If you’re contemplating starting a print on demand (POD) store, you’re in the right place. With the rise in popularity of this business model, it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs before diving in. Here’s 10 tips to help break down Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Print on Demand Store in 2025, from understanding the business model to navigating common challenges. Let’s get started!
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1. Understanding Print on Demand
Print on demand is a business model where products are printed only after a customer places an order. This means no inventory is held by the seller. Instead, the seller partners with a supplier like Gelato, who handles printing, packaging, and shipping. This automated process allows you to focus on marketing and sales without the hassle of managing stock.
When you start a new account with Gelato, you’ll receive 50% off your first sample order!
Many people wonder if print on demand is saturated. The truth is, while the interest in POD has surged, it’s not the concept itself that’s saturated—it’s the market. You’re not just selling POD products; you’re creating a brand and a store that can thrive in various niches. As of 2023, predictions show that the POD industry will continue to grow, with an estimated annual growth rate of 26.3% by 2030.
Saturation in certain products, sure, & that’s why research, finding the right niche & niche-focused products, & how you’re marketing your pod shop is SO IMPORTANT!
2. Choosing Your Sales Platform
When starting your POD journey, you’ll need to decide where to sell your products. There are two primary options:
- Marketplace Platforms: Selling on platforms like Amazon or Etsy means you don’t own the customer relationship. While these platforms manage customer service and returns, you’re limited in terms of branding and customer loyalty. You’re also making a fraction of what you could with your own website
- Your Own Store: Building a store on platforms like Shopify or WordPress with a Woocommerce Plug-in, gives you full control over branding and customer experience. This is the recommended route if you want to establish a unique brand identity. You can start a Shopify website for just $1 for your first month!
3. Financial Considerations
One common concern for new POD sellers is managing cash flow. When an order is placed, you receive payment from the customer, but you must pay your supplier separately for the product. This can create a gap in cash flow, especially if you receive a high volume of orders initially.
To alleviate this, ensure you have enough funds to cover product costs until customer payments clear. It’s rare to receive an overwhelming number of orders immediately, so don’t panic—focus on your marketing efforts to gradually increase sales.
4. Understanding Returns and Refunds
Returns can be tricky in the POD world. As the store owner, you set your own return policy. In the U.S., there’s no legal requirement to accept returns unless the item is defective. Most POD businesses operate with a no-return policy since products are made to order.
If a customer requests a return, you can refer them to your policy. In the case of defective items, your supplier will typically handle replacements or refunds. Remember, your customers will only communicate with you, not your supplier.
While every customer experience is going to be different, at the end of the day, we want good reviews & return business. I strive to make sure my customers are 100% satisfied with the products I sell, even if that means eating costs on occasion.
5. Navigating Copyrights and Trademarks
Copyrights and trademarks are crucial for protecting your designs and brand. A trademark protects your brand name, logo, or slogan, while copyright protects original works like designs. You don’t need to file for copyright; it’s automatic upon creation. However, trademarks require a formal application and can be costly.
For beginners, focus on building your brand and creating unique designs. If you face infringement issues in the future, you can then consider legal actions if necessary.
A good rule to go by, is if you’ve seen it in a movie, heard lyrics in a song, or read it somewhere, it might be copyrighted. Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, etc. Just because you see other sellers doing it doesn’t make it good, or legal!
For checking copyrights, you can visit uspto.gov
6. Pricing Your Products
Pricing is essential for profitability. Research similar products to determine a competitive price range. Start at the lower end to attract initial customers and validate your designs. As you gain traction, you can adjust prices accordingly.
Also, consider whether to offer free shipping. While it can attract customers, it might eat into your profits. A common strategy is to set a flat shipping rate and offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount. Or you can consider building shipping costs into your retail pricing.
7. Choosing a Store Name and Domain
Your store name is critical for branding. It should be memorable and reflect your niche. Consider using a strong domain (the .com), which has shown to drive more traffic and improve search visibility. Many successful brands use this format, making it a smart choice for your POD business.
8. Avoiding the Lottery Mentality
Approaching your POD business with a “get rich quick” mentality is a recipe for failure. Building a successful business takes time, effort, and strategy. Instead, take your time to plan, create quality products, and market effectively. Rushing could lead to a poorly thought-out store that fails to resonate with customers.
It can take months and even years to build up a successful pod shop, starting the right way, regardless of how long it takes, is always the best plan.
If you’re feeling lost on what that plan looks like, I’ve created a free POD Starter Kit to help you get started. You can grab it for FREE here!
9. Marketing Your Print on Demand Store
Once your store is up and running, marketing becomes a priority. Utilize social media platforms to showcase your products and engage with your audience. Consider running targeted ads to reach potential customers interested in your niche.
Building an email list is also beneficial. It allows you to communicate directly with customers, promoting new products and sales. Kit is my go-to for creating emails & building an engaged customer list. Kit also connects seamlessly into my website! Take advantage of content marketing, such as blogs or videos, to drive traffic to your store.
Samples can also play a role in advertising your new pod shop. When you create a new account with Gelato, you’ll receive 50% off your first sample order! Samples are a great way to show off your products in person!
10. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The e-commerce landscape is always changing, so staying informed and adaptable is crucial. Join communities, watch tutorials, and learn from other successful POD sellers. This knowledge will help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities as they arise.
I’d love to teach you more about Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Print on Demand Store in 2025! You can follow me on YouTube & watch tutorials or read more here on the blog!
Discover essential insights for starting a successful print on demand store in 2025.
For more resources and support, consider joining print on demand communities or taking advantage of my free course, Print on Demand for Beginners, available online. The more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to succeed in Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Print on Demand Store in 2025