Print-on-demand business ideas

Picture this: you’re sipping coffee in your favorite cozy corner, and your phone buzzes. It's another order from your print-on-demand store—cha-ching! You're making money while doing what you love without stacks of inventory cluttering your space.

Sound like a dream? It’s not. It’s a real, low-risk way to start your own small business online.

The print-on-demand model could be your golden ticket if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur searching for trending small business ideas with low startup costs. Whether you’ve always wanted to sell custom wellness products, quirky t-shirts, or personalized journals, this guide will give you dozens of print-on-demand business ideas to get started.

Keep reading and discover how you can be your own boss, unleash your creativity, and step into the world of small business with minimal risk and maximum potential!

Print-on-demand business: explained

A print-on-demand business is an online business where you sell custom-designed products but only have them made when someone actually buys from you.

This means you can start your own small business with minimal startup costs and without the need to keep large amounts of inventory or storage space.

For aspiring small business owners, this model offers flexibility, creativity, and the opportunity to test a business idea with low financial risk. It also gives you the freedom to adapt your business plan as you discover what works best for your audience.

Unlike bulk manufacturing, a print-on-demand model gives you the power to create personalized products in minutes and sell them through your online store. With bulk manufacturing, you'd have to wait weeks until your products are created and then do all the printing and shipping on your own.

By selling print-on-demand products, someone else handles the printing and shipping. It’s the perfect way to explore profitable business ideas without committing to large upfront investments.

How the print-on-demand model works

In a print-on-demand business, you partner with a supplier who prints your designs onto products like t-shirts, mugs, journals, or supplements. Here's how it typically works:

1. Create your designs or custom branding for the products you want to sell.
2. Set up your online store using platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce.
3. List your products with mock-up images provided by your supplier.
4. Customer orders a product, and the supplier prints and ships the item directly to the buyer.

This model allows small business owners to focus on marketing and design while avoiding the hassle of inventory, making it perfect for launching white-label products to sell in niche markets. Plus, with low startup costs, it’s an attractive business idea for those who want to start their own successful businesses quickly.

There are many print-on-demand suppliers on the market, each specializing in different industries. For example, Supliful makes it easy to turn business ideas into reality by helping you start your own business in trendy niches like private-label supplements and other wellness products.

This kind of flexibility can be the key to building successful businesses in today’s fast-paced ecommerce landscape.

Key features of the print-on-demand business model

The print-on-demand industry is part of the relatively new industry of ecommerce and dropshipping. While traditional retail models require businesses to buy products in bulk, print-on-demand relies on just-in-time production.

This innovation allows for more creative freedom and less financial risk for aspiring business owners.

Key features of print-on-demand include:

• Low startup costs. You don’t need to invest in inventory upfront.
• Flexibility. Easily test unique business ideas and pivot if needed.
• Scalability. Your customer base can grow without worrying about warehouse space.
• Variety. Offer a wide range of print-on-demand products, from apparel to supplements.

As more small businesses embrace this model, the growth rate of print-on-demand continues to climb. This presents a golden opportunity for those ready to launch a profitable business online.

How print-on-demand differs from traditional selling online

Traditional online business owners typically operate with the bulk manufacturing approach, requiring small business owners to purchase inventory in bulk, store it, and manage shipping logistics. This can lead to high startup costs and the risk of unsold stock.

In contrast, a print-on-demand business minimizes these challenges by producing products only when an order is placed, making it a smarter choice for small business owners who want to reduce risk and streamline operations.

Key differences include:

• Inventory management. In traditional stores, you need space for products. With print-on-demand, the supplier handles production and storage.
• Financial risk. Traditional stores require a larger upfront investment. Print-on-demand businesses offer lower-risk entry points.
• Product customization: Print-on-demand allows you to offer personalized and niche-specific products, making it easier to test unique business ideas.

This flexibility makes print-on-demand a great business idea for those who want to explore a profitable business without the complications of bulk production.

Pros and cons of the print-on-demand model

Like any business model, print-on-demand comes with its strengths and challenges. For aspiring small business owners, understanding these can help you decide if this business idea is the right fit.

