Starting a business has never been easier — or more overwhelming. But with Print on Demand (POD), you can launch a brand with zero inventory, minimal risk, and global reach. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or side hustler, this guide will walk you through how to start a successful print-on-demand business in 2025 — step-by-step.
Starting a business used to mean managing inventory, upfront investments, and complex logistics — but not anymore.
With Print on Demand (POD), you can launch a product line with no inventory, zero upfront cost, and global reach. Whether you’re an artist, creator, influencer, or entrepreneur, POD allows you to focus on creativity and branding, while your fulfillment partner handles the rest.
Learn more about how QPMN’s Print on Demand service empowers creators with tools, products, and integrations to succeed.
What Is Print On Demand?
Print on Demand (POD) is an innovative business model that lets you create and sell custom-designed, high-quality products using your artwork. Popular POD items include apparel like t-shirts, mugs, greeting cards, and puzzles. When a customer places an order, a print-on-demand supplier takes care of everything—printing your design, packaging the product, and shipping it directly to the customer. This hands-off process allows you to focus entirely on growing your business.
What makes POD so appealing for small businesses and entrepreneurs is the lack of upfront investment. You don’t need to worry about purchasing inventory, finding storage space, or dealing with unsold products. Instead, you can channel your energy into crafting original designs and marketing your online store. Want to learn more? Check out our detailed guide on what print on demand is all about!
Steps on How to Start a Print on Demand Business
To understand how to start a print on demand business, it’s important to know the step-by-step process:
1. Choosing Your Niche
Before you start designing, take time to choose the right product and audience. Your niche determines your branding, marketing, and long-term success.
Ask yourself:
- What topics or themes am I passionate about?
- Can that passion be translated into a visual product?
- Who am I designing for — gamers, spiritual seekers, pet lovers?
- What do they want, value, or struggle to find?
For example, if you're into mindfulness, affirmation cards or tarot decks are strong product options. If you're a puzzle enthusiast, consider designing custom jigsaw puzzles.
Explore QPMN’s full product catalog to find a product category that aligns with your passion and customer needs.
2. Create Your Designs
Your designs are the foundation of your business. Whether you're a professional designer or just starting out, there are tools and resources to help.
You can:
- Sketch ideas with pen and paper
- Use design software like Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator
- Leverage QPMN’s free POD Design Tool to upload and preview your artwork
- Hire freelance designers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork
3. Set Up Your Online Store
You’ll need a storefront to start selling your POD products. Here are your options:
- Shopify – Great for beginners with many integrations
- Etsy – Ideal for handmade and niche product audiences
- WooCommerce – Flexible if you’re using WordPress
- Or use Snapshop Lite to launch a free eCommerce site in minutes
Don’t forget:
- Buy a domain name that reflects your brand
- Choose a clean, mobile-responsive theme
- Add essential pages: About, FAQ, Contact, and Shipping Info
4. Choose Your Print on Demand Supplier
Not all POD suppliers are equal. It’s crucial to choose one that fits your product type, budget, and fulfillment needs.
When evaluating a supplier:
- Ensure they offer the specific product you want to sell (e.g. tarot cards, poker chips, custom fanny packs)
- Compare shipping speed, print quality, and customer service
- Order a sample to test product quality before launch
With QPMN, you get:
- No minimum order requirements
- Global fulfillment
- Custom finishes and product packaging
- Fast turnaround times
- Built-in eCommerce integrations
5. Create Your Product Listings
Once your designs are ready and your supplier is chosen, it’s time to create your listings.
- Upload your designs using your POD supplier’s tools (like QPMN’s POD Design Tool)
- Write compelling product titles and descriptions
- Use high-quality mockups or product images
- Highlight features like size, materials, shipping times, and unique benefits
Strong listings lead to better conversions and higher SEO visibility.
6. Market Your POD Business
Now that your store is live, it’s time to get traffic and customers.
