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What are the best print-on-demand products to dropship?
T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, bags, water bottles, and throw blankets.
Print-on-demand products have a vast scope for long-term success and profitability. Choose products that sell fast with high margins and partner with a reliable supplier for your business to take off.
These days, it seems like everyone and their cousin has at least one side hustle that’s keeping them busy.
After all, earning extra income is easier—and more necessary—than ever.
With expenses rising and salaries at a standstill, it’s become so important for many to increase their income in any way they possibly can.
But it’s not really all about business and money. Actually, side hustles are also a great avenue to express your creativity and monetize your passions.
Are you an avid baker who’s always dreamed of sharing your goods? Perhaps you’re an artist who’s filled multiple sketchbooks or digital pages with designs that no one else has seen. Today, you can share your talent with as many people as you want and maybe even make a name for yourself.
In the digital age, you can open your own business with just a few clicks. And with an audience of billions at your fingertips, there is tremendous scope for profits and long-term success.
If you have always wanted to see your own designs on T-shirts, mugs, backpacks, and other such items, print-on-demand dropshipping is the perfect business model for you.
Print-on-demand products are exciting for suppliers, creators, and consumers.
Creative entrepreneurs can enjoy great business opportunities by selling their designs printed on high-quality products at high margins. This is an excellent venture for private-label dropshippers, an almost sure thing in business if done right.
Consumers love print-on-demand products because of the wide variety of designs to choose from—ones they won’t find at big retail stores.
In this guide, we talk about the best items you can sell through print-on-demand and the best suppliers you can partner with to ensure your success.
Let’s start with the basics:
What is print-on-demand?
It’s all in the name: a business model where you sell products with designs printed on demand. You or your supplier maintain an inventory of various blank canvases in many forms (think T-shirts, mugs, tote bags, etc), list a bunch of these products with your design on your website or on a marketplace, and once the customer makes a purchase, your supplier will print the design on the product for you.
There is a lot of potential for success with this business model. The global print-on-demand industry was worth $5.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to over $39 billion in 2031. That’s an annual growth rate of close to 25%.
How to benefit from print-on-demand
Why is print-on-demand popular?
If a person is made to choose between a T-shirt with a generic print and a unique one that suits their personality to a tee (wink wink), they would definitely pick the latter.
In retail, personalized and one-of-a-kind items are huge drivers of profits. Consumers are ready to pay higher amounts for customized products. They are also willing to wait longer for the fulfillment of these special orders.
There are no minimum order quantities in the print-on-demand model. An order of one item with one design will be created and sent off to a customer that’s excited to flaunt their one-of-a-kind item to their social circles.
Given this broad market potential, print-on-demand for dropshipping is undoubtedly an excellent idea for business. Now let’s jump into how it actually works.
How does print-on-demand dropshipping work?
Combining print-on-demand with dropshipping—a business model where sellers depend on third-party suppliers to store and manage products and fulfill orders—is like getting two delicious ice cream flavors in one next-level sundae.
When you have a reliable print-on-demand supplier, all you need to do is choose blank products you know will sell and create a few initial designs with which you want to launch your business.
Upload everything to an online selling platform or marketplace and leave order fulfillment and shipping to your dropshipping partner. The quality of your products and customer service is in the hands of the supplier.
To get you started, check out our directory of the best wholesale dropshipping suppliers.
What are the advantages of selling or supplying print-on-demand products?
The interest in print-on-demand products and businesses is higher than ever, based on search reports from Google Trends and Ahrefs.
Here are just a few advantages of print-on-demand business:
Get an easy start
Starting your own company has many challenges. But print-on-demand is one model that allows brand-new entrepreneurs to go on an adventure without risking too much.
It becomes even easier when you find a reliable dropshipping partner. All you need are designs to upload for customization and your choice of the most profitable print-on-demand products.
Starting capital isn’t that high, and if it doesn’t work out, you can shut down your eCommerce store without losing too much money or wasting any inventory.
Save on labor and equipment
You don’t need to employ labor or invest in any physical inventory or equipment to print and customize products.
