Introduction to Print on Demand
Print on demand (POD) is a business model where you create designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. When a customer orders, a third-party company prints and ships the item. You never handle stock, packaging, or shipping.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- 1
Understand the POD supply chain: Customer orders → POD company prints → Ships to customer → You receive profit
- 2
Learn the main POD platforms: Printful (integrates with Etsy/Shopify), Printify (lower prices), Redbubble (built-in marketplace), Merch by Amazon
- 3
Understand profit margins: typical POD margins are 20–40% after platform fees
- 4
Learn the product range: t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, wall art, stickers
- 5
Understand the two selling approaches: marketplace (Redbubble/Merch by Amazon) vs. your own store (Etsy + Printful)
Pro Tips
- Redbubble and Merch by Amazon have built-in traffic — perfect for beginners with no marketing budget
- Etsy + Printful gives you more control and higher margins but requires your own marketing
Real-World Example
A graphic designer in Bristol uploaded 50 designs to Redbubble over 2 weeks. Now earns £400–600/month passively from royalties on t-shirts, stickers, and phone cases.
All Modules
£0 to £2,200/month — Dog Breed Niche POD
A dog lover created 10 Labrador designs and listed on Etsy and Redbubble. Expanded to 30 dog breeds × 7 products each. Now has 210 listings generating passive income.
Month 2: £180. Month 4: £620. Month 6: £1,400. Month 8: £2,200. Zero ongoing effort beyond uploading new seasonal designs.