7 Best Print on Demand Business Ideas in 2023

Today we’re diving into the amazing world of Print on demand business ideas. There has been a very clear upward trend in search volume and interest around print on demand over the past 5 years, and this new way of starting an eCommerce business is extremely lucrative when done correctly.

If you’re aspiring to kick-start a lucrative online venture but are feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, take heart. We are about to embark on an insightful journey into the world of print-on-demand (POD) and e-commerce. My mission here is to illustrate the remarkable prospects that the print-on-demand industry offers and guide you through some of the best print-on-demand business ideas.

The arena of POD provides a world of opportunities, and given the escalating online shopping trends, there’s no better time than 2023 to launch a successful print-on-demand venture. With the right guidance and resourceful platforms like Printify, a leading print-on-demand service, the journey can be simplified.

Printify serves as an efficient bridge between business owners and manufacturers, providing an easy-to-use platform where you can create, manage and sell your unique products online. With Printify, starting a print-on-demand business today isn’t just a possibility, it’s a smooth, hassle-free process, even for those new to the online business world.

So, if you’ve been contemplating to start an online business, print-on-demand could be the ideal avenue for you. Stay tuned as we delve into some of the best print-on-demand companies and strategies that can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality in 2023.

What is Print on Demand?

Print-on-demand, widely known as POD, is an innovative business model that empowers you to create and vend custom products without the hassles of maintaining an inventory. You merely need to design unique artwork that can be printed onto a wide range of products. Once a customer makes a purchase, the item gets printed and is directly shipped to the customer’s doorstep. This ingenious model sidesteps the need for physical inventory storage and notably cuts down on investment risks as a budding entrepreneur.

But why is print on demand a practical business idea?

The most obvious advantage is that it calls for a remarkably low initial capital, as there’s no requirement for you to invest in tangible products or rental storage space.

Furthermore, a print-on-demand business offers a considerable amount of flexibility when it comes to the range of products you can offer, the creativity of your designs, and the specific target audience you aim to cater to. With an effective strategy in place, a print-on-demand venture can become a lucrative online business, giving you the chance to explore and capitalize on diverse markets and niches.

In the following sections of this article, we will delve into numerous print-on-demand business ideas that can kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in the ecommerce domain. We’ll examine trending print-on-demand products, the best platforms to leverage, effective marketing tactics, and practical tips to successfully launch your own print-on-demand business.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can ensure print quality while offering a wide range of products, and ultimately drive your new business towards success.

Our Top 7 Niche Print on Demand Business Ideas

1. T-Shirts & Apparel

One of the most popular print on demand business ideas is selling T-Shirts and apparel.

One of the biggest advantages of selling T-Shirts and apparel with print on demand is the low cost of entry. Since you don’t have to purchase any inventory upfront, you can start selling T-Shirts and apparel with minimal investment.

Another advantage is the flexibility in design. With print on demand, you can create custom designs that cater to specific niches or markets. This means you can experiment with different designs and find the ones that resonate best with your target audience.

Another advantage is the infinite flexibility in design. With print on demand, you can create custom designs that cater to specific niches or markets. This means you can experiment with different designs and find the ones that resonate best with your target audience. You can let your imagination run wild and create designs that are truly out of this world!

Design Ideas for selling print on demand T-shirts.

Designing T-Shirts and apparel for print on demand is a lot of fun. There’s no limit to what you can create! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Niche designs: Make designs that cater to particular niches or interests, such as gardening, gaming, or fitness. This way, you can target specific audiences that are more likely to buy your products.
Pop culture references: Make designs that reference current trends or popular culture, like movies, TV shows, or memes. This will make your designs stand out and appeal to a wider audience.
Custom designs: Let customers upload their own designs or images and print them onto T-Shirts or apparel. This way, you can offer personalized products and stand out from the competition.

If you want to take the apparel niche one step further, you could even start your own white label clothing brand!

