How to Launch a Print-On-Demand Business in 2025
Learn how to start a successful print-on-demand business in 2025 with our step-by-step guide. No upfront costs, just creativity and passion!
Starting a print-on-demand business is one of the easiest ways to dive into entrepreneurship in 2025. With just a spark of creativity and some free time, you can turn your unique designs into custom products, then list and sell them online without the need for upfront costs.
The beauty of the print-on-demand model is that everything—inventory, production, and shipping—is taken care of by your chosen platform. This allows you to focus on what matters most: building your brand and growing your business.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to start a print-on-demand business in 2025 with little to no investment. Whether you’re a creative looking to share your designs with the world or an entrepreneur ready to make your mark, we’ve got you covered.
What is the print-on-demand business model
Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model where products are only created after a customer places an order. This means there’s no need to invest in inventory or worry about unsold stock.
Companies like Tapstitch make it easy to bring your designs to life, offering services such as direct shipping to customers, intuitive online design tools, and seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify and Etsy. These features allow you to launch your online store quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on growing your business while your POD partners handle production and shipping.
With the global POD market expected to reach $48.4 billion by 2032, there's never been a better time to dive into this booming industry.
Stick with us as we break down how to start your print-on-demand business with little to no upfront investment, and explore the advantages and challenges of this model.
How to start a print-on-demand business in 2025
If you’ve been thinking about selling custom products online, starting a print-on-demand business is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make it happen in 2025. With access to a wide variety of high-quality, customizable products, you can begin selling for free—without any upfront costs.
Ready to turn your creative ideas into a profitable business? Follow these simple steps to get started and see your vision come to life.
1.Pick a niche
Choosing a niche is one of the most important steps in building a successful print-on-demand business. A niche is a specific segment of the market focused on particular products, and picking the right one can give you a competitive edge. It can lead to higher profits, less competition, and lower advertising costs.
The niche you choose will define your target audience, shape your product offerings, and impact your long-term success. So, take the time to pick a profitable and sustainable niche.
If you’re not sure where to start, focus on something you’re passionate about—whether it’s fitness, pets, or outdoor adventures. Passion for your niche will not only keep you motivated but will also resonate with your customers.
Here are a few ways to identify a profitable niche for your brand:
- Look for trending products in 2025: Explore what’s selling well on platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and TikTok Shop. Use search terms like “trending” or “best sellers” to see what products are gaining attention.
- Focus on hot categories: Look at popular trends like tech gadgets, eco-friendly products, or personalized items. Tools like TikTok’s Creative Center or eCommerce platforms like Jungle Scout can provide deeper insights into sales data.
- Use Google Trends: This tool helps you explore trending topics and assess their popularity. You can see how search queries are growing across different languages and regions.
- Identify relevant keywords: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush’s free eCommerce Keywords Analytics, and Ahrefs’ free Amazon Keywords tool are great for finding keywords that customers are actively searching for. These tools are perfect for uncovering trends that can help you create products your customers want.
2.Decide what to sell
When it comes to print-on-demand, your options are vast—it's not just about custom bags or keychain. With platforms like Tapstitch, you can take your unique designs and apply them to a wide range of products.Here are some of the most popular items you can start with:
Whatever you decide to sell, make sure your products align with your chosen niche. The key to standing out in a crowded market is understanding your customers' needs and preferences.To help you find the best products to offer, here are some great places to kick off your research:
- Amazon: Check out bestsellers and trending categories to spot top product ideas.
- eBay: Browse active listings to discover popular items that are flying off the shelves.
- Etsy: Find unique, gift-worthy items that could be your next big seller.
- Tapstitch’s New In page: Get inspiration from our regularly updated list of top-performing products.
- Social media platforms: Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and niche-specific POD communities are goldmines for seeing what people are talking about and buying.
If a particular product segment within your niche seems a little quiet, don’t be discouraged. Try focusing on a more active product segment where there’s higher demand, which can lead to better sales opportunities.
3.Create designs
When it comes to print-on-demand, unique designs are key to standing out. But don’t worry—you don’t have to be a seasoned designer to create custom products and launch your store.
At Tapstitch, we provide tools that make the design process simple and accessible. You can use our free-to-use graphics through our product customization tool.
If you’d rather leave the design work to someone else, you can always hire a professional designer through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. They'll help bring your vision to life in a way that speaks to your audience.
Of course, if you have an artistic flair, feel free to design your own illustrations! Software like Adobe Illustrator is a great tool for creating professional-grade designs.
