Print on Demand (POD) is one of the most accessible ways to start an online business with minimal upfront investment. The concept is simple: create custom designs, and a POD platform will handle the printing and shipping directly to your customers. This model allows you to focus on the creative and marketing aspects while the platform manages the logistics. In 2024, POD remains a powerful option for entrepreneurs looking to start a business with little to no capital.
How to Design Products Using Free Tools Like Canva
Creating eye-catching designs is essential for success in the POD market. Free tools like Canva offer an easy way to get started, especially for beginners. However, for those serious about their POD business, mastering Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is highly recommended. These professional tools offer greater flexibility and a broader range of features, enabling you to produce more intricate and high-quality designs that stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Top Print on Demand Platforms Ranked: From the Least to the Most Profitable
Choosing the right platform is crucial for maximizing profits. Below is a ranking of popular POD platforms, from the least to the most profitable, with details on potential earnings, ease of starting, and whether you need to drive traffic or can start for free.
1. Redbubble, TeePublic, Spreadshirt
- Profitability: Very Low
- Ease of Start: High
- Traffic Requirements: Free to start, but you’ll need to drive traffic to see significant sales.
- Details: These platforms are becoming increasingly unprofitable for most creators. Despite their ease of use and no upfront costs, they are heavily saturated, and the earnings are minimal. Redbubble, in particular, has policies that penalize inactivity, taking up to 30% of your earnings. These platforms are not recommended if you’re serious about making significant money in 2024.
Redbubble Account Tier Fees:
| Sales Price Range | Redbubble Fee (USD) |
| $25.00 to $29.99 | $11.20 |
| $30.00 to $34.99 | $13.20 |
| $35.00 to $39.99 | $15.20 |
| $40.00 to $44.99 | $17.20 |
| $45.00 to $49.99 | $19.20 |
| $50.00 to $59.99 | $22.00 |
| $60.00 to $69.99 | $25.00 |
| $70.00 to $79.99 | $28.00 |
| $80.00 to $89.99 | $31.00 |
2. Amazon Merch
- Profitability: Medium to Very High
- Ease of Start: Medium
- Traffic Requirements: Requires external traffic for maximum earnings.
- Details: Amazon Merch remains a powerhouse in the POD industry due to Amazon’s vast customer base. With consistent effort, sellers can potentially earn over $10,000 a month, especially if they market their designs outside of Amazon. The platform is competitive, and acceptance into the program can be challenging, which is why some designers buy accounts for $50 to $90. If you’re serious about POD, consider purchasing an account to get started. Buy your Amazon Merch account now.
3. Etsy (Using Printful or Printify)
- Profitability: Medium to Very High
- Ease of Start: Medium to High
- Traffic Requirements: Free to start, but paid traffic can significantly boost your visibility and sales.
- Details: Etsy, especially when integrated with Printify, allows you to sell a wide variety of clothes and accessories. With consistency, there’s no cap on your earnings, and top sellers can make over $10,000 per month. Etsy caters to a niche audience that appreciates unique, handcrafted items, allowing for higher pricing and better profit margins. Open your Printify account now.
4. eBay (Using Printful or Printify)
- Profitability: Very High
- Ease of Start: Medium
- Traffic Requirements: Free to start, but driving traffic through social media and other channels can increase your sales.
- Details: eBay, when linked with Printify, can be an incredibly profitable platform, similar to Etsy. Our experience shows that you can make over $18,000 per month selling t-shirts, with top sellers earning even more. The main challenge with eBay is navigating the low-tier account limitations and dealing with weekend support teams that might suspend your account for minor issues. However, the potential rewards make it worth the effort.
eBay Stores Profit:
| Store Name | Sales Volume | Profit per Sale | Total Profit |
| BookfindersOhio | 144,000 | $7 | $1,008,000 |
| DFTEES Tee-shirts | 156,000 | $8 | $1,248,000 |
| TuningOnlineStore | 59,000 | $7 | $413,000 |
5. Shopify Store (Using Printful or Printify) with Paid Traffic
- Profitability: Very High
- Ease of Start: Medium
- Traffic Requirements: Paid traffic is essential for driving sales.
- Details: A Shopify store linked with Printful or Printify offers the most control and the highest profit potential. Although it requires more effort to set up and maintain, the returns can be substantial. With a well-executed strategy, you could earn upwards of $5,000 per month and even scale higher as you refine your business model. The key challenge with Shopify is driving traffic to your store, which can be effectively done through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, along with paid advertising. You can start your Shopify store now for just $1 in the first month. Open your Shopify store now.
How Much Can You Make and What Do You Need to Start?
Starting a POD business can be done with virtually no upfront costs if you use free tools like Canva. However, to maximize your potential, consider investing in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, which cost around $20 to $30 per month. Open your Adobe account now.
- Potential Earnings:
- Beginner Level: $500 to $1,000 per month within the first few months.
- Intermediate Level: $1,000 to $5,000 per month with consistent effort.
- Advanced Level: $10,000 to $18,000+ per month, particularly on platforms like Amazon Merch, Etsy, and eBay with a strategic approach.
- Time Investment: Expect to dedicate 10-20 hours per week to design creation, listing optimization, and marketing efforts.
Tips for Promoting Your Products on Social Media and Building a Brand
Promoting your products effectively is key to standing out in the competitive POD market. Start by building a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Share high-quality images of your products, engage with your followers, and use hashtags to reach a broader audience. Consider running targeted ads to drive traffic to your store.
Branding is also crucial. Choose a consistent design style, color scheme, and tone of voice that resonates with your target audience. Over time, your brand will become recognizable, helping to build trust and loyalty among your customers.
Strategies for Maximizing Profit Without Upfront Costs
To maximize profits without upfront spending:
- Price Your Products Wisely: Ensure your pricing covers production costs and provides a solid profit margin. Experiment with different price points to find the optimal balance.
- Leverage Free Marketing Tools: Use social media, content marketing, and email newsletters to promote your products without paying for ads.
- Continuously Improve Your Designs: Stay on top of trends and listen to customer feedback to refine your product offerings regularly.
- Utilize Free Design Tools: While Canva is great for starting out, mastering Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator can significantly enhance your design capabilities and give you a competitive edge.
Starting a Print on Demand business in 2024 is a viable and potentially lucrative way to earn money online. By selecting the right platform, leveraging professional design tools, and effectively marketing your products, you can build a successful business with little to no upfront investment. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your existing business, the POD model offers endless possibilities for creativity and profit.