No inventory to manage. No equipment, storage space, or warehouse workers to worry about. Honestly, the advantages of print-on-demand sound too good to be true. Just one look at Amazon and you’re probably thinking, “There’s no way for my business to compete in such a saturated market.” Is print-on-demand profitable?
Is Print-on-Demand Still Profitable?
The surprising truth is that many print-on-demand stores on Shopify have excellent profits. And far from shrinking, POD is growing at an outstanding pace. According to Grand View Research, the global market is on track to increase by over 25% a year.
In other words, even though more merchants are grabbing their slice of the pie, the size of the pie keeps getting larger. There’s plenty of room for you to build a profitable POD business, even if you’re just getting started in 2025.
Of course, Shopify stores aren’t magic. Like any other startup, POD businesses require time, sweat, smart planning, the right tools, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
How Profitable Is Print-on-Demand?
At first, your profits are likely to be in the hundreds instead of thousands. Established merchants can make $2,000 to $4,000 or more a month. One of the most successful POD industry personalities generates profits of over $14,000 a month.
Profitability with print-on-demand depends on many factors:
- The supplier or platform you choose: Each POD provider has different costs for items, fees, and shipping charges. Etsy charges payment processing fees, listing fees, transaction fees, and advertising fees.
- Where you sell your products: Profits are typically higher with a Shopify store versus selling via Amazon or Etsy, because marketplaces take a large cut.
- The type of product you sell: To account for item costs, you either need to sell premium goods at high prices or sell a higher volume of low-cost products.
- Your customer base: Once you have a loyal following, your sales become more consistent. New stores often have greater fluctuations from month to month.
Being successful means looking for openings, running the numbers, and setting the right price point.
How Can You Make POD More Profitable?
At StayTuned Digital, our team has been helping Shopify store owners for a long time. Here are a few pro tips for better results with POD:
- Increase your average order value: Sell smarter, not harder. Use bundles, gift boxes, and cross-sells to increase the profits you make per customer.
- Choose a sub-niche: If your preferred niche is too crowded, focus on a sub-niche instead. For example, instead of “dad t-shirts,” target the sub-niche “dad t-shirts for military vets.”
- Do keyword research: The same website analytics tools you use for SEO (e.g., Google Analytics, Moz Keyword Explorer) also help you find ideas for trending products.
Not all products are profitable, and some markets are oversaturated. Seizing the right opportunities is what true entrepreneurs are all about.
Is Print-on-Demand Worth It in 2025?
Considering that Shopify stores practically run themselves once you’re up and running, making $2,000 a month in passive income can be a great result. Print-on-demand is profitable if you choose the right niche, platform, POD service, and products. That said, don’t expect to “win” overnight. Set sales goals and gradually improve your store. Contact us for help.