Unlocking Profit: How to Sell Online with Printify and Printful Without Inventory
- Virtually Solo Designs
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Starting an online business without holding inventory sounds like a dream, especially if you want to avoid upfront costs and storage hassles. If you're like me, spending a ton of money on inventory isn't an option. The good news is, print on demand (POD) services like Printify and Printful make this possible. You can sell custom products online, from t-shirts to calendars, without ever touching the stock yourself. I’ve explored how these platforms work and how you can build a profitable print on demand business with them. It's easier than you think. Getting up and running with print on demand is straight forward and takes far less time to launch than many other business models. Here’s what I’ve learned during my own print on demand journey and how you can get started today.
What Is Print on Demand and How Does It Work?
Print on demand is a business model where you create designs for products, and a third-party company prints and ships those products only when a customer places an order. This means you don’t need to buy or store any inventory upfront. Sounds awesome right? It is. You focus on creating or sourcing designs and marketing your products, while the POD company handles production and delivery. This business is popular with first time business owners and those with limited space due to the only tools needed being your computer and an internet connection. There's no software to download since you simply log into your account online and you are free to create your designs in your platform of choice. I personally use Adobe Express which is excellent for creating custom designs or using stock artwork for your products.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how print on demand works:
You create or upload your design on a POD platform.
You choose the products you want to sell, such as print on demand t-shirts, calendars, or coloring books.
The platform integrates with your online store (Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, etc.).
When a customer orders, the POD company prints the design on the product and ships it directly to the customer.
You earn the difference between the retail price and the production cost.
This model is ideal for solopreneurs, stay-at-home parents, young professionals, and retired seniors who want to start a business with minimal risk and investment.
Why Choose Printify and Printful?
Wide product selection: Both offer a variety of products including print on demand shirts, calendars, and books.
Global printing network: Printify connects you to multiple print providers worldwide, including print on demand USA and Australia options. Printful owns its own fulfillment centers.
Easy integration: Both platforms integrate seamlessly with popular e-commerce sites like Shopify and Amazon print on demand.
Quality control: Printful is known for high-quality printing and consistent product standards. Printify offers competitive pricing by connecting you to various providers.
User-friendly design tools: You can create or upload your designs easily without needing advanced graphic skills.
There are several other companies offering a host of unique products and services. But for beginners, it's smart to stick to Printify and Printful as they provide a solid foundation. Remember, when you're starting your new business you want things to be as seamless and effortless as possible to get you off the ground quickly. Printful and Printify are both easy to use, straight forward platforms that are trusted by entrepreneurs across the globe.
Setting Up Your Print on Demand Business Step-by-Step
1. Choose Your Niche and Products
Focus on a niche that interests you and has demand. For example, print on demand coloring books are popular among parents and educators. Print on demand calendars appeal to planners and gift buyers. Print on demand t-shirts and shirts remain evergreen choices with endless design possibilities. The possibilities are endless and proper research on demand will ensure you have a winning storefront. I like to use tools like Keywords Everywhere which gives you data on search volume for a specific key word or phrase. This is the most cost effective tool and you only need the most basic plan. The lowest priced plan has more than enough credits for an entire year so don't bother with the higher tiers until you're hiring employees who will need their own allotment. Keep in mind, if the search volume is in the several millions the competition will be high. If the search volume is less than a few thousand there may not be enough demand. Finding the middle ground may take some time but it's worth it. I like using longtail keywords that have a search volume under 3,000. I've had success using this strategy but you can play around to see what works for you. Pinterest is also a good way to find what's trending and is completely free. Any social app with a search bar will give you a good idea of what people are actively searching for and if there's a demand.
Narrowing your niche helps you create targeted marketing and stand out from the competition.
