How to Start a Profitable Print on Demand Business in 2025

What is a Print on Demand Business?

A print on demand business allows you to sell custom-designed products where items are only printed after a customer places an order. Unlike traditional bulk printing methods, you don’t need to stockpile inventory or invest heavily upfront. You simply upload your designs to print on demand websites like Printful, Printify, or Teespring. These best print on demand companies handle everything like printing, packaging, and shipping directly to your customer. You can offer a wide variety of print on demand products including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, and wall art, all from the comfort of your home or office.

How to Start a Print on Demand Business?

• Choose a niche: Focus on a target audience like fitness enthusiasts, pet lovers, or pop-culture fans to create a strong brand identity.
• Create unique designs: Design your own graphics or hire freelance designers to bring your vision to life.
• Select a print on demand platform: Partner with platforms like Printful, Printify, or Teespring to handle production and shipping.
• Set up an online store: Use platforms like Shopify print on demand, Etsy print on demand, or WooCommerce to showcase your products.
• Market your store: Leverage SEO, social media, influencer marketing, and paid ads to attract and convert customers.

How to Select the Best Place to Operate

One of the beauties of a print on demand business is that you don’t need a large office or factory to get started. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs run their entire operations from home. Initially, a simple home office with a computer and a stable internet connection is enough. If your business scales up and you decide to handle in-house printing, you might consider renting a small workspace later on. However, as long as you partner with reliable print on demand companies, there’s no urgent need for a physical location.

Equipment, Things, Staff, Materials, and Cost

To launch a print on demand business, you don’t need an overwhelming amount of equipment or a large team. A good quality computer or laptop with design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva Pro is essential and may cost around ₹50,000. You’ll also need a reliable internet connection, approximately ₹1,000 per month, to manage your store and communicate with suppliers. If you’re not confident in creating your own designs, hiring freelance designers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork is a smart option, with costs ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000 per design. Most beginners rely on print on demand companies for production and shipping, but if you ever decide to handle in-house printing, professional printers can cost between ₹2–5 lakh. In the early stages, you can easily manage everything yourself without hiring permanent staff, keeping your operational costs low and manageable.

Licenses and Permits Required

Starting a print on demand business in India does not require complex licensing, but a few key registrations are essential to operate legally and smoothly. The most important requirement is GST registration, which is mandatory if you are selling online or planning to scale your business to a broader market. GST enables you to collect and remit taxes and also avail of input tax credit. Additionally, registering your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or private limited company is advisable based on your business structure and long-term vision. Though optional, trademark registration is highly recommended if you want to protect your brand name, logo, or unique designs from infringement. Having these registrations not only ensures compliance but also builds credibility with customers and partners in the competitive print on demand space.

Marketing Areas and Ideas

Even the best print on demand companies can’t make your business successful if people don’t know about your products. Smart marketing is crucial:

• Social Media Marketing: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing product mockups and engaging with your audience.
• Influencer Collaborations: Collaborate with micro-influencers who resonate with your niche to expand your reach and build brand trust.
• SEO & Content Marketing: Create blogs, lookbooks, and videos to improve search visibility (like writing about print on demand business plan or success stories).
• Paid Ads: Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads can boost traffic quickly.

Packaging 

Most print on demand websites and platforms offer standard packaging as part of their service. Some (like Printful) even offer custom branded packaging for an extra fee, which can enhance customer experience. If you go for in-house printing and shipping, invest in eco-friendly, sturdy packaging with your brand label for a professional touch.

Overall Investment

If you opt to use external print on demand companies, your overall investment could range between ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh mostly for setting up your store, creating designs, and marketing.
If you plan to handle printing in-house, the cost can rise to ₹3–7 lakh, mainly due to machinery and workspace setup.

Profit Potential

Profit margins in the print on demand business typically range from 20–40% per product. On average, you can earn ₹100–₹500 profit per sale, depending on product type and pricing strategy. With effective marketing and a loyal customer base, it’s realistic to scale to ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per month within a year.

Risks in the Print on Demand Business

While the print on demand business offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with a few risks you should be aware of. The market is highly competitive, so standing out with unique designs and a strong brand identity is crucial. Since much of the production is handled by third-party suppliers, quality control can be tricky — it’s always advisable to order product samples to check print quality before launching. Shipping and delivery delays are another common challenge, especially if your supplier is located overseas or far from your customer base. Lastly, it might take time to gain traction and generate steady sales, especially if you’re entering a saturated niche. Understanding these risks early on will help you plan better and build a resilient print on demand business.