2. Phone Cases

In the world of print on demand and ecommerce, phone cases are another one of the best print on demand business ideas.

There are several advantages to selling phone cases with print on demand:

High demand: The demand for phone cases is massive and expected to grow even more. Everyone needs a phone case!! The global smartphone case market is estimated to reach $38.3 billion by 2025, which is a testament to how much people love accessorizing their phones.
Low cost of entry: One of the main attractions of selling phone cases with print on demand is the low cost of entry. With no need to invest in inventory upfront, the barrier to entry is minimal.
Easy to ship: Shipping is easy when it comes to phone cases since they are small and lightweight. This saves on shipping costs and makes the process more efficient.

Design ideas for selling Print on Demand Phone Cases

Personalized designs: Personalization is the ultimate trend in the e-commerce space. Create phone cases with personalized designs that feature names, initials, or even photos of loved ones, pets, or favorite memories.
Niche designs: Cater to specific niches or interests by creating phone cases with designs that showcase a particular sports team, hobby, or profession. For example, designing phone cases that feature basketball, golf, or chess can help you tap into a dedicated audience that is more likely to buy your products.
Trending designs: Jump on current trends or popular culture by creating phone cases with designs that reference popular memes, TV shows, or movies. This can help your designs stand out and appeal to a wider audience. For instance, a phone case with a cute Baby Yoda design can become an instant hit among Star Wars fans.

3. Posters & Wall Art

As you further explore the world of print on demand and ecommerce, one of the best print on demand business ideas you should consider is selling posters and wall art. They are popular and have several advantages over other print on demand products.

High demand: With customers always looking for unique designs to decorate their homes. According to a report by Statista, the global wall decor market size was valued at over $50 billion in 2019 and is expected to continue growing. This represents a massive potential market for posters and wall art.
Easy to produce: Posters and wall art are easy to produce with print on demand technology. All you need is a high-quality digital image and a print on demand service to produce and deliver the product to the customer.
High-profit margins: Posters and wall art can also be sold at a higher price point, leading to higher profit margins. Customers are often willing to pay more for high-quality art prints, which can help you generate more revenue with each sale.

Design Ideas for Selling Print on Demand Posters & Wall Art

When it comes to designing posters and wall art, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few design ideas to help you get started:

Abstract designs: Abstract art is always popular among customers who want unique and eye-catching wall art. Consider creating abstract designs in a range of colors and patterns to appeal to a broad range of customers.
Inspirational quotes: Many people love to display motivational and inspiring quotes in their homes or offices. You can create posters and wall art featuring inspiring quotes or phrases, using different fonts and colors to make them visually appealing.
Pop culture references: Pop culture references, such as quotes from popular movies, TV shows, or music lyrics, are always a hit with customers. Use your creativity to design posters and wall art featuring your favorite references, and market them to a wide range of customers.
Travel and landscape photography: Beautiful landscape and travel photography can make for stunning wall art. Consider featuring photos of famous landmarks or scenic landscapes, and make them available as posters or art prints. This will appeal to customers who are passionate about travel or nature.

4. Jewelry

If you’re thinking about starting a print on demand business, then listen up! One of the best print on demand business ideas to consider is jewelry.

Why is jewelry such a lucrative category for print on demand?

High Profits: Get ready for some serious profit margins because jewelry is a luxury item that customers are often willing to pay a premium for. By using print on demand, you can create stunning custom pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. This means you can sell your jewelry at a higher price point, ultimately generating higher profits for your business.
Customizable: With print on demand, you can offer your customers a whole range of customization options. Your customers can add their own personal touch to their jewelry, making it even more special and unique. Whether it’s adding initials, names, or special dates, the possibilities are endless!
Easy to produce: Yes! Jewelry is a small item that can be easily produced using print on demand technology. Who needs a large warehouse or physical store when you can simply have a digital design and a print on demand service to produce and ship the product directly to your customers?