To ensure your designs are marketable, do some research to identify profitable trends and niches. Check out sites like Pinterest, Designious, and Dribbble for inspiration.
Before fully committing to your designs, share them on social media, in online forums, or within your own network. Getting feedback will help refine your ideas and gauge interest.
Pro tip: Always use your research as a jumping-off point to create original designs. Never copy or plagiarize someone else’s work. Authenticity is key in building your brand and customer trust.
4.Decide where to sell
The easiest way to start selling your print-on-demand products is by using a dedicated marketplace or eCommerce platform. But how do you decide which one to choose?
Online Marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay work similarly to physical markets—merchants gather in one place, and customers shop from a steady flow of sellers.
The main difference? You’ll list your products on their platforms and use targeted keywords to help shoppers find your products.
On the other hand, eCommerce Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce give you the freedom to build your own standalone website.
This offers more control over your brand identity, customer experience, and marketing strategies—allowing you to create a more personalized and engaging shopping experience for your customers.
Whether you choose an online marketplace or an eCommerce platform, Tapstitch integrates seamlessly with some of the world’s most popular sales channels, including:
5.Set up a store
Setting up your online store is a crucial step in launching your print-on-demand business. While the process may vary depending on the platform you choose, it generally starts with selecting a ready-made eCommerce solution or using customizable templates to create a professional storefront.
To ensure a smooth shopping experience, make sure to:
✔ Enable secure payment gateways.
✔ Set up shipping options that align with your business model.
✔ Establish customer service channels for seamless communication.
Taking the time to fine-tune your store’s setup will help attract and retain customers. Be sure to upload high-quality product images, craft compelling product descriptions, and optimize your listings with relevant SEO keywords to improve your store’s visibility and ranking.
Quick Tip: Need help setting up your store? Check out our step-by-step guides for Shopify and Etsy to streamline the process.
6.Pick your supplier
Your print-on-demand business relies on a dependable supplier to handle order fulfillment, ensuring high-quality products and timely shipping. Choosing the right partner is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and growing your brand.
When selecting a supplier, consider factors like:
✔ Product variety – Ensure they offer a range of items that align with your niche.
✔ Print quality – Read reviews and order samples to assess product and print standards.
✔ Shipping speed and costs – Faster delivery times and lower costs improve customer satisfaction.
✔ Integration with eCommerce platforms – A seamless connection to marketplaces simplifies order management.
Why Choose Tapstitch?
Tapstitch is designed to help entrepreneurs create and scale their print-on-demand businesses with ease.
Zero Inventory, Zero Waste – Produce only what you need. Tapstitch’s print-on-demand model eliminates inventory risk and reduces waste. Grow sustainably with better cash flow and less environmental impact.
Simple Store Integration – Easily integrate Tapstitch with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Squarespace. Add custom designs to your store and let us manage the rest - no inventory, no hassle.
No Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) – Order exactly what you need, whether it’s one piece or a thousand.
Extensive Customization Options – Take full creative control over your garments, from print areas to branded labels. Our user-friendly design tools bring your vision to life with a wide range of customization options.
Affordable Pricing, Great Margins – Enjoy competitive pricing on high-quality garments with profit margins of 50-80%.
7.Set a price
Pricing your print-on-demand products strategically ensures profitability while keeping you competitive.
Here’s how to determine the right price point:
- Factor in costs – Include production, shipping, taxes, and platform fees to ensure you cover expenses and make a profit.
- Research competitors – Analyze pricing for similar products on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify.
- Consider customer location – Work with local suppliers to reduce shipping costs and offer competitive rates.
- Offer free shipping smartly – If providing free shipping, incorporate the cost into your product price.
Pricing Strategy Example:
- Base cost (production + shipping): $10
- Desired profit margin: 40%
- Retail price: $10 × 1.4 = $14
For premium or custom designs, you can charge higher based on perceived value.Want a deep dive? Check out our guide on how to price print-on-demand products for maximum profits.
8.Check the quality of your products
High-quality products lead to happy customers, positive reviews, and repeat sales. Here’s how to ensure your print-on-demand products meet expectations:
- Order Samples – Test product quality, print accuracy, colors, and materials before selling.
- Choose Reliable Print Providers – Work with reputable suppliers like Tapstitch to ensure consistency.
- Read Customer Reviews – Check feedback from other sellers using the same Print Providers.Quality assurance builds trust, reduces returns, and enhances your brand’s reputation. Before launching, always test your products to guarantee they match your vision.
