- 9 hours ago
- 8 min read
Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Start selling with print-on-demand
Print-on-demand makes selling online much simpler. You sell custom merch only after someone places an order, so you don’t spend money on products that might not move. That gives you more room to test ideas, try different designs and figure out what actually works.
Start a print-on-demand store without inventory or shipping. Choose products, add your designs and launch a fully customizable Wix store with seamless Printful integration. Manage your business with built-in AI, marketing tools and one powerful dashboard.
How to make money with print-on-demand
Thriving in the print-on-demand business is about smart marketing, staying on top of trends and managing your time like a pro. Quality and creativity matter because standout custom products are more likely to get noticed and chosen. A strong online portfolio can showcase your work and help you stand out in a competitive market.
Looking to level up? Build a website or use popular POD platforms (like Printful) to drive traffic and grow your brand. Focusing on a niche helps you stand out and attract customers who actually care about what you’re selling and keep coming back for more.
12 ways to make money with print-on-demand
If you have a print-on-demand business idea or want to start making money as a freelancer in the digital printing world, turning your passion into profit is all about aligning it with market demand.
01. T-shirt design
Dive into the world of T-shirt design by crafting unique and eye-catching designs tailored for various audiences and occasions. Utilize your artistic flair to create visually stunning and engaging T-shirts that resonate with different tastes and preferences.
Whether it's witty slogans, intricate illustrations or bold statements, infuse your designs with creativity to capture the attention of diverse customers.
Learn more:
02. Hoodie and sweatshirt design
Explore the realm of comfort and style with hoodie and sweatshirt design. Develop cozy and stylish designs that offer a perfect blend of warmth and fashion. Consider seasonal trends and consumer preferences to create designs that not only keep wearers snug but also make a fashion statement. This can also be a great way to make money online.
03. Mug and drinkware design
Embark on a journey of personalized and themed drinkware design. From mugs to water bottles, unleash your creativity to design items that add a personal touch to people's daily routines. Think about themes that resonate with individuals, creating a connection between your designs and the users' preferences.
04. Phone case design
Combine aesthetics with functionality by creating visually appealing and protective designs for phone cases. Consider the latest trends, materials and consumer needs to craft designs that not only enhance the look of mobile devices but also provide the necessary protection. Strive to create designs that users would proudly showcase.
Be inspired by our guide to print design.
05. Home decor and art prints
Transform living spaces with your artistic touch by designing art prints, posters and home decor items. Explore a variety of themes, from contemporary to classic, and create pieces that resonate with different interior design styles. Your designs can become a focal point in people's homes, expressing their unique taste and personality. Explore Shira Barzilay’s website, Koketit, to give you inspiration on how to springboard your career.
06. Customized stationery
Merge functionality and creativity in customized stationery design. Create craft notebooks, planners and notepads that stand out with personalized touches. Consider incorporating unique patterns, illustrations or even customizable features that allow users to express their individuality through your stationery designs.
07. Apparel for pets
Capture the hearts of pet owners by designing clothing and accessories for pets with unique and playful designs. Consider the comfort of the animals while infusing your designs with elements that reflect the joy and personality of pets. Your creations can become a delightful extension of the bond between pets and their owners.
08. Face masks and accessories
Address the contemporary need for stylish and comfortable face masks by designing unique patterns and accessories. Blend fashion with functionality to create face masks that make a statement while providing the necessary protection. Consider complementary accessories that enhance the overall experience of wearing face masks.
09. Customized bags and totes
Explore the world of bag and tote design with fashionable and functional designs that cater to the diverse needs of individuals. Consider trends in sustainable fashion and design products that align with eco-friendly preferences while offering practical solutions for daily activities.
10. Tech accessories
Enhance the digital experience by designing skins and accessories for laptops, tablets and other tech devices. Explore innovative designs that not only protect devices but also add a touch of individuality. Consider collaborating with tech enthusiasts to create designs that resonate with their passion for gadgets.
11. Sticker and decal design
Bring joy and self-expression to everyday items with fun and expressive sticker and decal designs. Explore a variety of themes and styles that cater to different age groups and interests. Consider creating themed collections or collaborating with artists to expand your range of designs.
12. Special occasion merchandise
Contribute to memorable events by designing custom merchandise for special occasions like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Capture the essence of these moments with personalized designs and custom merch that become cherished keepsakes. Consider collaborating with event planners or individuals to create unique and meaningful designs for their special celebrations.
Explore the LemonMerch website featuring a wide range of print-on-demand merchandise, from hoodies and t-shirts to bento boxes and mugs.
Creative print-on-demand examples
Subscription box merchandise: Exclusive printed items like themed T-shirts, mugs and posters designed for niche subscription boxes, adding value for collectors and fans.
