Print on demand and its benefits for customers and sellers

Print on demand and its benefits for customers and sellers

What is Print on Demand and Why You Should Try It?

Print on demand (POD) is a business model where you can buy and sell customized products without having to deal with inventory, production, or shipping. POD allows you to create and sell unique products with your own designs, such as t-shirts, dresses, skirts, bags, sneakers, mugs, posters, books, etc. and start your fashion business within one day! As a customer it also allows you to shop in a sustainable way and wear personalized clothes. Read below to learn more!

Photo: Nixita custom skirt and scarf

How does print on demand work?

You choose a product from a POD platform or supplier, such as Nixita, Printful or Printify.

You upload your design or use a design tool to create one. At Nixita they will do the design for you after you send your photos or drawings.

You add the product to your online store or marketplace, such as Shopify or Etsy.

You promote your product and get orders from customers.

The POD platform or supplier prints and ships the product directly to your customer.

You pay the POD platform or supplier a fee for each product sold and keep the profit.

Or you can wear your product and tell everyone that you created it on your own! Isn't that creative and inspiring? It is also sustainable!

POD is a great way to start or grow your online business, whether you are an artist, a designer, a blogger, a marketer, or an entrepreneur.

Here are some of the benefits of print on demand:

• No inventory or upfront costs. You don't have to buy or store any products before selling them. You only pay for the products that you sell, which reduces your risk and expenses.

• No hassle or waste. You don't have to worry about printing, packing, or shipping the products yourself. The POD platform or supplier takes care of everything for you, which saves you time and energy. You also don't have to worry about overstocking or understocking, which reduces your waste and environmental impact.

• Unlimited creativity and customization. You can create and sell any product that you can imagine, with any design that you can create. You can also offer your customers the option to personalize or customize their products, which increases their satisfaction and loyalty.

• High quality and variety. You can choose from a wide range of products, materials, colors, sizes, and styles, which suit different tastes and needs. You can also rely on the POD platform or supplier to deliver high-quality products, which meet your and your customers' expectations.

• Easy integration and scalability. You can easily integrate your POD platform or supplier with your online store or marketplace, which simplifies your workflow and management. You can also scale your business as much as you want, without having to worry about inventory or production limitations.

As you can see, print on demand is a powerful and flexible business model that can help you create and sell unique products online.

The difference between print on demand and traditional manufacturing

Print on Demand vs Traditional Manufacturing: What You Need to Know

If you are thinking of starting or growing your online business, you may be wondering whether to use print on demand or traditional manufacturing to produce and sell your products. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your business goals, budget, and niche.

We already learned what POD is. And what is Traditional Manufacturing?

Traditional manufacturing is the conventional method of producing and distributing products. With this method, you have to produce products in bulk, often months in advance, and store them until they are sold. You also have to handle the printing, packing, and shipping of the products yourself or hire a third-party service to do it for you.

How does traditional manufacturing work?

• You choose a product and a design that you want to sell.

• You find a manufacturer that can produce the product for you.

• You negotiate the price, quantity, quality, and delivery time with the manufacturer.

• You pay the manufacturer a deposit or the full amount to start the production.

• You wait for the production to be completed and the products to be shipped to you or your warehouse.

• You store the products until they are sold.

• You list the products on your online store or marketplace.

• You promote your product and get orders from customers.

• You pack and ship the product to your customer or use a fulfillment service to do it for you.

• You pay the manufacturer the remaining balance and the fulfillment service a fee for each product sold and keep the profit.

How Do They Differ?

Print on demand and traditional manufacturing differ in several aspects, such as:

• Cost: Print on demand has lower upfront costs, as you only pay for the products that you sell. However, the unit cost of each product may be higher, as you pay for the printing and shipping fees. Traditional manufacturing has higher upfront costs, as you have to pay for the production and storage of the products. However, the unit cost of each product may be lower, as you benefit from the economies of scale.

• Risk: Print on demand has lower risk, as you don't have to worry about unsold inventory, overstocking, or understocking. You also don't have to worry about the quality or delivery of the products, as the POD platform or supplier takes care of that. Traditional manufacturing has higher risk, as you have to invest a lot of money and time in the production and storage of the products. You also have to worry about the quality or delivery of the products, as you are responsible for that.

