As an artist, photographer or creative looking to create your own line of custom print products for sale online, it’s now easier than ever to get started, thanks to print on demand. Want to know more? Here are the basics of print-on-demand, also known as drop-shipping, to start your business.
What Is Print on Demand/ Drop-shipping?
Print-on-demand dropshipping (POD) allows a seller to agree with a supplier (the fulfilment company) to print, pack and ship designs or photography products when an order is placed. As the seller, you run your store as you wish, but the POD company supplies the orders for delivery. With this business model, creators don’t need a big starter budget to put up money for a large amount of stock. Instead, you can sell your custom products on a print-by-print basis with no order minimum. This unique selling method does away with inventory and buying in bulk – instead, you can directly convert your idea into profit without putting your personal funds at risk. Of course, there is no limit to earning capacity, but the POD business model does demand hustle to make serious money, just as any other business does.
Print-on-demand services allow you to create customized products without needing to keep inventory on hand. This business model is excellent for entrepreneurs looking to test new designs and products without significant upfront investment. A crucial decision when starting a POD business is choosing the right printing method for your products. For example, understanding the differences between dtg vs screen printing is essential to ensure the quality and durability of your designs. Each method has its advantages and ideal use cases, so it’s important to research which will best suit your needs. Additionally, many POD providers offer both options, allowing you to select the best printing method for each specific item you want to sell.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before you start or even decide POD is for you, there are some benefits and drawbacks to understand before opening an online shop.
Advantages
- Create your store and start selling products quickly
- Your printing supplier handles printing and shipping, leaving you free to run your business
- No managing inventory
- Add or remove products from your store without financial loss
Disadvantages
- Profit margins can significantly vary and may be lower than holding inventory
- Shipping prices and times can vary between products
- Your creativity may be subject to supplier restrictions, including customisation options, printing techniques, materials available and sizing
Choose a Supplier
Finding a reliable print-on-demand supplier will determine your business success, as any mistakes or delays will affect your reputation. A great starting point is to decide what products you wish to sell and then find the best supplier for that category. Be sure to take shipping costs and the timeframes they offer into consideration as well. Also, consider their reviews from past clients, the experience they bring to the table, and whether they provide consistently high-quality products and offer you efficient and ongoing good communication.
All quality POD suppliers should have an online design tool so you can upload your designs, create a mock-up and see how your end product will look. This mock-up can be added to your shop so potential customers can adequately understand what they’re purchasing.
If you’re based in the United Kingdom and want to start a business with print-on-demand, Gelato’s UK print-on-demand services are the perfect solution. With Gelato, you can create a range of customized products to sell online, without having to worry about inventory or shipping. Visit their page to learn more about print-on-demand and how it can help you start your own successful business.
When exploring the potential of print-on-demand, it’s beneficial to read Reactiva Online POD reviews for valuable insights into reputable companies in the industry.
Contact Beyond Print
Beyond Print offers quality-art print services, including print-on-demand dropshipping for artists, photographers or creatives who want an all-in-one solution. They even have a range of direct website integrations, so there is no messy ordering process between your customer order and us. They handle everything from printing, framing, delivery, print certification, limited edition signatories, white-labelling and more.
