So, what exactly does starting a print on demand business look like? Print on demand is a versatile business idea that allows entrepreneurs to leverage their systems and digital printing technology to fulfill orders as they are placed, reducing their need to invest ahead of time in a stockpile of inventory. These customized products could range from apparel to accessories and more.
The best part is, this business model is consistently in high demand, making it a good recession-proof business idea. If you're looking for a way to sell online, print on demand could be the idea for you.
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11 print on demand business ideas
Starting a business in the print on demand industry can be daunting. Here are eleven print on demand business ideas to help you choose the right niche for you.
01. Custom t-shirt printing
Offer personalized T-shirt printing services, allowing customers to create custom designs or choose from a selection of pre-designed templates. Tailored for various occasions, such as events, group activities or personal branding efforts, custom t-shirt printing is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the growing market of personalized apparel.
To thrive in custom t-shirt printing, entrepreneurs should focus on providing a seamless and user-friendly design platform, ensuring that customers can easily bring their visions to life. By staying attuned to design trends and customer preferences, businesses in this niche can continually evolve their offerings to cater to an ever-changing market.
02. Personalized mug printing
Specialize in printing customized mugs with unique designs, messages or even photos. Mugs are popular as gifts, promotional items or for personal use. As the demand for unique and sentimental gifts continues to rise, personalized mug printing is a business idea with a clear potential for growth.
The flexibility of personalized mug printing allows for a wide range of design options, catering to various tastes and preferences. This business idea aligns with the growing trend of seeking unique and sentimental gifts, providing an avenue for entrepreneurs to contribute to the creation of lasting memories. As the demand for personalized and thoughtful presents continues to rise, those entering the personalized mug printing market have the chance to not only meet a current need but also create a business that leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of its customers.
03. Customized phone case printing
Provide print on demand services for personalized phone cases, allowing customers to add their preferred images, patterns or text to create a one-of-a-kind accessory. The versatility of this business idea opens doors to a diverse customer base. From fashion-forward individuals seeking to align their phone cases with their evolving style to businesses aiming for distinctive corporate branding solutions, entrepreneurs in customized phone case printing have the opportunity to serve a broad spectrum of needs.
04. Bespoke stationery printing
Offer customized stationery printing, including personalized notebooks, planners and notepads. By allowing customers to add their distinct touch to everyday items, such as notebooks for journaling or planners for organizing, entrepreneurs can tap into a market that seeks to elevate the mundane into a personalized and enjoyable experience. Whether it's for personal use, gifting or corporate branding, bespoke stationery printing stands at the intersection of functionality and personal expression.
Aspiring entrepreneurs in the bespoke stationery printing niche can curate a selection of high-quality materials and design options to ensure a premium and customizable experience for their customers. By offering a platform where creativity leads, individuals can transform their stationery into an extension of their personality. As the demand for bespoke and personalized goods continues to grow, a stationery printing business that prioritizes quality, innovation and individual expression has the potential to carve out a solid space in the industry.
05. Printed home decor
Step into the world of printed home decor, a print on demand business that revolves around infusing personal style into living spaces. Entrepreneurs in this niche have the opportunity to focus on personalized home decor items, including throw pillows, blankets and wall art. This business idea allows customers to go beyond conventional home decor by adding their favorite designs to items that enhance the aesthetics of their living spaces. Whether it's creating a cozy corner with personalized throw pillows, adding warmth with custom blankets or turning walls into a gallery with unique wall art, the possibilities are limitless.
A successful venture in printed home decor requires a keen understanding of design trends, materials and the ability to translate customer preferences into tangible, personalized products. Entrepreneurs can curate a diverse range of design options to cater to various tastes and home styles, ensuring that customers can find the perfect match for their vision. Explore Shira Barzilay’s website, Koketit, to give you inspiration to help you springboard your printed home decor business.
06. Customized pet accessories
The beauty of this business idea lies in its ability to tap into the deep emotional bond between pet owners and their furry companions. You can help people celebrate their pets by offering print on demand services for customized pet products including pet bowls, beds and clothing. By offering a platform where pet owners can add their personal touch to essential items, you not only cater to practical needs but also provide an avenue for self-expression and celebration of the unique personalities of pets.
Successful ventures in customized pet accessories require a keen understanding of pet trends, materials suitable for pets and an eye for designs that resonate with pet owners. You can curate a diverse range of options, from playful patterns to sophisticated designs, ensuring that the personalized products reflect the individuality of each pet. Moreover, this niche presents opportunities to collaborate with pet influencers or partner with local pet shelters, fostering a sense of community and goodwill. As the demand for personalized and unique pet products continues to rise, those entering the customized pet accessories market have the chance to create a business that not only meets practical needs but also celebrates the joy that pets bring to our lives.
07. Unique wall art prints
Specialize in printing personalized wall art, including canvas prints, posters and framed artwork. This niche is ideal for individuals looking to adorn their homes with custom-designed pieces.
To thrive in the unique wall art prints niche, you should focus on creating a diverse portfolio of designs that cater to various tastes and aesthetics. Whether customers are seeking bold and vibrant canvas prints or subtle and sophisticated framed artwork, a well-curated selection can ensure broad appeal. Furthermore, engaging with local artists or providing a platform for customers to submit their designs can enhance the uniqueness of the offerings. As consumers increasingly seek ways to personalize their living spaces, a business in unique wall art prints has the potential to not only provide decorative solutions but also become a vehicle for self-expression and storytelling within the home.
