, POD makes it surprisingly simple to turn ideas into real profits.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how you can start your own print-on-demand store, what platforms to use, tips to grow your brand, and how to start earning passive income online—starting today.
Tips to make money online using Print on demand
1. Choose a Profitable Niche
The biggest mistake new Print on demand sellers make is trying to sell to everyone. Instead, focus on a specific audience or niche that shares a passion or interest.
Why Niche Selection Matters?
- Less competition → Higher conversion rates
- Loyal audience → More repeat customers
- Easier marketing → Better ad targeting
How to find a Winning Niche?
- Browse Etsy, Amazon, and Pinterest for trending ideas.
- Use Google Trends to see if demand is growing.
- Find passionate communities on Facebook Groups & Reddit.
2. Choose a POD Supplier
To get started, you need to partner with a reliable Print on Demand supplier. These companies handle printing, packaging, and shipping on your behalf.
Popular Print on demand Suppliers
Qikink
Overview:
Qikink is one of India’s leading Print-on-Demand platforms that enables entrepreneurs to start a custom merchandise store without any inventory or upfront investment. It’s especially known for its seamless backend operations and integrations.
Key Features:
- Integration: Easily connects with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other eCommerce platforms.
- Product Range: Includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, tote bags, posters, and more.
- Fulfillment: Offers fast order processing and shipping across India.
- Branding: Supports custom branding like neck labels and packaging inserts.
Why Choose Qikink:
- Perfect for scaling an eCommerce brand due to reliable logistics and backend support.
- Offers transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and quick support.
- Great for businesses that want white-label branding.
Printrove
Overview:
Printrove is a popular Print-on-Demand platform in India, trusted by online sellers and creators for its high-quality printing and easy-to-use dashboard.
Key Features:
- Works smoothly with Shopify and WooCommerce.
- Offers custom packaging to help you build a strong brand.
- Sells T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, posters, notebooks, and more.
- Simple dashboard to manage designs, inventory, and orders.
Why Choose Printrove:
- Delivers great print quality and durable products.
- Perfect for brands that want customized packaging.
- Provides reliable support and a smooth seller experience.
Blinkstore
Overview:
Blinkstore is a beginner-friendly Print-on-Demand platform made for influencers, creators, and hobbyists who want to sell custom products without spending money upfront.
Key Features
- Instant storefront setup – no coding or hosting needed.
- Zero investment – start selling for free.
- Offers T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, and more.
- Automated order fulfillment – Blinkstore handles printing and shipping.
Why Choose Printrove:
- Great for first-time sellers with little tech knowledge.
- Comes with a built-in online store – no extra setup required.
- Ideal for monetizing personal brands and small communities.
Owl Prints
Overview:
Owl Prints is an up-and-coming POD platform in India, built for independent creators and small businesses to sell custom merchandise easily.
Key Features
- Products include T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, posters, and more.
- Focus on high print quality and durable materials.
- Simple setup for uploads and order management.
- Affordable pricing ideal for startups and niche sellers.
Why Choose Printrove:
- Great for those who want full control of branding.
- Offers good quality assurance with low minimum orders.
- Perfect for niche brands and limited-edition merch drops.
Best All Round Pick from the List:
However, if you're looking for the most reliable, scalable, and feature-rich POD partner—Qikink stands out as the best overall platform. With seamless integrations, excellent product variety, fast fulfillment, and strong branding tools, Qikink is ideal for creators and businesses serious about growing their merch brand in 2025 and beyond.Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a POD Supplier:
When choosing a Print-on-Demand supplier, picking the right one can make or break your business. Here are the key factors you should look at:
Product Variety
- Choose a supplier that offers the types of products you want to sell.
- Whether it’s apparel, mugs, phone cases, posters, or even supplements, having access to a wide product range gives you room to grow and test different ideas.
Printing Quality
Not all POD providers offer the same quality.
Check for:
- High-resolution print capability
- Wash durability (especially for apparel)
- Consistent results
- Read customer reviews or order samples before committing
Shipping Speed & Costs
Customers expect fast and affordable delivery.
