Print on Demand in Canada: Your Complete Beginner's Guide for a Profitable POD Business

You’ve got the artwork, designs, or logo ideas ready, and now you’re thinking about starting your print on demand in Canada business. That’s a promising idea. Canada is a profitable marketplace for many eCommerce sellers thanks to its large consumer base and the increasing demand for custom products.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of starting a POD business in Canada. From understanding whether it’s truly a profitable venture, to the step-by-step process of launching your store, the best POD companies to partner with, and the costs to get started, keep scrolling to dig deeper. 

Why Start a Print on Demand Business in Canada?

Canada's print on demand market is rapidly growing, making it an ideal time for entrepreneurs to enter the industry. In 2024, the market generated $474.3 million in revenue and is projected to reach an impressive $3,060.3 million by 2033. This steady rise reflects the growing appetite for personalized and custom-made products, from apparel and home decor to gifts and accessories.

While the U.S. leads the global POD market with 75.8% of top stores, Canada ranks second with 5.7%, showing strong potential and a developing ecosystem for creative sellers. Moreover, Canadians are increasingly shopping online, making it easier to reach local customers without the need for physical inventory.

Another promising sign is the country’s search interest, with around 3.6K monthly searches for “print on demand,” ranking 6th globally (according to Semrush). This indicates a rising awareness and curiosity among Canadian entrepreneurs and consumers alike.

Canada ranked 6th globally with 3.6K search monthly for “print on demand” keyword

Combined with Canada’s tech-savvy population, stable economy, and efficient shipping networks, the environment is ripe for growth. Starting a print on demand in Canada business today positions you ahead of a booming market, one where customization, creativity, and convenience drive long-term success.

Best Print on Demand Companies in Canada

POD companies are the backbone of your print on demand in Canada business as they handle everything from printing to packaging and shipping your products directly to customers. 

However, not every platform offers local fulfillment in Canada, which can affect shipping times and overall quality. That’s why it’s important to choose your POD partner carefully and work with a provider that supports fast, reliable, and locally produced orders.

Below are our top picks for print on demand suppliers in Canada that you can consider.

1. Printful

Printful fulfilment centre is placed in Toronto for faster shipping across Canada

Printful is a top-tier print on demand provider recognized for its consistent product quality, excellent customer service, and broad range of customizable products. 

It offers various decoration methods like direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, all-over print, direct-to-film (DTF) printing, classic embroidery, and even unlimited color embroidery. 

With fulfillment centers worldwide, including in Canada, Printful also supports custom branding options for sellers looking to enhance their brand experience.

Why choose Printful: 

• Faster shipping from the Toronto facility with 2-4 business days shipping.

• 455 high-quality products available for design, covering a broad range of categories.

• Custom branding options like inside labels, custom packaging, and packaging inserts to enhance the customer experience.

• Global fulfillment centers, ensuring reliable and fast shipping to Canada and other international markets.

• No minimum order requirements, so you can start small and scale as your business grows.

Pricing:

• Free plan to get started on your print on demand in Canada business with no upfront fees or monthly charges.

• Additional costs apply for each product depending on the customization and printing method.

Available products:

• Apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts

• Accessories like bags, footwear, tech accessories

• Home goods: Wall art, home décor, drinkware, stationery, kitchen items, etc.

2. Printify

Printify provides a large network of reliable Print Partners with fulfillment centers in Canada

Printify is one of the most trusted and high-quality print on demand platforms, particularly favored by entrepreneurs in Canada looking to run a seamless and scalable eCommerce business. 

What sets Printify apart is its ability to provide cost-effective solutions for custom printing, all while maintaining exceptional quality and reliability.

Why choose Printify: 

• Access to a large network of reliable print partners with fulfillment centers in Canada, ensuring fast shipping times to local customers.

• Beginner-friendly Product Creator to easily design custom POD products with creative patterns, logos, AI-generated images, text, or free graphics.

• Over 1,300 customizable products from trusted suppliers, including a wide variety of categories to suit different niches.

• No minimum order requirements, allowing you to start small and scale your business without worrying about excess inventory or upfront costs.

• Seamless integration with top eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more, making it easy to sync products and manage orders.

Pricing:

• Free plan to get started, with no setup fees or monthly charges.

• Premium plan available for $29/month, offering 20% discounts on products and access to premium items.

Available products:

• Apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts.

• Accessories

• Home goods

• Custom mugs, bottles, and cups

3. Gelato

Gelato offers customized white-label printing services worldwide, including Canada

Gelato is another high-quality print on demand platform that provides an all-in-one solution for creative entrepreneurs. With a global reach and seamless integration, Gelato offers high-quality prints, a vast product catalog, and the ability to scale your business effortlessly. 

