Print on Demand Success Rate: 2024 Market Insights for Beginners

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The print on demand success rate is 24%. It indicates that nearly a quarter of these businesses manage to achieve their goals or become profitable. Additionally, the average conversion rate for a POD store stands at 1.7%. This means that for every 100 visitors to a POD website, approximately 1.7 make a purchase. These statistics show that print-on-demand (POD) can work as a business. But it needs good marketing, special products, and a better online store to be successful.

Moreover, Gitnux projects that the global print on demand market will reach $9.9 billion by 2027. This involves a steady growth rate of 12.49% annually from 2017 to 2021. The data is based on the Allied Market Research. Lately, the print-on-demand market has experienced rapid growth. This shows that more people worldwide are using print-on-demand services.

However, there are disadvantages when you decide to enter print-on-demand business. IntegriPrint suggests that print on demand limits quality control because of supplier changes. This affects output quality. The reliance on printing partners also affects product availability. Moreover, ink and equipment variations may lead to color variations. Additionally, pricing instability means costs could rise between orders. Thus, awareness and flexibility are crucial when using print on demand services.

In this article, we will share insights on the print on demand market trends, successful print on demand sites to sell, explore the best-selling print on demand products, and its profitability.

How Profitable is Print on Demand Business Model?

The average profit for print on demand is $4,639 a month, with potential earnings peaking at $9,833 per month, according to Gelato. The print on demand product lines and entering new markets contribute to profitability.

Other factors that drive the growth of the print on demand industry globally include:

  • Low initial investment and no inventory management make it appealing.
  • Success requires research, unique designs, and effective marketing.
  • Niche targeting can yield higher prices and loyal customers.
  • Competition is intense, requiring ongoing effort and adaptation.
  • Factors like production costs and shipping fees affect profit margins.
  • Some find significant success, while others may struggle without careful planning.

How Do Consumer Preferences and Behaviors Influence the Print on Demand Market?

Consumer preferences and behaviors influence the POD market because of trends. Personalization demand drives POD growth as consumers seek unique, customized items. The shift towards online shopping has fueled POD platforms, making access easier. These sustainability concerns lead to eco-friendly product demand, affecting material and process choices. The desire for fast, convenient delivery influences operational efficiencies.

4 Highest Paying Print on Demand Products

1. T-shirt

The global custom T-shirt printing market size reached US$ 4.5 Billion in 2023. It is also expected to reach US$ 8.5 Billion by 2032. It exhibits a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.09% during 2024-2032. This growth shows that the custom T-shirt industry is getting much bigger. This greatly affects print-on-demand services. As more people want custom T-shirts, these services that let people order personalized T-shirts easily will become more popular.

2. Home Decor

Strait Research notes that North America was the largest regional market globally in 2023 in the home decor market. This is coupled with strong economic and consumer spending, changing interior design preferences, and a focus on sustainability propelling growth.

Additionally, the home decor segment of the POD market is expected to mark the fastest CAGR of 27.7%. It is driven by the rising remote working culture globally since the pandemic. And the increasing availability of a wide range of home & living category products

3. Drinkware

Based on Grand View Research, the global drinkware market was valued at approximately $3.87 billion in 2018. It is also projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% from 2019 through 2025. This growth trend suggests a positive outlook for businesses like customizable drinkware products.

4. Accessories

Print on demand (POD) is changing the accessories market. This is through making and selling custom items. Some examples include phone cases, jewelry, hats, and bags without needing a lot of stock. This approach is popular because it’s affordable. Another reason is people love buying unique, personalized products.

What’s the Difference in Revenue Between Print on Demand and Traditional Printing Methods?

The difference in revenue between print on demand and traditional printing methods stems from their cost structures and scalability. Each item is printed individually upon order, resulting in a higher cost per unit for Print on Demand. However, it eliminates the risk of unsold inventory. It reduces upfront investment and storage costs. Revenue per item may be lower because of higher production costs. But, overall profitability can be higher for low-to-moderate volumes due to the absence of unsold stock and lower initial investments.

Traditional printing methods involve bulk printing. This significantly reduces the cost per unit because of economies of scale. The potential revenue per item can be higher because of the lower production costs. But, it requires a substantial upfront investment in inventory. It also carries the risk of unsold products. As a result, it lower overall profitability if demand is overestimated.

Thus, print on demand offer better revenue outcomes for low to moderate product volumes without the risk of unsold inventory. In contrast, traditional printing can yield higher per-item profits at higher volumes but with greater financial risk.

Is Print on Demand Worth It?

Yes, Print on Demand is worth it for creators and entrepreneurs looking to sell customized products without the need for large inventory, upfront investment, or handling logistics.

One Reddit user asks for inputs on whether print on demand is worth starting. She wanted to enter niche of designing t-shirts and hoodies, create her own website and run ads on her own.

User CasketBuddy emphasizes that starting a POD business need time, effort, and investment. Print on demand success requires creativity, a target niche and effective marketing strategies. He warn against assuming a target audience’s presence on platforms like Instagram without proper research. This is because careless spending on advertising can be wasteful.

Another user Cryptomemugs shared their recent experience of launching a print-on-demand store. He highlights the ease and minimal investment required to set up an online B2C store today. He also expresses skepticism about print-on-demand as passive income source. But see it as a low-commitment way to potentially earn extra money. The venture was started more out of curiosity and experimentation than high expectations. Still, user Cryptomemugs encourages others to try starting their own POD business given the low barrier to entry. He suggests that with a bit of social media promotion, it could gain traction.

Why Local Lead Generation Outperforms Print-on-Demand in Success Rate?

Local lead generation outperforms print-on-demand success rate because of its scalability and cost-effectiveness. Individuals can develop and optimize multiple websites simultaneously. This enables rapid growth without huge financial input. Hence, local lead generation is more successful than POD because it can provide steady income with little ongoing work.

KBV Research predicts that the Global Print On Demand (POD) Market will grow to $33.6 billion by 2030, with a 24.4% annual growth rate. This growth indicates POD can be a viable business strategy. However, for POD to thrive, it requires effective marketing, unique products, and an enhanced online presence. Despite its potential, POD must strengthen strategies to maintain its competitive edge and ensure success in the growing digital marketplace.

Unlike print on demand, local lead generation’s strategy is focused on attracting and converting potential customers within a specific geographic area. This approach can drive actual results, especially for service-based local businesses. You can potentially earn $500-$3000 per month or more. And without the need for selling physical products, running paid ads, or participating in affiliate programs.

The key to success in local lead generation lies in focusing on quality over quantity. You also need to build trustful partnerships with local businesses by providing consistent value, and continuously improving and updating the lead generation process.

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