Is Print on Demand Profitable or Not in 2024?

by | Sep 8, 2023 | Ecommerce Tricks

In the e-commerce landscape dominated by convenience and personalization, the idea of print-on-demand (POD) has emerged as an appealing and dynamic option for entrepreneurs. This concept seamlessly combines technology, e-commerce, and creative expression into a unified business model. However, as we enter 2024, numerous aspiring entrepreneurs are contemplating the same question: Is print-on-demand profitable? Is print on demand worth it?

Is print on demand still profitable in 2024?

Yes, there is still significant potential for print on demand.

  1. Print-on-demand plays a crucial role in the e-commerce industry, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Every day, numerous internet users shop online, and the print-on-demand model is renowned for its customization options.

According to a Statista report, global retail e-commerce sales are steadily increasing and are projected to reach $7,391 billion.

In 2022, e-commerce will represent 18.9% of global retail sales, and by 2023, this percentage is expected to increase to 19.5%.

E-Commerce Trends in Recent Years

2. The demand for print-on-demand continues to surge. In 2022, the global on-demand printing market is projected to reach $6.18 billion, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030.

Print on demand market analysis

3. With the evolution of the dropshipping model, there is a growing focus on print on demand. According to Google Trends, there has been a notable surge in search interest for the keyword “print on demand.”

Google search trends for the keyword

Is print on demand saturated?

The print-on-demand (POD) market has grown significantly, especially with the rise of e-commerce, but whether it’s “saturated” depends on perspective. The POD industry is highly competitive, with many sellers offering similar products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.

While the industry has become crowded, creativity, niche positioning, and branding can still set you apart.

At the same time, customer demand is rising, but POD products don’t cover all categories, meaning there are still plenty of opportunities in the space.

How can you make your print-on-demand business profitable quickly in 2024?

A person is using a computer to design a picture

1. Choose the right niche

In the competitive print-on-demand market, you can choose a niche within the larger industry. Instead of catering to all buyers, you can focus on a specific group.

Focusing on a niche can help you cultivate loyal customers and reduce marketing costs. For example, if you want to sell pet supplies, but there are many types of pets like dogs, cats, and birds, you can choose to focus only on pet birds or pet lizards to avoid offering too many products and facing intense competition.

You can also use tools to help choose a niche by paying attention to trending topics and products. Online, certain products or trends become very popular. Research tools like Google Trends or TikTok’s search bar can help you determine what’s currently trending. These trends are often easy to capitalize on, especially in the entertainment sector, and even short-term trends can generate substantial income.

Related article: What Is a Niche

2. Pick the right supplier

Choosing the right print on demand (POD) supplier is crucial to the success of your business. Not all suppliers may offer the niche you’ve chosen. For example, if you choose pet tags, there may only be a few companies in the market that provide them.

Your brand’s reputation depends on the quality of the products you offer, and that quality relies on your suppliers. To evaluate them, the best approach is to purchase samples and experience the products firsthand.

Timely delivery is also essential. One of the requirements for becoming a star seller on Etsy is delivering orders on time.

JetPrint offers a wide range of high-quality products, allowing you to explore different niches. We also provide a 30-day refund policy after receiving the goods, ensuring your interests are protected.

3. Create attractive designs

Great designs lead to great sales. In the print-on-demand business, it’s crucial to focus on unique product designs instead of just selling merchandise. If you’re wondering why others outsell you in the same footwear category, keep in mind that many print-on-demand entrepreneurs are willing to invest in skilled designers because they know that combining great designs with quality products boosts sales.

If you’re creative, you won’t need to worry about orders. Currently, the most popular designs in the print-on-demand market include anime characters and idol-related patterns.

If you’re short on inspiration, check out these websites for ideas:

  • Behance
  • Dribbble
  • Pinterest

4. Conduct effective marketing campaigns

Drive more traffic to your store and increase orders.

Whether it’s paid advertising, SEO, social media, or email marketing, these are the marketing strategies you should consider.

Avoid common advertising mistakes: spending a lot of time and money on ads without generating many orders. Here’s what to do:
a. Choose a preferred promotion method, such as Facebook ads, Google ads, TikTok ads, etc.
b. Keep testing your products because not all of them will meet market demand or bring significant returns.
c. Optimize your creative and landing page since creative quality impacts click-through rates, and landing pages affect conversion rates.
d. When your campaign meets your goals, consider raising your ad budget to drive more orders.

SEO optimization for your store can bring in more organic traffic. If your product ranks well on search engines, you’ll receive long-term traffic. Keep in mind that ranking rules can change, so monitor competitors closely.

SEO isn’t the only way to gain free traffic. You can also post on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to increase product visibility to potential buyers.

Email marketing works best for promoting products or offers to your existing customers. It enhances customer interaction and builds brand loyalty by targeting your buyers.

5. Provide excellent customer service

Research shows that 81% of customers are more likely to make repeat purchases after a positive customer service experience. Satisfied customers are also likely to spread the word about your products, recommend your store to others, and leave positive reviews and comments. This positive feedback builds trust and boosts conversion rates in your store.

What are the popular print-on-demand products?

1. Clothing
2. Mug
3. Tote bag
4. Jewelry
5. Stickers

For the products mentioned above, I wouldn’t recommend entering the clothing, mugs, and stickers market due to the high saturation of sellers in these categories. Most of these sellers have their own equipment and can independently produce these items without relying on a print on demand company. Instead, you might consider focusing on selling tote bags, both in leather and canvas.

Jewelry Products by JetPrint

Many consumers prefer personalized necklaces with their own names over generic greeting cards. Currently, JetPrint is the only print-on-demand company that offers custom greeting cards and jewelry in the market.

Related article: Difference Between Leather and Canvas
Related article: Print on Demand Jewelry Companies

Which print-on-demand companies are worth considering?

  1. JetPrint
    2. Printify
    3. Gelato
    4. Merchize
    5. Printful

These print on demand companies offer an extensive selection of print-on-demand products and excellent service, allowing you to choose the ideal niche product that suits your requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question “Is print-on-demand profitable or Is print on demand worth it ?” can be unequivocally answered with a “yes.” Rather than dwelling on the negatives, it’s essential to concentrate on your designs. Remember that success in this field hinges not only on the products you provide but also on your capacity to connect with your target audience through your designs. In the realm of print-on-demand, persistence, creativity, and adaptability are your most valuable assets.

FAQ

What kinds of products can I sell with print on demand?

You can sell a wide range of print-on-demand products. What you choose to sell will depend on your niche and target audience.

Do I need design skills to start a print on demand business?

While having design skills can be helpful, they are not a strict requirement. Many POD platforms offer design templates and services to assist you in creating custom products, even if you don’t have extensive design knowledge.

Can I operate a print-on-demand business while working full-time?

Yes, many entrepreneurs begin a POD business as a side gig while maintaining a full-time job.

What is the typical profit margin for print on demand?

Profit margins in the print-on-demand industry can vary depending on factors like product pricing, marketing strategies, and operational expenses. On average, entrepreneurs can anticipate profit margins ranging from 20% to 45%.

Is the print-on-demand business sustainable in the long term?

Print on demand can be a sustainable long-term venture if you adapt to market trends, continually enhance your products, and provide outstanding customer service.

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