Starting a print-on-demand business without a solid plan is like shooting in the dark. You need the right strategies to make it profitable in 2025. With the global POD market expected to surpass $30 billion by 2030, there’s a huge opportunity—if you’re ready to grab it.
In this blog, our eCommerce developers will share 5 actionable strategies to grow your POD store, guide you through popular niches, in-demand products, and three eCommerce platforms.
Ready to take your POD business to the next level? Let’s dive in!
Don’t Just Start a Print-On-Demand Business — Grow it With These 5 Strategies
A successful POD business depends on how much you sell, right? However, you must identify early trends and capitalize on emerging technologies driving customers to place custom orders. Let’s determine 5 strategies to scale your POD business for success, 2025.
1. Product Personalization
People’s love for custom products doesn’t seem to be dying.
Studies suggest that 36% of consumers expect personalization and 48% are willing to wait longer for customized items.
What to do?
- Integrate Product Customization Tools: Use plugins like a custom map WordPress plugin to let users design city maps or custom WordPress Book Preview software to let shoppers create personalized storybooks as gifts for their loved ones.
- Charge a Fee: Charge a reasonable fee for customization as a value-added feature and increase your profit margins.
- Create a POD store: Use WooCommerce, Shopify, or Wix to build a personalized store designed for long-term growth and success.
2. Augmented Reality (AR)
AR has been revolutionizing eCommerce ever since its inception.
With nearly 1.7 billion active mobile AR users projected worldwide in 2024, there’s so much you can do to create a future-ready shopping experience for driving conversion and growth.
What to do?
- Integrate Virtual Try-Ons: Let customers preview apparel, home decor, or accessories in actual space to build trust and increase conversions.
- Develop Custom Product Visualizers: Add tools like a PC configurator for Shopify to allow users to design custom products virtually. This gives shoppers complete control over their purchases.
- Develop AR Visualizers: Enable customers to personalize and view products like wall art within their spaces, creating a highly engaging shopping experience.
3. Starting a Print-On-Demand Business Powered by AI
There’s no escape from AI; it is everywhere.
AI will drive nearly 40% of print-on-demand services by 2024, enabling customers to get custom products faster.
What to do?
- Faster Product Design: Use AI-image enhancer to optimize product images for better customer trust and higher conversion rates
- Sync Your POD Store: Platforms like Printify update products, pricing, and inventory across your store in real-time.
- Personalized Marketing: AI tools like Klaviyo analyze customer browsing and purchase history to recommend relevant products to your shoppers.
- AI-Driven Customer Support: AI chatbots handle common customer queries, reducing response times and improving satisfaction.
4. Multi-Platform Selling
Who shops only in physical stores anymore? Reach your customers where they are by selling your POD products across multiple touchpoints — website (e.g. Shopify), online marketplaces (e.g. Amazon), social media sites (e.g. Instagram), and retail stores.
Multi-channel shoppers have a 30% higher lifetime value, maximizing customer loyalty and business revenue.
What to do?
- Start with Social Media Shops: Use Instagram and TikTok’s built-in shop features to let customers buy directly from your posts and videos.
- Diversify with Marketplaces: Expand to platforms like Amazon Handmade to reach niche audiences looking for personalized or creative products.
- Streamline with Automation Tools: Use tools like Shopify to effectively manage POD stores: sync inventory, automate posting, and manage orders across platforms.
5. Integrate 3D Printing
3D printing has been game-changing in customizing products. Such is the power that even popular brands like Adidas rolled out 3D-printed sneakers (called the Climamog) for casual wear.
With the global market for 3D printing products and services projected to exceed $37 billion by 2026, retailers have plenty of business growth opportunities.
- Expand Product Catalog: Add 3D-printed items like custom phone stands, jewelry, or home decor to increase high-margin sales.
- Accelerate Prototyping: Validate new product ideas with 3D printing tools, allowing faster launches.
- Partner with 3D Printing Services: Work with platforms like Shapeways or Sculpteo for seamless production without upfront equipment costs.
Top 7 Industry Niches for Starting a Print-On-Demand Business
Choosing the right industry niche is crucial for POD success. While some niches remain evergreen, others have recently surged in popularity, offering fresh opportunities. Here are some highly profitable niches for starting a POD business in 2025:
1. Sporting Events
Global sports events like the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup enjoy insane popularity. They present a perfect opportunity to create products that celebrate team spirit, fan loyalty, and global competition.
Top POD Products:
- Apparel: T-shirts, jerseys, and hoodies with team-inspired designs.