• Flexibility: Print on demand has higher flexibility, as you can create and sell any product that you can imagine, with any design that you can create. You can also offer your customers the option to personalize or customize their products, which increases their satisfaction and loyalty. You can also easily test the market and change your products according to the demand and feedback. Traditional manufacturing has lower flexibility, as you are limited by the product and design that you choose to produce. You cannot offer your customers the option to personalize or customize their products, which reduces their satisfaction and loyalty. You also have to commit to a large production run and cannot easily test the market or change your products according to the demand and feedback.

• Quality: Print on demand has variable quality, as it depends on the POD platform or supplier that you choose. Some POD platforms or suppliers may offer high-quality products, materials, colors, sizes, and styles, while others may offer low-quality products, materials, colors, sizes, and styles. You also have less control over the printing and shipping process, which may affect the quality of the products. Traditional manufacturing has consistent quality, as it depends on the manufacturer that you choose. You can choose a manufacturer that offers high-quality products, materials, colors, sizes, and styles, and you can also inspect and approve the products before they are shipped. You also have more control over the printing and shipping process, which may improve the quality of the products.

What Factors Should You Consider?

When choosing between print on demand and traditional manufacturing, you should consider the following factors:

• Your business goals: What are you trying to achieve with your business? Do you want to start small and test the market, or do you want to scale up and dominate the market? Do you want to offer unique and customized products, or do you want to offer standard and mass-produced products? Do you want to focus on quality or quantity?

• Your budget: How much money do you have to invest in your business? Can you afford to pay for the production and storage of the products, or do you prefer to pay for the products as you sell them? Can you afford to pay for the printing and shipping fees, or do you prefer to pay for the production fees?

• Your niche: What kind of products do you want to sell and who are your target customers? Are your products in high demand or low demand? Are your products seasonal or evergreen? Are your products generic or unique? Are your products simple or complex?

Print on demand and traditional manufacturing are two different methods of producing and selling products online. Both methods have their own pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your business goals, budget, and niche. You should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each method and consider the factors that are relevant to your business before making a decision.

Advantages and disadvantages of shopping custom clothes and accessories versus mass-produced clothes and accessories

Custom vs Mass-Produced: How to Choose Your Clothes and Accessories

Clothes and accessories are not only functional items, but also expressions of our personality, style, and taste. When we shop for clothes and accessories, we have two main options: custom or mass-produced. Custom clothes and accessories are those that are made to order, according to our preferences and measurements. Mass-produced clothes and accessories are those that are made in large quantities, following standard sizes and designs. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice for us depends on various factors, such as our budget, needs, and values. We will compare the advantages and disadvantages of shopping custom clothes and accessories versus mass-produced clothes and accessories, and provide some tips on how to make the best decision.

Advantages of Custom Clothes and Accessories

Shopping custom clothes and accessories has many benefits, such as:

• Fit: Custom clothes and accessories are tailored to fit our body and style perfectly. We can choose the exact measurements, fabrics, colors, patterns, and details that we want, and avoid the common issues of mass-produced clothes and accessories, such as being too tight, too loose, too long, or too short. Custom clothes and accessories can also enhance our comfort, confidence, and appearance.

• Quality: Custom clothes and accessories are usually made of high-quality materials and craftsmanship, which ensure their durability and longevity. We can also expect more attention to detail and care from the makers of custom clothes and accessories, as they are invested in satisfying our needs and expectations. Custom clothes and accessories can also save us money in the long run, as they are less likely to wear out or go out of style.

• Uniqueness: Custom clothes and accessories are one-of-a-kind creations that reflect our individuality and creativity. We can design our own clothes and accessories, or collaborate with the makers to create something that suits our vision and personality. Custom clothes and accessories can also help us stand out from the crowd and express ourselves better.