Learn more: How to sell crafts online
08. Customized laptop sleeves
Provide print on demand laptop sleeve services, allowing customers to protect their devices with personalized designs. This niche caters to individuals who want functional yet stylish tech accessories. By allowing customers to imprint their preferred designs, patterns or even meaningful messages onto their laptop sleeves, entrepreneurs can tap into the demand for tech accessories that go beyond mere utility, creating a space where individuals can express their personalities through their devices.
To succeed in this niche, try focusing on sourcing high-quality materials that ensure both protection and durability for laptops. A diverse range of design options, from minimalist to bold, can cater to varying tastes and preferences. Additionally, considering the growing trend of remote work and increased reliance on laptops, customized laptop sleeves present an opportunity to serve a broad customer base.
09. Personalized jewelry printing
Create a niche in the print on demand industry by offering customized jewelry printing. This can include personalized necklaces, bracelets and earrings with unique designs or messages. This business idea is perfect for those who want to create wearable art that holds personal significance.
To thrive in personalized jewelry printing, explore a variety of materials and design options to cater to diverse tastes and styles. This includes incorporating customizable elements such as birthstones, initials, textiles or symbols that hold special meaning for the customers.
10. Customized bags and totes
Target eco-conscious consumers by providing print on demand services for personalized bags and totes. Customers can choose designs or add personal touches to create sustainable and unique accessories.
To succeed in the customized bags and totes niche, entrepreneurs should prioritize environmentally friendly materials and production processes. Offering a range of designs, from nature-inspired patterns to customizable graphics, ensures a broad appeal to different tastes. Collaborating with local artists or supporting eco-friendly initiatives can further enhance the appeal of the products. As the demand for sustainable fashion continues to rise, this business idea not only aligns with current consumer trends but also positions entrepreneurs as contributors to a more eco-friendly and personalized approach to accessorizing.
11. Specialized sports merchandise printing
Tap into the sports market by offering print on demand services for customized sports merchandise. This can include personalized jerseys, water bottles and accessories for fans and athletes. The appeal of this niche lies in its ability to cater to the fervent fanbase that seeks not just standard sports gear but personalized items that celebrate their allegiance to a particular team or player. With this type of print on demand business, you can provide fans with the opportunity to personalize merchandise, fostering a stronger connection between sports enthusiasts and their favorite teams or athletes.
To flourish in specialized sports merchandise printing, stay on top of sports trends, team affiliations and fan preferences. Collaborations with sports teams or partnerships with influencers in the sports community can help enhance the authenticity and appeal of the merchandise. Additionally, offering a range of customization options, from player names to team colors, will help make this a scalable business idea.
How to get started with your print on demand business idea
Apply your industry knowledge and creativity
To make money with print on demand, leverage your understanding of design trends, printing techniques and consumer preferences. Use your creativity to create unique and appealing designs that resonate with your target audience.
Choose your niche or specialization
Consider specializing in a specific niche within the print on demand industry to stand out and attract a dedicated customer base. Whether it's personalized apparel, home decor or accessories, find a niche that aligns with your interests and market demand.
Choose a legal structure for your business
Decide on the legal structure of your business, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC or corporation.
Build a professional online presence
Decide how to create a website to showcase your print on demand products. Invest in high-quality images of your merchandise and implement an easy-to-use ordering system. Consider integrating eCommerce platforms or partnering with established print on demand services to streamline your business operations.
Invest in quality printing equipment and materials
Ensure that your print on demand business uses high-quality printing equipment and materials to deliver excellent results. Research and invest in digital printing technology that allows for vibrant and durable prints. Quality is crucial for customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Set up an efficient order fulfillment process
Develop a streamlined order fulfillment process to handle incoming orders efficiently. Work with reliable printing partners or invest in equipment that can produce high-quality prints on demand. Consider implementing an inventory management system to track and manage orders seamlessly.
Determine your pricing strategies
Establish competitive pricing strategies based on factors such as production costs, market rates and the perceived value of your print on demand products. Consider offering bundle deals, discounts for bulk orders or promotional pricing to attract customers. Be sure to lay all of this out in your business plan.
Create a marketing plan
Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your print on demand business. Utilize social media platforms, online advertising and content marketing to reach your target audience. Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in your niche to increase brand visibility.
Lilach Goldis, Social Media Manager at Wix, suggests that you “identify the social media platforms your audience is active on the most and get an in-depth understanding of what it takes to rank on them. For example, converting your Instagram carousel posts into a Reel can capture attention more effectively and boost your content's impact, ultimately leading people to visit your site.”
Ensure customer satisfaction
Prioritize customer satisfaction by delivering quality products, providing excellent customer service and addressing any issues promptly. Encourage customer reviews and testimonials to build trust and credibility for your print on demand business.
Print on demand business examples built on Wix
LemonMerch boasts an extensive array of print on demand merchandise, including everything from hoodies and t-shirts to bento boxes and mugs.
This retailer provides personalized apparel and accessories tailored for pet lovers. They present unisex tees in a variety of colors and designs, allowing shoppers to choose the specific cat or dog breed they wish to showcase on their shirts.
The29Line collaborates with numerous bands, venues, events and organizations to offer a range of tote bags. These limited-edition totes are made available on demand and come at no cost to the 29 partners involved.
Print on demand business ideas FAQ
What types of products can I offer in my print on demand business?
The print on demand business allows you to offer a variety of customized products, including T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, stationery, home decor items, pet accessories, wall art, laptop sleeves, jewelry, bags and sports merchandise. Choose products that align with your interests and cater to your target audience.