Key features like worldwide shipping, local printing in over 30 countries, and a wide variety of customizable products making it an ideal platform for businesses targeting international customers.

Why choose Gelato: 

• Catalog with over 500 quality products available for customization, offering a wide variety of options.

• Customized white-label printing services available worldwide, including in Canada, to help you brand your products seamlessly.

• Smart selection of print providers based on your location to ensure faster production and delivery times.

• Personalized pack-in cards for thank-you notes or discount codes, adding a personal touch to every order.

• Range of home décor products for customers seeking custom wall art, photo books, posters, and more.

Pricing:

• Free plan to get started, with no monthly fees or setup charges.

• Product costs vary. A basic unisex T-shirt costs about $12, with shipping fees ranging from $5 to $7.

Available products: 

• Apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, and more.

• Accessories like bags, tech accessories, and more.

• Home goods like photo books, posters, calendars, greeting cards, and other personalized home décor items.

4. Art of Where

Art of Where is best for artists or niche brands who want the Canadian-made label

Founded in 2013, Art of Where is a print on demand in Canada platform with in-house manufacturing in Montreal, known for its artisan-quality products and strong support for creative professionals. This platform is perfect for visual artists, illustrators, and designers who want to turn their artwork into premium, locally made products. 

Also, with integrations for Shopify, Etsy, and Squarespace, Art of Where makes it easy to connect your store and sell directly to your audience.

Why choose Art of Where: 

• Made in Canada, offering local fulfillment, faster shipping, and enhanced quality control with products produced directly in Montreal.

• Boutique product range with unique items such as scarves, leggings, and notebooks, products.

• Personalized branding tools that add a professional touch with custom inside labels, artist cards, and branded stickers.

• Creator-first platform, built with artists in mind, providing an experience tailored for designers rather than large-scale sellers.

Pricing:

• Free to join with no monthly subscription fees.

• Product pricing varies. A t-shirt can run about $18 - 22, and shipping adds $8 - 10, depending on weight and destination.

Available products:

• Leggings, kimonos, t-shirts, and tank tops, etc.

• Scarves, beanies, and tote bags.

• Stationery & prints like notebooks, sketchbooks, and fine art prints.

5. Printeez

At Printeez, orders are typically processed and shipped within 3-5 business days

Printeez is one of the newer print on demand platforms, and also based in Canada. Built specifically for Canadian entrepreneurs, Printeez offers a simple, user-friendly interface and a focused product lineup that includes apparel, tote bags, hats, and mugs. 

With fast and free shipping on all orders over $100 across Canada and the U.S., it’s an excellent option for print on demand in Canada sellers who want quick fulfillment and local support. 

Why choose Printeez:

• Made in Canada with locally based fulfillment, faster shipping, fewer border delays.

• Quick turnaround time with average production time of 1 - 3 business days

• Integrate with Shopify and Etsy, making store setup and product syncing easy.

• Premium branding options like custom neck tags, oversized prints, 3D puff embroidery, and branded packaging.

Pricing:

• Free plan with full access to product catalog

• Premium plan starts at $119 per 28 days 

Available products:

• Apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, tanks, and more.

• Caps, beanies, and snapbacks.

• Bags, phone cases, and stickers.

How to Start Print on Demand in Canada (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now, ready to turn your creative ideas into a profitable business? Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting print on demand in Canada.

Step 1: Pick a niche 

A niche is a specific segment of the market focused on a particular group of customers or product type. Defining your niche early helps you stand out from competitors, spend less on ads, and achieve higher profit margins. 

Finding a profitable niche might sound challenging, but the process becomes easier when you know where to look. Here’s how to start:

• Explore trending products and categories: Begin by researching what’s popular. Visit platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay, and type in “trending” or “best-seller” to see what’s currently in demand. 

• Use research tools to uncover opportunities: Tools like Google Trends, TikTok Trend Discovery, can help you analyze search and engagement trends across different audiences. You can also check industry blogs, scroll through social media hashtags, or read eCommerce trend reports to find emerging styles and product categories that fit your brand.

• Find relevant keywords: Keyword research helps you understand what people are actively searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, or Ahrefs to identify high-traffic, low-competition keywords. This data not only guides your niche selection but also supports your SEO and advertising strategies later.

When researching, remember to always switch your region to Canada in these tools to ensure you’re analyzing Canadian search trends and understanding what local customers are actually looking for.

Step 2: Decide what to sell

Your product choices should align closely with your brand identity and the interests of your Canadian target customers. 

