It has seen a surge in online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth in print on demand is not limited to big-box retailers but small online businesses that are looking to drive online sales.  Print on demand in general, woocommerce print on demand, in particular, is trending now. If you are a beginner and don’t know how to start to do a print-on-demand business, this tutorial will reveal all the things you need to know.

1. What Is Print On Demand?

 After researching Print On Demand For Beginners With WooCommerce, I will show you about print-on-demand. Because I still think many people don't understand this definition.

 Print on demand is when you provide a range of products with designs on them, but they are only printed and delivered to customers when they order. In addition, the print company typically handles the completion and delivery of the goods for you, so the store owner does not have an upfront inventory investment and management and storage fees. Products with outstanding designs, eye-catching, expressing their own personality are popular with many people. As a result, Print on Demand (POD) is a booming business model. Moreover, you can read in detail this information: what is print on demand?

2. Who Is Print On Demand For?

Woocommerce print on demand business is growing continuously

Print-on-demand is ideal for stores starting out. Like any business, it’s not completely free to start up - for example, Printful itself doesn’t have a signup fee, but you might have to pay for your eCommerce platform, hosting for your site, or marketing to get your products out there to your customers. However, it is very cost-effective in comparison to classic business models, so - relatively cheap. It’s a low-risk business model that doesn’t ask for large investments in maintenance or expansion.

Print-on-demand is also great if you want to grow your business and test new products - it gives you the freedom to experiment with new ideas with ease. Since POD is all about selling your own custom designs, it’s a great business model for designers and artists who want to sell their artwork on different products - be it posters and canvas for art prints, illustrations, or word art for t-shirts or mugs. If you already have a running business or an established brand, POD is also a great way to generate some extra income by selling merch. Custom merch has become a trend in extending profit not only among YouTube celebrities and influencers but also businesses that have gathered a community around them.

3. Should You Start A Print On Demand Business?

The Pros Of Print-On-Demand

You don’t need to print anything in bulk. In print on demand, the emphasis is on the “on-demand” part – the printer will only print the product once it’s ordered. This means you don’t have to gamble with your money – you won’t end up with a huge stock of t-shirts with a design that doesn’t sell as well as you’d hoped.

You don’t need to buy equipment. Your POD partner takes care of the technical side of the printing process – you don’t need to buy any expensive printing machines, And you don’t need to learn how to print a product either.

You can save time on the technical side of running a business. Since your POD partner takes care of the whole technical side of your business, including fulfilling and shipping out your orders, you can concentrate more on the fun side. Invest more time in creating your designs and marketing your store!

You can experiment with designs easily. POD also lets you take more risks with the designs you offer – you can easily add new designs to your store and test if your customers love them or not. Since products are printed on-demand, you’re not making a huge investment in something that might not sell in the end. If a design isn’t as popular as you might like, you can easily remove it from your store.

You can experiment with different products. You can experiment not only with designs but also with products. More and more print on demand services are expanding beyond the scope of just ‘printing’. Print on demand is not about only selling graphic tees anymore—now you can create your own apparel lines for a variety of niche audiences.

It’s easy to customize your designs. You can offer more customization options for your customers – for example, your customers can incorporate something unique of theirs, like their name. Print-on-demand services are responding to the ever-growing need for personalization in people’s shopping experiences.

It’s easy to establish your brand. A common thing for print-on-demand services is that they’re white labels. This means you can customize your products and packaging with your branding so that when your customers receive their orders, there’s no sign of it coming from a third-party service.

Take advantage of services and resources. Working with a POD service is a partnership. Your success as a seller is also a success for them. Your print-on-demand partner can help you not only with the technical side of fulfilling your orders, but it can also be a valuable hub of resources to help your startup or grow your business. From free product mockup images, you can use on your store as product photos, to professional photography, design, or even store set-up services - print on demand companies are growing their offering to make your journey to success easier.

