The Basics of Print on Demand: Why I Chose This Business Model

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We all share something in common when stepping out into the world – the universal need to don a shirt. For a considerable chunk of us, this isn’t just about adhering to societal norms. T-shirts transcend mere necessity. They’re a canvas, a bold proclamation of who we are and what we stand for. The allure of this personal billboard is precisely why I embarked on this journey.

There’s an intrinsic joy in discovering that perfect tee, one that mirrors your sentiments, hobbies, or even just your mood for the day. Why default to the mundane when the wardrobe can be a trove of self-expression? This belief was the genesis of my venture. With an array of designs spanning the gamut from the understated to the bold, from vintage echoes to contemporary vibes, my collection seeks to resonate with diverse personalities. Your next favorite tee? I wager it’s just a click away. And I’m deeply grateful for every individual who chooses to embrace my vision.

I often quip about wanting to relocate to the beach, sell T-shirts, and live comfortably doing just that. Life, bills, and family commitments, however, kept such dreams at bay. But a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon an opportunity and decided, why not turn the dream into a form of passive income and be my own boss?

While there are numerous ways to earn passively, my preference leans toward ventures that aren’t overly demanding. Inspired by content on TikTok and other platforms, I began researching the print-on-demand business model. Many cautioned me, saying the market was already saturated, that big brands have already staked their claim, and breaking in might be futile. But I’m not one to back down from a challenge. On August 13, I dived in, creating and listing designs on both Etsy and eBay to gauge what might catch a buyer’s eye.

My overarching goal with these ventures is clear: achieve a minimum annual revenue of $150,000. It’s a lofty target, but I believe with focus, determination, and crafting designs that resonate with people, it’s entirely attainable. A significant challenge lies in conceptualizing designs that aren’t copyrighted and haven’t flooded the market. While it’s crucial not to replicate someone else’s work, the trick is to identify popular designs and then infuse them with originality. This way, not only do I ensure a unique selling proposition, but I also sidestep any potential copyright issues.

While most sellers gravitate towards Etsy, I decided to venture on both Etsy and eBay. I’ve been an eBay seller since 2004 and have garnered positive feedback over the years. So, I’m keen to discover if the platform can be tapped into for selling print-on-demand T-shirts.

Design creation has its set of challenges. Navigating copyright, staying on top of trends, and ensuring SEO-optimized product descriptions are crucial. I’m still experimenting with niches, hesitant to overpopulate my store. Once I discern the more popular designs, I’ll streamline my focus. Perhaps, later on, if I identify another profitable niche, I can expand or launch another store.

For fulfillment, I’ve partnered with Printful. I design on platforms like Canva, then upload to Printful for the final product mock-up. While integrating listings from Printful to Etsy is more straightforward, I’ve become adept at posting on eBay too.

As of August 22, sales are yet to roll in on either platform, but I remain hopeful. I’ll keep documenting my journey, blogging about my experiences on both platforms, and the overall world of print-on-demand. My aspiration? To turn this venture into a full-time gig, granting me the freedom to work from anywhere and truly own my time. It’s a lofty goal and will undoubtedly demand dedication and effort, but I’m up for the challenge.

That’s my starting point: testing the waters of print-on-demand T-shirts on Etsy and eBay. While conventional wisdom might already suggest a winner between the two, I’m curious to see if my established eBay presence can be leveraged. I promise to keep you updated on any breakthroughs or sales. Join me on this print-on-demand journey; maybe it’s an adventure you’d like to embark on as well.

Thanks for reading and until next time!

Go check out my designs and if you like any, make a purchase! 😉