9.Market your products
Effective marketing is the key to driving traffic and converting visitors into loyal customers. Here’s how to get your print-on-demand store noticed:
- Social Media Marketing – Build a strong presence on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest. Engage with your audience, use trending hashtags, and showcase your products creatively.
- Influencer Collaborations – Partner with influencers in your niche to reach a broader audience and build credibility.
- Content Marketing – Write blog posts, create videos, and share product reviews to establish authority and attract organic traffic.
- Email Marketing – Use personalized emails to keep customers engaged with offers, updates, and exclusive deals.
- Paid Advertising – Invest in Google Ads and social media ads to target potential buyers and increase conversions.
10.Monitor your online store performance
Tracking your store’s performance helps you refine your strategy and maximize profits. Use tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar to monitor:
- Customer traffic – Identify where visitors are coming from and which marketing channels drive the most engagement.
- Conversion rates – Measure how many visitors turn into buyers and optimize your sales funnel.
- Best-selling products – Focus on top-performing items and explore similar product opportunities.
- Cart abandonment rates – Understand why customers leave before purchasing and improve checkout processes.
- User engagement – Analyze browsing behavior to enhance the shopping experience.
Additionally, customer feedback is invaluable. Encourage reviews and testimonials to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Data-driven decisions will help scale your print-on-demand business effectively.
Pros and cons of Print on Demand
Print-on-demand (POD) is an attractive business model for entrepreneurs looking for a low-risk way to start an online store. However, like any business, it has its advantages and challenges.
Pros:
✅ Easy to Start — No need for prior business or design experience—POD platforms provide beginner-friendly tools and resources to get you started.
✅ Low Risk — With no upfront inventory costs, you avoid the financial risks of traditional retail. No need to rent a warehouse, hire staff, or manage logistics.
✅ No Inventory Management — Orders are fulfilled and shipped directly by a third-party supplier, so you don’t have to worry about storing products.
✅ Global Selling Potential — Sell your products internationally without handling cross-border shipping logistics, thanks to worldwide fulfillment networks.
Cons:
❌ Limited Quality Control — Since a third party handles production, you have less control over product quality. Ordering samples can help ensure your standards are met.
❌ Longer Fulfillment Times — Unlike pre-made inventory, POD products are printed after purchase, leading to slightly longer shipping times. Some platforms like Tapstitch offer express shipping to mitigate this.
❌ Lower Profit Margins — POD costs per product are higher than wholesale purchasing. However, with Tapstitch you can enjoy competitive pricing on high-quality garments with profit margins of 50-80%.
❌ Customer Service Responsibilities — While suppliers handle fulfillment, you’re responsible for customer service. This includes resolving issues related to shipping delays, product quality, or returns.
Quick Tip: Want to dive deeper? Check out our blog for expert insights on launching and growing a successful print-on-demand business.
FAQ – How to start a successful print-on-demand business
1.Do I need design skills to start a POD business?
No, you don’t need to be a professional designer. Many POD platforms offer built-in design tools, AI-generated artwork, and stock images. You can also hire freelancers on Fiverr or Upwork to create custom designs.
2.Can I make money with print-on-demand?
Yes, you can make money with print-on-demand! As long as you set good profit margins for your products and create appealing designs, it is possible to earn a profit. Many sellers find success by targeting specific market niches and using effective marketing strategies.
3.How do I set competitive prices for POD products?
Consider production costs, shipping fees, competitor pricing, and perceived customer value. Many sellers mark up their products by 30-50% to ensure a healthy profit margin.
4.What are the best marketing strategies for a POD business?
Use social media, influencer collaborations, SEO-optimized blog content, email marketing, and paid ads to drive traffic to your store. Engaging visuals and compelling product descriptions also help boost sales.
5.Do I have to pay upfront to start a print-on-demand store?
No, you don’t need to pay anything upfront to start a print-on-demand store. You can sign up for free and only pay for products after you make a sale. This makes it a low-risk business model suitable for beginners.
6.What should I do if my product quality isn’t good?
If you find issues with the product quality, it’s essential to choose a reliable print-on-demand provider like Tapstitch that has a good reputation. You should also consider ordering samples before selling products to ensure they meet your quality standards.
Closing thoughts
When done right, print-on-demand can be a highly profitable and scalable business model. It’s a favorite among entrepreneurs, artists, and content creators looking to monetize their creativity without the hassle of inventory management.
Whether you’re testing new designs, tapping into trending niches, or building a full-fledged brand, POD gives you the flexibility and freedom to grow on your terms.
Ready to get started? Choose Tapstitch as your print-on-demand partner and take your business to the next level! 🚀