The Cons Of Print-On-Demand

You lose control over the fulfillment process and quality of the products. Just like with any drop shipping service, POD means that you don’t see each product yourself, so you have to trust the printer to do its job properly. This is why it’s important to test your products before you start selling to see how they look. It’s possible that you or your customer might receive a damaged item. It could be a manufacturer’s error, fulfillment error, or damage during shipping. There’s no denying that these things happen for any product manufacturing business. As you already know, we have quality control that the fulfilled products go through. However, as with everything, we might accidentally let through a defective item. If your customer receives a damaged or defective item because of our mistake, we take full responsibility and cover the error at our expense.

You depend on your printing partner for products and their availability. POD companies work with different suppliers to source products or product materials, for example, fabric. This means there are a lot of moving parts, and sometimes products may go out of stock or become unavailable.

Order fulfillment takes longer. Since every product is printed on-demand, it takes longer to fulfill orders than it would if you already had available stock. As a store owner, you have to manage your customers’ expectations – let them know that each product is printed on demand and that this takes a bit longer than sending out an already made product.

Returns management may require more attention. Since you’re working with a third-party service, there’s more to consider when it comes to dealing with situations where your customers might want to return a product. So make sure you set up a return policy that goes hand-in-hand with your POD partner’s policy.

4. What Platform Should You Use For Print On Demand, Woocommerce Or Shopify?

As we compare WooCommerce vs Shopify, it becomes clear that both have strengths and weaknesses. Let's explore which can be attributed to each platform.

4.1 Shopify Pros And Cons 

Shopify Pros

• You know exactly how much you'll be paying every month and the pricing is fair.
• There's access to thousands of apps to extend your store.
• The themes are plentiful and beautiful.
• Shopify handles everything for you from hosting to security.
• It takes just a few minutes to launch your store.
• Dropshipping is rather simple with Shopify.
• The support is the best in the business.

Shopify Cons

• You don't have as much control over your site with Shopify.
• Customization is better with other platforms.
• You're stuck with a monthly payment that's only going to get higher.

4.2 WooCommerce Pros and Cons 

Woocommerce print on demand offers complete customization and control, which gives you a lot of freedom to build everything into your store

WooCommerce Pros

• WooCommerce offers complete customization and control.
• WordPress has a huge community online.
• The themes and plugins are endless since just about anyone can make and sell them online.
• WooCommerce is simple to configure on WordPress.
• The WooCommerce plugin is free.

WooCommerce Cons

• WordPress does have a bit of a learning curve.
• You may find that WooCommerce ends up being more expensive due to plugins, themes, and hosting.
• You're stuck managing everything from hosting to security, and maintenance to backups.

Woocommerce Vs Shopify: What's The Difference?

When you search through Google for reviews of WooCommerce and Shopify, you’ll find a lot of opinions from different business owners. While these insights can be helpful, the truth is that whether you choose WooCommerce vs Shopify will boil down to a few core differences.

For instance, the main difference between WooCommerce and Shopify is that Shopify is an all-in-one eCommerce solution designed to give you everything you need to get started online.

Shopify takes the complications and technical aspects out of running an online business and replaces them with easy-to-use tools. Your Shopify store can be set up and running in a matter of minutes. However, this also means that you’re not going to get as much granular control over your site.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for more customization options, WooCommerce is a self-hosted software for eCommerce. This means that you can tap into the code and access various parts of your store.

WooCommerce gives you a lot of freedom to build everything into your store, that’s crucial for your team. It also means that you can run your business in conjunction with a WordPress blog.

However, when you compare Shopify vs WooCommerce, remember that the freedom that you get from WooCommerce comes at a price. In other words, you need to know how to handle the technical side of your site and keep it safe.

If you’re starting out with a beginner, and you don’t want to look at things like web hosting and hosting provider details, then Shopify is a good choice. If you want more freedom to experiment with your site, and you already like using WordPress, opt for WooCommerce.

Shopify is your choice if: You want an all-in-one package for your eCommerce store that gets you up and running quickly with lots of great features and apps.

WooCommerce is for you if: You already have a WordPress website and you don’t mind taking more control over your store.

5. WooCommerce Print On Demand For Beginners 

Getting started is relatively easy because you don't need to worry about upfront costs or storage costs, but there are a few things new business owners need to keep in mind.

Build A Trademark

With e-commerce sales increasing an average of 9.32% per year, this is a potential area. The most intense competition in the industry is the difference. How do you stand out when there are so many competitors? One of the first items you need to consider for your new eCommerce store is branding. When you create a very specific brand and target the right audience, this will help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge when marketing.

