- Adam Ravona
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce→
What is a print on demand (POD) store? Simply put, it’s a way to sell custom merch online without ever touching inventory.
When someone buys from your store, a third-party supplier prints your design and ships it straight to their door. That means you can focus on creating a website, designing products customers love and growing your business, without worrying about stock or shipping.
Print on demand is a fantastic and low risk way for creators, artists and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life and sell them globally.
In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about what a print on demand store is, the common benefits and challenges of print on demand, along with a step-by-step guide on how to make a website and set up an online store. Keep reading to see if print on demand is the right eCommerce model for your creative business.
Ready to launch your eCommerce business? With Wix eCommerce, you can build a professional online store that attracts customers, drives sales and grows your brand. Enjoy full customization, built-in SEO and powerful marketing tools, all in one platform. Start today and turn your vision into success.
TL;DR: what is a print on demand store?
Here’s a quick overview of what you'll find in this article.
A print on demand store lets you sell custom products online without managing inventory or shipping. You create the designs, and a third-party partner prints and ships the items directly to your customers as orders come in.
Aspect | Description |
Business model | Sell custom-designed products without holding inventory. |
Process | You create designs and a third-party prints and ships orders. |
Key benefit | Low initial investment and minimal risk. |
Popular products | T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, posters, tote bags and more. |
Best for | Artists, designers, influencers and entrepreneurs. |
What is print on demand?
Print on demand is an eCommerce model and order fulfillment process, similar to dropshipping, where you partner with a supplier to customize white-label products with your own designs on a per-order basis.
With print on demand, you don't pay for the product until after you’ve actually sold it, so there’s no need to buy in bulk or manage any inventory yourself.
Here’s how a print on demand store generally works:
Customer makes a purchase: Customer finds a product with your design on your online store and buys it.
Order is sent automatically: Purchase details are instantly sent to your print on demand partner.
Partner handles production: POD partner prints your design onto the product and packages it.
Product is shipped directly: Item is shipped straight to your customer by the partner.
Some print on demand companies can also include branding elements like a custom packing slip or packing tape, making it look like it came straight from you.
This hands-off approach frees you from the logistics of fulfillment, letting you focus more on the creative sides of your business.
See more:
5 benefits of print on demand
When it comes to print on demand statistics, the global POD market is growing fast and is expected to hit $57.49 billion by 2033. Launching a print on demand store offers some great advantages, especially for newcomers to eCommerce.
Low startup costs: Since you don't buy products until a customer places an order, you don't need a large upfront investment. There's no need to spend money on bulk inventory that might not sell, which significantly lowers your financial risk.
No inventory management: Your POD partner handles all the storage, packing and shipping. This frees up your time and resources to concentrate on designing and marketing.
Easy to experiment: Want to test a new design or product? With POD, you can add new items to your store in minutes without any financial commitment. If a design doesn't sell, you can simply remove it without taking a loss. This flexibility is perfect for discovering new trending products that resonate with your audience.
“Samples aren’t just for quality control—they’re your first marketing asset. Use them to build trust, create excitement around your brand and show customers exactly what they’re getting.” - Chava Katz, PMM for Wix Pages at Wix.
Wide product variety: Most POD services offer a huge catalog of products you can customize, from apparel and accessories to home decor and stationery. This allows you to offer a diverse range of items to your customers without managing multiple suppliers.
Work from anywhere: A print on demand store is 100% online. As long as you have an internet connection, you can manage your print on demand store, create new designs and connect with customers from anywhere in the world.
5 common challenges of print on demand
While the POD model is attractive, it's important to be aware of the potential hurdles you might face.
Lower profit margins: The convenience of print on demand can come at a cost. Because you're paying a third party for the product and fulfillment on a per-order basis, your profit margins per item sold will be lower compared to buying in bulk. You'll need to price your products carefully to ensure your business is profitable while still being attractive to customers.
See more: dropshipping pricing strategy→
Dependence on your supplier: As a print on demand seller, you’re placing a lot of trust in your printing partner. Product quality, printing accuracy and shipping times directly impact your brand's reputation. Delayed shipments or poor-quality prints can lead to unhappy customers, even if it's not your fault.
Pro tip: Order samples in advance, and occasionally, so you can check quality control and ensure your products meet your standards.
Order fulfillment time: The fulfillment process takes longer with POD. First, the product has to be printed, which can take a few days, and only then is it shipped. This means customers wait longer to receive their orders compared to buying from a store with ready-made inventory.
Managing returns: Handling returns can be tricky. Each POD service has its own policies. Generally, returns or reprints are only offered for damaged goods or printing errors. If a customer orders the wrong size, you might have to cover the cost yourself.
Fierce competition: The minimal investments and low risks associated with print on demand means the market is crowded. To be successful, you need to find a specific niche and create unique, high-quality designs that capture attention and build a loyal customer base.
How to get started with your own print on demand store
Ready to learn how to start a print on demand business and launch your own store? Here’s a simple, six-step guide to get you going.