Look for:
- Domestic fulfillment (faster delivery times)
- Clear shipping rates
- Tracking availability
- Avoid suppliers with inconsistent shipping times or high delivery costs.
Integration Options
Your POD supplier should integrate easily with platforms like: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon. This helps automate the entire order process – from purchase to fulfillment – saving you time and effort.
Branding Options
Some POD suppliers offer white-label services, like:
- Custom tags
- Personalized packaging
- Branded invoices
These extras help you build a strong, memorable brand identity.
Choosing the right POD partner sets the foundation for a professional, scalable eCommerce business. Once you’ve chosen a supplier, you can create an account and connect it to your eCommerce store.
2. Create Custom Designs
The next step is to create unique and appealing designs for your POD products. These could include:
- Logos & Branding – Perfect for businesses and influencers selling branded merchandise.
- Artwork & Illustrations – Ideal for artists looking to sell custom prints.
- Quotes & Typography – Motivational phrases, memes, or slogans work well on T-shirts, mugs, and posters.
- Niche-Based Graphics – Cater to specific interests like fitness, gaming, pets, or eco-friendly themes.
How to Create Designs:
Use Graphic Design Tools – Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop.
Hire a Designer – Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork can connect you with skilled designers.
Use AI Tools – Tools like MidJourney or Kittl can generate unique artwork.
Once your designs are ready, upload them to your POD supplier’s platform and apply them to various products using mockup generators.
Examples of Winning Designs:
- Pet Niche: “Dog Mom Life 🐾” (Minimalist design)
- Fitness Niche: “Train Hard. Stay Strong.” (Bold text)
- Mental Health: “Good Vibes Only ✨” (Aesthetic typography)
Know the actual cost of running a business using print on demand!
3. List Products Online
After creating designs, you need to list your products on an eCommerce platform where customers can browse and purchase.
Best Platforms to Sell POD Products:
Shopify – Best for building a standalone brand with full control over pricing and marketing.
Etsy – Ideal for selling custom and handmade-style POD products with built-in organic traffic.
Amazon Merch – POD platform directly integrated with Amazon’s massive customer base.
WooCommerce – Great for WordPress users who want flexibility and control.
eBay – A good option for selling POD products to a large audience.
Redbubble, TeeSpring, Zazzle, Society6 – Marketplaces dedicated to POD and custom art.
Optimizing Your Listings for Sales:
- High-Quality Mockups – Use realistic product mockups to showcase designs (tools like Placeit can help).
- SEO-Optimized Titles & Descriptions – Include relevant keywords to rank higher in search results.
- Competitive Pricing – Compare similar products and set a profitable yet competitive price.
- Clear Policies – Outline shipping times, returns, and customer service details.
- Easy Navigation – Make it simple for customers to browse and buy.
- Trust Signals – Add customer reviews, secure payment badges, and a refund policy.
Once your listings are live, you can start promoting them through social media, paid ads, and email marketing.
4. Price for Maximum Profit
Your pricing strategy determines your profit margins.
How to Price Your Products?
- (Product Cost + Printing + Shipping + Marketing) + Profit = Selling Price
- Typical markup: 40%-70% profit margin
- Offer free shipping and include it in the product price.
Tip:
Run limited-time discounts to boost conversions!5. Drive Traffic & Sales with Marketing
A great store is useless without traffic. You need to get customers through targeted marketing strategies.
Best Ways to Market Your POD Store:
Pro Tip:
Start with a small ₹500-₹1000/day Facebook ad budget, test different audiences, and scale what works.6. Supplier Handles Fulfillment
The best part about the Print-on-Demand model is that you don’t have to handle inventory, production, or shipping. Instead, your POD supplier manages the entire fulfillment process.
Since everything is automated, you can focus on marketing, customer service, and growing your brand rather than dealing with logistics.
- Facebook & Instagram Ads – Run targeted ads to your niche.
- TikTok Marketing – Create viral videos showcasing your designs.
- Pinterest SEO – Upload mockups with keyword-rich descriptions.
- Influencer Collaborations – Send free samples to influencers for shoutouts.
- Google Shopping Ads – Rank higher for product searches.
