What Is Print-on-Demand?
Print-on-Demand is a business model where you create custom designs to be printed on items like t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, posters, phone cases, and more. Unlike traditional retail, you don’t need to purchase or store inventory. When a customer places an order, a third-party supplier (like Printful, Printify, or Gelato) prints the product and ships it directly to them.
It’s essentially drop-shipping for creatives.
Why Print-on-Demand Is a Great Side Hustle
1. Low Start-Up Costs
You don’t need to buy stock or a warehouse. All you need is a laptop, a basic design tool (like Canva or Adobe Express), and access to a POD platform. Most platforms are free to use and integrate easily with online storefronts like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon.
2. No Inventory, No Hassle
Since the POD provider handles manufacturing, packaging, and shipping, you can focus solely on marketing and creating great designs. This drastically reduces your operational workload and risk.
3. Highly Scalable
Unlike many side hustles that are tied to your time, POD allows you to earn while you sleep. Once your designs are live and optimized, they can generate passive income around the clock.
4. Creative Freedom
Whether you're a designer, a writer, or just have clever ideas for slogans, POD lets you monetize your creativity. Niche markets thrive in this space — from funny cat-themed coffee mugs to minimalist travel posters.
Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choose a Niche
Focus on a specific audience—like yoga lovers, dog owners, gamers, or teachers. Niches help you stand out in a crowded market and appeal directly to a passionate customer base.Create or Source Designs
You don’t need to be a professional artist. Tools like Canva, Kittl, or even AI design tools can help you produce polished visuals. Just make sure you own the rights to whatever you use.Pick a Platform
Popular POD platforms:Printful and Printify for high-quality apparel and accessories
Redbubble and TeePublic for marketplace exposure
Etsy for handmade and artistic audiences
Shopify if you want full brand control
Set Up Your Store
Upload your designs, write compelling product descriptions, and optimize your titles with keywords. Make your storefront visually appealing and easy to navigate.Market Your Products
Use TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest to promote your designs organically. Paid ads can also help, but start with organic reach to minimize costs.
Real-World Example: From Side Hustle to Brand
Take the example of “Dog Moms Unite,” a POD shop on Etsy launched by a graphic designer in her spare time. She focused on t-shirts and mugs with playful dog-themed slogans. In less than a year, her store crossed $50,000 in revenue — all without touching a single package.
Final Thoughts
Print-on-Demand is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but with consistency, creativity, and smart marketing, it can evolve from a small side hustle into a thriving online brand. In 2025, it remains one of the most accessible and sustainable paths to entrepreneurial success — especially for those looking to dip their toes into e-commerce without the high stakes.
If you’ve got a clever idea, a creative spark, or a passion you’d love to share with the world, POD might just be the perfect place to start.
Ready to get started?
Here are 10 of the most popular and trusted Print-on-Demand (POD) companies where you can start your side hustle today. Each offers unique features, so you can choose the one that best fits your goals, niche, and preferred sales platform:
1. Printful
Best For: High-quality apparel and branded products
Integrations: Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, and more
Highlights: In-house fulfillment, branding options (custom labels, packaging), global fulfillment centers
2. Printify
Best For: Broad product selection and price comparison
Integrations: Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Walmart, and more
Highlights: Network of print providers around the world, competitive pricing, wide product range
3. Gelato
Best For: Global printing and fast delivery
Integrations: Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix
Highlights: Local production in 30+ countries, eco-friendly practices, excellent for international sellers
4. Redbubble
Best For: Artists and designers who want a built-in marketplace
Integrations: Standalone platform (no need for Shopify/Etsy)
Highlights: Built-in traffic, wide global audience, great for passive income
5. Teespring (Now Spring)
Best For: Influencers, creators, and social media sellers
Integrations: YouTube, Twitch, Linktree, Instagram
Highlights: Social commerce features, no upfront cost, creator-first platform
6. Zazzle
Best For: Customization-heavy products (wedding invites, office items)
Integrations: Standalone platform
Highlights: Large customer base, premium product categories, deep customization options
7. Society6
Best For: Artists focused on home decor and art prints
Integrations: Standalone marketplace
Highlights: Higher-end audience, focus on artwork and home design, artist-friendly royalties
8. TeePublic
Best For: Simple setup and fast start for t-shirt and apparel designers
Integrations: Standalone marketplace (owned by Redbubble)
Highlights: Auto-promotion, set-and-forget model, easy entry point
9. SPOD (Spreadshirt POD)
Best For: Speedy fulfillment and low base prices
Integrations: Shopify, WooCommerce
Highlights: 48-hour average shipping time, 50K+ free design assets
10. TPop
Best For: Eco-conscious brands and European sellers
Integrations: Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce
Highlights: European fulfillment, zero plastic packaging, white-label branding
Choosing the Right Platform for You:
Goal | Best Option |
|---|---|
Build your own brand/store | Printful, Printify, Gelato |
Sell on a marketplace | Redbubble, TeePublic, Society6 |
Reach social media fans | Spring (Teespring) |
Eco-friendly audience | TPop, Gelato |
European fulfillment | SPOD, TPop, Gelato |