Design Ideas for Print on Demand Jewelry

Minimalist designs: Minimalist jewelry is simple and elegant, perfect for customers who prefer a more understated look. Think about creating necklaces or bracelets featuring simple geometric shapes or patterns, or even minimalist typography designs.
Birthstone jewelry: Birthstone jewelry is an excellent gift idea for birthdays or special occasions. Consider designing necklaces or bracelets featuring the birthstones of each month.
Customized jewelry: Customers love to add their personal touch to their jewelry, so why not offer them this option? Consider creating necklaces or bracelets that can be customized with initials, names, or special dates. You could even create jewelry featuring a customer’s favorite quote or phrase.

5. Journals & Notebooks

Among the diverse product categories to consider for your print on demand business idea, journals and notebooks stand out. But why? Let’s have a look at the advantages of selling journals and notebooks with print on demand.

Easy to produce: Who needs to stress over complex products when you can go for journals and notebooks? These products are relatively simple and small, making it effortless to produce them with print on demand technology. All you need is a digital design and a print on demand service to produce the product and ship it to your customers.
High-profit margins: Selling journals and notebooks with print on demand often comes with high-profit margins. Customers are willing to pay a premium for unique and customizable products, so you can set a higher price point for your journal and notebook products.
Customizable: Customers adore customizing their products, and print on demand journals and notebooks provide them with the perfect opportunity to do so. You can offer customers the option to add their personal touch to their journals and notebooks, whether it’s their name, initials, favorite quote, or a custom design.

Design Ideas for Print on Demand Journals & Notebooks

When it comes to designing journals and notebooks, there are a plethora of options and design ideas to consider. Here are some design ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Inspirational quotes: Customers love jotting down their thoughts and ideas in their journals and notebooks, which makes inspirational quotes a popular choice for customization.
Personalized designs: As mentioned earlier, customers love to add their personal touch to their products. Consider offering the option to add a customer’s name, initials, or a custom design to your journals and notebooks.
Unique patterns: To make your journals and notebooks stand out from the competition, you can add unique patterns to them. From watercolor designs to geometric patterns, there are countless options to choose from. This can also help you target a specific customer niche with a particular design style.
Minimalist designs: Customers who prefer a simple and elegant look often go for minimalist designs. You can create journals and notebooks featuring simple geometric shapes, monochromatic designs, or minimalist typography designs.

6. Stickers

Stickers are a blast! They’re so adaptable, lively, and simple to make utilizing print on demand innovation. They really are one of the best print on demand business ideas.

So why should you consider doing print on demand stickers?

Minimal production costs: Stickers are one of the most cost effective products to create utilizing print on demand. You just need an advanced plan and a print on demand administration to create the item and transport it to your clients.
Wide target audience: Stickers are an item that can engage almost everyone! They are ideal for adding a personal touch to laptops, water bottles, or journals. From children to grown-ups, there is an enormous market for stickers. They also make incredible giveaways or promotional things for businesses.
Easy to ship: Have you ever tried shipping something heavy and massive? Not fun! Luckily, stickers are lightweight and small, making shipping simple and reasonable. This makes it easy for your business to offer free or low-cost shipping to your customers!

Design Ideas for Print on Demand Stickers

Illustrations: Let’s get artsy! Stickers are an excellent spot to exhibit your creative abilities. You can make an interesting illustration or design that appeals to your target market. From charming animals to funky patterns, the prospects are perpetual.
Typography: Fonts are fun! Typography is a design component that can significantly impact the overall look of your stickers. Bold or whimsical fonts can make an announcement or display a catchy motto.
Brand logos: Why not promote your business with stickers? You can create stickers featuring your brand logo or company tagline, making them ideal for promotional purposes.
Emojis: Emojis are everywhere! They’re a well-known design component that can be added to stickers to make them more appealing to younger audiences. They’re perfect for personalizing notebooks, backpacks, or even mobile devices.

