The print-on-demand (POD) business has gained incredible popularity last few years, thanks to low startup and initial costs, plus the rise of e-commerce. With time, competition is increasing and trends are also evolving, so is POD still a profitable side hustle in 2025? Let's break it down.
How Print-on-Demand Works
This business allows you to sell custom-designed products, and some of them are
- T-Shirts
- Phone Cases
- Mugs
Without holding inventory, you can start this business. A customer visits your online product, and then places the order, a third-party supplier will print and ship the item, and you will earn a royalty profit. Popular platforms include:
- Redbubble, Merch by Amazon, Teespring, Printify (for passive income)
- Shopify + Printful (for branded stores)
Is POD Still Profitable in 2025?
✅ Pros:
- Low cost in the beginning - No need to purchase inventory in bulk.
- Passive Income Potential - Your designs can sell for years.
- Trend-Driven Opportunities - Viral niches (e.g., pop culture, memes) can bring incredibly quick and fast sales.
❌ Cons:
- Saturated Markets - Generic designs struggle to stand out.
- Thin Profit Margins - Fees from print-on-demand platforms cut into earnings.
- Marketing Dependency - Success rate depends on marketing, including Paid ads and search engine optimization.
How to Succeed with POD in 2025
- Niche Down - Always avoid generic slogans; target specific audiences (e.g., Gym Rat Motivational Quotes").
- Leverage AI Tools - You can use artificial intelligence tools for unique designs, including Midjourney and Canva platforms.
- Focus on Trending Products - Search for trending products using Google Trends and these products could be posters, pet accessories, or tote bags, etc.
- Optimize for SEO and Social Media - Google, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok ads work well for POD.
- Build a Brand - A standalone store you can build using any content management system (Shopify or WordPress) earns more than Redbubble and Etsy.
Realistic Earnings in 2025
- Beginner users can earn from $100 to $500 per month with good marketing strategies.
- Established Sellers can earn more than $1000 per month with a strong brand and repeat customers.
Final Verdict: Should You Start?
Yes, if you are willing to invest in marketing, differentiate your designs, and adapt to trends. Then, a print-on-demand business can still be a lucrative side hustle.