The designs are your main selling point, and your trusted supplier will do all the hard parts—printing, packing, and shipping.
Focus on creativity
The point of the dropshipping model is for sellers to concentrate on what they do best. In this case, creating designs that will engage audiences and look good on various products.
Moreover, because you have a printing and dropshipping partner that takes care of the bulk of the backend, you have more time to ensure good customer service by answering queries promptly and addressing complaints.
Sell various products
You can print your designs on hundreds of products. Dig deep to figure out the best designs to make everyday items even more special. The options are endless, and the uses for these products are too.
6 best print-on-demand products to dropship
What are the best print-on-demand products to drop ship? We’ve got the goods:
1. T-shirt
It may sound boring, but everybody wears T-shirts, often multiple times a week. You can never have enough T-shirts, and they are the top-selling print-on-demand products for a reason.
One-of-a-kind t-shirts with designs from independent artists are highly profitable. The T-shirt industry is expected to generate a revenue of $44.57 billion in 2023, and you can capture this broad audience with your eye-catching designs.
Potential profit: At least 20%
According to a 2019 ComCap report, those who want personalized products are willing to pay a 20% premium for them.
How you would sell it:
T-shirts are the most popular print-on-demand items, which means you will have a lot of competition. Design and quality are the two most important things to focus on when selling them.
You can start your business with at least five designs. This strikes a good balance between what various demographics prefer in their product choices. Make your designs as different as possible to capture a broad audience, but center your target market’s preferences.
Look for high-quality clothing manufacturers and printers that can accommodate your product demands. Short turnaround times and worldwide shipping are two critical elements of a successful print-on-demand dropshipping business.
Another important step is to choose where you will sell your print-on-demand T-shirts:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Shopify
- eBay
- Or other ecommerce platforms
Key to success:
Design and quality are the keys to success. The designs for your print-on-demand products must set you apart from your competitors. Quality is another element you must consider because that will reflect on your brand, regardless of where the T-shirts originally came from.
To capture a wide audience, you can create seasonal designs and switch them out every few months. You can also adjust the thickness of the T-shirts to suit the season you are selling for.
2. Hoodie
Are T-shirts too simple? Then level up with hoodies.
Hoodies are casual, comfy, and can be a fashion statement. A hoodie with a kickass design can fly off your metaphorical shelves.
Potential profit: 15% to 20%
Hoodies are generally more expensive than the average T-shirt and smaller products, so a minimum 15% markup is good enough.
How you would sell it:
There are hoodies for men and women, which are usually delineated by size and shape. Some hoodies have zippers in front, while others don’t. Some hoodies have pockets, and others don’t.
Your designs can be simple, or something bold and bright that encompasses a large space. It’s best to have versatile designs to choose from as long as you keep your target audience in mind.
Most importantly: choose the best platform to sell your print-on-demand hoodies. Aside from your ecommerce site, consider other platforms where hoodie enthusiasts frequent.
Where can you sell your hoodie?
- Brand website
- Social media
- Shopify
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Altitude Sports
Key to success:
Comfort and design are two critical characteristics of print-on-demand hoodies that sell. The fabric must be of top-notch quality, and more importantly, soft and comfy. People love hoodies for the homey feeling they provide. Your designs should be unique and interesting, ones that hoodie lovers will flock to.
To attract a wide variety of customers, stock different types of hoodies: pullovers, zipped, cropped, slim-fit, oversized, and fleece are some of the most popular options.
Do you know what else would be great with a hoodie? A pair of joggers or bottoms that are just as comfortable! You can offer a special discount for those who buy them in a set.
3. Mugs
Mugs are evergreen items that sell all year long, across nearly all demographics.
There are so many types of mugs now—you likely have several of them in your own cupboard. Insulated ones with covers have become very popular and an excellent option to stock in your print-on-demand store.
Potential profit: 20% to 50%
Standard blank mugs are affordable at less than $5, while the thermal ones may go for around $30 or more. You can make a profit of as much as 50% for the basic mugs.