- Accessories: Caps, scarves, and tote bags with national flags.
- Memorabilia: Posters, mugs, and stickers celebrating teams and players.
Pro Tip: Create limited-edition products associated with specific events to capitalize on the burning excitement.
2. Fitness and Wellness
People are growing health-conscious more than ever. Whether gym at home, practice yoga, or follow any other wellness regime. Fitness gear and supplies will have always adequate buyers.
Top POD Products:
- Gym wear: Custom leggings, tank tops, and sweatshirts.
- Accessories: Water bottles, gym bags, and yoga mats with calming colors and patterns.
- Journals: Meditation and fitness trackers with inspirational themes.
Pro Tip: Use motivational designs for gym-goers and soothing patterns or inspirational texts for yoga lovers.
3. Travelers
Travelers love personalized products that evoke wanderlust or preserve memories. With the travel accessories market projected to surpass $50 billion in 2024, this niche presents a lucrative opportunity for POD businesses.
Top POD Products:
- Apparel: T-shirts and hoodies with travel quotes or iconic landmarks.
- Accessories: Travel journals, passport covers, and tote bags.
- Wall art: Custom city maps, posters, and bucket-list-themed wall art prints.
Pro Tip: Add customizable options for map designs, such as specific countries, cities, or routes.
4. Gamers and Tech Enthusiasts
The gaming industry is massive, and gamers love exclusive, hobby-themed merchandise. This includes casual players, e-sports fans, and tech enthusiasts who love flaunting unique products.
Top POD Products:
- Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, and hats with gaming memes or popular game references.
- Accessories: Mousepads, desk mats, and phone cases with bold graphics.
- Decor: Posters and wall art with retro gaming or e-sports themes.
Pro Tip: Roll out products aligned with the trending themes.
5. Pet Lovers
Pet ownership is booming. With pet spending projected to grow by 7% annually through 2030, it creates endless opportunities for pet-focused businesses.
Top POD Products:
- Pet accessories: Bandanas, collars, and leashes.
- Owner apparel: T-shirts and hoodies with fun pet slogans or custom pet portraits.
- Home decor: Throw pillows, mugs, and wall art featuring pet breeds.
Pro Tip: Explore customizable options, such as pet portraits and wearables.
6. Eco-Conscious Shoppers
Do you know that 73% of millennials are willing to pay extra for sustainable brands? This sustainability-driven consumer behavior has resulted in the emergence of many successful print-on-demand stores, particularly in the eco-friendly product niche.
Top POD Products:
- Reusable items: Tote bags, water bottles, and coffee mugs with eco-friendly slogans.
- Organic apparel: T-shirts and caps made from sustainable materials.
- Stationery: Nature-themed journals and planners.
Pro Tip: Cut above the rest with nature-inspired designs to resonate with socially responsible audiences.
7. Hobbyists and Crafters
The DIY and crafting community continues to grow, with hobbyists seeking products that reflect their passions.
Top POD Products:
- Apparel: Aprons and T-shirts with unorthodox sayings or designs.
- Accessories: Mugs, tote bags, and earthen pots.
- Decor: Wall art and knitted throw pillows with creative art forms.
Pro Tip: Collaborate with local communities (e.g., knitting or gardening forums) to design print-on-demand products they’ll love.
Best 5 Products for Starting a Print-On-Demand Business
Thinking of starting a Print-On-Demand business? That’s a great move—but have you figured out what to sell? With a vast range of POD products available, choosing the right ones can make or break your success.
Based on various industry studies, we’ve curated a list of products, currently in high demand, to help you build successful POD stores.
Comparing eCommerce Platforms to Start Print-On-Demand Business: WooCommerce vs. Shopify vs. Wix
Selecting the right platform is crucial for building successful print-on-demand stores. Here’s a detailed comparison of WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix—the three leading platforms in the industry.
Overview:
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a popular WordPress plugin that lets you build a fully functional eCommerce store in a few clicks. It’s a free and highly flexible platform for tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
Shopify
Shopify is a feature-rich eCommerce platform known for its simplicity and scalability. It’s the go-to platform for beginners and established businesses alike.