Disadvantages of Custom Clothes and Accessories

Shopping custom clothes and accessories also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Cost: Custom clothes and accessories are usually more expensive than mass-produced clothes and accessories, as they require more time, labor, and resources to produce. We may also have to pay extra fees for shipping, alterations, or returns. Custom clothes and accessories may not be affordable or accessible for everyone, especially for those who have a limited budget or live in remote areas.

• Time: Custom clothes and accessories take longer to make and deliver than mass-produced clothes and accessories, as they involve more steps and processes. We may have to wait for weeks or months to receive our custom clothes and accessories, which may not be convenient or practical for those who need them urgently or frequently. Custom clothes and accessories may also require more planning and communication with the makers, which may be time-consuming or stressful.

• Risk: Custom clothes and accessories involve more uncertainty and risk than mass-produced clothes and accessories, as we may not be able to see or try them before buying them. We may also encounter some issues or problems with the quality, fit, or design of our custom clothes and accessories, which may not meet our expectations or satisfaction. Custom clothes and accessories may also have limited or no options for returns, exchanges, or refunds, which may leave us disappointed or dissatisfied.

Advantages of Mass-Produced Clothes and Accessories

Shopping mass-produced clothes and accessories also has many benefits, such as:

• Price: Mass-produced clothes and accessories are usually cheaper than custom clothes and accessories, as they benefit from the economies of scale and lower production costs. We can also find more discounts, deals, and offers for mass-produced clothes and accessories, which can help us save money and get more value for our money. Mass-produced clothes and accessories are more affordable and accessible for everyone, especially for those who have a tight budget or live in urban areas.

• Convenience: Mass-produced clothes and accessories are more convenient and easy to buy than custom clothes and accessories, as they are readily available and accessible in various stores and platforms, both online and offline. We can also browse, compare, and choose from a wide range of products, sizes, and styles, and get instant feedback and reviews from other customers. Mass-produced clothes and accessories can also be delivered faster and easier than custom clothes and accessories, which can save us time and hassle.

• Variety: Mass-produced clothes and accessories offer more variety and diversity than custom clothes and accessories, as they cater to different tastes, needs, and trends. We can find more options and alternatives for mass-produced clothes and accessories, which can suit different occasions, seasons, and moods. Mass-produced clothes and accessories can also help us explore and experiment with different styles and looks, and keep up with the latest fashion and innovation.

Disadvantages of Mass-Produced Clothes and Accessories

Shopping mass-produced clothes and accessories also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Fit: Mass-produced clothes and accessories are not tailored to fit our body and style perfectly. We may have to compromise on the measurements, fabrics, colors, patterns, and details that we want, and deal with the common issues of mass-produced clothes and accessories, such as being too tight, too loose, too long, or too short. Mass-produced clothes and accessories can also affect our comfort, confidence, and appearance.

• Quality: Mass-produced clothes and accessories are usually made of low-quality materials and craftsmanship, which compromise their durability and longevity. We may also encounter more defects and errors from the makers of mass-produced clothes and accessories, as they are more focused on quantity than quality. Mass-produced clothes and accessories can also cost us more money in the long run, as they are more likely to wear out or go out of style.

• Uniqueness: Mass-produced clothes and accessories are not one-of-a-kind creations that reflect our individuality and creativity. We may have to settle for the same or similar products that everyone else has, or follow the mainstream or popular trends that may not suit our vision and personality. Mass-produced clothes and accessories can also make us blend in with the crowd and express ourselves less.

How to Choose Your Clothes and Accessories

When choosing between custom and mass-produced clothes and accessories, you should consider the following factors:

• Your budget: How much money do you have to spend on our clothes and accessories? Can you afford to pay more for custom clothes and accessories, or do you prefer to pay less for mass-produced clothes and accessories? How often do you buy new clothes and accessories, and how long do you keep them? But in any case, you should consider buying sustainable clothes and accessories.

• Your needs: What kind of clothes and accessories do you need for our lifestyle, activities, and goals? Do you need clothes and accessories that fit perfectly, or do you need clothes and accessories that are more versatile and adaptable? Do you need clothes and accessories that are durable and long-lasting, or do you need clothes and accessories that are trendy and fashionable?