7. Calendars

It’s a game-changer when can turn your creativity into a lucrative business. Next on our list is one of the best print on demand business ideas that you should consider. Calendars!

Calendars are a highly profitable product and are always in demandHere are some of the amazing benefits of creating calendars with print on demand:

Supreme profit margins: With their high perceived value, calendars are a high-margin product that can be sold at a premium price, generating great returns on investment for entrepreneurs. Also, with their long-lasting value, customers are happy to pay for them.
Expansive target audience: Calendars appeal to a wide audience, making them an excellent product to sell. They can be designed for children, adults, and businesses alike, catering to different customer segments and generating more revenue.
Easy to create: Creating a calendar is a breeze, and entrepreneurs don’t need any special design skills. All you need is a good design, and a print on demand service can bring your creative ideas to life.
Year-round demand: Calendars have an all-year-round demand, which means they can be sold at any time of the year. Moreover, entrepreneurs can customize calendars to reflect special occasions like holidays, seasons, or events, ensuring that customers always have something to look forward to.

Design Ideas for Print on Demand Calendars

Photos: Calendars can be created using personal or stock photos, featuring anything from breathtaking landscapes, adorable pets, or inspiring quotes, among others.
Illustrations: Illustrations can be used to create unique and creative calendars. You can design a calendar featuring cartoons, patterns, or even custom artwork that reflects your personality.
Business branding: Calendars can be a powerful marketing tool that can be used to promote your business. You can create a calendar featuring your company’s logo, products, or services, increasing brand visibility and awareness.
Sports themes: Sports-themed calendars are popular and can be customized to showcase your favorite team or athlete. You can create a calendar featuring sports icons, stadiums, or team mascots, among other sports themes.

The Best Print-on-Demand Supplier Platforms

Having perused our exhaustive list of top-notch print-on-demand business concepts, it’s time we shift our focus to the various platforms that could serve as your launchpad to commence your own print-on-demand service. These platforms will provide the essential infrastructure you need to sell custom products and grow your business in the evolving eCommerce landscape.

1. Printful

Printful is one of the greatest print on demand providers, offering a large choice of items to personalize as well as options to help you get started, such as product and t-shirt mockup generators and logo design services. Printful’s catalog has everything you’re searching for if you want to sell garments, prints, home décor, or accessories.

2. Apliiq

There are few better alternatives than Apliiq if you want to launch a clothing brand that prioritizes design and quality above all else. It’s the premier print on demand clothing supplier, based in downtown Los Angeles, with a broad range of customisation choices that allow you to build your own retail-quality private label apparel goods.

Apliiq is an excellent partner for anybody who wants to launch a fashion brand and sell through a combination of online and offline retail channels, as it offers greater wholesale prices than other print-on-demand suppliers (beginning at 20% off for a bulk purchase of ten).

3. SPOD

SPOD is one of the best print on demand businesses and is owned by Spreadshirt. It boasts one of the fastest fulfillment times in the industry, 95% of orders ship within 48 hours, which makes for a satisfying experience for the end customer.

While it may not offer the largest variety of available products, it does offer some of the most competitive prices and an easy-to-use product designer.

4. Lulu XPress

For those who want to print their own journals, notebooks and calendars, self-publishing hub Lulu has a service called Lulu xPress. It facilitates the production and distribution of one’s own unique printed works, such as books and calendars, with a wide range of personalization options.

5. Printify

What makes Printify stand out is that it connects you with a global community of printing partners. There will be more goods to pick from, and you may tailor delivery times and costs by choosing a printer in close proximity to your target market.

Overall, Printify has the biggest number of goods and the highest margins.It’s especially great for those looking to do poster prints and wall art, along with stickers, sneakers and much more.

