Common print on demand mistakes to avoid

Print on Demand Common Mistakes: What Not to Do

Avoid costly errors when starting your print on demand business. Learn from common mistakes and set yourself up for success with these essential tips.

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Why Understanding Common Mistakes Matters

Starting a print on demand business can be exciting, but many new sellers make avoidable mistakes that hinder their success. By learning from others' errors, you can save time, money, and frustration while building a profitable POD business.

This guide covers the most common pitfalls in print on demand, from market research failures to artwork issues, and provides practical solutions to help you avoid them. Whether you're selling custom posters, mugs, or wall art, these insights will help you navigate the print on demand landscape more effectively.

Top Print on Demand Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Having a Clear Niche

One of the biggest mistakes new print on demand sellers make is trying to appeal to everyone. Without a clear niche, your marketing becomes diluted, and you struggle to stand out in a crowded market.

The Problem:

✗Generic designs that don't resonate with any specific audience
✗Difficulty building a loyal customer base
✗Ineffective marketing due to unclear target audience

The Solution:

✓Identify a specific niche that aligns with your interests and expertise
✓Research your target audience's needs and preferences
✓Create designs that speak directly to your niche market
✓Focus on solving specific problems for your target audience

2. Poor Product Research and Entering Saturated Markets

Jumping into highly competitive markets without proper research is a recipe for failure. Many sellers choose products that are already oversaturated, making it nearly impossible to gain visibility.

The Problem:

✗Entering markets with thousands of similar products
✗Low profit margins due to intense competition
✗Difficulty ranking in search results

The Solution:

✓Research market demand before launching products
✓Look for gaps in the market or underserved niches
✓Consider unique products like metallic foil prints or custom wrapping paper that have less competition
✓Analyse competitor pricing and positioning

3. Using "AI Slop" Designs Without Thought

A growing issue in print on demand is sellers using obviously AI-generated designs without adding personalisation, thought, or refinement. These generic designs rarely sell because they lack authenticity and don't connect with customers.

The Problem:

✗Obvious AI-generated designs that look generic and unprofessional
✗Lack of personal touch or unique perspective
✗Customers can easily spot low-effort designs
✗Poor conversion rates due to lack of authenticity

The Solution:

✓Use AI as a starting point, but always refine and personalise designs
✓Add your unique style, brand voice, and creative vision
✓Ensure designs solve a real problem or evoke genuine emotion
✓Test designs with your target audience before launching
✓Consider using professional design principles to create more compelling artwork

4. Artwork Size and Dimension Issues

One of the most technical mistakes sellers make is not checking artwork dimensions against product requirements. Uploading artwork that doesn't match the product's print area can result in cropping, distortion, or poor print quality.

The Problem:

✗Uploading artwork without checking product dimensions
✗Artwork gets cropped or distorted during printing
✗Poor print quality due to incorrect resolution or aspect ratio
✗Customer complaints and returns due to quality issues

The Solution:

Papello provides several tools to help you avoid artwork dimension issues:

✓Downloadable templates for all products in the download centre - use these to ensure your designs match product dimensions exactly
✓Image Editor on the dashboard - create and edit artwork directly in the correct size
✓Template Editor - design artwork in the right size before or during order placement
✓Always check recommended dimensions for each product before uploading artwork
✓Use high-resolution images (typically 300 DPI) for best print quality

By using Papello's built-in design tools, you can ensure your artwork is perfectly sized for each product, eliminating dimension-related issues before they become problems.

5. Ignoring Quality Control

Some sellers assume all print on demand providers offer the same quality, but this isn't true. Choosing a provider that doesn't maintain quality standards can damage your brand reputation.

The Problem:

✗Inconsistent print quality across orders
✗Using providers that only connect you with printers (no quality control)
✗Customer complaints and negative reviews

The Solution:

✓Choose a provider that prints everything they sell (like Papello) for full quality control
✓Order sample packs to verify quality before selling
✓Work with UK-based providers for faster shipping and better quality assurance
✓Papello prints and ships from a single UK location, ensuring consistent quality and fast fulfilment

6. Underpricing Products

Many new sellers set prices too low, thinking it will help them compete. However, underpricing can make your business unsustainable and devalue your brand.

The Problem:

✗Insufficient profit margins to sustain the business
✗Unable to invest in marketing or business growth
✗Customers may perceive low prices as low quality

The Solution:

✓Calculate all costs including product, shipping, platform fees, and marketing
✓Set prices that allow for healthy profit margins (typically 2-3x product cost)
✓Research competitor pricing to understand market rates
✓Use pricing guides to help determine appropriate markups

Best Practices for Print on Demand Success

Start with a Clear Strategy

Before creating your first design, define your niche, target audience, and unique value proposition. This clarity will guide all your decisions and help you stand out.

Learn how to start →

Use the Right Tools

Take advantage of Papello's design tools, templates, and resources. The download centre, Image Editor, and Template Editor are designed to help you create perfect artwork every time.

