Print on Demand (POD) is a fulfillment model where custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters are only printed and shipped after a customer places an order. You design the products; the POD provider handles printing, packaging, and shipping.
Print on Demand (POD) is a fulfillment model where custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters are only printed and shipped after a customer places an order. You design the products; the POD provider handles printing, packaging, and shipping.
Print on demand is similar to dropshipping but with a creative twist — you design custom products that no one else sells. POD providers like Printful, Printify, and Gooten integrate with your Shopify store. When a customer orders, the provider prints your design on the chosen product and ships it. This model combines low startup costs with unique branding, as your designs are exclusive to your store. Margins are typically 30-50% on apparel and higher on accessories.
You create a cat-themed design and list it on a t-shirt (base cost £9), a mug (base cost £5), and a poster (base cost £4). You price them at £24.99, £14.99, and £12.99 respectively. When a customer orders the t-shirt, Printful prints your design, packages it, and ships it. Your gross margin on the shirt is £15.99 (64%).
POD lets you sell unique, branded products with zero inventory risk. Unlike dropshipping where many sellers offer identical products, your designs differentiate your store. The model rewards creativity and brand-building over ad spend alone, often leading to stronger customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
Not ordering product samples to check print quality before listing them
Using low-resolution designs that look pixelated when printed
Offering too many product types instead of focusing on a few that sell well in your niche
StoreLyst helps POD sellers track true profit per design and per product type, factoring in the base cost, shipping, and ad spend. See which designs are your best sellers and which products have the highest margins.
Learn more about COGS Management →Both are inventory-free models, but in POD you sell products with your original designs, while in dropshipping you sell existing products from suppliers. POD products are unique to your brand; dropship products can be found on many stores.
Printful and Printify are the most popular. Printful handles everything in-house with higher quality but higher base costs. Printify connects you to a network of print providers with lower costs but more variable quality. Both integrate seamlessly with Shopify.
T-shirts and hoodies are the top sellers, followed by mugs, phone cases, and wall art. Niche-specific designs outperform generic ones. Focus on a specific audience (dog lovers, gamers, professionals) and create designs that resonate with their identity.
Stop calculating in spreadsheets. Get real-time print on demand tracking for your Shopify store.