Promoting Your Print on Demand Products

Promoting your print-on-demand products is a vital part of scaling your business. A compelling design is the cornerstone of success in this industry, and thus, it’s essential that you upload your design that not only catches the eye but also resonates with your target audience. It could be an intricate pattern, an inspirational quote, or a humorous illustration; as long as it aligns with the taste and preferences of your potential customers, it’s a valuable asset to your print-on-demand business.

One of the beauties of working with print-on-demand companies is the vast array of products you can customize. From T-shirts to mugs, and from posters to phone cases, the scope is immense. Start selling custom products by simply selecting the ones that best suit your design and your target market. Remember, diversity is key – the more print-on-demand products you offer, the more chances you’ll start to see an increase in sales.

For those just beginning their journey or for those looking to pivot their business model, you don’t necessarily need a design background to start a successful print-on-demand venture. Many print-on-demand sites offer the tools to create a design from scratch. Therefore, it’s never been easier to tap into your creative side and make something that your audience will love, while also creating a profitable business.

Print-on-demand has the potential to grow from a side hustle to a full-time business with the right strategies and dedication. Just like other business ventures, it requires a mix of creativity, market understanding, and effective promotion to build a thriving business.

The money you can make from your print-on-demand business will depend on a variety of factors including the quality of your designs, the range of products you offer, your pricing strategy, and how effectively you promote your products. With persistence and continual learning, the sky’s the limit for your print-on-demand business.

The Best Print-on-demand Custom Products

Determining the best print-on-demand products to sell can be a critical aspect of building a successful print-on-demand business. If you’re considering starting a POD business, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the diverse range of items that fall under the print-on-demand model. Luckily, it’s easy to start exploring the vast array of options available in the print-on-demand marketplace.

Choosing a print-on-demand company can be overwhelming with the plethora of platforms out there, but a crucial factor to consider is the range of products they offer. A popular print-on-demand platform will typically provide a variety of products such as T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, posters, phone cases, and much more. Each of these items could serve as an excellent canvas for your creative designs and potentially appeal to different segments of your target audience.

Your product selection can greatly influence your success as a POD seller. Therefore, you should spend your time creating a diverse portfolio that can cater to a wide array of customer preferences. Think about what kind of designs will resonate with your audience, whether it’s minimalist artwork, quirky quotes, or bold patterns. Once you have your designs ready, you can effortlessly upload your design and choose the products you want them printed on.

Starting a POD business allows you to launch a business without the need for inventory or significant upfront costs. It’s an exciting opportunity, but it’s essential to choose the types of print-on-demand products wisely. Remember, your product selection should align with your brand image, appeal to your target audience, and have a high potential for profit. The popular print-on-demand products may not necessarily be the best fit for your brand, so take the time to research and find the perfect match.

By leveraging the right print-on-demand platform and the best products, you’re already on the right path to building a successful print-on-demand business if you’re committed to creating unique, engaging designs.

Start A Print-on-Demand Business Today

There you go! Our detailed lineup of the best print-on-demand business concepts for 2023, coupled with our selection of the top five print-on-demand companies that can serve as the springboard for your new venture.

The realm of print-on-demand offers a multitude of categories to explore. The secret lies in selecting a category and a niche that resonate with your sensibilities and your intended audience, as well as one that is logical and sustainable.

For instance, stickers and calendars are products that are synonymous with minimal shipping costs and swift production times. On the other hand, larger print-on-demand items like bespoke framed wall prints may necessitate a more extended production period and carry heftier shipping costs. As such, being strategic and thoughtful about the choices you make when pinpointing the most suitable print-on-demand business ideas to chase is key.

Whether you’re looking to kickstart your POD business on Etsy, learn how to start on other top print-on-demand sites, or you’re just not quite sure where to start, we’re here to guide you. From crafting your business plan to learning how to effectively promote your products and make a living from your printing business, you’re on the right track to start your business today.

Feel free to bookmark this guide and return to it anytime you need insights or reassurance along your print-on-demand journey. With the right strategies and resources, there’s no limit to what you can achieve in this thriving industry!