Top Selling Print-on-Demand Business Ideas – Beginners Guide
Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by mia
Starting a business can feel challenging, especially when high risks and upfront inventory costs slow you down.
Over 61% of shoppers prefer personalized products because they feel unique and special.
Print-on-demand business ideas offer an affordable way to create custom items like t-shirts, mugs, and bags without the hassle of managing inventory or large financial commitments.
This approach not only saves money but also gives you the freedom to focus on designing products that your customers will appreciate.
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Is a Print-on-Demand Business Profitable?
A print-on-demand business can be profitable, but success depends on factors like niche selection, product quality, and effective marketing. Since you don’t need to hold inventory or manage shipping, upfront costs are low, making it an accessible option for new entrepreneurs.
To maximize profitability, focus on creating unique designs that cater to specific audiences and price your items to cover production costs while leaving room for profit. However, competition can be high, so strong branding and targeted promotion are essential to stand out.
With the right strategy and consistent effort, print-on-demand can generate a steady income.
What Is A Print-On-Demand Business, And How Does It Work?
A print-on-demand business is a way to sell customized products without having to hold any inventory.
For startups, it’s a simple model where you create designs for items like t-shirts, mugs, or notebooks, and a third-party supplier prints and ships them only after a customer places an order.
This setup makes it low-risk and affordable since you don’t have to buy bulk stock or worry about unsold items.
To get started, you can explore print-on-demand business ideas, such as selling niche products like eco-friendly tote bags, unique phone cases, or funny graphic tees.
Print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Printify handle most of the logistics, including printing, packaging, and shipping, so you can focus on marketing and design.
It’s a flexible option because you can test different print-on-demand business ideas without upfront costs and easily switch up your product offerings.
This model works well for startups looking to create a brand while keeping their overhead costs low.
As a Beginner What are the Essential Needs
What Are The Best Products To Start With In A Print-On-Demand Business?
1. Custom T-Shirts
T-shirts are one of the most popular and profitable items in print-on-demand.
People love wearing designs that reflect their personality, hobbies, or values, which makes t-shirts a go-to choice for many businesses.
They’re perfect for niches like funny quotes, pop culture references, or niche hobbies. Choose high-quality, soft materials to ensure happy customers and positive reviews.
Start with unisex designs since they can appeal to a wide range of people. Also, offer a variety of colors to give buyers more options.
T-shirts are affordable to produce and easy to ship, making them beginner-friendly.
With so many possibilities, you’ll never run out of design ideas for this essential product.
2. Coffee Mugs
Custom coffee mugs are another fantastic option for a print-on-demand business.
Mugs are practical, meaning people will actually use them, which increases their value.
You can create designs with motivational quotes, funny sayings, or even holiday themes to keep them fresh and interesting.
They also make perfect gifts, which means you can target seasonal sales or special occasions like weddings or holidays.
Mugs are sturdy and easy to handle, reducing the chances of damage during shipping.
Target specific groups like pet lovers, teachers, or gamers with niche designs. Since everyone drinks coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, mugs have a universal appeal.
3. Tote Bags
Tote bags are more popular than ever, especially as people move toward more eco-friendly lifestyle choices.
They’re reusable, lightweight, and useful for daily errands like grocery shopping.
Adding fun, stylish, or inspirational designs to tote bags makes them a fashionable accessory.
You’ll also find that tote bags are easier to store and ship compared to bulkier items.
Focus on bold, eye-catching graphics to make your totes stand out in a crowd.
They’re great for promoting brands, making them appealing to businesses and personal shoppers alike. By offering tote bags, your business taps into both functionality and style.
4. Hoodies
Hoodies are a versatile product that sells well year-round. They’re cozy, stylish, and a favorite for people who like casual, comfortable wear.
You can offer unisex styles and cater to a wide range of customers, from students to athletes to everyday wearers.
Custom hoodie designs can include anything from typography to bold patterns, depending on your audience.
Because hoodies are slightly more premium than t-shirts, you can price them higher for better profit margins.
Offer options like pullover or zip-up styles to give customers variety. Hoodies also make great seasonal products, especially during fall and winter, when everyone starts bundling up.
5. Phone Cases
Everyone owns a smartphone, which makes custom phone cases a must-have in your print-on-demand catalog.
These cases are not only functional for protecting phones but also allow buyers to show off their personal style.
Design options for phone cases are endless, from floral patterns to motivational quotes to fandom-related graphics.
Target popular devices like iPhones and Samsung models to maximize your reach.
With a lightweight design, phone cases are easy to store and ship, saving you money on logistics.
Many people enjoy changing out their cases often, giving you opportunities for repeat customers.
This product appeals to all age groups and interests, making it a versatile pick.
6. Posters and Wall Art
If you want to cater to people who love decorating their spaces, posters and wall art are excellent choices.
These products are popular among college students, renters, and anyone wanting to upgrade their home decor.
You can offer inspirational quotes, stunning photography, or minimalist designs for broader appeal.
Wall art can also be customized for specific niches, like travel lovers or pet owners.
Since digital design files are easy to modify, you can quickly add new options to your store.
Posters are lightweight and cheap to ship, making them a practical choice for beginners.
Combine creative ideas with vibrant colors and high-quality printing to make your designs unforgettable.
7. Stickers
Stickers are small but mighty when it comes to print-on-demand business ideas.
They’re affordable to produce, which makes them a low-risk option for startups.
People love decorating everything from laptops to water bottles with stickers that show off their personality.
Offer sticker packs with a themed design to encourage higher sales. Stickers appeal to many different audiences, such as students, artists, or small business owners looking for branding materials.
They’re also easy to ship in envelopes, which keeps your costs low and delivery times fast.
