- Ucha Vekua
- Oct 22
- 13 min read
Updated: Nov 11
As customers crave more personalized products, smart sellers across all types of businesses are turning to print on demand. It’s a risk-free way to offer custom products without upfront inventory or the stress of unsold stock—making personalization simple and profitable for anyone.
So, how can you get your start with print on demand? What print on demand products should you consider selling? What print on demand business ideas could you lead with?
TL;DR: print on demand products
Some of the most popular print on demand items are t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, phone cases and even sneakers. To succeed in the POD business you'll want to target a niche audience, offer personalization options, experiment with designs and create limited-edition drops.
POD also helps with storage and supply chain headaches and improves cash flow since products are only printed when ordered. Platforms like Printful or Printify integrate with Wix eCommerce to make design, fulfillment and marketing a breeze. Just make sure to use original or licensed designs and choose products with both visual and practical appeal.
Ready to launch your print on demand business? With Wix eCommerce, you can connect Printful in minutes, turn your designs into products and start selling—all from one dashboard. Build your store, customize your brand and let Printful handle fulfillment. With built-in SEO, AI tools and marketing features, Wix gives you everything you need to grow your print on demand business.
What is print on demand?
Print on demand—POD for short—is a fast-growing dropshipping model that turns over billions of dollars worldwide.
Under this model, you don’t have to worry about carrying any physical goods. Rather, you work with a print on demand service, which connects you with third-party suppliers.
All you have to do is pick blank merchandise, create a custom design and forward any future orders to your POD supplier. Your supplier will then print and ship orders on your behalf—some will even allow you to white-label their products.
8 products to start your print on demand journey
The best POD products tend to be trendy, fashionable and (for practical purposes) lightweight. That said, there are various print on demand niches that you can explore, spanning everything from pet goods to astrology.
Here are some of the most popular print on demand items, based on data by Printify.
01. Mugs
Mugs might seem simple, but they’re one of the most strategic print on demand products you can sell. They combine low production costs with strong emotional appeal. People don’t just buy mugs; they buy a message, a mood or a memory. That makes them perfect for niche branding, storytelling and connecting with specific audiences.
Mugs are incredibly versatile as a print on demand product. One base product can become dozens of profitable variations just by changing the design or theme. You can target niches like book lovers, gamers, remote workers or travelers without adding new inventory. Mugs also sell well in bundles—pair them with other print on demand items like tote bags or t-shirts for higher order values.
Tips for selling print on demand mugs:
Make themed collections (morning motivation sarcastic quotes minimalist art) to build brand identity and encourage repeat purchases.
Focus on typography and design clarity. Most buyers view product images on mobile so text and visuals must be readable at small sizes.
Test your best-selling print on demand designs on other mug styles like enamel or color-changing versions to expand your catalog without new artwork.
Use lifestyle photos or short videos showing the mug in use. It helps buyers imagine it in their own routine.
Consider offering personalization (names dates inside jokes) to add emotional value and justify higher prices.
Research from Heinz Cup found that 60% of us have an unnaturally close relationship to our mugs with almost four in 10 people saying they wouldn't want anyone else sharing it. It's easy to see how selling the right customizable mug can translate into big sales.
LemonMerch has a seemingly endless library of merchandise, spanning everything from hoodies to bento boxes. Drinkware is a natural fit. The brand collaborated with TikTok influencer AnnaRileyOk to design the mug featured above, which is offered in various colors.
Be inspired by our guide to print design.
02. T-shirts
Few POD products offer as much opportunity for originality (and sales) as the classic T-shirt. The global custom T-shirt market alone is expected to cross $10 billion in the next three years.
T-shirts are one of the most versatile print on demand products because they combine creativity with practicality. You can go beyond simple graphics by designing shirts that tell a story, reflect lifestyles or connect with specific communities.
For example, a cat-themed collection could feature unique illustrations of different breeds paired with clever phrases while a dog-lover series could highlight playful silhouettes alongside witty sayings. Other ideas include illustrated coffee cups for café enthusiasts, plant patterns for gardening fans or book-inspired typography for readers.
