How To Start a Print On Demand Business in 2024- Complete Guide

Print on demand is a lucrative side hustle idea that you can start from home. The innovative ecommerce business model allows anyone to sell their own designed clothing or accessories to paying customers without having to hold any stock. With the right process, tools and guidance, print on demand can be a very profitable side hustle to start in 2024.

In this article, we will guide you through the complete process of how to start a print on demand business of your own so that you can make money in 2024.

Like this post? Read: How to start a side hustle UK

What is Print On Demand?

Print on demand (POD) is a type of eCommerce side hustle that involves working with a printing company to customize products as customers buy them. This type of ecommerce business requires no stock. Instead, the printing supplier will handle inventory and shipping on your behalf.

The print on demand system is simple: you create appealing designs that could go on clothing or accessories, you list your designs on an ecommerce platform, customers purchase items from your store, the printing company then prints your design onto the product and ships it to your customer, you receive money for the product that you’ve sold. Print on demand is one of the best passive side hustle ideas in 2024.

Is a Print on Demand Business Profitable?

Yes, print on demand businesses can be profitable. The cost of starting a print on demand business is relatively low compared to the potential returns that you could make. Furthermore, graphic Tshirts, mugs, tote bags and other items always have a customer base so it is a business model that could bring in passive income for a long time.

The profitability of a print on demand business depends on various factors, including product selection, marketing strategies, and market demand. By identifying lucrative niches, creating appealing designs, and implementing effective marketing campaigns, it is possible to achieve significant profitability. However, success may not come overnight, and consistent effort is required to build a profitable print on demand business.

How To Start a Print On Demand Business with no Money

Above, we have covered in detail how to start your own print on demand business. In summary, to start making money from print on demand you should:

Choose profitable print on demand products using Google trends.
Decide which printing supplier you will use (Printful and Printify are good options).
Create your own ecommerce store.
Design your products using Canva or any free software.
List your products with clear descriptions and good photos.
Market your products on social media.
Register your business to make sure that you are compliant with UK tax regulations. You must pay tax on your earnings once you earn over £1000. The easiest way to prepare is to register your business as soon as possible.

How To Start a Print On Demand Business Step by Step

One of the most popular online stores to sell print-on-demand products is Etsy. In the following guide, we will walk you through how to set up an Etsy print on demand business.

Step 1: Choose a Product

how to start a print on demand business uk

The first step in starting a print on demand service business is to select the right product. Consider products that align with your target audience's interests and preferences. Some popular options include t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and home decor items.

Conduct market research to identify profitable niches and trending designs. Keep an eye on social media platforms, forums, and online communities to gain inspiration and understand consumer demands.

A good idea is to use online tools to find trending products that are likely to be successful. Social media is a great tool to use for this; you can easily find trending products by heading the the explore page or using hashtags to find current trends. Google trends is another free tool that you could use to find products that people are actually searching for.

Also read: Best print on demand products to sell in 2024

Step 2: Choose a print provider

To effectively manage your print on demand service, you'll need to partner with a reliable print on demand platform. Here are a few popular platforms to consider:

Printful

Printful is a leading print on demand provider that integrates seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms. It offers a wide range of customizable products, excellent print quality, and reliable shipping services.

Print on Demand Etsy

Etsy is a renowned online marketplace that allows sellers to offer print on demand products. It provides a user-friendly interface, built-in customer base, and marketing tools to promote your products effectively.

Print on Demand Amazon

Amazon also offers print on demand services through its platform called Amazon Merch. It allows sellers to create and sell custom-designed products to millions of customers.

Printify

Printify is another popular print on demand platform known for its extensive product catalog and competitive pricing. It integrates with multiple e-commerce platforms and provides worldwide shipping options.

Gelato

Gelato is a global print on demand platform that enables businesses to connect with a network of printing partners worldwide. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of products to choose from.

Step 3: Create Your Print on Demand Online Store

Once you've chosen a print on demand platform, it's time to set up your online store. If you're using platforms like Etsy or Amazon, you can create a store directly on their websites. However, if you prefer more control and customization, you can create your own print on demand website.

Before choosing how to create your store, it is a good idea to research which website hosting provides your printing partners are compatible with. WordPress allows you to connect printing partners to your ecommerce website through simple plugins. However, this may not be so straight forward with all hosting providers.

Shopify is another platform to consider. Shopify is an ecommerce creation tool that is compatible with the Printify platform. It is very easy to run your print on demand store with Shopify and you don’t need any website design experience to create your own storefront through the platform.

Step 4: Design Your Products

Designing compelling and visually appealing products is crucial for the success of your print on demand business. Consider the following tips when creating your designs:

Research current design trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest design trends in your niche. This will help you create products that are in demand and resonate with your target audience.
Use professional design tools: Utilize design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create high-quality designs. If you're not proficient in design, consider hiring a freelance designer or using design templates provided by your print on demand platform.
Create unique and original designs: Differentiate yourself from the competition by offering unique and original designs. Avoid copyright infringement by not using copyrighted images or trademarks without proper permission.
Test your designs: Before listing your products, it's essential to test your designs on various product mockups. This will help you ensure that the designs look appealing and aligned with your vision.

It is possible to make best-selling designs for free using tools such as Canva or Photoshop. If you are an artist, you could create digital versions of your work to print onto merchandise. The key to creating good designs is to think outside of the box.

Step 5: List Your Products

Listing your products effectively is crucial for attracting customers and driving sales. Your product listing should be clear, accurate and SEO friendly. You should include as many images of your products as possible so that customers know what they’re buying.