Pros of the print-on-demand model

The print-on-demand model offers several benefits, making it a strong choice for those looking to start their own business.

• Low startup costs. No need to buy bulk inventory upfront, making it easier to launch a small business without large investments.
• Quick to launch. You can create a profitable business quickly by setting up an online store and partnering with suppliers.
• Flexible model. Perfect for small businesses looking to adapt and grow without the constraints of traditional inventory management.
• Easy to test unique ideas. Experiment with unique business ideas and niche products without financial risk.
• Passive income potential. Once your print-on-demand products are listed, you can generate sales while focusing on marketing or other ventures.

Cons of the print-on-demand model

While print-on-demand has many advantages, there are also challenges to consider before starting your business venture.

• Lower profit margins. Since products are made individually, costs are higher than bulk manufacturing, reducing your sales profit.
• Reliance on suppliers. You depend on third-party suppliers for production and fulfillment, which can impact your customer base if issues arise.
• Slower delivery times. Since products are made-to-order, shipping times can be longer than traditional retail models.
• Quality control challenges. Limited oversight of the production process can lead to occasional quality inconsistencies.

Understanding these pros and cons will help you decide if print-on-demand aligns with your goals and give you a solid foundation for launching your own small business.

45 Print-on-demand business ideas to start your own business

The print-on-demand model gives you endless possibilities to create a profitable business with low startup costs.

Whether you’re passionate about wellness, fitness, pets, or unique products, there’s a niche for every aspiring small business owner. Let’s explore these ideas and spark your creativity to launch your business idea today!

Health and wellness niches

Health and wellness are booming industries with strong growth rates and loyal customers. With Supliful’s range of customizable products, you can offer print-on-demand products that promote health and self-care.

1. Custom-labeled protein powders

Create protein powders with your brand name and distinctive designs that appeal to fitness enthusiasts looking for personalized nutrition.

Use vibrant, sleek packaging to cater to specific workout goals—whether it’s for muscle gain, endurance, or recovery. You can also include motivational slogans or custom icons that represent your niche.

Brand example: Gainful offers personalized protein blends based on users' fitness goals, combining personalization with premium branding.

2. Unique supplement packaging designs

Stand out by offering supplements with eye-catching, branded packaging that reflects your unique style and mission. Consider minimalist, eco-friendly packaging for wellness-focused audiences or bold, colorful designs for younger, active customers.

3. Personalized vitamin blends

Allow customers to feel special with custom-labeled vitamins tailored to their health needs. Offer options for specific wellness goals like stress relief, energy, or sleep. Consider packaging that includes variations for a custom color scheme to create a sense of ownership. Adding an option for personalized wellness tips or daily reminders on the label can enhance customer loyalty.

4. Yoga and meditation-themed t-shirts

Design shirts with calming quotes, symbols, or artwork that resonate with yoga lovers and mindfulness practitioners.

Ideas could include serene images like lotus flowers, mandalas, or phrases like "Breathe In, Peace Out." Soft, earth-toned shirts with minimalist designs often appeal to this audience.

Brand example: Spiritual Gangster creates yoga-inspired apparel that combines motivational quotes with sleek, modern designs.

5. Wellness affirmation journals

Create journals with space for daily affirmations to encourage mental and emotional well-being.

Consider including sections for gratitude exercises, mindfulness reflections, and daily intentions. Designs could feature soothing colors, nature-inspired art, or minimalist patterns that promote calm and focus.

6. Motivational water bottles

Branded water bottles with inspiring messages keep people hydrated and motivated throughout the day.

Add affirmations like "You’ve Got This" or "Stay Strong" in bold, uplifting fonts. For a playful touch, consider time-marked bottles that encourage hydration goals throughout the day.

7. Mental health awareness products

Offer products like t-shirts, mugs, or journals that promote mental health awareness and support a meaningful cause.

Designs could include messages like "It’s Okay Not To Be Okay" or symbols like semicolons (a sign of hope and continuation). Create collections dedicated to different mental health themes, such as self-care, resilience, or anxiety relief.

Brand example: Hope for the Day creates merch with messages focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Fitness and active lifestyle

Fitness enthusiasts are always looking for products that enhance their lifestyle. These print-on-demand business ideas can help you build a strong customer base in the activewear and gym niche.