Creative T-shirt design strategies
Experimenting with design placement and style can make a t-shirt feel premium and unique. Sleeve prints, pocket graphics, small chest logos or all-over patterns create visual interest and stand out from standard front-back designs.
Limited-edition releases for holidays, special events or fandom anniversaries encourage urgency and drive repeat sales. You can also create small collectible series—sets of shirts that connect visually or thematically—so customers are motivated to collect multiple designs.
Personalization and presentation
Want to add another layer of appeal? Offer options to add names initials or custom illustrations. This makes t-shirts perfect as gifts or one-of-a-kind items. High-quality mockups and lifestyle photos showing people wearing the shirts in everyday situations help buyers imagine how the design fits into their lives.
Note: Always ensure your designs are original or properly licensed. Using someone else’s artwork or logos without permission can cause intellectual property issues.
03. Tote bags
The real potential of tote bags lies in targeting niches and creating products that feel personal. You can design for book lovers with literary quotes, for creatives with artsy prints or for hobbyists like gardeners or travelers. Urban commuters might prefer sleek minimalist styles while festival-goers might go for bold colorful patterns. Limited editions, seasonal collections or bundles with complementary products like mugs or notebooks can also boost sales.
Consider how your tote designs fit into people’s daily routines. A tote used for a coffee run, grocery shopping or carrying work essentials can be both practical and stylish. Showcasing these real-life uses in mockups or social media posts helps customers see the bag as part of their lifestyle, not just a product.
Ideas to maximize tote bag sales
Niche it down: Create collections for specific hobbies, professions or lifestyles (think plant lovers, remote workers or book clubs).
Get personal: Offer customization options like names, monograms or inside jokes for truly unique gifts.
Bundle up: Pair totes with other POD products like mugs, notebooks or t-shirts.
Limited drops: Release seasonal or limited-edition designs to create buzz and exclusivity.
Show, don't just tell: Highlight real-life usage in your photos and videos—shopping, commuting, traveling or attending events.
Team up: Collaborate with influencers or micro-communities to showcase your designs authentically.
Experiment: Play with different materials, sizes and colors to attract diverse audiences.
04. Pillowcases
Pillowcases are a surprisingly powerful print on demand product because they combine everyday practicality with personal expression. Unlike items people carry or wear, pillowcases live in personal spaces—bedrooms, guest rooms or even living areas—so they give your designs a more intimate connection with customers.
People buy POD pillowcases not just to protect their pillows but to reflect style, humor or personality. A quirky quote, a favorite color palette or a custom illustration can turn a simple pillowcase into a statement piece.
Repeat purchases and seasonal pillowcase collections
Pillowcases wear out over time and many people like to switch designs with the seasons or trends. This opens up opportunities for seasonal collections limited-edition designs or matching sets with blankets sheets or other bedding items. Customization adds even more value—customers love adding names initials or personalized messages especially when gifting.
Niche audiences for personalized pillowcases
Pillowcases perform well in niche markets. Kids’ bedrooms, pet lovers, gamers and pop culture fans all respond to designs that feel tailored to their interests. You can create collections for hobbies, favorite shows or aesthetic styles like minimalism, retro patterns or boho décor.
Lifestyle-focused product images help too—show the pillowcases in cozy reading corners, stacked on beds with matching décor or as part of a travel pillow setup to make the design feel part of daily life.
Bundles and themed sets
Bundles work best when they feel cohesive and useful. Pair pillowcases with other print on demand home products like blankets duvet covers or wall art in matching colors or designs. Selling themed bedroom sets—like minimalist neutrals floral prints or gamer-inspired styles—encourages higher spending and positions your brand as a one-stop decor shop.
Gift bundles are another effective option. Combine pillowcases with mugs tote bags or sleep masks under a theme like “self-care night” or “cozy reading set.” These are ideal for seasonal campaigns holidays or influencer promotions.
Upsells and personalization
You can automate upsells in your store. When someone adds one pillowcase to their cart suggest the matching set or a complementary design. Personalized upsells also perform well. Offering name customization or date embroidery can increase perceived value without extra production costs.
You can even use pillowcases as entry products for higher-end bundles. A customer might start with one design and later upgrade to a full bedding collection once they trust your quality and style.