Remember, brands are not your logo or name. Branding has a lot more to say about who you are and who you target or where your niche is. It includes everything about your business ... unique designs, the way you interact with customers, the website interface and even the products you offer in the store. The more you think about your brand, the better your chances of standing out.

Identify Target Customers

There are many e-commerce business people who have difficulty identifying their audience, so it's not just you. When you think about your target audience, consider the following questions.

• Is your customer male or female?
• How would you describe your product to customers if they were right in front of you?
• Do they care about budget spending?
• What do customers like most about your product?
• Why should customers choose your product?

When you think about your target audience (buyers), it's a little easier to think about what they are looking for and how your business can best serve them through. marketing efforts and products you sell. Focusing on a niche segment will also help your marketing efforts and it is important to spend time researching and understanding the segment you want to target.

Product Research 

The next decision most new online store owners have to make is deciding which products to offer in their stores. Do your research and choose a personalized product that will make your inventory sell out instantly! 

View more: Top 10 Print On Demand Products Ideas For 2022

Business Process With POD Model

In the article Print On Demand For Beginners With WooCommerce. Cmsmart will show you POD business progress in the below content.

Step 1: Set Up Shop

Depending on the e-commerce platform you choose, you can do either of the following:

Firstly, integrate with existing stores: You can build your online store with e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, BigCommerce, and Esty. If you have had an online store before, you can integrate the store with the POD platform.

Secondly, take advantage of POD platforms: If you don't have your own e-commerce website, you can sell on POD platforms like Zazzle and Redbubble. These POD brokers will let you create an account and post products on their platform. If there are orders, they will help you complete them then send them.

Step 2: Post The Design And Select The Type Of Product

After you've set up your store, you need to post the design and select the type of product.

Step 3: Sell Products

After your store is launched to the public, you should implement marketing strategies to pull traffic to your website. If you sell on PODs, most of these e-commerce platforms will do it for you. In general, in any case, your purpose is to attract the attention of your visitors and make them potential customers willing to buy your product.

Step 4: Complete The Order

When an order is made, the third party is the supplier/manufacturer to whom you have previously signed a contract that will print, pack and deliver the product to your customers. When the order is delivered successfully, you will receive your money.

6. Top 10 Print On Demand Products Ideas For 2021

1. Mugs - Best print on demand product 

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages all over the world. In the United States, 79% of Americans prefer to drink coffee at home. Only in the UK, 165 million cups of tea every single day. What does that mean? Cups are their favorite! Ceramic mugs are one of the most versatile print-on-demand products, and when the weather is cooler in the fall, customers will look for a new mug to add to their collection.

There are many online ideas to inspire your mug designs. You can also try searching for social media platforms like Pinterest for better ideas. Check out our product guide for more information on designing and selling ceramic mugs.

2. Hoodies

The hoodies are one of the print-on-demand products that are loved by a lot of people. During the winter months, your clients love to snuggle into their favorite hoodie with a design they love. The hoodies are a comfortable companion and are worn by millions of people around the world every day.

3. Bathroom Decorative Curtains

If you are looking for opportunities to sell and cross-sell your designs, bathroom decor is the right product for your store. Clients prefer the suit or collection when decorating their bathroom. Create a design that looks great on towels, shower curtains, and bath mats then market the collection together. You can create Facebook ads to feature individual products with the right design. You can also display all items together in one image for your social media sharing or email campaign. While some customers may only buy one or two items, many will buy all the print on demand products suitable for their bathroom.

4. Print On Demand T-shirt

T-shirt is one of the most popular print on demand products in 2021. Selling printable t-shirts is a must for online clothing dealers. These are hot items because they are much cheaper than other types of clothing. They come in many different designs and are used for many different purposes. T-shirts are absolutely never out of style.