8. Gym-focused print-on-demand products

Create personalized gym essentials that keep fitness lovers motivated and represent their passion.

Offer shaker bottles with bold, energetic designs and slogans like "Shake Things Up" or "Fuel Your Fire." Design workout apparel like tank tops and leggings that feature empowering phrases. Consider using performance materials that appeal to serious gym-goers who value both function and style.

9. Personalized gym gear

Offer custom gym bags, towels, or resistance bands with unique designs or motivational phrases.

Gym bags could feature embroidered names, bold graphics, or icons like dumbbells and kettlebells. Towels with phrases like "Sweat Now, Shine Later" can keep gym-goers inspired during workouts.

Design idea: Sleek, monochrome gym bags with motivational patches or minimalist logos create a modern, professional vibe.

10. Motivational fitness posters

Design posters with inspiring fitness quotes or images that gym-goers can display in their workout spaces. Use bold typography and dynamic visuals of athletes in action to evoke motivation and determination.

Quotes like "Push Yourself: No One Else Will" resonate deeply with fitness enthusiasts. Consider offering designs in different styles, such as minimalist black-and-white or vibrant, high-energy colors to match various workout environments.

Beauty and skincare

The beauty industry is ripe for print-on-demand opportunities, especially with private-label products. Cater to beauty lovers who appreciate personalized touches.

11. Private-label skincare products

From rejuvenating serums to nourishing creams—personalize each product with labels that resonate with your target market by offering custom skincare products that highlight your unique brand identity.

Design minimalist, elegant packaging with your brand name and soothing colors like soft blues, greens, or blush tones. You could also offer specialized lines like “Glow Essentials” for radiance or “Calm & Clear” for sensitive skin.

Brand example: The Ordinary excels at sleek, simple packaging and clearly labeled products, appealing to customers who value transparency and quality.

12. Branded beauty tools

Design beauty tools like makeup brushes, mirrors, etc., with your logo or unique patterns to build a cohesive and recognizable brand.

Think personalized makeup brushes with customized handles, custom color palettes, or sleek packaging that matches your brand name.

13. Self-care gift boxes

Curate personalized self-care kits that include products like lotions, candles, face masks, and bath salts.

Create themes like “Sunday Reset,” “Glow Getter,” or “Stress Relief” to appeal to different moods and needs. Offer eco-friendly packaging options to attract environmentally-conscious customers.

Brand example: Lush creates themed self-care boxes with unique scents and bold designs, offering an experience beyond just the products.

14. Custom makeup bags

Offer makeup bags with fun, motivational, or personalized designs that appeal to beauty enthusiasts.

Play with colors, from chic neutrals to vibrant patterns, or add personalized names for an extra-special touch. Consider offering different sizes for travel, everyday use, or professional makeup artists.

Brand example: Glossier’s iconic pink pouches are minimalist, functional, and instantly recognizable—a great example of simple yet effective branding.

Pet care

Pet owners love to pamper their furry friends. These print-on-demand ideas tap into the high demand for custom pet products that resonate with dedicated pet owners.

15. Pet care items and supplements

Create custom-labeled pet supplements for pet owners who want the best for their companions.

Offer supplements for joint health, skin, and coat care, or digestive support. Design packaging with vibrant colors and playful imagery that reflect each product’s benefits.

16. Pet-themed t-shirts

Design t-shirts with cute or funny pet-related sayings and graphics that resonate with proud pet owners.

Use phrases like “Dog Hair Don’t Care,” “Cat Mom AF,” or “Rescue Is My Favorite Breed.”

Add charming illustrations of dogs, cats, or other pets to give the shirts universal appeal. Play with trendy styles like vintage designs, bold lettering, or minimalist art to cater to different tastes.

These shirts make great gifts for pet lovers and are perfect for small businesses looking to tap into a loyal customer base.

17. Custom pet bowls

Offer print-on-demand pet products like personalized pet bowls with names or unique designs that match their personalities.

Create options like sleek ceramic bowls with elegant lettering or playful designs with paw prints, bones, or fish icons.