Wix
Wix is a website builder with drag-and-drop features. It’s beginner-friendly and suitable for smaller POD stores.
| Features | WooCommerce | Shopify | Wix |
| Ease of Use | Though easy to use, it requires a learning curve. | Quick Setup: No technical expertise required. | Easiest with drag-and-drop features. |
| Customization | Highly Customization | Moderate Customization | Limited Customization |
| POD Integration | Supports POD tools like Printful, Printify, and custom-built solutions. | Seamlessly integrates with Printful, Printify, and other POD services. | Integrates with POD platforms like Printful and Modalyst. |
| Scalability | Highly Scalable, powered by advanced features. | Supports multi-channel selling for extended market reach. | Limited for Large-scale businesses. |
| SEO | Great for SEO as it has full access to WordPress SEO tools. | Good for SEO with various built-in tools and features. | Basic SEO features; may not work for long-term growth. |
| Security | Requires maintenance for security, updates, and backups. | Fully hosted with SSL included. | Managed by Wix. |
| Ideal for | Businesses that prioritize customization and scalability without spending in excess. | Beginners and those with scalability in mind and willingness to invest every month. | Hobbyists and small businesses with little to no technical expertise. |
| Cost | 100% Free Plugin but premium extensions, themes, and hosting may cost extra. | Plans start at $29/month, with additional fees for premium themes, apps, etc. | Plans start at $23/month, including hosting, SSL, and a free domain for the first year. |
Determine what’s right for your POD business model or consult eCommerce developers like us to guide you through.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Print-On-Demand (POD) business allows you to sell custom-made products like apparel, mugs, or home decor without holding inventory.
Products are printed and shipped only when a customer places an order. It is a low-risk and cost-efficient business model. Simply upload your designs, connect with a POD supplier, and start selling on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy.
Yes, POD businesses can be highly profitable with meticulous strategies. Industry reports are promising with Print On Demand Market projected to reach $48.4 billion during the 2024-2032 period.
However, the competition has increased due to its low-risk business model. You can make money by choosing the right niche, unique designs, and pricing strategies.
We have curated some successful print-on-demand business ideas that align with popular markets. Consider these ideas:
Custom Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, and hats with trendy or personalized designs.
Home Decor: Custom map posters, throw pillows, and wall art for travelers or decor enthusiasts.
Pet Products: Personalized pet collars, bandanas, and mugs featuring pet portraits.
Fitness Gear: Gym wear, water bottles, and yoga mats with motivational themes.
Travel Accessories: Passport covers, tote bags, and luggage tags with unique designs.
Choose an idea and start your journey to build a successful POD store today.
Let’s share the popular platforms for building successful POD stores:
Shopify: Best for beginners due to its ease of use and seamless integrations with POD apps like Printify and Printful.
WooCommerce: Ideal for tech-savvy and cost-conscious entrepreneurs who need scalability.
Wix: Great for hobbyists or small businesses with limited customization needs.
Etsy: Perfect for niche products and small-scale businesses.
For a fully customized POD store, WooCommerce is a great option. Whereas Shopify offers simplicity and robust tools for creating a scalable POD store online.
Anyone can start a POD business, regardless of experience or background.
It’s especially suitable for:
Creative Individuals: Designers, artists, or photographers.
Entrepreneurs: Business-minded individuals looking for a low-risk eCommerce model.
Hobbyists: People passionate about specific niches (e.g., fitness, pets, travel).
Side Hustlers: Professionals seeking additional income without major time commitments.
All you need is a niche, creativity, and the right tools to turn your simple ideas into a successful print-on-demand store.
Starting a Print-On-Demand business is a great option to achieve eCommerce success.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your POD store successfully:
1. Choose Your Niche
2. Select Your POD Products
3. Pick the Right E-Commerce Platform
4. Partner with a POD Provider
5. Design and List Your Products
6. Set Up and Market Your POD Store
Need help? Our eCommerce developers are just a call away. Contact Us.
Yes, you can integrate Print-On-Demand (POD) services with popular e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce and Shopify.
Most POD providers offer apps or plugins that connect directly to your store, simplifying the integration. Here’s how to integrate POD with your eCommerce platform:
1: Choose a POD provider that aligns with your product offerings (e.g., Printful for Shopify)
2: Install the provider’s app or plugin on your e-commerce platform.
3: Configure your product catalog by uploading designs and prices.
4: Test the POD integration to ensure smooth order processing and fulfillment.
5: Optimize and market your POD products for conversion.
Hire Shopify developers and integrate POD with your eCommerce store.
Starting a Print-On-Demand Business? Let’s Make It Profitable
Starting a print-on-demand business in 2025 offers incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow. From product personalization to integrating with AR and AI-driven tools, you can drive your POD store to conversion and success.
Whether you want to optimize or build successful print-on-demand stores, you can rely on our eCommerce development company for top-tier business solutions. We have 14+ years of experience in building profit-driven POD and dropshipping stores across multiple industry verticals.
Contact us and get started.
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