NoSmallDreamsShop specifically appeals to Hmong and k-pop lovers. Its BTS-inspired pillow features an illustration of Jungkook, the youngest member of the South Korean band that has become a global sensation.
05. Phone cases
Phone cases are a top print on demand product because everyone uses them and people like to switch designs often. They’re small, cheap to make and easy to ship, making them perfect for testing designs and building repeat customers.
Personalized phone case designs and niche ideas
Think about designing for specific audiences: fun quotes for students, sleek minimalist patterns for professionals, adorable illustrations for pet lovers or cool pop culture references for fans. And if you really want to boost their appeal as gifts, let customers add names initials or custom graphics.
Phone case styles and protection options
Different types of cases attract different buyers. Slim glossy cases are stylish and lightweight while rugged or wallet-style cases are practical and protective. Offering clear cases for people who want their phone visible or eco-friendly biodegradable options gives customers choice and increases your chances of a sale.
Phone case bundles and marketing strategies
Consider bundling phone cases with other tech accessories like laptop sleeves, AirPods covers or charging cords. Seasonal designs—think holiday patterns, summer colors or back-to-school themes—are great for boosting sales.
Don't forget to use lifestyle photos or short videos. Show the case in action—a phone slipping into a bag, sitting on a desk or showing off a cool design.
06. Paper lunch bags
Paper lunch bags are a simple yet underused print on demand product with a lot of potential. They’re affordable lightweight and perfect for small businesses schools events or eco-conscious brands. Unlike other POD items paper lunch bags are disposable. This encourages repeat purchases and allows you to experiment with seasonal or themed designs without worrying about unsold inventory.
Custom paper lunch bag designs for niches
Target different audiences with creative designs. For kids use cartoon characters fun patterns or educational prints. For businesses offer branded lunch bags with logos for offices cafes or food delivery. Holiday-themed designs—like Halloween Valentine's Day or Christmas—also perform well and encourage bulk orders.
Marketing and bundling ideas
Bundle paper lunch bags with other POD products like stickers reusable utensils or eco-friendly snack containers to create themed sets. Show lifestyle use in your photos—a lunch bag on a school desk picnic setup or café table—to help buyers imagine using the product. Offer bulk discounts for parties events or corporate orders to drive larger sales.
07. All-over print clothing
POD opens the door to more vibrant, all-over clothing. Rather than having one simple print on the front or back of a hoodie, you can explore an all-encompassing print.
Granted, because these types of prints require more color and (often) more intricate designs, the cost per unit will be higher than your average graphic tee. Nevertheless, this trend could win you some fans. And if you’re an artist at heart, print on demand can be your ticket to making money as an artist online.
Creative all-over print clothing ideas
Niche patterns: Focus on hobbies, fandoms or interests. For example, create hoodies covered in tiny musical instruments for musicians or a pattern of illustrated houseplants for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
Seasonal collections: Design prints tied to holidays or events. Think autumn leaves for fall, festive snowflakes for winter or vibrant tie-dye patterns for summer festivals. Limited editions can drive urgency and repeat purchases.
Lifestyle and aesthetic graphics: Use abstract or illustrative designs that reflect a lifestyle. Cityscape prints for urban commuters, celestial patterns for astrology fans or motivational typography repeated across the garment can give a sense of identity.
Collaborations and exclusive designs: Team up with artists, illustrators or micro-influencers for unique designs that really connect with their followers. Imagine a limited-edition hoodie by a cool local artist – that's a premium seller right there.
Custom touches: Let customers add their own flair. Think names, initials or other personalized elements right into the print. Picture a subtle, repeating pattern of their name woven into a cool floral or geometric design.
Matching outfits and sets: Pair hoodies with joggers or leggings in the same print for cohesive sets. A tropical-themed hoodie with matching shorts or leggings appeals to vacationers or festival goers.
Case in point: artist, entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker—Melissa A. Mitchell—spreads cheer through her bold, lively POD apparel. Her clothing mirrors her love for abstract art, which has earned her quite the following since she first ventured into the art world.