Use a multi-channel marketing approach:
- SEO: Optimize product pages with keywords your target audience is searching for
- Content Marketing: Start a blog, publish how-to guides, or create landing pages
- Social Media: Post regularly on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Pinterest
- Influencer Collabs: Partner with micro-influencers in your niche
- Paid Ads: Run targeted campaigns on Meta (Facebook/Instagram) or Google Ads
Starting a print-on-demand business is one of the most affordable, low-risk, and scalable ways to enter eCommerce. With the right niche, supplier, and marketing strategy, you can launch a successful online brand — even without inventory.
Choosing the Right print on demand Products in 2025
When launching your print-on-demand (POD) business, selecting the right products is just as important as designing them. While classics like t-shirts and mugs still sell well, the most successful sellers in 2025 are those who tap into emerging trends, niche markets, and unique product categories.
Best-Selling Print on Demand Products
Apparel (T-Shirts, Hoodies, Hats)
Apparel is a time-tested POD staple that appeals to a wide range of audiences. It's perfect for showcasing bold graphics, slogans, and niche humor.
Great for: Influencer merch, fitness brands, pet lovers, meme culture.
Custom Mugs
Still one of the top gift items across all age groups. Mugs are especially popular during Q4 (holidays, Father's Day, birthdays, etc.).
Pro tip: Add personalization options like names or quotes for higher perceived value.
Posters & Wall Art
With higher print resolution and vibrant color reproduction, posters allow your designs to shine. A low-cost, high-margin product ideal for artists and photographers.
Best for: Motivational quotes, fandom art, digital illustrations, pop culture.
Tote Bags
Eco-friendly, reusable, and highly trendy. Tote bags are easy to print on and pair well with apparel in bundles.
Target audience: Gen Z, eco-conscious shoppers, book lovers.
Browse customizable tote bags on QPMN
Niche Products That Stand Out
Custom Cards (Tarot, Oracle, Playing Cards)
From spiritual decks to collectible TCGs (Trading Card Games), card-based products are exploding on platforms like Etsy and TikTok.
Perfect for: Coaches, creators, spiritual brands, game designers.
Custom Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzles have surged in popularity as both gifts and interactive home décor. Add photo personalization or thematic designs (e.g., pet puzzles, affirmations).
Ideal for: Gifting season, family-oriented markets, educators.
Custom Backpacks & Fanny Packs
Functional fashion is trending. Custom bags offer a creative canvas for streetwear brands, artists, and influencers.
Good for: Fashion-forward youth, festival attendees, college students.
Growing Categories with Low Competition
Home Décor (Pillows, Blankets, Wall Prints)
Custom pillows and throws with quotes, photos, or minimalist art are perfect for interior design lovers and gift buyers.
Great for: Wedding gifts, baby showers, home stylists.
Personalized Gift Bags
Add a luxurious finishing touch to any product. Gift bags with names or seasonal themes make unboxing feel special, especially for small businesses and event planners.
Focus on Unique Value
Whether you're selling POD apparel or launching your own game deck, the key is to offer something your audience can't find anywhere else.
- Personalization = higher perceived value
- Niche = lower competition + strong loyalty
- Bundles = higher cart value
Connect to Online Marketplaces
To start selling your print-on-demand products, you’ll need to connect your business to a reliable eCommerce platform. Whether you're building a brand from scratch or expanding an existing store, QPMN offers seamless integrations with the most popular online marketplaces and tools to help you scale.
Here are the top platforms you can connect with QPMN:
Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms for POD entrepreneurs due to its ease of use and scalability. With the QPMN Shopify Product Customization App, you can integrate your print-on-demand catalog directly into your Shopify store.
Key benefits include:
- Fast setup with no coding required
- No setup fees or monthly charges
- Worldwide fulfillment through QPMN
- Access to design discounts and flexible pricing options
This integration allows you to manage everything from product listings to customer orders in one place, while QPMN handles production and shipping. It's ideal for beginners and experienced sellers looking to streamline operations.
