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  1. Home
  2. /How to Start a Print on Demand Business
Beginner's guide

How to Start a Print on Demand Business: Step-by-Step Guide

Start your print on demand business with zero inventory and no upfront costs. This guide covers everything you need to launch and grow a successful POD business.

Start your business todayOrder a sample pack
Guide to starting a print on demand business

What is print on demand?

Print on demand (POD) is a business model where products are only created after a customer places an order. Unlike traditional retail, you don't need to invest in inventory, warehouse space, or upfront production costs. When a customer purchases your product, Papello handles printing, packaging, and shipping directly to them.

Whether you're selling art prints, custom mugs, notebooks, or other custom products, print on demand eliminates the financial risks of traditional manufacturing.

Step-by-step guide

Follow these six steps to launch your print on demand business with Papello.

1

Choose your niche and products

Before diving in, identify your target market and the products you want to sell.

  • What products align with your interests and expertise?
  • Who is your target audience - artists, businesses, gift buyers?
  • Research trending products and market demand
  • Popular choices include custom posters, mugs, notebooks, and wall art
2

Select a print on demand provider

Choose a reliable partner that aligns with your business needs. Key things to look for:

  • No minimum orders - start without bulk commitments
  • Production speed - 95% of orders shipping within 1-2 business days
  • Quality - always order sample packs to verify print quality
  • Competitive pricing that allows for healthy margins
  • Easy integrations with your sales channels
  • White-label packaging branded with your business name
3

Create your designs

Your designs are the heart of your business. Here's how to get started:

  • Use design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or free tools like Canva
  • Download print templates from the download centre to ensure correct sizing
  • Use high-resolution images - 300 DPI minimum for sharp print results
  • Use preview tools to see how designs will look when printed
  • Order sample packs to verify quality before going live
4

Set up your online store

Choose where you'll sell your products:

  • Etsy - great for handmade and artistic products
  • Shopify - full control over your brand and customer experience
  • WooCommerce - flexible WordPress-based e-commerce solution
  • Your own website using direct ordering via the Papello API
5

Connect your store and set up automations

Integrate your provider with your sales channel to automate fulfilment:

  • Connect via API or integration plugins
  • Configure automations so orders automatically trigger printing and shipping
  • You're only charged when you place an order - no upfront commitment
  • Test the integration with a sample order before going live
6

Launch and market your products

Once everything is set up, it's time to go live:

  • Create compelling product listings with high-quality images
  • Use free mockups to showcase products professionally
  • Optimise listings with relevant keywords
  • Share products on social media and build an email list
  • Consider paid advertising once you have proven products

How much does it cost to start?

One of the biggest advantages of print on demand is the low barrier to entry.

Upfront costs
  • No setup fees: Papello seller dashboards are free forever.
  • No minimum orders: Start with zero inventory investment.
  • Design software: Free options available (Canva, GIMP) or paid (Adobe).
  • Sample packs: Optional but recommended - typically £20-50.
Ongoing costs
  • Product costs: You only pay when an order is placed.
  • Shipping: Competitive rates, passed on to customers or included in pricing.
  • Platform fees: Etsy, Shopify, or WooCommerce may charge transaction fees.
  • Optional: Papello Plus: Product discounts and branded inserts for your packaging.

Key advantage: With Papello, you can start with zero upfront costs. The seller dashboard is free forever, there are no setup fees, and you're only charged when you place an order - so you can test products and markets without financial risk.

Tips for success

Start small, scale smart

Begin with a focused product range and niche. Test what works before expanding. With no minimum orders, you can experiment freely.

Focus on quality design

Invest time in creating high-quality, original designs. Use preview tools to ensure your artwork looks perfect before going live.

Order sample packs

Always verify print quality, paper feel, and packaging before listing products. This builds confidence in what you're selling.

Optimise for speed

Choose a provider that ships quickly. With Papello, 95% of orders ship within 1-2 business days, keeping customers happy.

Continue reading

Print on demand UK

UK fulfilment, VAT, and platform integrations

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Sample pack

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Print on demand

Ready to start your print on demand business?

Join thousands of sellers who have built profitable businesses with Papello. Free to sign up, no minimum orders, no upfront costs.

Create your free account→Order a sample pack
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