For example, if your niche is fitness, focus on items like gym wear, water bottles, or sports bags. If you’re targeting pet lovers, custom pet bandanas, mugs, or wall art can be great sellers. Choosing the right mix of products helps create a cohesive brand image and increases your store’s appeal.

It’s also smart to consider offering sustainable products. Eco-friendly and ethically sourced items such as organic cotton apparel, reusable tote bags, are increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z and millennial shoppers who care about environmental impact. 

Eco-conscious POD products can make your brand stand out in a competitive market.

One tip for you is to start small with a few best-selling products and test demand before expanding your catalog. Thus, your store can be manageable and you can identify which items resonate most with Canadian shoppers.

Read more: Best Selling print on demand Products

Step 3: Create designs

In a print on demand in Canada business, your designs are everything. They’re what set your brand apart and turn everyday products into something customers actually want to buy. 

If you’re a sketchbook artist or creative professional, that’s great. You can use professional design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Affinity Designer to design from scratch with precision and flexibility. Then, digitize your own art by scanning or photographing your drawings and uploading directly to your POD platform’s product template.

If you’re not a designer, there are still plenty of beginner-friendly ways to help you get started:

• Explore DIY tools like Canva or Placeit, which offer drag-and-drop interfaces and ready-to-use design elements.

• Use the built-in design tools offered by POD platforms like Printify, Printful, or Gelato, which include pre-made graphics, fonts, and templates.

• Hire a freelance designer on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork if you want a professional touch. 

Step 4: Pick a print on demand supplier (Canada-based)

Your print on demand in Canada suppliers directly impacts your product quality, shipping times, and overall customer experience. Since you’re targeting the Canadian market, it’s smart to partner with a provider that offers local fulfillment in Canada to ensure faster delivery, lower shipping costs, and better quality control.

When evaluating suppliers, take the time to consider the following questions:

• What types of products does the platform offer? Do they align with your niche?

• What kind of equipment, materials, and printing methods do they use (DTG, embroidery, sublimation, etc.)?

• How long do they take to fulfill and ship an order on average?

• Where are their fulfillment centers located, and how are shipping rates calculated?

• Do they offer branded packaging or white-label options?

• Do they charge a monthly subscription fee, or take a percentage of each sale?

• How do they handle returns, cancellations, and refunds?

• Does the platform connect easily with your eCommerce store?

Before making a final decision, it’s always worth doing a test order. Order a few samples to evaluate the quality, colors, fabric texture, and overall print accuracy to ensure that what you sell truly represents your brand’s standards.

Besides, here’s a quick recap of the top 5 print on demand platforms with Canada-based fulfillment we’ve discussed earlier:

• Printful: Great for premium branding and fast shipping from Toronto.

• Printify: Best for flexibility and broad product range.

• Gelato: Ideal for global reach with local printing in 30+ countries.

• Art of Where: Perfect for Etsy and Shopify brands with a strong artistic identity.

• Printeez: Best for fast local fulfillment and advanced branding features.

Step 5: Decide where to sell

Once you’ve chosen your products, it’s time to start selling. There are 2 popular ways print on demand in Canada sellers often go: 

1. Sell on a marketplace like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay

Marketplaces come with ready-made audiences actively looking to buy. This makes it easier to reach potential customers right away. However, they often charge fees (such as listing, transaction, or subscription fees) and have strict policies on branding, pricing, and product listings. Be sure to understand their rules to avoid issues later on.

2. Build your own online store with platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix eCommerce

Creating your own website with a website maker for small businesses gives you complete control over your store’s design, branding, and customer journey. While it does require more time and effort to set up, maintain, and attract traffic, it lays a solid foundation for long-term brand growth. 

With your own site, you can freely test pricing, offers, and marketing strategies without platform restrictions. Plus, these eCommerce website builders offer direct integrations with top print on demand suppliers, allowing you manage all POD activities seamlessly from a centralized dashboard.

Step 6: Set up your online store

Setting up a store may vary across platforms, but most follow a simple and intuitive process. 

If you’re using a ready-made marketplace, the process is straightforward. Just simply sign up, verify your details, and start listing your products.

If you decide to launch your store using a website builder for small businesses like Shopify, your first move is to start building it. While it might seem overwhelming at first, it’s actually simple thanks to advanced third-party apps.

For example, GemPages Shopify Landing Page Builder allows you to easily design a stunning online store with drag-and-drop editing, 200+ conversion-focused templates, and an AI-powered editor. You can craft pages that perfectly represent your brand, no coding required.

This CRO-focused page builder is designed to help Shopify merchants create eye-catching, high-converting pages.

Next, make sure to enable essential features such as payment gateways, shipping options, and customer support channels to deliver a seamless shopping experience. Taking the time to set up these details properly ensures your business runs smoothly from day one.