• Your values: What are your personal preferences, tastes, and beliefs when it comes to your clothes and accessories? Do you value quality over quantity, or vice versa? Do you value uniqueness over variety, or vice versa? Do you value sustainability over convenience, or vice versa?

Custom and mass-produced clothes and accessories are two different options for shopping your clothes and accessories. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice is up to you depending on your budget, needs, and values. You should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option and consider the factors that are relevant to you before making a decision.

Some tips on how to shop and enjoy custom clothes and accessories

• Know your measurements and preferences. Before you shop for custom clothes and accessories, it is important to know your body measurements, such as your chest, waist, hip, and inseam. You should also know your preferred fabrics, colors, patterns, and styles, as well as your budget and occasion. This will help you choose the right products and designs for you, and avoid any issues with the fit, quality, or design of your custom clothes and accessories.

• Explore different platforms and options. There are many platforms and options for shopping custom clothes and accessories, such as Sellfy, Printful, Zazzle, Redbubble and Teespring, to name a few. You can browse, compare, and choose from a wide range of products, designs, and prices, and find the best deals and offers for you. You can also use their online tools and templates to create your own designs, or collaborate with the makers to create something unique and personalized.

• Order samples and reviews. Before you place a large or final order for your custom clothes and accessories, it is advisable to order samples and reviews of the products and designs that you are interested in. This will allow you to check the quality, fit, and appearance of your custom clothes and accessories, and make any adjustments or changes if needed. You can also read the customer testimonials and reviews on the platforms and products that you are considering, and get feedback and suggestions from other customers.

• Have fun and be creative. Shopping custom clothes and accessories is a fun and creative way to express yourself and your style. You can experiment with different products, designs, and looks, and create something that suits your personality and taste. You can also share your custom clothes and accessories with your friends, family, and social media, and inspire and influence others with your creations. You can also enjoy the satisfaction and pride of wearing something that you designed and made yourself.

With print-on-demand you can express your individuality, create and have fun! When you have the graphic file that you want to print you can use it to have all kind of matching products - dress and scarf, bag and sneakers, dress and shoes, bag and scarf, etc. Take control of your own wardrobe now!
Silvia Kabaivanova, owner of Nixita brand

These are some of the platforms for selling print-on-demand products from creators

• Sellfy: Sellfy is an ecommerce platform that lets you create and sell digital and physical products, subscriptions, and print-on-demand products. You can design your own online store, upload your designs, and set your prices. Sellfy will handle the printing and shipping for you. Sellfy supports various print-on-demand product categories, such as clothing, bags, stickers, mugs, and phone cases. You can also offer custom labels and embroidery to clothing items. Sellfy is our top pick for the overall best print-on-demand site.

• Printful: Printful is a print-on-demand company that integrates with your existing online store or marketplace, such as Shopify, Etsy, Wix, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, and more. You can choose from over 300 products, upload your designs, and set your prices. Printful will print and ship the products to your customers. Printful offers high-quality products, materials, colors, sizes, and styles, and uses the DTG (Direct to Garment) printing method. You can also order samples to check the quality yourself.

• Zazzle: Zazzle is a print-on-demand marketplace where you can create and sell your own products or buy products from other sellers. You can choose from over 1300 products, use a design tool to create your designs, and set your prices. Zazzle will print and ship the products to your customers. Zazzle offers a wide range of products, such as clothing, accessories, home decor, stationery, art, and more. You can also join the Zazzle Designer Program to earn royalties and bonuses.

• Redbubble: Redbubble is another print-on-demand marketplace where you can create and sell your own products or buy products from other artists. You can upload your designs and apply them to over 70 products, such as clothing, stickers, wall art, phone cases, and more. Redbubble will print and ship the products to your customers. Redbubble offers a global community of artists, a fan art program, and a loyalty program.

• Teespring: Teespring is a print-on-demand platform that lets you create and sell custom products, such as clothing, accessories, home goods, and more. You can use a design tool to create your designs, choose from over 50 products, and set your prices. Teespring will print and ship the products to your customers. Teespring also offers a Boosted Network, which helps you sell your products on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and more.

And do you want to be a creator on your own? Check Nixita on Etsy to get help developing your clothes and accessories.