What are print on demand products?
Published 18 January 2026
What are print on demand products?
Print on Demand, often shortened to POD, is an eCommerce business model that makes it super easy to sell custom products without having to keep any inventory. But what are print on demand products? You work with a print provider who customises white-label products—like t-shirts, mugs, or wall art—and sells them under your own brand. Products are only printed after a customer places an order, meaning you don’t have to worry about stock or leftover products.
Think of POD as similar to dropshipping. You create the designs, list the products for sale, and once a customer places an order, your POD partner handles everything, from printing to packaging and shipping. This means you can focus on what you love—being creative and marketing your store—without the stress of inventory management.
How Print on Demand Works
Choosing a Provider
The first step is to choose a POD provider that meets your needs. There are a lot of options, each offering different products and integrations. Once you set up an account with a provider, you can upload your designs, customise the products you want to sell, and integrate it with your eCommerce store. Some providers even help manage sales and marketing, making your job easier.
Order Fulfilment
When a customer makes a purchase, the order is automatically sent to your print provider. They take care of printing, packaging, and shipping the product directly to your customer. The beauty of POD is that you don’t have to lift a finger—your provider does all the heavy lifting while you sit back and collect your profits.
Pros of Print on Demand
- No Inventory Hassle: With POD, there’s no need to keep products in stock. Everything is made to order, meaning you only produce items that are already sold.
- Minimal Fulfilment Efforts: You don’t have to worry about packaging or shipping. The print provider takes care of it all, saving you time and effort.
- Easy to Get Started: Setting up an account with a POD platform is often as easy as creating an account with any other online service.
Print on Demand Products
The beauty of POD lies in its versatility. You can sell almost anything that can be printed on. Popular products include:
- Accessories: Hats, tote bags, keyrings, and notebooks.
- Homeware: Wall art, mugs and ceramics.
- Tech Accessories: Phone cases, tablet covers, and other tech gear.
If you can imagine it, you can probably print on it—which means the opportunities are endless!
Fulfilment Services and Marketplaces
There are two types of POD services you can work with: fulfilment services and marketplaces. Let’s break down the difference.
POD Fulfilment Services
Fulfilment services are companies that take your designs and print them onto products you want to sell. They maintain the stock of blank items and handle printing and shipping. You have control over the marketing and selling process, but your print provider takes care of everything else.
Providers like Papello would be considered a fulfilment service.
POD Marketplaces
Marketplaces, on the other hand, allow you to upload your designs and sell them directly on their platform. These platforms take care of everything—printing, marketing, and fulfilment—but you may have less control over your profits and brand identity.
Fulfilment Service or Marketplace?
Choosing between a fulfilment service or marketplace depends on how much control you want. If you want complete control over marketing and pricing, a fulfilment service is the way to go. But if you want a hands-off approach to selling, a marketplace might be the better choice.
How to Start a Print on Demand eCommerce Store
1. Choose the Right Print Provider
Your print provider will bring your designs to life, so it’s important to pick wisely. Here are some things to consider:
Integration
Make sure the POD platform integrates seamlessly with your website. Whether you’re using Shopify, Squarespace, WooCommerce, or a marketplace like Etsy, a smooth integration will make life a lot easier.
Supplier Policies
Review supplier policies on pricing, reimbursements, and turnaround times to make sure they match your business needs.
Fulfilment Methods
Some suppliers handle everything in-house, while others rely on third parties. Choose what suits your business best.
Cost
Look at the cost per item and any subscription fees that might be involved. Some providers offer a monthly subscription, while others work on a per-item basis. Papello for example is free to use with no subscriptions fees.
Product Catalogue
Make sure your provider offers the products you want to sell. Most POD services offer basics like t-shirts and mugs, but if you’re looking for something unique, make sure they have what you need.
Papello product catalogue
2. Order Samples
Once you’ve narrowed down your POD provider, it’s time to order samples. This will help you understand the quality of the products and how they’ll be presented to your customers. Some providers even offer discounts for sample orders—so take advantage of it!
Papello sample pack
3. Create Mockups
Mockups are visual representations of your products. They help your customers see what your design will look like on the product before they buy it. Most POD providers offer mock-up tools that are easy to use and can really make your product pages pop.
You can use Papello free product mockup generator to generate images of all their products.
Papello product mockup generator
4. Choose Your Niche
To stand out in the competitive world of POD, it helps to target a specific niche. This could be anything—cat lovers, book enthusiasts, yoga fans. Find a niche that speaks to your interests or passion and build a brand that caters to that audience.
If you’re already running a successful social media page, use this to your advantage by offering branded merch.
Conclusion
Print on Demand is an easy and accessible way to start an online store and sell your custom designs without any inventory worries. Whether you’re looking to test new ideas, grow a side hustle, or start your very own business, POD makes it possible without a huge upfront investment. Take time to find the right print on demand products, order samples, and create stunning mockups to give your customers the best shopping experience possible.
FAQs About Print on Demand Products
What is the best way to use Print on Demand?
The best way to use Print on Demand is to choose a niche and focus on quality. Find a POD provider that integrates well with your store and use good designs that your audience will love.
How much money can you make with Print on Demand?
Your income depends on your marketing efforts, pricing, and the demand for your products. Print on Demand is low-risk, which makes it easier to grow over time.
Can I do Print on Demand for free?
Yes, many platforms let you start for free, but you’ll need to spend on marketing to really see results.
How do you price Print on Demand products?
Check out what your competitors are charging and decide if you want to price similarly or charge a premium for unique customisations. Factor in product cost, shipping, and the profit margin you want to make.