Is Print on Demand Worth It? What Trends for PoD in 2024?

Print on Demand (PoD) has become a buzzword in the world of eCommerce and entrepreneurship, offering an opportunity for a person to start their own businesses with minimal risk and investment. 

As we approach 2024, the question arises: Is Print on Demand still worth trying in this era of ever-evolving online marketplaces and consumer preferences? To answer this question, we'll explore the advantages of PoD and then delve into the exciting trends that are expected to shape the industry in 2024.

What is Print on Demand (PoD)?

Print on Demand (PoD) has emerged as a prominent term in the eCommerce sector in recent years. Its popularity has risen as a business model with a low entry barrier, enabling entrepreneurs to launch an eCommerce venture with a modest investment. 

So what is PoD? Print on Demand is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to create and sell custom-designed products without the need for holding inventory. Instead, products are produced and shipped to customers as orders come in, eliminating the requirement of managing inventory..

Learn more: 10 Top Shopify Print-on-Demand Store Examples

This is how the Print on Demand industry works. Source: Teeinblue.

However, saying goodbye to 2023 and welcoming 2024, an increasing number of individuals are pondering the feasibility of establishing a lucrative print-on-demand business. With intensifying competition and a saturated market, some are growing more hesitant about initiating a business in the print-on-demand space.

Is Print on Demand Worth Trying in 2024?

The answer is YES! According to Straitsresearch’s study, experts predict the worldwide print-on-demand market will grow to $39.035 billion by 2031, showing an average annual growth rate of around 26.2%. In the context of the continuous growing future of eCommerce, in 2024, Print on Demand will undoubtedly continue to be an attractive business model for aspiring entrepreneurs and creative minds for several reasons.

Low Initial Investment

One of the most enticing aspects of Print on Demand is the minimal upfront investment required. Traditional retail businesses often demand significant capital for inventory, warehousing, and overhead costs. In contrast, PoD entrepreneurs can start with just a computer, design skills, and access to a PoD platform. This lower financial barrier to entry makes PoD an appealing option for those on a budget.

No Inventory Risk

Unlike traditional retail, where businesses must predict demand and carry inventory, PoD completely eliminates the risk of holding unsold stock. Products are manufactured only when an order is placed, reducing the chances of overstocking or having dead inventory. This allows PoD entrepreneurs to focus on design and marketing without the fear of financial loss due to unsold items.

Diverse Product Range

PoD platforms offer a wide range of customizable products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and more. This diversity enables entrepreneurs to cater to various niches and market segments, providing ample opportunities for creativity and personalization.

An extremely creative map product from iLikeMaps

Flexibility

The PoD business model provides flexibility in terms of working hours and location. Entrepreneurs can operate their businesses virtually anywhere, and many PoD platforms offer user-friendly tools for design and product creation, making it accessible to people with varying levels of technical expertise.

Customization

PoD allows for the creation of unique, personalized products that cater to specific customer preferences. Customization is a significant draw for consumers who seek one-of-a-kind items, and it can set your business apart from competitors.

With the advantages of PoD in mind, let's explore the anticipated trends for the industry in 2024, which further underline the potential for success in this field.

Learn more: 5+ Shopify Print on Demand Apps in 2023: An Honest Review

Trends for Print on Demand in 2024

As technology and consumer preferences evolve, Print on Demand adapts to new trends to stay relevant. Here are some of the key trends expected to shape the PoD industry in 2024:

1. Vintage and Retro Aesthetics

Nostalgia continues to be a driving force in consumer culture. Vintage and retro designs, reminiscent of past eras, are expected to be in high demand. PoD entrepreneurs can capitalize on this trend by creating products that evoke nostalgia and cater to customers' desire for a trip down memory lane.

2. Eco-Friendly Products

As research showed, embracing sustainability within the print-on-demand industry aligns with environmental awareness and has the potential to enhance corporate growth. 

As environmental consciousness grows, there is a rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. PoD businesses that offer eco-conscious choices, such as organic or recycled materials and environmentally friendly printing processes, are likely to gain a competitive edge in 2024.

3. Customized Health and Fitness Accessories

With the increasing focus on health and fitness, personalized workout gear and accessories are set to gain popularity. Entrepreneurs can design and offer customizable fitness products, from water bottles to yoga mats, tailored to the unique preferences and goals of health-conscious consumers.

4. Merchandise Inspired by Virtual Reality and Gaming

Virtual reality and gaming have become integral parts of entertainment culture. PoD entrepreneurs can tap into this trend by creating merchandise inspired by popular games, virtual worlds, and fandoms, providing a niche market with exciting and personalized collectibles.

Best Print on Demand Sites to Get Inspirations

In the journey to create a successful PoD business, finding inspiration from established players in the industry can be invaluable. Here are three PoD websites that serve as excellent sources of inspiration:

#1. Shadawear

Shadawear is a basic yet effective concept for a new PoD business. It incorporates almost every element needed for a PoD eCommerce site, from clear categories to demonstrative product images and descriptions. 

