Understand print on demand terminology with our comprehensive glossary. Learn essential POD terms, definitions, and concepts to help you succeed in your business.
The print on demand industry has its own terminology and jargon. Understanding these terms is essential for communicating effectively with POD providers, managing your business, and making informed decisions about products and services.
This glossary covers the most important terms you'll encounter when running a print on demand business, from technical printing terms to business concepts. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide will help you navigate the POD landscape with confidence.
A business model where products are only created after a customer places an order. This eliminates the need for inventory and upfront production costs.
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A retail fulfilment method where a store doesn't keep products in stock. Instead, when a customer orders, the store purchases the item from a third party who ships it directly to the customer.
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A product or service that is produced by one company but sold under another company's brand. In POD, this means packaging and products appear unbranded or with your brand only.
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A visual representation of how a design will look on a physical product. Mockups help customers visualise products before purchase and are essential for marketing.
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A specific print area on a product that can have its own design. Some products have multiple canvas views (e.g., front and back of a card, inside and outside of a notebook).
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A measure of image resolution. Higher DPI means better print quality. Most POD providers recommend 300 DPI for optimal print quality.
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A colour model used in printing that stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). Print files should be in CMYK format for accurate colour reproduction.
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A colour model used for digital displays (Red, Green, Blue). While RGB is used for screens, print files should typically be converted to CMYK for accurate printing.
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The process of receiving, processing, and shipping customer orders. In POD, the provider handles fulfilment automatically when orders are placed.
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A unique identifier for each product variation. In POD, each product size, colour, or style combination typically has its own SKU.
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The proportional relationship between an image's width and height. Matching artwork aspect ratio to product dimensions prevents cropping or distortion.
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An area of artwork that extends beyond the final trim size. Bleed ensures that background colours or images reach the edge of the printed product without white borders.
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A consumption tax added to goods and services in the UK and EU. POD sellers are responsible for VAT collection and remittance if they're VAT-registered.
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Custom postcards, flyers, or other printed materials added to orders to reinforce brand identity and engage customers. Can include thank-you messages, discount codes, or brand information.
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A connection between your POD provider and ecommerce platforms (like Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce) that automates order processing and product syncing.
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A set of protocols that allows different software applications to communicate. POD APIs enable automated order processing and custom integrations.
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The designated area on a product where artwork can be printed. Also known as the safe area, it ensures designs don't get cut off during production.
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The inner portion of the print area where important design elements should be placed to avoid being trimmed or cut off during production.
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The final cut size of a printed product after production. Designs should account for trim to ensure no important elements are cut off.
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Image files created using mathematical equations (paths and shapes) that can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. Common formats include SVG, AI, and EPS.
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Image files made up of pixels, such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. Quality depends on resolution (DPI) and can degrade when scaled up significantly.
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A file that meets all requirements for printing, including correct dimensions, resolution (300 DPI), CMYK colour mode, and proper bleed if needed.
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Different options for the same product, such as size, colour, or style. Each variation typically has its own SKU and pricing.
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The cost charged by the POD provider for producing and shipping a product. Sellers add their markup to determine the final selling price.
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The amount added to the base price to determine the selling price. Markup represents the seller's profit after covering the POD provider's costs.
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The percentage of profit made on each sale, calculated as (selling price - base price) / selling price × 100. Higher margins allow for more flexibility in pricing.
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The time it takes from when an order is placed until it's shipped. This includes production time and processing, typically ranging from 2-7 business days for POD.
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The time required to print and prepare a product for shipping. This is part of the overall turnaround time and varies by product type and complexity.
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The process of inspecting products before shipping to ensure they meet quality standards. POD providers typically perform quality control checks automatically.
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A collection of sample products that sellers can order to evaluate print quality, materials, and product appearance before listing items for sale.
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The range of colours that can be reproduced by a printing process. CMYK printing has a smaller gamut than RGB displays, which is why some screen colours can't be perfectly matched in print.
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A standardised colour matching system used in printing. Pantone colours ensure consistent colour reproduction across different printers and materials.
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A sample or preview of how a printed product will look. Digital proofs show the design on the product, while physical proofs are actual printed samples.
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A facility where POD providers print, package, and ship orders. Some providers operate their own fulfilment centres, while others use third-party facilities.
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An alternative term for print on demand, emphasising that products are printed only when orders are received, eliminating the need for inventory.
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Similar to white label, where products are manufactured by one company but sold under another company's brand name. In POD, this means unbranded packaging and products.
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Online software that enables businesses to sell products online. Common platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and Amazon, which can integrate with POD services.
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A product listing on an ecommerce platform or marketplace that includes product details, images, pricing, and descriptions. POD sellers create listings that connect to their POD provider.
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An online platform where multiple sellers can list and sell products, such as Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. POD sellers often use marketplaces to reach customers.
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The complete collection of products available from a POD provider. Sellers browse catalogues to find products to sell and can filter by category, size, or material.
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The design, image, or graphic that will be printed on a product. Artwork must meet technical requirements (resolution, format, colour mode) to ensure quality printing.
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The digital file containing the artwork to be printed. Must be in the correct format (usually PNG, JPEG, or PDF) with appropriate resolution and colour settings.
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The delivery service option chosen for an order, such as standard, express, or budget shipping. Different methods have different costs and delivery times.
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The workflow from receiving an order to shipping it, including payment verification, production scheduling, printing, quality control, and packaging.
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Physical stock of products kept on hand. POD businesses operate without inventory since products are only created after orders are placed, eliminating storage costs and risks.
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New to print on demand? Learn the basics and start your POD business.
How to Start POD Business →Now that you understand POD terminology, start building your print on demand business with Papello. We provide all the tools and resources you need to succeed.
