The State of Print on Demand: Is it worth it?
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  • Writer's pictureTina

The State of Print on Demand: Is it worth it?

If you're in the print-on-demand industry, then you know that it's constantly changing. Sometimes it feels so pointless and such a waste of time and then suddenly you make a sale and feel motivated again.


New technologies and platforms are emerging all the time, and it can be tough to keep up with the latest trends.


In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most recent changes in the print-on-demand landscape and discuss what they mean for your business.






Print on Demand: What's New in the Industry?


One of the most significant changes in print on demand has been the rise of new platforms and technologies.


In particular, there has been a proliferation of print-on-demand services that offer more flexibility and customization than ever before.



These new services allow you to print your designs on a wide variety of products, including t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.


What's more, they often offer discounts for bulk orders, which can save you a significant amount of money.


Another change that's been taking place in the print-on-demand industry is the increasing popularity of eco-friendly products.


As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their purchases on the environment, they're increasingly looking for sustainable and low waste options.


Fortunately, there are a number of print-on-demand companies that offer eco-friendly products made from recycled materials.


If you're looking to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, then consider offering eco-friendly print-on-demand products.


For example, I used to sell single-use paper plates for weddings, anniversaries, and other events but these days people are no longer buying this type of product.


The print-on-demand industry is always changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.


By keeping abreast of the latest changes, you can ensure that your print-on-demand business stays ahead of the competition.


What are people searching for in 2022?


When it comes to shopping for print-on-demand products, customers are looking for a few key things.


First and foremost, they want high-quality products that will last.


They're also looking for print-on-demand companies that offer a wide range of products and services.


Finally, customers want to be able to customize their print-on-demand products to suit their specific needs.


But, to be more specific, here are some of the latest trends to go on board with:

  • custom sneakers

  • stickers

  • original artwork

  • mugs

  • print hoodies

  • tote bags

  • products with personal photographs

  • sportswear

  • premium t-shirts

  • wall art

  • eco-friendly products

  • hats

  • phone cases

  • kids clothing

  • pet products

  • popular phrases and quotes on products

  • TikTok trends

  • merch

What are the best products to sell for print-on-demand? (2022)


The top-selling product on all platforms is t-shirts.


Unisex t-shirts are the most popular, with men’s t-shirts coming in second.


The next most popular items are coffee mugs, then leggings, then phone cases.


One-off print products like tote bags, posters, and stickers also do well on print-on-demand sites.


For my business, greeting cards and postcards are the best sellers. I use royalty-free vintage images and create travel postcards on a platform called Zazzle. Check them out here and see what I'm talking about.


Children's t-shirts and baby clothes also do quite well on print-on-demand sites.


There is a large market for personalized baby clothes, and you can even find print-on-demand companies that specialize in this type of product.

If you're looking for print-on-demand ideas, then consider selling t-shirts, coffee mugs, leggings, phone cases, or one-off print products.


Is print-on-demand a good source of passive income?


Yes, print-on-demand can be a great source of passive income. However, there's a catch. You need to create A LOT OF PRODUCTS (I'm talking hundreds or thousands) and you need to stay on top of trends and what people are searching for.


This requires quite a lot of keyword research.


Another thing to consider is the artistic aspect. If you're not naturally artistic, it'll be difficult to create designs that people will want to buy.


The good news is, that you can create print-on-demand products with no real design skills, using free software like Canva.


Do you have lots of nice photos but don't really do much with them?


You can add them to all kinds of print-on-demand products like postcards, posters, mugs, etc, and make a bit of money. It can be a fun and profitable side hustle.


What is the benefit of print-on-demand?


There are many benefits of print-on-demand, but the most significant one is that it allows you to print products without having to buy them in bulk.


This means that you can print exactly as many products as you need, without having to worry about storing excess inventory.


It also eliminates the need for a minimum order quantity, which can be a major barrier to entry for many businesses.


In addition, print-on-demand gives you the ability to print customized products, which can be a great way to differentiate your business from your competitors.


Unlike traditional print businesses, print-on-demand doesn't require you to purchase inventory upfront.


Instead, you simply print the products as they're ordered and ship them directly to the customer.


This means that you don't have to worry about storage or fulfillment, which can be a major advantage for small businesses.


What are the disadvantages of print-on-demand?


While print-on-demand offers many advantages, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of.


First, print-on-demand products are generally more expensive than mass-produced items.

This is because each product is printed individually, rather than in bulk.


Additionally, print-on-demand companies typically have lower profit margins than traditional print businesses.


This is because they need to factor in the cost of materials, shipping, and fulfillment.


Another thing to keep in mind is that print-on-demand products have longer lead times than mass-produced items.


This is because each product needs to be printed and shipped individually, which can take a few days.


If you're looking for a quick turnaround, print-on-demand may not be the best choice. However, in the long run, you'll be surprised that it can keep making you money when you least expect it.


What are the best print-on-demand sites?

  • Printful

  • Printify

  • Redbubble

  • Society6

  • SunFrog

  • Zazzle

  • Teespring

  • Sellfy

  • SPOD

  • Fine Art America

  • Displate

  • Amazon Merch

So there you have it! That's a quick overview of print on demand and what's new in the industry.


As you can see, print on demand is a great way to print products without having to buy them in bulk.


It also allows you to print customized products, which can be a great way to differentiate your business from your competitors.


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