How you would sell it:
Creating designs for mugs can be a bit challenging because they don’t have the wide space available on T-shirts and hoodies.
Closely consider your designs to ensure they look good on all the mugs you sell. Test them out on different types of mugs and see how they look when printed. For example, thermal mugs are significantly taller and slimmer than traditional ceramic ones. Your design may look warped if printed on them.
Where to sell your print-on-design mugs:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Shopify
- E-commerce sites for sustainable products
Key to success:
There is a lot of potential in mugs because there are very affordable varieties—you can maximize your profits by choosing cheap inventory.
There is also so much potential in the messaging behind mugs. Millions of people drink coffee almost every morning, and a one-of-a-kind mug means fewer single-use cups thrown away and polluting the environment. Mugs are the most sustainable and environmentally friendly drink option. Make sure these messages are clear in your marketing and advertising campaigns.
4. Bags
Bags are practical items, so it’s no surprise that they made our list of the best print-on-demand products. And the most popular bags nowadays are those with space for laptops.
Potential profit: At least 20%
As many consumers are willing to pay a premium of 20% for customized items, it is a practical markup percentage for print-on-demand bags.
However, if, based on your market research, you think you can go for more, you should.
How you would sell it:
Usability is the most important marketing and selling point for bags. First, they can be used in myriad ways: work, travel, sports, and other daily activities. Second, there are many designs and types of bags to choose from.
The designs you showcase must be versatile enough to look good on any type of bag, whether on a small handbag, shoulder bag, backpack, duffel, or even luggage, if you choose to sell them. It’s best to stock whimsical and decorative designs along with more practical ones to give customers many choices.
Find eCommerce sites that specialize in bags and target their existing consumer base.
Other platforms to sell your print-on-demand bags:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Amazon
- Shopify
- Etsy
- Ecommerce sites for bags
Key to success:
Three things will make print-on-demand bags successful: usability, quality, and design. We’ve already established how functional bags are; it is up to you to market their usability to your target market.
Quality also matters, which is why you need a reliable supplier that provides durable bags that will last a long time. Source high-quality, practical, well-structured bags that you would proudly display on your online storefront.
Of course, versatile and attractive designs will bring customers to your store—make sure they stand out and will look great when printed on all the bags you have in stock.
5. Water bottles
Hydration is an integral part of a person’s health, which is why water bottles are some of the best products to customize and sell when starting a dropshipping business.
People need to drink at least two liters of water daily, so best to give them the means to hydrate—and in style!
Potential profit: At least 20% to 40%
Like mugs, water bottle prices range widely from cheap to luxurious. The lower the cost of your base item, the more potential you have to make a higher profit.
However, one thing to consider is the quality and durability of cheap water bottles.
How you would sell it:
Approach your audience with a message of better health. Adults need to drink between six and eight glasses of water every day. Each glass must be over eight ounces. A water bottle with a unique design is a good reminder to hydrate.
Print-on-demand water bottles can lead to a lower chance of losing them and more incentive to keep them on hand and carry them around.
There are different types of water bottles. Some are as small as commercial bottled water for sale, while others are big enough to hold a full day’s supply. Your designs must be flexible enough to look good on various shapes and sizes of bottles.
Here are some platforms to sell your print-on-demand water bottles:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Redbubble
- Amazon
- Shopify
- Etsy
- Ecommerce platform focusing on health and/or sustainable practices
Key to success:
Health and sustainability are important talking points for selling and marketing your print-on-demand water bottles. These are important issues that often came up at the peak of the pandemic, and they are still quite relevant today.
Quality is also important—what’s the point of practicing proper hydration and sustainability if the bottle doesn’t last customers a week?
6. Throw Blankets
A throw blanket can be quite versatile as it can be placed on a couch, or people can travel with it for comfort.
Potential profit: At least 20%
A 20% markup is a standard for customizable print-on-demand products. But an essential element of entrepreneurship is market research. If you can justify more than 20%, go for it to maximize your revenue.
