Print on Demand
Last edited on January 28 2025
Curious about Print on Demand? We’re here to break it down for you—explaining how it works, its pros and cons, and how it can help scale your eCommerce business.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on Demand (POD) is a production method where items like books, clothing, or gifts are made only after a customer places an order. Unlike traditional printing, which involves producing items in bulk and storing them in inventory, POD eliminates the need for pre-made stock.
Using digital printing technology, POD allows for quick and cost-effective production of small batches. This means businesses can avoid large upfront investments in inventory and only produce what’s needed, making it a flexible and efficient option.
The Pro's and Con's of Print on Demand
Imagine you're starting a WooCommerce store to sell custom T-shirts using Print on Demand (POD). With POD, the T-shirt is printed, packaged, and shipped automatically as soon as an order is placed on your website. This approach is not only sustainable but also saves you from the hassle of investing in printers, managing inventory, or dealing with stock risks.
However, selling on demand does come with a few drawbacks. Print providers often have a higher cost per unit compared to bulk production, which can make POD less ideal for low-priced items. Additionally, shipping times are usually a bit longer since products are made to order. That said, customers are often happy to wait a little longer for a personalized product.
How Print on Demand works
Choosing the right print provider is the first step to building a successful Print on Demand (POD) business. Your decision should align with your product line, quality standards, and service expectations. Luckily, there are many ways to connect your online store with a production facility, including APIs or plugins.
Using an API (Application programming interface) is a popular choice for seamless integration. With an API, orders placed on your website are automatically sent to your print provider. The provider handles everything printing, packaging, and shipping under a white-label service. You’ll also receive order updates and tracking information to keep your customers informed.
By streamlining your supply chain through API integration, you can focus on what matters most: driving more sales and growing your eCommerce store.
Print on Demand and customized products
Instant Design Tool makes it simple for your customers to personalize a wide range of print-on-demand products. From clipart and text to pre-designed templates, users can create unique designs effortlessly. The software generates print-ready files, which can be seamlessly sent to your chosen print provider perfect for creating on demand merchandise with ease.
Need a hassle-free integration? Connect our print on demand services to your online store and let automation take over. Orders are processed, printed, and shipped automatically, so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the rest.
Sell your Print on Demand product on marketplaces
For online stores and marketplaces, Print on Demand offers a smart, resource-efficient solution by eliminating the need for large product inventories. This model provides incredible flexibility, allowing products to be customized in various sizes, colors, and styles to match customer preferences seamlessly.
Expanding your reach by selling on marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or Bol.com (Dutch) is an excellent strategy to grow your customer base and boost your visibility. With millions of active shoppers, these platforms significantly reduce the time and cost spent on marketing and advertising, giving your products instant exposure to a wide audience.