However, there are valuable lessons to be learned from this store regarding its user-friendly experience. Despite offering a diverse range of products, from clothing to accessories like phone cases, Shadawear's navigation bar and product arrangement on the homepage prevent users from feeling overwhelmed by numerous product names and images.

Additionally, the store highlights one of the most crucial requirements for a PoD business – representing the customers' origins. This tiny but key selling point message is strategically placed right at the top under the navigation bar, compelling customers to engage with it.

Why it is a good inspiration:

• Easy navigation: Their lay out quickly allows visitors to see what the store offers
• Diverse designs: From clothes to accessories such as phone cases, hats…
• User-friendly UX

#2. House Of Chingasos

If you are seeking PoD ideas for Latin cultures, don't overlook this store. House of Chingasos is well-known for its Mexican vibe, offering a diverse range of designs suitable for all genders and ages.

More impressively, House Of Chingasos stands out due to its impressive discount strategies, which can inspire entrepreneurs to create enticing promotions. Additionally, the website offers a comprehensive page ecosystem, including blog pages and FAQ sections, which can serve as a valuable reference for building an informative and engaging online presence.

Why it is a good inspiration:

• Impressive way to give discounts
• Comprehensive page ecosystem: Blog pages and FAQ pages
• Social proof

#3. Wander Prints

Clothing PoD is not the only aspect of PoD. You can also print on furniture and cater to souvenir demands. In this regard, Wander Prints serves as a prime example. Offering a broad ecosystem of PoD, the store excels in maintaining a user-friendly navigation system, making it easy for customers to explore a vast array of items and customize their products accordingly.

This focus on user experience is evident in Wander Prints' commitment to developing a helpful help center. This ensures that customers receive assistance with inquiries and concerns, guaranteeing a smooth shopping experience. 

Finally, the store's ability to create customizable designs adds to its appeal. Customers can explore the store pages, find their favorites, and make their selections more personalized and special.

Why it is a good inspiration:

• User-friendly navigation
• Availability of a help center
• Customizable designs

Learn more: 10 Trending Print On Demand Pet Products + Suppliers (2024)

5 Tips to Start a Best-Selling Print-on-Demand Business in 2024

While inspiration is essential, the success of a Print-on-demand business depends on practical strategies and execution. Here are five tips to kickstart a best-selling PoD business in 2024:

1. Ensuring your PoD e-store is user-friendly and mobile-responsive

A study on HubSpot showed that approximately 75% of consumers prefer using their mobile devices, compared to 15% who prefer desktops and 6% who prefer tablets. Therefore, ensuring that your store is user-friendly and mobile-friendly is essential.

While you can create stores using the Shopify admin, to make it more personalized and suitable for your own PoD style, you can consider third-party page-building apps such as GemPages. 

Not only does GemPages offer 80+ pre-built templates for all page types, but it also provides an array of mobile-responsive elements that can be adapted to any industry. Additionally, its newly launched feature - Theme section, assists you in adding your saved sections directly to your theme-created pages. This ensures that your website maintains a consistent and professional appearance from top to bottom.

2. Providing high-quality images is a USP

Thriving amidst a multitude of PoD businesses demands distinctiveness. A highly effective approach involves emphasizing not just high-resolution images but also the well-crafted design of the products themselves. Presenting remarkable products adorned with superb illustrations not only captures attention but also serves as a powerful tool for running engaging ads on various platforms.

3. Offering world-class customer service makes dream work

Let’s recall the Wander Prints example; you can have many options for Print on Demand. Customers may find it extremely challenging to navigate a complete buying journey through your store, even though the navigation is optimized as much as possible. To tackle and prevent the worst-case scenario, where your customer is at the checkout page and suddenly drops off, an instant and comprehensive help center can be the most suitable approach.

You can either respond promptly to customer inquiries, resolve issues, or provide assistance when needed. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and brand advocates.

4. Implementing marketing strategies that stick to market trends

Upon finishing the page building process, shift your focus to contemporary marketing strategies. Develop a robust plan encompassing social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization. Harness the potential of online advertising and social media platforms to effectively reach your target audience in the realm of PoD.

Furthermore, keep yourself abreast of the latest market trends and consumer preferences. Staying informed about evolving trends empowers you to adapt your product offerings in response to changing customer demands.

Pro tip: Although inspiration is crucial, the triumph of a PoD business relies on practical strategies and effective execution. Place significant emphasis on constructing an appealing store to entice customers and encourage them to choose your offerings.

Conclusion - Is Print on Demand Still a Gold Mine for You?

Absolutely! Print on Demand (PoD) continues to be a lucrative opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in 2024. With its low initial investment, lack of inventory risk, diverse product range, flexibility, and customization options, PoD provides a compelling business model for those seeking entry into the eCommerce landscape.

Furthermore, the projected trends for PoD in 2024, such as the creation of merchandise inspired by virtual reality and gaming, underscore the industry's ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Store owners who capitalize on these trends can position themselves for success in the PoD market.

To establish your own PoD store promptly and efficiently, leverage third-party page-building tools. Explore GemPages to give your business a swift and intelligent jumpstart with more mobile-responsive and less-code websites.