Print-on-demand for ecommerce offers awesome benefits to sellers and buyers alike. Customers can get creative designs that may not be available through mainstream markets, and sellers don’t have to be burdened with slow-moving stocks.
In this guide, we’ll explore how print-on-demand can be the cornerstone of your e-commerce strategy, driving growth and fostering a unique brand identity – from selecting a platform to leveraging the power of graphic design. Let’s get started!
Understanding Print-on-Demand
Print on demand (POD) for e-commerce is a business model that allows you to offer your products without the need for a traditional inventory system.
This model caters to a broad spectrum of products, from apparel and accessories to books and home decor, enabling businesses to sell a wide variety without upfront investment in stock.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Customer Places an Order in Your Online Store
A customer visits your e-commerce store, browses through your catalog of designs, and decides to purchase a product, say, a custom-designed t-shirt. They add the t-shirt to their cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the purchase process on your website.
Step 2: You Forward the Order to Your POD Supplier
Once the order is confirmed, it automatically (through integration) or manually (by you) gets forwarded to your chosen POD supplier.
Step 3: POD Supplier Prints Your Design on the Item
The POD supplier receives the order details and prints your design onto the product, ensuring the final product matches your original design specifications.
Step 4: Supplier Packs and Ships the Order to Your Customer
Once the item passes quality inspection, the POD supplier ships the order directly to your customer using the shipping details provided.
POD items include a myriad of items, from apparel to household items, such as:
- T-shirts
- Mugs
- Hoodies
- Yoga pants
- Engraved or printed jewelry
- Posters
- Jackets
- Tote bags
- Stickers
- Backpacks
- Towel
- Phone cases
- Hats
- Face masks
- Water bottles
- Socks
Benefits of Print-on-Demand for Ecommerce
Print-on-demand for e-commerce is a promising business model that is expected to grow in the next decade. Data from Market.Us reveals that the worldwide market for POD will expand from its 2023 valuation of $3.94 billion to approximately $43.07 billion by 2033 – an impressive compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.80%.
Here are the benefits of POD for sellers:
- Reduced Upfront Costs. Unlike traditional retail models that require bulk inventory purchases, POD operates on a per-order basis, eliminating the need for large capital expenditure on stock.
- Zero Inventory Risk. Since products are only printed upon order, e-commerce businesses don’t need to deal with unsold inventory. This model not only frees up financial resources but also space that would otherwise be used for storage.
- Vast Product Selection. As seen from the list above, POD opens up a vast array of product possibilities. This diversity allows e-commerce stores to cater to a wide audience or niche markets with ease.
- Quick Design Changes. E-commerce businesses can quickly adapt to trends, customer feedback, or seasonal demands by updating designs without leftover inventory. This agility is crucial in the fast-paced online retail environment.
- Streamlined Operations. The logistical aspects of order fulfillment, including printing, packing, and shipping, are managed by the POD provider. This streamlining allows e-commerce businesses to focus on design, customer service, optimizing operational efficiency, or even adopting new business trends such as artificial intelligence in digital marketing strategies.
Most Popular Print-on-Demand Platforms
Here are some of the most popular POD platforms to check out if you’re looking for a supplier:
Printful
Printful stands out due to its seamless integration with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. Their mockup generator allows you to visualize your designs on various products before listing them for sale. Additionally, they offer warehousing and fulfillment services, making it a one-stop solution for your business.
Printify
Printify’s strength lies in its extensive network of printing partners worldwide. You can choose from multiple providers based on location, quality, and pricing. Their transparent pricing model helps you make informed decisions. Check out this Printify vs. Printful comparison if you’re on the fence between the two suppliers.
Gelato![]()
Gelato’s global printing network ensures efficient production and delivery. They prioritize sustainability by minimizing shipping distances. Their API integration allows seamless connection to your existing systems. Gelato’s local printing approach reduces carbon footprint and supports eco-conscious businesses.
Gooten
Gooten offers a free print-on-demand platform. Their product range includes apparel, home decor, and accessories. They handle order fulfillment, allowing you to focus on marketing. Gooten doesn’t charge upfront fees, making it accessible for startups.
Which is the best platform for print-on-demand?
The “best” platform for print-on-demand depends on your specific needs, including:
- Types of products you want to sell
- The level of customization you need
- Integrations you require with your e-commerce store
- Shipping options
- Production times
- Reputation for quality and customer service
Conducting thorough research, reading reviews, and even testing a few platforms with sample orders can provide valuable insights into which POD service is the best fit for your e-commerce business.
Crucial Role of Graphic Design in Print-on-Demand Success
The success of a POD business hinges significantly on the allure and originality of its product designs.
Here are the reasons why high-quality graphic design becomes not just beneficial but essential in POD.
- Product Appeal. The first interaction a customer has with your product is visual. High-quality and compelling designs that resonate with your viewers’ ideas and sentiments stand out in a crowded online marketplace. That said, AI-generated images might not be the best for POD as they can be a hit-or-miss when it comes to reflecting human context.
- Elevated Brand Perception. Consistent and professional graphic design contributes significantly to how potential customers perceive your brand. Superior graphic design not only conveys the quality of your products but also builds trust and credibility with your audience.
- Adaptability to Market Trends. Whether incorporating the latest design motifs or creating products that resonate with current cultural moments, the ability to update your product visuals swiftly keeps your offerings fresh and relevant.
A testament to the importance of graphic design in print-on-demand for ecommerce is our many clients in the POD industry here are Penji. They understand that the lifeblood of a POD business is the quality of designs it offers, so they entrust their visuals to the elite top 2% of designers in the industry—yes, that’s the Penji team.
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