- Mar 23
- 16 min read
Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix print-on-demand
Print-on-demand (POD) is a simple way to sell custom merch online without ever touching inventory. This means you can focus on creating a website, designing products customers love and growing your business. Test out new designs, experiment with trends and launch products fast, all with low upfront costs and minimal risk.
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.
TL;DR: what is a print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand makes it possible to sell custom merch without holding any inventory. It’s a great way to start an online business with zero upfront costs. When a customer buys from your store your POD partner prints your design on the product and ships it for you. To do well you’ll want to focus on creating cool designs smart pricing and a positive customer experience.
You'll learn:
What a print-on-demand store is and how it works
Types of POD products and production methods
How materials and variations affect what customers think
Pricing strategies and how to make a profit
Branding tips and creating a better customer experience
The good and the bad of running a POD store
Steps to start your own POD business and market it like a pro
What is print-on-demand
Print-on-demand is a business model where you only make products after a customer makes a purchase. Instead of producing items in bulk and hoping they sell, you focus on creating great designs. When you get an order, a third-party provider prints, packs and ships the product directly to your customer.
This approach keeps your costs low since you don’t pay for anything until you’ve made a sale. It also means you won't get stuck with a pile of unsold inventory. With print-on-demand, you can easily test new designs or products and see what your audience loves. You can sell all kinds of custom items like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags and posters. The best part? You don’t have to deal with any of the logistics yourself.
It’s a simple idea that lets you do what you do best: create. While your provider handles all the printing and shipping, you can build your business with a small investment and experiment with new ideas as you grow.
How does print-on-demand work?
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.
With Wix’s print-on-demand products widget, powered by Printful, you can design and launch personalized apparel, accessories, home goods and more.
What is a print-on-demand business
A print-on-demand business is a setup where you sell custom products online and earn profit on each order without holding inventory. You don’t pay for products upfront—your costs come only after a customer buys. This makes it low-risk and beginner-friendly.
Your main focus is creating designs that appeal to a specific audience and promoting them effectively. That could mean building a simple website, running social media campaigns or exploring marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon.
The rest—printing, packing and shipping—is handled by your POD partner. This is the company that makes your products on demand. They provide the blank items, printing equipment and expertise to get your designs looking sharp. Picking a reliable partner is a big deal because the quality of their work directly impacts your customer experience and brand’s reputation.
See more: print-on-demand business names
What is a print-on-demand store
A print-on-demand store is your online shop where customers can explore and buy your custom products. It’s where your designs meet an audience and your business makes money. You've got a few options for where to set up your POD store:
Your own print-on-demand website
With your own website, you call the shots on design, how you show off your products and your customer's journey. This is your chance to build a unique brand, create collections your way and design a shopping experience just for your audience.
You can add cool features like product bundles, special promotions, email marketing and detailed analytics. While you'll need to bring people to your site, the reward is total ownership and freedom—you're not playing by someone else's rules.
Marketplace option for a print-on-demand store
With a marketplace, you get a built-in audience ready to shop. This makes getting those first sales and seeing what products are a hit with buyers a lot easier.
But there's a catch. Your shop will look like everyone else's, you won't have many branding options and you'll have to play by the marketplace's rules, fees and policies. Growing your business often depends on the platform's algorithm, not your own marketing efforts.
Print-on-demand provider-hosted page
This is a storefront hosted by the provider where your products are listed. You can customize it, but the provider owns the platform. Orders go straight to them for production and shipping. These pages are usually free, but you’ll pay per product sold or for extra features like custom branding.
See more:
What are print-on-demand products
Print-on-demand products are items you can customize that are made only after a customer buys one. They’re different from other products not just because of the design, but because of their quality, pricing and how people purchase them.
POD product types
You’ll typically be working across a mix of product categories, each with its own strengths:
Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies and hats are great for repeat purchases and brand loyalty.
Home and living: Posters, canvas prints and decor often sell as one-time, higher-value pieces.
Accessories: Tote bags, phone cases and hats work well as add-ons to any order.
Drinkware: Mugs and tumblers are popular gift ideas for any occasion.