With their growing popularity, stickers can quickly become one of your best-selling products.
8. Hats
Caps and hats never go out of style, which makes them a smart pick for your business.
Whether it’s dad hats, snapbacks, or beanies, these items cater to people of all ages and lifestyles.
Customizing hats with embroidery or decals is a creative way to make them unique.
Sports fans, outdoor enthusiasts, and even businesses looking for promotional gear will love customized hats.
Like t-shirts, hats allow for endless design possibilities, from logos to fun phrases.
They’re lightweight, making them easy to ship, and are a great option for upselling.
Adding hats to your product line gives your business even more variety and appeal.
9. Journals and Notebooks
Personalized journals and notebooks are a hit with students, writers, and professionals who often jot down notes or ideas.
Offering custom covers with stylish patterns, quotes, or monograms allows buyers to make the item feel special.
Since they have practical value, people are often willing to pay more for them compared to purely decorative items.
Journals also make great gifts and can be marketed for events like graduations or back-to-school season.
They’re small and lightweight, which keeps shipping costs low and handling simple.
Cater to specific niches, such as teachers, planners, or creatives, to boost your sales. This product gives you a unique way to target practical-minded customers.
10. Pillows and Home Decor
Home decor items like custom pillows give you a chance to sell products that blend creativity with functionality.
Decor enthusiasts love items that can add a personal touch to their living spaces.
Focus on cozy pillow designs that include patterns, seasonal themes, or playful graphics.
Pillows also do well during holidays when people are sprucing up their homes or buying gifts.
The customizable aspect allows you to cater to different style preferences, from boho chic to minimalist.
They’re slightly larger to ship, but their appeal makes up for the effort. Adding home goods to your line extends your reach to shoppers looking for beautiful yet practical items.
How Much Does It Cost To Start A Print-On-Demand Business?
Starting a print-on-demand business can cost as little as $0 to a few hundred dollars, depending on your choices and how you approach it.
Most print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Redbubble are free to join, and you only pay when a customer places an order, which means upfront costs are minimal.
However, if you want to explore different print-on-demand business ideas more seriously, you may need to invest in creating a professional website, which can cost around $100 to $300 per year.
Other costs include designing logos or artwork, which you can do for free using tools like Canva, or hire a designer, which might cost anywhere between $5 to $50 per design on platforms like Fiverr.
If you choose to market your products through social media ads or search engine optimization, set aside $50 to $200 for marketing efforts, but many beginners start by promoting their print-on-demand business ideas for free using organic posts.
To ensure the best customer experience, you might also invest in sample products so you can check the quality, which usually ranges from $10 to $30 per item.
Startup productivity can be enhanced by using tools and processes, like automating fulfillment or outsourcing designs, to make your business run more efficiently.
Overall, starting a print-on-demand business is an affordable and flexible way to try out entrepreneurial print-on-demand business ideas without significant risk.
This low-cost, low-risk model gives startups a great chance to test their creative ideas and grow over time.
How Profitable Is A Print-On-Demand Business?
A print-on-demand business can be highly profitable for startups because it doesn’t require a big upfront investment or keeping inventory.
You only produce items like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags when a customer orders them, which means you won’t waste money on products that don’t sell.
There are many print-on-demand business ideas to explore, such as custom designs, slogans, or niche-themed products, which can attract specific audiences and boost sales.
What makes this model especially appealing for Startup entrepreneurship is how it allows entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their brand without worrying about warehouse logistics or large overheads.
Plus, the low cost of starting this kind of business means you can focus your budget on marketing and growing your brand.
While profitability depends on product pricing, niche popularity, and marketing efforts, many entrepreneurs see steady income once they find the right print-on-demand business ideas that work for their audience.
Another big advantage is that you can handle everything online, making this an ideal choice if you want a flexible, low-pressure business model.
With the right approach, a print-on-demand business can turn creativity into a steady and rewarding source of income.
How Can New Startups Help My Business?
New Startups can help your business by offering fresh ideas and new ways to grow, especially when it comes to connecting with your audience and gaining sales.
For example, many startups bring creative services, like print-on-demand business ideas, which allow you to create custom products without high upfront costs.
Startup networking can be particularly helpful in finding the right partners or tools to support your business goals, opening doors to innovative collaborations.
With print-on-demand business ideas, you can easily sell items like personalized t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags that your customers will love, all while avoiding the hassle of storing inventory.
New Startups often specialize in helping businesses save time and focus on what they do best by simplifying tasks like marketing or handling custom orders.
What’s more, partnering with New Startups can introduce you to faster, low-cost solutions that make generating extra income a lot easier.
If you’ve been struggling to make more sales, collaborating with a startup with unique offerings could help you attract a wider audience that is excited about your products.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, exploring new opportunities, like print-on-demand business ideas, might be the key to boosting your business success.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to grow your business, exploring partnerships with startups could open up valuable opportunities.
Many startups bring creative solutions like print-on-demand business ideas, which allow you to offer customized products without the need to manage inventory.
This approach not only saves time but also makes it easier for you to create and sell unique items like mugs, t-shirts, or bags that can appeal to your target customers.
By working with startups that specialize in print-on-demand business ideas, you can reduce costs and focus more on connecting with your audience to drive sales.
Additionally, keeping an eye on startup trends and innovation can help you identify emerging opportunities or technologies that can further enhance your business model.
Startups also provide faster, more flexible ways for businesses like yours to operate and reach more buyers with minimal risk.
Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an established business, these opportunities can help you stand out and increase your revenue.
With thorough startup market research, discover the perfect startup partner to help turn your ideas into profit and make your business truly thrive.