How to Start a Print-on-Demand Business in 2025: Complete Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Thinking of starting an online business this year? Print-on-demand (POD) is one of the easiest ways to get started, and it’s still growing fast in 2025.
What makes it so appealing? You can sell custom products like hoodies, t-shirts, water bottles, phone cases, mugs, and more without buying inventory upfront.
This guide will walk you through the basics so you can launch your own POD business, even if you’ve never sold anything online before.
What Exactly Is Print-on-Demand?
Print-on-demand is a business model where:
- You create a design.
- You upload it to products (shirts, bottles, cases, etc.) using a POD platform.
- When someone places an order, the product is printed and shipped directly to the customer by the POD company.
- You don’t need to handle stock, packaging, or shipping. You only pay for a product after it’s sold.
Why 2025 Is a Great Time to Start
- Growing demand: More people want unique, custom products.
- Low risk: No need to invest thousands in stock.
- Easy tools: Platforms like Printful and Printify make it beginner-friendly.
- Diverse products: From clothing to drinkware to phone accessories, there’s a huge range to choose from.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a POD Business
1. Choose a Niche
Don’t try to sell to everyone. Pick a specific group you want to serve:
- Pet lovers
- Fitness enthusiasts
- Gamers
- Travelers
- Motivational quotes fans
A clear niche helps your designs stand out.
2. Pick Your Products
While hoodies and t-shirts are classics, 2025 is also big for:
- Custom water bottles (eco-friendly and trending)
- Phone cases
- Tote bags, mugs, notebooks, etc.
Start with 2–3 product types and expand later.
3. Create or Source Designs
You can:
- Design yourself using Canva or Photoshop.
- Hire a designer on Fiverr/Upwork.
- Use AI art tools for inspiration.
- Keep your designs simple, bold, and niche-focused.
4. Choose a POD Platform
Popular options:
- Printful and Printify: Integrate with Etsy, Shopify, and other stores.
- Gelato: Known for fast international shipping.
- Amazon Merch on Demand: Print-on-demand directly on Amazon.
5. Open Your Store
You can:
- Create a standalone Shopify store.
- Open an Etsy shop to take advantage of existing traffic.
- Or sell on Amazon Merch for a massive built-in audience.
6. Upload Products and Write Good Descriptions
Use high-quality mockups and keywords your buyers would search (e.g., “Custom Water Bottle – Eco Friendly – Personalized”).
7. Market Your Products
Don’t just upload and hope people will find you. Use:
- Short-form video: TikTok and Instagram Reels are perfect.
- Micro-influencers: Collaborate with small but engaged creators in your niche.
- SEO: Optimize your titles and tags so people can find you organically.
- Paid Ads: Run small targeted campaigns to test what works.
How Much Does It Cost to Start?
No upfront inventory costs.
You only pay for designs (if outsourcing) and store setup.
Small budget for marketing (can start with as little as $50).
Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to sell to everyone.
- Uploading generic designs without research.
- Ignoring marketing—good products need visibility to sell.
- Giving up too early; POD businesses take time to grow.
Conclusion
Starting a print-on-demand business in 2025 is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to build an online income.
Remember:
- Choose a niche.
- Start with a small product range.
- Focus on designs that connect with your audience.
- Use social media and smart marketing to get eyes on your products.
It’s not overnight success but if you stay consistent, you could be running your own online store this year.
Your first sale could be just a few clicks away. Why not start today?