Stationery: Journals, notebooks and stickers are low-cost and easy to bundle.
Your custom product mix isn't just about offering variety, it’s a strategic choice that shapes how your store performs. A customer might buy a poster once but come back for new t-shirts season after season. Small add-ons like stickers can bump up your average order value and big-ticket items can give your profit-per-sale a nice boost.
Learn more:
How POD products are made
How a print-on-demand product is made affects its final look, durability and how happy your customers are. Every type of product, whether it’s apparel, accessories, home goods or stationery, needs a different printing or production method.
Fabric items like t-shirts, hoodies and hats often use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing for detailed designs or embroidery for logos and simple graphics. These methods affect texture, color vibrancy and how the design wears over time. Heavier fabrics might show prints differently than lighter ones so material choice matters as much as the print method.
Hard goods like mugs, phone cases and water bottles usually get their designs from sublimation or heat transfer. This process fuses the design onto the surface, making it durable and peel-proof. Just know that colors might look a little different depending on the product’s material and coating.
Paper and stationery like journals, stickers and posters rely on high-quality digital or offset printing. Paper type, finish (matte vs glossy) and ink saturation all change how your designs look in real life compared to a mockup.
It's a good idea to order samples before you start selling. Even the same design can look different from one custom product to another. Testing your designs on a few formats helps make sure your art or branding always looks its best no matter what your customers buy.
Materials and print-on-demand product variations
Materials and variations can change how customers perceive your products. For fabric items, the thickness, stretch and texture affect comfort and feel. A lightweight t-shirt may be soft but feel cheap, while a thicker shirt gives a more premium impression.
For hard goods like mugs, tumblers or phone cases, finishes make a difference. Glossy surfaces highlight colors, while matte finishes feel more subtle and high-end. On wall art, posters and stationery, paper type, coating and even print size influence the final look and how the product holds up over time.
POD pricing and profit margins
Pricing print-on-demand products is different from traditional retail since you never buy inventory upfront. Your POD provider sets a base cost for each product which covers materials, production and sometimes fulfillment. Your profit is the difference between that base cost and your retail price.
How much you mark up your products depends on their type and perceived value. You can often have higher margins on apparel and accessories, especially if your designs feel unique or premium. Smaller items like stickers or mugs usually have a lower price point but you can boost profit by bundling them together. High-value items like wall art or home decor can have a bigger markup because people expect to pay more for quality and aesthetics.
Shipping costs also affect your pricing strategy. Some products are heavier or need special packaging which can increase costs and what customers are willing to pay. To stay competitive you'll want to think about both your profit margin and what similar products are selling for. Try testing different price points to find that sweet spot between attracting buyers and making a profit.
Branding and customer experience
Branding is another way to make your products your own, even when your base items are similar to other sellers:
Custom labels or tags can make apparel feel like it's from an established brand.
Packaging inserts like thank-you notes add a personal touch.
Branded packing slips help create a more consistent experience.
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.
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.
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 POD 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.
02. Design your own merch
Start by thinking about the people you want to buy your products. What styles, colors and vibes grab their attention? Jot down ideas or make a simple mood board—it helps you see how designs could fit across different products.
When you move into digital design, make sure your files are high resolution and the right format for each product. A design that looks sharp on a mug might need tweaks to work on a hoodie or tote bag. Check proportions and colors carefully so nothing looks off in real life.
A single design that works on multiple product types can make your store feel cohesive and boost sales without extra effort. Test mockups before publishing so you know exactly how each product will look. The goal isn’t just to make something pretty—it’s to create designs that feel thoughtful, on-brand and something your audience would want to actually use or wear.
Not confident in your design skills? Hiring a freelance graphic designer can save time and lift the quality of your store. Give them clear direction on your brand, your niche and the products you want to sell. The more specific you are, the closer the final designs will be to what your audience actually wants.
03. Set up your print-on-demand online store
Creating a great store is all about making it clear, easy to navigate and totally on-brand. Here’s how you can build a print-on-demand store that your customers will love.