01. Find your niche
You can’t appeal to everyone, so focus on a specific audience that aligns with your passions and interests. Think about what excites you. Are you into yoga, gaming, classic cars or maybe something else entirely?
A well-defined niche not only helps you create designs that truly resonate but also makes it easier to connect with your audience. When you know who you’re speaking to, your marketing efforts become more targeted and effective.
See more: print on demand business ideas→
02. Create your designs
This is the fun part. You can create your own designs using tools like Wixel. If you're not a designer, you can hire a freelance graphic designer to bring your ideas to life.
The key to a good design is focusing on originality and quality, since designs that stand out are more likely to grab attention and drive sales.
See more: how to create merch→
03. Set up your online store
An online store is the foundation of any eCommerce business. A lot of DIY website builders and eCommerce platforms let you build a professional-looking website without any coding.
Wix offers an all-in-one online store builder and eCommerce platform with fully customizable storefronts. Just choose from 2,000 professionally designed and free website templates, including hundreds of eCommerce website templates, and use the drag and drop website builder to customize it and match it with your brand.
For an even less complicated approach, Wix offers an AI website generator that creates a unique, business-ready site in no time.
See more: print on demand business names→
04. Choose a print on demand partner
A reliable print on demand partner is essential for handling your printing and shipping needs. Print on demand services like Printful make the setup process straightforward.
Wix’s Printful integration works directly with Wix eCommerce, making it easy to connect your store to a print on demand service. With Printful, you can add your designs to hundreds of products, from t-shirts and mugs to tote bags and hats. Orders placed through your site are sent straight to Printful for printing and delivery, so you don’t have to worry about inventory or shipping.
Take your time to research different providers, compare their product catalogs, pricing and shipping times to find the one that best fits your business. The right partner ensures your customers receive high-quality products on time.
“Wix and Printful take the heavy lifting out of launching a print on demand business. You can go from idea to online in a matter of hours using built-in tools for design, fulfillment, marketing and growth. It’s a full solution for anyone serious about turning their creativity into a real business.” - Chava Katz, PMM for Wix Pages at Wix.
Take a look at these Wix success stories to see how Printful transformed these seller’s passions into profitable brands.
05. Add products to your store
Now that your print on demand store is connected to a POD partner, it’s time to start adding products. Upload your designs to the items you want to sell, and make sure each product has a compelling description that highlights its features and benefits.
Some of the best print on demand products include shirts and apparel, cups and mugs, water bottles, stickers and posters.
Set competitive prices that reflect the value of your designs while keeping your target audience in mind. A well-curated product lineup can make all the difference.
Wix makes it easy to design, sell and dropship print on demand products, letting you accept payments and connect with POD providers from all over the world.
See more:
06. Market your store
Now that your store is live, it’s time to spread the word. Social media platforms are great for showcasing your products and engaging with your audience. Email campaigns help keep customers informed about new arrivals or special promotions.
If you have the budget, consider running paid ads to drive traffic to your site. The more you connect with your audience and promote your brand, the more sales you’ll generate.
Wix boosts brand visibility with a business website builder that includes SEO features and email marketing tools, helping you to attract more customers to your online store.
See more: how to make money with print on demand→
Examples of print on demand stores built with Wix
01. Mama Dragons
Mama Dragons uses their homepage to showcase their mission of supporting parents of LGBTQ youth, creating an emotional connection with their audience while making it easy for visitors to start shopping.
Like what you see? Build your own print on demand store using this same template.
Template name: Women empowerment NGO website template
02. Unify Game Wear
Unify Game Wear really nails their niche—they serve youth sports leagues by offering custom team gear that’s all about spirit, identity and teamwork. Their focus on a clear audience helps every marketing move feel personal and effective.
Like what you see? Build your own print on demand store using this same template.
Template name: Sportswear store website template
03. TAOT Studio
TOAT Studio markets their eye-catching collections by embracing print-on-demand to reduce waste and support more sustainable shopping. When you tell a story your audience cares about, you're one step closer to building a loyal following.
Like what you see? Build your own print on demand store using this same template.
Template name: Sport merchandise store website template
What is a print on demand store FAQ
What are the best products to sell with print on demand?
The best products often depend on your niche, but some items are consistently popular across the board.
Apparel like t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts are always top sellers. Accessories such as tote bags, phone cases and hats also do very well. For home goods, mugs, posters and throw pillows are great choices. The key is to pick products that fit your brand and appeal to your target audience.
Do I need to be a designer to start a print on demand business?
Not at all. While design skills are great to have, they aren't a requirement.
Many successful store owners hire freelance designers to create their artwork. You can also purchase pre-made designs with commercial licenses. The most important thing is having a strong vision for your brand and knowing what your audience wants.
How do I price my print on demand products?
Pricing is a balancing act. You need to cover the POD provider's base cost for the product and printing, account for any platform fees and then add your profit margin.
A good starting point is to aim for a profit margin of at least 30%. Look at what your competitors are charging for similar items, but don't be afraid to price higher if your designs are unique and your brand quality justifies it.
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