Visit download centre →

Focus on Quality

Choose a print on demand provider that maintains quality control. Papello prints everything we sell from our UK facility, ensuring consistent quality and fast shipping.

Order sample pack →

Research Before Launching

Conduct thorough market research before entering any product category. Look for gaps in the market and avoid oversaturated niches unless you have a unique angle.

See product ideas →

Start Your Print on Demand Business the Right Way

Avoid these common mistakes and build a successful POD business with Papello. We provide all the tools and resources you need to create, sell, and fulfil custom products.

Start Selling with Papello Order Sample Pack

Why Understanding Common Mistakes Matters

Top Print on Demand Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Having a Clear Niche

One of the biggest mistakes new print on demand sellers make is trying to appeal to everyone. Without a clear niche, your marketing becomes diluted, and you struggle to stand out in a crowded market.

The Problem:

✗Generic designs that don't resonate with any specific audience
✗Difficulty building a loyal customer base
✗Ineffective marketing due to unclear target audience

The Solution:

✓Identify a specific niche that aligns with your interests and expertise
✓Research your target audience's needs and preferences
✓Create designs that speak directly to your niche market
✓Focus on solving specific problems for your target audience

2. Poor Product Research and Entering Saturated Markets

Jumping into highly competitive markets without proper research is a recipe for failure. Many sellers choose products that are already oversaturated, making it nearly impossible to gain visibility.

The Problem:

✗Entering markets with thousands of similar products
✗Low profit margins due to intense competition
✗Difficulty ranking in search results

The Solution:

✓Research market demand before launching products
✓Look for gaps in the market or underserved niches
✓Consider unique products like metallic foil prints or custom wrapping paper that have less competition
✓Analyse competitor pricing and positioning

3. Using "AI Slop" Designs Without Thought

The Problem:

✗Obvious AI-generated designs that look generic and unprofessional
✗Lack of personal touch or unique perspective
✗Customers can easily spot low-effort designs
✗Poor conversion rates due to lack of authenticity

The Solution:

✓Use AI as a starting point, but always refine and personalise designs
✓Add your unique style, brand voice, and creative vision
✓Ensure designs solve a real problem or evoke genuine emotion
✓Test designs with your target audience before launching
✓Consider using professional design principles to create more compelling artwork

4. Artwork Size and Dimension Issues

The Problem:

✗Uploading artwork without checking product dimensions
✗Artwork gets cropped or distorted during printing
✗Poor print quality due to incorrect resolution or aspect ratio
✗Customer complaints and returns due to quality issues

The Solution:

Papello provides several tools to help you avoid artwork dimension issues:

✓Downloadable templates for all products in the download centre - use these to ensure your designs match product dimensions exactly
✓Image Editor on the dashboard - create and edit artwork directly in the correct size
✓Template Editor - design artwork in the right size before or during order placement
✓Always check recommended dimensions for each product before uploading artwork
✓Use high-resolution images (typically 300 DPI) for best print quality

By using Papello's built-in design tools, you can ensure your artwork is perfectly sized for each product, eliminating dimension-related issues before they become problems.

5. Ignoring Quality Control

Some sellers assume all print on demand providers offer the same quality, but this isn't true. Choosing a provider that doesn't maintain quality standards can damage your brand reputation.

The Problem:

✗Inconsistent print quality across orders
✗Using providers that only connect you with printers (no quality control)
✗Customer complaints and negative reviews

The Solution:

✓Choose a provider that prints everything they sell (like Papello) for full quality control
✓Order sample packs to verify quality before selling
✓Work with UK-based providers for faster shipping and better quality assurance
✓Papello prints and ships from a single UK location, ensuring consistent quality and fast fulfilment

6. Underpricing Products

Many new sellers set prices too low, thinking it will help them compete. However, underpricing can make your business unsustainable and devalue your brand.

The Problem:

✗Insufficient profit margins to sustain the business
✗Unable to invest in marketing or business growth
✗Customers may perceive low prices as low quality

The Solution:

✓Calculate all costs including product, shipping, platform fees, and marketing
✓Set prices that allow for healthy profit margins (typically 2-3x product cost)
✓Research competitor pricing to understand market rates
✓Use pricing guides to help determine appropriate markups

Best Practices for Print on Demand Success

Start with a Clear Strategy

Before creating your first design, define your niche, target audience, and unique value proposition. This clarity will guide all your decisions and help you stand out.

Learn how to start →

Use the Right Tools

Take advantage of Papello's design tools, templates, and resources. The download centre, Image Editor, and Template Editor are designed to help you create perfect artwork every time.

Visit download centre →

Focus on Quality

Choose a print on demand provider that maintains quality control. Papello prints everything we sell from our UK facility, ensuring consistent quality and fast shipping.

Order sample pack →

Research Before Launching

Conduct thorough market research before entering any product category. Look for gaps in the market and avoid oversaturated niches unless you have a unique angle.

See product ideas →