Most ecommerce platforms will have an easy listing process that will allow you to include all of the information needed to sell print on demand products. Before going live, double check that all of the information you have provided is correct.

Step 6: Promote Your Products

Print on demand isn’t a new business model which means that you may have some competition. To stand out, we recommend promoting your products through social media, paid adverts and blog posts.

The easiest way to promote your print on demand business is through social media. You could use TikTok to showcase your products with try on videos or unboxing videos. You could also use Instagram to share aesthetic images of your products to encourage people to buy from your store. The key to harnessing the power of social media is to create a clear brand. Consumers trust brands because they are reputable. Design a logo, create a social media page in your brand’s name and start posting content.

Also read: How to promote your side hustle.

How to Create Your Own Print on Demand Website

The easiest way to start a print on demand business is to use a platform such as Amazon or Etsy which can provide you with a storefront. However, some people may prefer to create their own eCommerce websites that can be used to market products with SEO and blog posts. Here is how to create a print on demand website for your business in 2024.

Choose a Hosting Provider:

Select a reliable hosting provider that offers e-commerce functionality and supports your preferred website builder. Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.

Design Your eCommerce Website:

Utilize website builders and customizable themes to create an attractive and user-friendly online store. Pay attention to branding elements, such as your logo, color scheme, and overall design aesthetics.

Connect Your Website to a Print on Demand Provider:

Integrate your print on demand platform with your website using the available plugins or APIs. This connection allows for seamless product synchronization, order fulfillment, and shipping automation.

List Your Products:

Upload high-quality product images and write compelling descriptions to showcase your offerings effectively. Ensure that your product listings are optimized for search engines by including relevant keywords and tags.

How Much Does the Average Print on Demand Seller Make?

The average print-on-demand seller in the UK will make between £400 and £2800 per month. However, it's crucial to approach these numbers with realistic expectations and consider that building a profitable business takes time and effort. The big profit range is due to the wide variety of products that can be sold as well as the differing fees between print-on-demand platforms.

The earnings of a print-on-demand seller can also vary greatly depending on several other contributing factors, such as the seller's marketing efforts, product quality, pricing strategy, and target audience. While some sellers may earn a substantial income, it's important to note that success in this industry requires dedication, continuous improvement, and a strong understanding of your market

Does Etsy Do Print on Demand?

Yes, Etsy is a popular online marketplace that allows sellers to offer print on demand products. With Etsy, you can leverage their established platform and large customer base to showcase and sell your unique designs. By integrating your print on demand products with your Etsy store, you can benefit from Etsy's marketing tools and built-in traffic to increase your sales potential.

Etsy is an excellent platform to use for print-on-demand in the UK. Etsy provides each user with their own storefront which is easy to use. The platform also handles customer service in-house and provides sellers with great advice for shipping and returns.

It is easy to set up an Etsy store in the UK. Simple register your details and get started for free.

Also read: 30 Best Digital Products To Sell on Etsy

Top Tips for Making Money with Print on Demand

Invest in social media ads: Utilize platforms like Facebook Ads, TikTok Ads and Instagram Ads to reach your target audience effectively. Craft compelling ad creatives and use precise targeting options to maximize your return on investment.
Send samples to influencers: Collaborate with influencers in your niche by sending them samples of your products. If they like your items, they may promote them to their followers, generating valuable exposure and potential sales. This is a great way to advertise your products for a low cost.
Take time to perfect your designs: Invest effort in creating high-quality and appealing designs. Continuously analyze market trends and customer preferences to stay ahead of the competition and provide products that resonate with your audience.
Ask for feedback from store visitors: Encourage customers to leave reviews and provide feedback on their shopping experience. Use this feedback to improve your products and enhance customer satisfaction.
Offer a limited product supply: Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity by offering limited edition or limited quantity products. This can drive up demand and increase the perceived value of your items.
Create a clear brand: Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This includes a memorable logo, consistent visual elements, and a compelling brand story. Building a recognizable brand can help you stand out and build customer loyalty.
Understand supplier restrictions: Familiarize yourself with the printing and fulfillment capabilities of your chosen print on demand platform. Ensure that you understand any restrictions or limitations to avoid potential issues with product quality or delivery.

Keep these tips in mind when creating your print on demand business. Successful print on demand stores take time and effort to build so you shouldn’t expect to see results overnight. However, with the right level of work and persistence, you could replace your full time income with your print on demand side hustle in a matter of months!

Final thoughts

Launching a print on demand business can be an exciting and rewarding venture in 2024. By following the steps outlined in this guide, such as selecting the right products, choosing a reliable print on demand platform, creating your store, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can set yourself up for success.

Remember, building a profitable business takes time, effort, and continuous learning. Stay dedicated, adapt to market trends, and focus on delivering high-quality products to your customers. With perseverance and a strategic approach, your print on demand business can thrive in the ever-growing e-commerce landscape.

FAQs

The easiest way to start your own print on demand business in the UK is to use a platform such as Printful that provides everything you need to get started. Etsy is also a popular platform to use for beginners who do not want to design their own eCommerce store.
Yes, starting a print on demand business can be very worthwhile as long as you are able to work on the business every day for at least 3 months until you make a sale. It is difficult to predict how long it will take to start making sales with print on demand but 3 months is a reasonable timeline.
Yes, print on demand can be very profitable. Most sellers make at least £1000 passively each month by selling clothing or accessories that they have designed. Considering the low overheads and startup costs, this makes it a very profitable business model or side hustle.

How To Start a Print On Demand Business in 2024- Complete Guide

What is Print On Demand?

Is a Print on Demand Business Profitable?

How To Start a Print On Demand Business with no Money