How To Start Print On Demand From $0 in 2025 (Full Guide)

Print on demand is the easiest and most accessible way to start making money online. In fact, print on demand is one of the only side hustles you can start from $0. This allows you to launch your own business without risking any of your own money. So, today I’m going to walk you through exactly what you need to do, step by step, so you can copy me and launch your own print-on-demand store today. I’ve been investing and running businesses for over 35 years, and this is the easiest way I’ve ever seen to make money online for beginners. I’m not a financial advisor, and this isn’t financial advice. I’m just sharing what’s worked for me over the years. Please also do your own research.

What is Print on Demand?

So, what is print on demand? It’s a business model where you partner with a supplier to sell custom-designed products online. The supplier handles the manufacturing, printing, and shipping, and you keep the profit. This means you don’t have to worry about inventory, packaging, or shipping, which makes it an ideal side hustle for beginners. Here’s how it works. You create a design and upload it to your chosen print-on-demand platform, like Printful or Printify. A customer orders the product from your store. The print-on-demand supplier receives the order, prints your design onto the product, and ships it directly to your customer. You keep the profit, and the supplier handles the rest. It’s that simple.

The 7 Steps to a Successful PoD Business

So, let’s look at the seven steps you need to follow to start your own successful print-on-demand business.

Step 1: Pick Your Niche

Step one is to pick your niche. The first and most crucial step is to pick a niche that has high demand and low competition. This is where most people go wrong. They pick a niche that’s already saturated, like motivational quotes or generic holiday designs, and they wonder why they aren’t making any sales. To succeed in print on demand, you need to find a unique angle. Look for a niche that has a passionate audience, and one that you can target effectively.

The best way to do this is to head over to Etsy. Etsy is a a gold mine for print-on-demand inspiration, as you can see what designs are selling and what niches are popular. Type in broad keywords like “t-shirt” or “mug” and see what comes up. Then, narrow down your search by adding specific niches like “funny cat t-shirts” or “vintage mountain mugs.” Look for designs that have a high number of sales and positive reviews. This will give you an idea of what customers are actually buying. The next thing you need to do is avoid copying. You should only use these designs as inspiration. You need to put your own unique twist on them to stand out.

Step 2: Design Your Product

Step two is to create a design that your customers will love. You don’t need to be a professional designer to create winning designs. There are plenty of free and low-cost tools available that make the design process simple. My favorite free tool is Canva. Canva is a beginner-friendly graphic design platform that allows you to create high-quality designs in minutes. They have thousands of free templates and elements that you can use to create unique designs. Look for simple designs that are easy to print and look good on a variety of products. Remember, less is often more. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, you can also hire a freelance designer from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. This can be a great way to get professional designs without spending a fortune. Just make sure to check out their previous work and reviews before hiring them.

Step 3: Choose Your Products

Step three is to choose your products. The next step is to choose the products you want to sell. You don’t want to offer too many products initially. Start with a few popular items like t-shirts, mugs, or hoodies. This allows you to focus your marketing efforts and perfect your designs. The most popular products in print on demand are t-shirts and mugs. These are easy to design and have a high profit margin. Once you start making sales, you can expand your product range.

Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store

Step four is to set up your online store. The next step is to set up your online store where you’ll sell your products. There are two main ways to do this. First, you can sell on marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon. This is the fastest way to start making sales, as these platforms already have a massive built-in audience. However, you’ll have to deal with competition and platform fees. The second option is to launch your own e-commerce store using platforms like Shopify. This gives you more control over your branding and customer experience, but it takes more time and effort to build up traffic.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with Etsy. It’s easy to set up and has a massive audience of customers who are already looking for unique and custom-designed products. Once you start making consistent sales, you can launch your own Shopify store to scale your business.

Step 5: Connect with a Supplier (Printful)

Step five is to connect with a supplier. The next step is to connect your online store with a reliable print-on-demand supplier. My favorite is Printful. Printful integrates seamlessly with platforms like Etsy and Shopify, making the fulfillment process simple. Once a customer places an order on your store, Printful automatically receives the order, prints your design onto the product, and ships it directly to your customer. They also offer a wide range of high-quality products and excellent customer service. This makes Printful an ideal partner for beginners.

Step 6: Price Your Products Strategically

Step six is to price your products. The next step is to price your products strategically. You need to find the right balance between profit margin and customer appeal. Start by researching the prices of similar products on Etsy and Amazon. Then, calculate your costs, which include the supplier’s price and the platform fees. The difference between your selling price and your costs is your profit margin. Aim for a profit margin of at least 30% to cover your marketing expenses and generate a decent income. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pricing strategies. You can offer discounts or bundles to attract customers, or you can gradually increase your prices as your sales grow.

Step 7: Market Your Store (Social Media)

Step seven is to market your store. The final and most crucial step is to market your store and drive traffic to your products. Even the best designs won’t sell if no one knows about them. The most effective way to market your print-on-demand store is through social media. TikTok and Instagram are the best platforms for reaching a large audience and driving sales. Create engaging videos that showcase your products and appeal to your niche. Use relevant hashtags and trends to increase your visibility. You can also run targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram to reach a specific audience. However, if you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with organic marketing on TikTok and Instagram. This allows you to test your designs and marketing strategies without spending a fortune. Once you start making consistent sales, you can allocate a portion of your profits to paid advertising.