By Anita Singh | 02 Mar 2025 | 5 min read
Print-on-demand (POD) is a great side hustle that allows you to sell custom-designed products without the hassle of managing inventory. With the right strategy, you can create a profitable business selling T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. Here’s how to get started.
Print-on-demand is a business model where products are only created when a customer places an order. This eliminates the need for upfront inventory, making it a low-risk side hustle.
Platforms like Printful, Teespring, and Redbubble handle production, shipping, and fulfillment, allowing you to focus on design and marketing.
Success in POD depends on selecting a niche that has demand. Popular niches include motivational quotes, pet lovers, fitness, and pop culture.
Once you choose a niche, decide on the products you want to sell. T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and mugs are among the most popular options.
Creating unique and eye-catching designs is key to attracting buyers. You don’t need to be a graphic designer—tools like Canva and Adobe Spark make it easy to create professional-looking designs.
You can also hire designers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to bring your ideas to life.
To start selling, you need a platform. You can launch your POD store on Shopify, Etsy, or integrate with marketplaces like Amazon Merch or Redbubble.
Connecting your store with a POD provider like Printful or Printify ensures seamless order fulfillment without manual intervention.
Marketing is essential for driving sales. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your designs.
Running Facebook and Instagram ads, leveraging influencer marketing, and optimizing your listings with SEO can also help increase visibility and attract buyers.
Once you generate consistent sales, reinvest profits into new designs and marketing strategies. Expanding your product line and offering seasonal collections can help boost revenue.
Analyzing customer feedback and trends will also allow you to refine your product offerings and scale your business successfully.
Print-on-demand is an excellent side hustle that allows you to sell custom products without worrying about inventory or fulfillment. With the right niche, quality designs, and effective marketing, you can build a successful online business that generates passive income.