2. Create Your Designs
You don’t need to be a professional artist. Use tools like Canva, Adobe Express, Kittl, or hire freelance designers on platforms like Fiverr. Make sure your designs are unique and appealing to your target audience. If you're using stock art you can always change the colors, fonts, add additional objects, remove the background, and so on. If you're using Adobe Express you'll have access to free stock photos and artwork included with the plan. For example, if you're designing the cover for a journal, you can use a stock art file and add your own text and colors. Take advantage of available tools and don't over complicate it. The goal is to get your merch live on your storefront so you can start marketing your products.
For print on demand books or coloring books, you can create original illustrations or license artwork. Your designs do not have to be from a blank canvas. Stock designs come with a license when you sign up for the plan so you're protected from any issues. For apparel, focus on trendy, funny, or inspirational designs. Check social sites and apps to find out what's trending and in demand. Don't focus on things you are not excited to market. You should be excited to show your products to the world and that requires your buy-in as well as the buy-in of your audience.
3. Set Up Your Online Store
Shopify print on demand stores are popular because of easy integration with Printify and Printful. You can also sell on Amazon print on demand or Etsy. Each platform has pros and cons:
Connect your store to your chosen POD platform and sync your products. My personal preference is Shopify not only because they are the top choice for e-commerce across the globe but the learning curve isn't bad. Some platforms require a good amount of time to learn before you can begin setting things up but Shopify keeps it simply and quick.
4. Price Your Products Wisely
Calculate your costs including POD fees, shipping, and platform fees. Set retail prices that cover costs and leave room for profit. Research competitors to stay competitive but don’t undervalue your work. Don't set your prices too low. Sometimes buyers are skeptical of items with unbelievably low prices and this can actually turn business away. Instead, sell the value of your unique designs and highlight the features of the merch it's being printed or stitched on. If your print on demand shop is all about eco-friendly products, select shirts and tote bags that follow sustainable practices. Think recycled fibers for tshirts or ethically made drinkware.
5. Promote Your Store
Use social media, email marketing, and content marketing to attract customers. Share stories behind your designs, run giveaways, or collaborate with influencers. SEO helps your products get found on Google and marketplaces. Leverage social apps like TikTok and Instagram to leave a link to your shop in your bio. In your posts, direct your audience to click the link in your bio or the link within your post depending on which platform you're posting to.
Tips to Maximize Profit with Printify and Printful
Test multiple products: Don’t rely on just t-shirts. Try print on demand calendars, books, or accessories to diversify income.
Order samples: Check product quality before selling to customers.
Use mockup generators: Both platforms offer tools to create realistic product images for your store.
Focus on customer service: Respond quickly and handle returns professionally.
Keep designs fresh: Regularly add new products to keep customers coming back.
Comparing Printify and Printful
| Feature | Printify | Printful |
|----------------------- |---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Product range | 300+ products | 200+ products |
| Printing locations | Multiple worldwide providers | Own fulfillment centers |
| Pricing | Lower base costs, variable by provider | Higher base costs, consistent quality |
| Shipping times | Varies by provider | Generally faster and reliable |
| Integration | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Amazon | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Amazon |
| Design tools | Basic design editor | Advanced design editor |
Both platforms work well for beginners and experienced sellers. Your choice depends on your priorities: cost vs quality, product variety, or shipping speed.
Each company has strengths depending on your product focus and target market.
Print on Demand Trends to Watch
Sustainability: Eco-friendly printing and products are gaining traction.
Customization: Customers want personalized items, increasing demand for print on demand books and calendars.
Niche markets: Targeting specific hobbies or communities can boost sales.
Global reach: Print on demand USA and Australia options help reduce shipping times and costs for local customers.
Final Thoughts on Starting Your Print on Demand Business
Printify and Printful make it easy to start selling online without inventory. By choosing the right niche, creating appealing designs, and promoting your store, you can build a profitable print on demand business. Remember to test products, order samples, and keep your offerings fresh.
If you’re ready to take the next step, sign up for Printify or Printful, connect your store, and start designing. With patience and effort, you can unlock profit and enjoy the freedom of running your own online business without the hassle of inventory. What's your favorite print on demand product?
Comments