08. Sneakers
Print on demand sneakers are a great way to engage customers if you combine unique designs with smart pricing. They’re a premium product that appeals to collectors and everyday wearers alike, so focus on style quality and exclusivity to make them stand out.
Design ideas for POD sneakers
Full-cover prints, abstract patterns or hand-drawn illustrations can turn sneakers into wearable art. Niche designs perform well: think celestial motifs for astrology fans, tiny pet portraits for animal lovers, music-inspired prints for festival-goers or retro gaming graphics for gamers. Even small details like patterned soles, colored laces or stitched accents can make a design feel premium.
Pricing, margins and sizes
Sneakers are a higher-cost POD item so your pricing strategy is crucial. Base costs are higher than t-shirts or mugs which means you need to calculate margins carefully. Many sellers mark up 2–3x the production cost depending on customization and exclusivity.
Offering multiple sizes is essential—most brands cover the full range from youth to adult and unisex sizing is popular. Highlighting the quality, comfort and durability in your product descriptions helps justify higher prices.
Customer appeal and limited editions
Limited runs and seasonal designs boost demand. Collaborations with artists or influencers or exclusive colorways for holidays create urgency and make sneakers more collectible. Personalization options like initials, custom colors or small embroidered icons add value without significantly increasing production costs.
Selling print on demand products offers a number of benefits
Avoid physical stock. Eliminate storage costs, labor fees and the headache of managing a larger set of inventory.
Adapt to fluctuating demand. Minimize the risk of having too much or too little inventory and only produce items when the demand actually exists.
Dodge supply chain nightmares. Global supply chains have experienced massive disruption in recent years. POD limits your exposure to these problems by providing access to multiple suppliers in various regions. If one supplier is unable to fulfill orders, another might be able to.
Reduce stock damage and theft. By reducing the amount of inventory on hand, you don’t have to personally monitor for damaged, spoiled or even stolen products.
Reduce packaging costs. Working with a platform like Printify means you can offer lower packaging and postage costs than if you were to manage everything yourself. This will make your product more competitive.
Improve cash flow. Manufacturing customized products on your own can be a costly venture, requiring lots of time, money and number crunching. But with POD, everything is already set up—requiring minimal upfront capital to get started.
Get started right away. POD platforms like Printify make it easy to create your first products. Simply choose from a catalog of existing POD products, build your design and start selling through your Wix eCommerce site (see our guide on what is eCommerce).
Learn more: brochure ideas.
While many industries are struggling right now, print on demand continues to grow year over year. The reason for this continued growth says much about the times we live in. Customers spend much more time online and less time physically in stores.
The business world is changing too, with more sales being transacted online and greater opportunities for individuals to create successful eCommerce enterprises. Get your start in print on demand today with the help of Printify’s integration with Wix eCommerce.
Print on demand products to sell online FAQ
What is the most profitable print on demand product?
Apparel like t-shirts, hoodies and all-over print clothing is the most profitable POD category due to high demand, repeat purchase potential and space for creative niche-focused designs. Sneakers and premium items like custom bags or home décor can also deliver higher margins thanks to their perceived value.
What products can be print on demand?
Pretty much anything you can print, embroider or sublimate can be a POD product. Think t-shirts, hoodies, leggings, sneakers, tote bags, mugs, pillows, phone cases and stationery. Home decor items like blankets, wall art and pillowcases are super popular, as are small lifestyle products such as stickers, notebooks and lunch bags.
Learn more: How to sell print-on-demand t-shirts
Do I need to hold inventory for POD products?
No. That's the main perk of POD. Products only get printed and shipped once a customer orders them. This eliminates upfront costs and storage headaches. Plus, you can test as many designs or products as you like without any financial risk.
How do I choose the right POD products?
Start by figuring out what your target audience loves. What products fit their lifestyle or interests? Then, look for items they'll buy again, ones with personalization options and a strong visual impact, like apparel, home décor or accessories. Research current trends, explore niche communities and check out what competitors offer.
Are there restrictions on POD designs?
Yes, you can't use copyrighted or trademarked material without permission, including logos characters or celebrity images. Designs must also follow the POD platform’s content guidelines, avoiding offensive illegal or prohibited imagery. Creating original artwork or licensed collaborations keeps your store safe and professional.