Etsy
If you’re creating unique, handmade-inspired, or niche products, Etsy is one of the best platforms to reach a highly engaged audience actively searching for personalized goods. It’s especially ideal for sellers launching custom print-on-demand (POD) products like tarot cards, puzzles, or tote bags.
With the QPMN Etsy Integration, you can connect your Etsy store in seconds and start selling without the hassle of managing inventory or fulfillment.
Key benefits of using QPMN with Etsy:
- Sell high-quality POD products without handling production or shipping
- Retain your existing Etsy listings, reviews, and SEO history
- Focus entirely on creativity, branding, and customer engagement while QPMN automates the backend
Want to dig deeper into how to grow on Etsy this year? Check out our step-by-step strategy in How to Make Money on Etsy in 2025: Your Roadmap to Success — it's packed with trend insights, pricing tips, and marketing tools specifically for Etsy sellers.
Etsy’s community-driven marketplace and high buyer intent make it a powerful platform for creators looking to build a sustainable, scalable business.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a highly customizable, open-source plugin built for WordPress. It’s ideal for sellers who want full control over their store’s functionality and design. The QPMN WooCommerce Product Customization Plugin makes it easy to integrate highly customizable POD products into your WordPress site.
Features include:
- Full control over store appearance and checkout flow
- Compatibility with a wide range of themes and plugins
- Bulk order discounts for cost efficiency
- Global fulfillment with QPMN’s logistics network
WooCommerce is perfect for businesses that require flexibility, scalability, and advanced customization.
Snapshop Lite
If you don’t have an existing store or prefer a faster way to start selling, Snapshop Lite provides a free, instant eCommerce solution. Designed by QPMN for creators and small business owners, this platform lets you open a ready-made POD store with no coding or startup costs.
Snapshop Lite offers:
- Instant store setup with your own branding and product catalog
- No monthly fees—you only pay when you sell
- Global reach through QPMN’s on-demand fulfillment
- A simple interface perfect for designers, influencers, and artists
Whether you're just starting or testing a new product line, Snapshop Lite is a quick, risk-free way to enter the POD market.
How to Market Your Print-on-Demand Products Effectively
Now that you’ve created a unique and appealing product, it’s time to get it in front of the right audience. A well-structured marketing strategy ensures people know who you are, what you offer, and where to buy.
To build momentum and drive consistent traffic to your store, focus on a combination of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), EDM (Email Marketing), and SEM (Search Engine Marketing).
Here’s how to do it right in 2025:
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO helps your website rank higher on Google and other search engines, bringing in free, consistent traffic over time.
Start with Keyword Research
- Target long-tail keywords (3+ words) that reflect buyer intent—e.g., “custom tarot deck for beginners”
- Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic
- Analyze competitors to find keyword gaps and opportunities
Implement On-Page SEO
- Place keywords in page titles, meta descriptions, H1 headings, and URLs
- Use descriptive alt tags for images and compress them for faster loading
- Use schema markup (e.g., FAQ schema) to enhance your listings in search results
Create Value-Driven Content
- Follow Google’s EEAT principles (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
- Write blogs, guides, and how-tos tailored to your audience’s needs
- Track performance with Google Analytics and Search Console to improve over time
Example Content Ideas:
- “How to Use Oracle Cards in Daily Rituals”
- “Best Personalized Gift Ideas for 2025”
- “How to Sell Print on Demand Puzzles on Etsy”
2. Email Marketing (EDM)
Email is one of the highest ROI channels for eCommerce. It keeps your audience engaged and helps turn first-time buyers into loyal customers.