Learn more about brochure ideas.
Personalized board games and puzzles: Custom jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board game sets featuring unique artwork, family portraits or branding for small businesses.
Reversible bucket hats: Trendy double-sided designs that let customers switch up their style with different patterns, colors or brand logos on each side.
Car sunshades and accessories: Fun windshield covers with eye-catching designs, personalized license plate frames and standout car decals.
Printed yoga mats: Custom mats with motivational quotes, bold patterns or eco-friendly messaging, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and wellness brands.
Custom sneakers and slides: Unique footwear with bold patterns, pop culture references or personal touches, great for sneakerheads and streetwear fans.
Personalized journals and planners: Custom covers and inserts with artistic designs, business branding or goal-tracking templates for students, entrepreneurs and professionals.
Embroidered patches and pins: Cool collectible designs for fandoms, streetwear brands or businesses looking to stand out with unique branded accessories.
Travel accessories: Printed passport covers, luggage tags and travel pouches with maps, travel quotes or monograms for globetrotters and travel influencers.
Gaming mousepads and desk mats: High-quality prints with gaming artwork, sci-fi themes or custom designs for gamers and office setups.
Custom aprons and kitchenware: Printed chef aprons, oven mitts, cutting boards and recipe journals for home cooks, restaurants and food influencers.
Outdoor gear: Printed camping mugs, waterproof stickers, picnic blankets and foldable chairs with nature-inspired designs or adventure branding.
Wedding and event merchandise: Personalized wedding favors, bachelorette party T-shirts, banners and welcome signs designed for special occasions.
Limited edition collector’s prints: Numbered exclusive pieces featuring original illustrations, digital artwork or photography, perfect for collectors and fans.
Explore this T-shirt design website for inspiration on this print-on-demand product.
Print-on-demand trends
Personalized and trend-driven designs are dominating print-on-demand as customers look for unique, made-for-them products. AI-generated art is making it easier to create bold, eye-catching designs while eco-friendly options like organic cotton tees and biodegradable phone cases are growing in demand. Niche branding is on the rise too, with print-on-demand companies leaning into viral aesthetics, pop culture references and social movements to build loyal communities.
Social media is a major driver of print-on-demand success, turning viral moments into best-selling products almost overnight. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram make it simple for creators to showcase merch, and AR tools let customers preview designs before buying. Subscription-based POD is also expanding, offering fresh designs monthly in categories like apparel, home decor and accessories.
Learn more:
How to get started making money with print-on-demand
Begin by honing your design skills and identifying your preferred niche within the print-on-demand market. Make sure to stay informed about design trends and continuously improve your skills.
Next, think about how to make a website or a portfolio showcasing your best designs and product offerings. Utilize social media platforms and POD marketplaces to reach a wider audience and attract potential customers.
Set up a professional profile on POD platforms and eCommerce websites to connect with potential clients, collaborators and industry professionals.
With Wix’s print-on-demand products widget, powered by Printful, you can design and launch personalized apparel, accessories, home goods and more.
Understand the basics of how to start a business, including setting competitive pricing, optimizing product listings and managing customer orders.
How to make money with print-on-demand FAQ
How do I find customers for my print-on-demand products?
What should I charge for my print-on-demand designs?
Research industry standards and consider factors such as your design expertise, the complexity of the design and the cost of production when determining your pricing strategy.
How do I identify profitable print-on-demand niches?
Focus on niches that match your design skills, market demand and personal interests. Specializing in areas like eco-friendly designs or pet-themed merchandise can open doors to better opportunities, especially if you build a reputation as an expert in that space.
Do you need an LLC for print-on-demand?
You don’t need an LLC to start a print-on-demand business, but it can offer legal protection and tax benefits. A lot of sellers begin as sole proprietors and set up an LLC later when their business grows or they want liability protection.
Can you live off of print-on-demand?
Yes, but it takes time, strategy and consistency. Successful sellers focus on niche products, strong branding and effective marketing to build steady income. Diversifying sales channels and optimizing designs for trending markets can help turn POD into a full-time business.
Do you need a license for print-on-demand?
Most print-on-demand businesses don't need a special license but might require a general business license depending on your state or country. If you're using copyrighted images or brands, make sure you have permission or a licensing agreement to steer clear of legal trouble.
Do I need an EIN for print-on-demand?
You don’t need an EIN as a sole proprietor unless you hire employees, but it can make things easier for taxes and opening a business bank account. If you start an LLC, an EIN is usually needed for filing taxes and handling finances.
Is print-on-demand a good source of passive income?
Print-on-demand is a great way to earn passive income, but it does take some effort upfront. You’ll need to create designs, set up a store and focus on marketing. Once your store is running, the platform takes care of fulfillment so you can earn money with less ongoing work.