7. Automate & Scale Your Business
Once you start making sales, automate tasks and scale up.
How to Automate Your POD Store?
- Use Shopify apps – Automate order fulfillment with Qikink, Printful.
- Email Marketing – Set up abandoned cart emails using Klaviyo or Mailchimp.
- Retargeting Ads – Run Facebook/Google retargeting ads to bring back lost visitors.
- Upsell & Cross-Sell – Offer discounts for bulk purchases or related products.
Scaling Strategies:
- Add new product types – Expand beyond T-shirts (mugs, hoodies, phone cases).
- Sell on multiple platforms – Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and eBay.
- Run seasonal promotions – Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day sales.
c) PPC Advertising (Google & Facebook Ads)
- Run targeted Google Ads for high-intent keywords (e.g., “Buy protein powder online”).
- Use Facebook and Instagram ads for brand awareness and retargeting.
d) Email & SMS Marketing
- Offer discounts and bundles to subscribers.
- Send personalized health tips and supplement recommendations.
Types of Print on Demand Products
POD businesses can sell a variety of custom-printed products, catering to different niches and audiences. Here are some of the most popular types:
1. Apparel
- T-Shirts – Classic, oversized, fitted, and all-over print styles.
- Hoodies & Sweatshirts – Popular for colder weather and streetwear brands.
- Tank Tops – Great for fitness, summer, and casual wear.
- Leggings & Joggers – Trending in athleisure and sportswear niches.
- Hats & Caps – Custom embroidery and print options for branding.
2. Accessories
- Tote Bags – Reusable and eco-friendly, great for daily use.
- Phone Cases – Custom designs for iPhone, Samsung, and more.
- Socks – Fun, colorful, and creative designs for all ages.
- Face Masks – Stylish and protective options with custom prints.
3. Home & Living
- Mugs & Drinkware – Coffee mugs, tumblers, and water bottles.
- Posters & Wall Art – Canvas prints, framed posters, and metal prints.
- Pillows & Blankets – Custom-printed cozy home decor items.
- Shower Curtains & Towels – Unique designs for bathroom decor.
4. Stationery & Office
- Notebooks & Journals – Perfect for students and professionals.
- Stickers – Popular for laptop decals, scrapbooking, and branding.
- Calendars & Planners – Custom designs for organization and productivity.
5. Sports & Outdoor Gear
- Water Bottles – Insulated and reusable, ideal for fitness lovers.
- Yoga Mats – Custom-printed mats for wellness brands.
- Backpacks & Duffel Bags – Custom branding for travel and sports.
6. Kids & Baby Products
- Baby Bodysuits – Custom-printed onesies for newborns.
- Kids’ T-Shirts & Hoodies – Fun, creative designs for children.
7. Sports & Fitness Supplements
- Protein Powders – Essential for muscle recovery and strength building.
- Pre-Workout Supplements – Boosts energy and endurance for workouts.
- Electrolyte Drinks – Helps with hydration and performance.
- Fat Burners – Aids in weight management and metabolism boost.
Benefits of a Print on Demand Business
1. Low Startup Costs
- No need to buy bulk inventory—only pay for products when you make a sale.
- No warehousing costs, reducing overhead expenses.
2. No Inventory Management
- Suppliers handle printing, storage, and shipping.
- Eliminates the risk of unsold stock.
3. Easy Customization & Branding
- Sell unique designs tailored to specific audiences.
- Create a distinct brand with custom packaging and labels.
4. Wide Product Range
- Offer apparel, mugs, phone cases, home décor, and more.
- Quickly adapt to trends without production hassles.
5. Passive Income Potential
- Once set up, a Print on demand store can generate sales with minimal daily effort.
- Automate processes with integrations like Shopify and Etsy.
6. Scalability
- Easily expand your product line without upfront costs.
- Test new designs without risk before committing to bulk orders.
7. Global Reach
- Sell to customers worldwide without managing shipping logistics.
- Leverage marketplaces like Amazon, Redbubble, and Etsy for international exposure.
8. Reduced Risk
- No need to guess demand—only produce what sells.
- Avoid financial losses from excess inventory.