Build and Grow Your Email List
- Offer a discount code or freebie in exchange for email signups
- Use popups or embedded forms on your site and product pages
Set Up Your Email Marketing System
- Use tools like MailerLite, Mailchimp, or Klaviyo
- Create branded, reusable templates for promotions, product updates, and storytelling
- Schedule weekly or biweekly campaigns to stay top of mind
Segment for Better Results
- Group subscribers by purchase behavior, interests, or engagement level
- Send personalized messages—e.g., “You bought a tarot deck, here are matching pouches”
3. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
SEM uses paid ads to drive traffic quickly. When done strategically, it can deliver instant visibility and conversions.
Set Up Your Ad Accounts
- Start with Google Ads and Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram)
- Look for promotional credits often offered to new advertisers
Plan and Launch Campaigns
- Define clear goals: awareness, traffic, or conversions
- Use keyword-based ads on Google, and interest/behavior targeting on Meta
- Create ad creatives that match your store’s branding
Track and Optimize
- Install Meta Pixel and Google Ads Conversion Tracking to monitor performance
- Use A/B testing to optimize headlines, images, and copy
- Pause underperforming ads and double down on winning campaigns
Combine All Three for Maximum Impact
By layering SEO, email, and paid ads, you create a full-funnel marketing strategy that:
- Attracts new customers
- Nurtures existing leads
- Retargets visitors for better conversions
Pro Tip: Use QPMN’s tools like the POD Design Tool and Etsy Integration to create compelling content and automate fulfillment, so you can focus more on promotion and less on logistics.
Scaling Your Print-On-Demand Business
Once your print-on-demand business starts generating consistent sales, the next step is to scale. Scaling isn’t just about selling more—it’s about growing smarter by expanding your offerings, optimizing your operations, and increasing your profit margins.
Here’s how to scale your POD business effectively:
1. Expand Your Product Range Strategically
Grow your catalog by introducing complementary products that align with your brand and audience interests. For example:
- If you sell custom tarot cards, add matching altar cloths or pouches
- If your t-shirts are performing well, launch hoodies, tote bags, or mugs with similar designs
- Explore unique items like custom puzzles, game mats, or fanny packs to tap into new niches
2. Maximize Margins with FlexiBulk Discounts
As certain products gain traction, leverage bulk order pricing to increase profit margins. With QPMN’s FlexiBulk Savings, you can:
- Combine multiple orders (even with different designs) into one bulk purchase
- Start saving from as little as two units
- Offer wholesale pricing or bundle deals to increase average order value
Bulk ordering ensures you're prepared for spikes in demand while keeping costs low.
3. Automate and Systemize Your Marketing
Automation allows you to scale without burning out. Start by:
- Setting up email automation for welcome sequences, abandoned cart recovery, and product recommendations
- Using social media scheduling tools like Buffer or Later to plan content in advance
- Running retargeting ads via Meta and Google to bring back window shoppers
Smart automation tools help you stay in front of your audience 24/7 while freeing up your time to focus on growth.
Bonus Tip: Scale with Systems, Not Stress
As you grow, develop SOPs (standard operating procedures) for your tasks—from product launches to customer support. This allows you to delegate or outsource confidently when needed.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only grow your product catalog and customer base but also build a business that runs efficiently and profitably at scale.
Why Choose QPMN?
1. Traditional Benefits of Print-on-Demand
2. FlexiBulk Savings: Discounts Done Differently
3. AI-Powered Design Tools
- Background Removal: Effortlessly remove backgrounds in seconds.
- Image Enhancement: Transform low-res photos into high-quality designs.
- Light Customization: Create multi-layer templates that customers can personalize.
Whether you’re a designer or a beginner, our AI tools make customization accessible and efficient. Explore our AI tools.
4. Specialized in Card Deck Printing
- High-Quality Materials: Durable, vibrant, and eco-friendly options.
- Custom Finishes: Foil stamping, UV coatings, and more.
- Perfect for Games: Protect your cards with rigid boxes and secure packaging.
Contact Us
Contact us today to discuss your business with our Growth Manager. Let's grow together!