You can refer to my previous article: 10 Best Print on demand t-shirts ideas will rule supreme for 2021

Besides, if you are looking for a custom T-shirt design solution, don’t forget one of our best-selling T-Shirt Print integrated with online designers. Wondering who will be interested in this T-Shirt Solution Package? This solution was born out of our desire to fit for those who are:

• T-shirt printing agency
• Trade Printers
• T-shirt Brand maker
• Designers and Trade Printers
• T-Shirt Printing Agency
• Factory management

For your business relevance, consider DEMO here: TshirtPrint DEMO or check out the overview of How to install a quick start Tshirt package into your hosting?

5. Phone Cases 

According to the survey conducted by Statista, 79% of smartphone owners used a phone case to protect their smartphones. Phone cases are not only used to protect your smartphones from breaking but also show the user's personality. Today's phone users love to personalize their phones; Whether it's a critically acclaimed photo, a logo, or a slogan. Their phone is not just a functional device, it is part of their identity.

Looking for a solution to a custom phone case? Check out our solution here: Printmart - PHONE CASE STORE FOR MAGENTO THEME

6. Canvas Prints 

Designed to reproduce the look and feel of actual artists' original acrylic or oil paintings, the canvas prints give a premium feel, are suitable for room interior decoration, expressing their tastes. personal preference. Plus, they are also typically significantly cheaper than traditional framing because they are lightweight and have no glass, so the cost of shipping is lower and there is no risk during shipping.

7. Posters

If you have a shoestring budget, maybe expensive oil painting and abstract canvas are not the right choices. However, selling posters is a good idea to sell your art online. You can turn your designs into affordable posters for the general public, not just a select group of consumers.

Source: Etsy

8. Tank Top

The Tank Top may not be popular in the early winter months of 2021 but for the remainder of the year the tank top becomes popular among millions of users, In fact, tank tops are popular because of their versatility. They can be used for gym sessions, running and yoga.

9. Drawstring Bags 

The drawstring bag is a gift and is a popular bag that companies love to use at company events, golf courses and trade shows.

These bags come in all different colors and companies buy these items to increase their individuality while promoting an event or brand.

Drawstring bags are also popular with nonprofits as they will use them as a gift to participants.

In general, drawstring bags are undoubtedly one of the best-selling and most popular on-demand printed products.

10. Tote

Tote bags are not only used for travel, school, or storage, tote bags are also worn by girls when shopping. Obviously, fashionable tote bags are becoming more and more popular and loved by many young people because of the simple design and useful uses of the tote. Not only does it help protect the environment, but the burlap bag is also durable, fashionable and cheap. That’s why tote bags are still one of the Top 10 print-on-demand product ideas for 2021.

In Conclusion

The tutorial has summarized the main ideas of woocommerce print on demand. If you still have any questions or concerns related to woocommerce print on demand, do not hesitate to contact us immediately via the hotline or contact information below to get your answers.

Or you can directly send a support ticket to the address below to receive direct advice: Link support ticket

Thank you and hope you will have a great day!

Rose Helen

Shop Owner

Rose Helen is a highly accomplished Ecommerce Project Consultant with a strong background in managing and guiding successful e-commerce projects. With her exceptional expertise and strategic mindset, she helps businesses achieve their goals in the digital marketplace.
With years of experience, Rose Helen possesses an in-depth understanding of e-commerce platforms, technologies, and best practices. She works closely with clients to analyze their needs, develop tailored strategies, and execute effective project plans that drive growth and success.
As an Ecommerce Project Consultant, Rose Helen excels at overseeing project lifecycles, from inception to completion. She ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest level of quality. Her exceptional project management skills enable her to effectively communicate with stakeholders, manage resources, and mitigate risks throughout the project journey.
Rose Helen is a strategic thinker who leverages her extensive knowledge to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. She provides valuable insights and recommendations to optimize e-commerce processes, enhance user experiences, and increase online sales.
With her strong communication and collaboration skills, Rose Helen builds strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. She fosters a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business objectives.
Beyond her technical expertise, Rose Helen is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service. She goes above and beyond to understand her clients' unique requirements and provide them with personalized solutions that drive tangible results. Her commitment to client success is evident in her approach and the long-term relationships she builds.
Rose Helen's passion for e-commerce, coupled with her extensive experience and project management skills, makes her a valuable asset for organizations looking to thrive in the digital landscape. With her guidance, businesses can navigate the complexities of e-commerce projects and achieve their objectives with confidence and success.