Step 7: Market your store

Your marketing efforts play a crucial role in getting your print on demand in Canada brand noticed, driving traffic, and converting visitors into loyal buyers. Your goal is to create awareness, build trust, and encourage people to take action.

Your marketing efforts can make or break your POD business

Source: Image by Freepik

Here are some effective ways to market your business:

• Social media marketing: Build your presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Share engaging content, participate in trends, and connect with your audience to grow your following.

• Influencer marketing: Partner with influencers who align with your brand values. Their audience trust can help boost your visibility and credibility.

• Content marketing: Publish blogs, tutorials, and product reviews that highlight your expertise. Quality content not only attracts organic traffic but also strengthens your brand authority.

• Email marketing: Grow your subscriber list and send personalized offers, updates, and newsletters. Segment your audience to ensure your messages are relevant and effective.

• Paid advertising: Use paid ads to reach a wider audience and drive immediate traffic. For marketplace sellers, use platform ads; for independent websites, try Google or Meta Ads to capture active buyers.

Consistent marketing helps you stay top-of-mind with potential customers and fuels the long-term growth of your business.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Print on Demand in Canada?

Since you don’t need to purchase inventory in advance or manage fulfillment, the initial costs of print on demand in Canada are relatively low. However, there are several factors that contribute to the overall cost.

Typical costs for starting a POD business:

• Online store setup: $0 - $30/month (depending on the platform)

• Product costs: $5 - $15 per product

• Design costs: $0 - $50 per design 

• Marketing: $5 - $35/day for ads, influencer collaborations may incur additional fees

• Additional costs: Domain name (~$8/year), apps (~$8 - $40/month)

Let’s break it down. 

1. Online store fees

The platform you choose to host your online store will influence your costs. A website could take more time and effort to set up but could save you money in the long run. For example, Shopify plans start at $25/month for the basic plan. 

Alternatively, third-party marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon might offer lower starting costs, but each platform charges different fees. Etsy, for example, has no monthly fee for a basic plan but takes a small listing fee, plus transaction and payment processing fees. 

2. Design costs

If you're creating the designs yourself, you’ll likely only need a tool subscription like Canva or Adobe. 

However, hiring a designer for custom work will cost more. Expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $150 per design, depending on complexity and the designer’s experience. While good design is a worthy investment, it’s important to start small and focus on quality over quantity.

3. Sample products

You’ll need to order sample products to review the quality before listing them in your store. The cost of these samples will depend on the number of products you want to test. Sample product costs can range from $30 to $100+, depending on how many items you order and the type of products you’re testing.

4. Production costs

Once a customer places an order, the print on demand in Canada supplier will handle the production and shipping. This cost is usually deducted from your sales, and can range from a few dollars to $50 per product, depending on the item’s complexity and size. Many POD companies only start working on an order once you’ve paid the production cost.

5. Marketing and advertising

The marketing budget can vary significantly based on your approach. If you choose paid ads, expect to start with a budget of around $50 to $500 to build initial traction. Organic social media marketing can be an effective, lower-cost method, but it will require more time and effort to generate results.

6. Apps & integrations

If you’re using platforms like Shopify, you may want to purchase additional apps or plugins for features like email marketing, SEO, or cart recovery. These add-ons typically cost $8 to $40/month and help streamline your store’s functionality.

3 Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

As you expand into a new foreign market, here are some challenges you may encounter when running print on demand in Canada:

• Shipping delays and taxes for cross-border orders: International shipping can often lead to delays, unexpected taxes, or customs issues that frustrate customers. To avoid this, work with reliable logistics partners who offer transparent delivery timelines and tracking. Or better yet, partner with a POD supplier that offers fulfillment services within Canada.

• Design copyright and trademark issues: Selling products with copyrighted designs or trademarked logos without permission can lead to legal trouble. Always use original artwork or purchase licenses from verified creators. It’s also a good idea to register your own brand assets to protect them from being copied.

• Maintaining product quality consistency: Inconsistent product quality can quickly damage your reputation and lead to high return rates. Regularly test your products and collect customer feedback to spot any issues early. Partnering with trusted suppliers and setting clear quality standards will help maintain consistency and customer trust.

Ready to Launch Your POD Business in Canada?

Print on demand in Canada offers an accessible path for entrepreneurs looking to expand to a new country to test ideas without heavy upfront investment. With thousands of white-label products and endless design possibilities, you can start small and scale as your business grows.

If your products succeed, you can transition to holding your own inventory or continue leveraging POD services while expanding your audience. 

For more insights on eCommerce growth and marketing tips, explore the GemPages blog, packed with strategies to help you grow your business online.

Print on Demand in Canada - FAQs