Pick a platform and design your layout
Choose an eCommerce platform that gives you full creative control over your store's appearance and navigation. Group your products into clear categories or collections to help customers find what they’re looking for. Use high-quality images from multiple angles for each product. Write detailed descriptions covering size, material and care instructions—this info helps customers make confident decisions and reduces returns. You can also add product filters, a search bar and a featured items section to make browsing a breeze.
Choose a domain and hosting
Pick a custom domain name that’s memorable and easy to type. A strong domain builds your brand and adds credibility to your online store. Your website hosting service impacts your site speed and uptime, and slow pages or downtime can lose you sales. Choose a hosting plan that can handle traffic spikes, especially when you run promotions or launch new products.
Set up a business email
Use a professional business email connected to your domain, like info@yourbrand.com, instead of a generic one. It builds trust in order confirmations, support emails and marketing campaigns. Creating separate emails for support, orders and marketing will help you stay organized and respond to customers faster.
Organize your POD store
Group your products in a way that makes sense—by type, theme or who they're for. Collections encourage customers to explore more of your online store and can even boost your average order value. You can also create sections for new arrivals, bestsellers or limited editions to guide shoppers.
Streamline checkout and integration
Make your checkout process as simple as possible. Too many steps or clunky forms can lead to abandoned carts. Since many people shop on their phones, make sure your checkout is mobile-friendly. You can connect your store directly to your POD provider to automatically send orders for printing and shipping. This connection prevents mistakes and saves you a ton of manual work.
Add essential pages to your POD website
Your store should have an About page, a Contact page and a Shipping & Returns page. Be upfront about shipping times, costs and your return policy to avoid any confusion. When customers can easily find your contact info and support options, they'll feel more confident making a purchase.
Build your POD online store with Wix
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.
04. Choose and connect a print-on-demand partner
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.
Product selection and quality: Look at the types of items they offer and whether they fit your designs. Order samples to check how colors, prints and materials actually look and feel in real life.
Fulfillment speed and shipping: Production time affects how fast your customers receive orders. Check shipping options and costs, especially for heavier items or international deliveries, since these can impact your margins.
Integration with your store: Automatic order syncing prevents manual errors and keeps orders flowing smoothly. Make sure the provider works seamlessly with your website or marketplace.
Support and branding options: Responsive customer service is essential for handling mistakes like misprints or damaged items. Options for custom tags, inserts, or branded packing slips help make your products feel professional and memorable.
Wix’s Printful integration works directly with Wix eCommerce, making it easy to connect your store to a print-on-demand service.
“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.
05. Add products to your POD store
Upload your designs and make sure they're the right size and in the right place so every print looks sharp and professional. You'll want to use clear high-quality images or mockups to show off all the details colors and angles.
Next write your product descriptions. Give shoppers practical info like materials sizing and care instructions so they know exactly what they’re getting. Tell them what makes your product unique.
When it comes to pricing, make sure you cover the base cost shipping and your profit. You can also bundle smaller items or offer different variations to bump up the order value.
Wix lets you create and sell print-on-demand products seamlessly, accept payments and link directly with your POD provider.
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.
Print-on-demand store overview
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. |
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 print-on-demand 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.
Is print-on-demand good for beginners?
Yes, it’s beginner-friendly because you don’t handle inventory or shipping. You can focus on creating designs, testing products and learning marketing without a big upfront investment. It’s a low-risk way to start selling online and see what works.
How much money do you need for print-on-demand?
You can start with very little since you only pay when a product sells. Most costs come from setting up a website, buying a domain and optional marketing. Even a few hundred dollars can be enough to launch a basic store.
Can you start print-on-demand with no money?
Yes, if you use a free provider-hosted store or marketplace page, you don’t need upfront cash for inventory. You’ll still need to cover costs for custom domains, premium features or paid ads if you want to grow faster.
Do I need a business license to sell print-on-demand?
It depends on your location and how you structure your store. Some countries or states require a business license or tax registration for online sales while others don’t for small or hobby businesses.
Do you have to pay taxes for print-on-demand?
Yes, income from sales is generally taxable and you may also need to collect sales tax depending on your region. Your POD provider may handle some sales tax collection but you should confirm local tax rules to stay compliant.