POD is a great way to start an online business with minimal risk, allowing you to focus on marketing, branding, and customer engagement while suppliers handle fulfillment.
Sell T Shirts Online
Launch your business online and sell plain/printed t-shirts!
Who Can Start a Print on demand Business?
1. Entrepreneurs Launching an Online Brand
Aspiring business owners who want to start an online store without dealing with inventory management or manufacturing costs can thrive with print on demand.
- Low startup costs – No need to buy stock in advance; you only pay for items after a sale.
- Easy to scale – Expand product offerings without additional investment in production.
- No storage hassles – Since printing and shipping are handled by a POD supplier, you can focus on marketing and sales.
- Multiple sales channels – Sell through Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or your own website.
2. Artists & Designers Selling Custom Merchandise
If you have a talent for creating digital artwork, illustrations, or graphic designs, print-on-demand allows you to monetize your creativity by selling products like T-shirts, posters, mugs, and tote bags.
Turn art into passive income – Upload your designs and earn profits on every sale.
No printing or shipping required – Your POD partner handles all logistics.
Endless customization – Print your designs on apparel, accessories, home decor, and more.
Reach a global audience – Sell to customers worldwide through online marketplaces.
3. Influencers & Content Creators Offering Branded Products
Social media influencers, YouTubers, and content creators can use print-on-demand to sell branded merchandise and deepen their connection with fans.
Leverage your existing audience – Offer exclusive products to your followers.
Boost brand recognition – Custom merch like hoodies, stickers, and phone cases promotes your personal brand.
No upfront investment – Start selling with zero inventory costs.
Easy integration – Platforms Qikink connect directly to Shopify, Instagram, and YouTube merch stores.
4. Businesses Adding Custom Swag to Their Store
Existing brands and businesses can use print-on-demand to expand their product line with customized merchandise.
Enhance brand loyalty – Offer branded items like T-shirts, mugs, or notebooks with your logo.
Expand revenue streams – Add new products without the risk of overstocking.
Cost-effective marketing – Branded swag doubles as promotional material.
No fulfillment headaches – The POD supplier prints and ships orders directly to customers.
Conclusion: Start Your Print on Demand Business in 2025
Print-on-demand is an easy and low-risk way to start your eCommerce business. You can create your own brand by picking the right niche, designing unique products, and using top POD platforms without worrying about inventory or big upfront costs.
To succeed, focus on great product designs, smart marketing, and helpful customer service. Whether you’re using Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, or Amazon, make sure your store looks good, promote it online, and try out new ideas to stay ahead.
Looking for a trusted POD partner in India? Qikink is a great choice. We handle everything, from printing to shipping. So you can focus on growing your brand. With easy store integration, fast delivery, and a wide range of custom products, Qikink makes starting and scaling your POD business simple. Start now, team up with Qikink, and build your successful POD brand in 2025 and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually make money on print on demand?
Yes, Print on demand is a profitable business model if you choose the right niche, create appealing designs, and market effectively. Many entrepreneurs make money by selling custom products on platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon.
How long does it take to start making sales with POD?
It depends on your marketing efforts and niche selection. Some sellers make sales within days, while others take weeks or months. Running ads, optimizing SEO, and promoting on social media can speed up the process.
Can you really make a good income from print on demand?
Yes, Many entrepreneurs earn a good income from print-on-demand by targeting the right niche, creating unique designs, and using effective marketing strategies. With consistency and scaling, some sellers make thousands of dollars per month, while top sellers generate six-figure incomes annually. Success depends on product demand, pricing, and marketing efforts.
Which platforms are best for launching a print on demand store?
The best platforms for launching a print-on-demand store include Shopify, Etsy, Amazon Merch, Redbubble, Teespring. Shopify offers full control, while Etsy and Amazon provide built-in traffic. Choose based on your business goals and audience.
Which print on demand website has the most traffic?
Qikink is one of India’s leading print-on-demand platforms, trusted by thousands of creators and entrepreneurs. With its seamless Shopify integration, zero-inventory model, and growing user base, Qikink is fast becoming the go-to choice for launching custom merchandise businesses in India.