How you would sell it
Sell throw blankets by selling comfort. They are versatile products that can be used in so many ways and in many different places. For example, throw blankets are common at home as they can be a decorative piece for the couch. They provide comfort when you are lounging and relaxing on it.
A throw blanket is also an ideal accessory during travel, whether you are in a cab, train, bus, or plane.
Find eCommerce sites that sell home goods and set up your online shop there. And here are other great platforms to sell your print-on-demand throw blankets:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Shopify
- Ecommerce for house products
Key to success:
Comfort is the key to the success of a print-on-demand throw blanket. The audience is limited compared to the other items on this list, so do your research to capture a receptive market. Certain demographics are more likely to purchase a throw blanket than others.
Price your products competitively. Avid shoppers are sure to price-match, and engaging customers will be a fierce battle with your competitors.
7. Yoga mat
Many consumers have become more health-conscious in recent years, so a yoga mat is an excellent product for your print-on-demand business. Most yoga mats are plain, so you can be as creative as possible in the customization process.
Potential profit: 20%
Yoga mats are generally cheap to manufacture, which gives you a lot of flexibility in the pricing.
How you would sell it
You are not selling the yoga mat per se. You are selling a healthy and active lifestyle, which is quite profitable. McKinsey estimated the wellness industry to be worth $1.5 trillion. You can capture a segment of this audience by marketing your unique designs and encouraging fitness enthusiasts to choose items that best suit their personalities.
Market and sell print-on-demand yoga mats on wellness or health and fitness sites. Here are the platforms where you could sell your mats:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Spotify
- Wellness sites
- Health and fitness sites
Key to success:
Don’t just sell the yoga mats; sell a healthy lifestyle. Touching base or coordinating with complementary fitness and wellness brands is a wonderful idea. You could collaborate in marketing fitness with your mat as an essential tool in achieving good health.
8. Phone case
Everyone carries around a smartphone nowadays. A phone case with a unique design is a sure hit because people want to express their personalities on their phones.
Potential profit: 30%
The phone case industry is quite saturated, but putting the print-on-demand spin on it will make you stand out.
How would you sell it
Marketing print-on-demand phone cases is about hitting two birds with one stone—first, you market protection. Cases protect the phone when it is dropped. You may even take it up a notch by having options for waterproof phone cases.
Second, sell individuality. A one-of-a-kind phone case is a great way to show off your personality or interests.
Instagram would be an important platform for selling phone cases because these items photograph really well. The following sites are where you could best sell your print-on-demand phone cases:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Shopify
Key to success:
Success lies in variety. You must have a wide variety of phone case designs to choose from because you are marketing individuality.
While some smartphone models are more popular than others, the business should cater to a broad audience. Meaning, don’t just sell iPhone cases. Try to cover as many smartphone models as you can.
9. Hand wash
Over the past few years, the importance of handwashing has been highlighted. Liquid hand soaps have become ubiquitous in every sink. With this in mind, you can start selling liquid hand soap in a print-on-demand bottle.
Potential profit: 10% to 40%
The profitability of this product depends on your partner suppliers for two products in one: the soap and the container.
How would you sell it
Hand soap is a necessity nowadays. So, it’s about marketing an essential product packaged in a print-on-demand bottle, both with cover and dispenser type. You can offer as many scents as possible so customers have plenty of options.
Sell the print-on-demand hand soap on the following sites:
- Brand website
- Social media
- Etsy
- Amazon
- Shopify
- Wayfair
Key to success:
Provide various types and scents that would cater to different audience segments. While the main product is the print-on-demand packaging, you can market regular hand soaps or organic options. Plus, offer as many scents as possible.
10. Pet bowl
According to a report, 70% of U.S. households own a pet. Customizing pet bowls will surely tickle every pet owner’s fancy. There are many ideas and designs that could be used to sell print-on-demand bowls.
Potential profit: At least 20%
Because of pet humanization, the pet bowl industry is exploding. It will only get bigger over the years.
How you would sell it
Just as customers want to showcase their personalities on their phone cases, pet owners would also want to display their pet’s personalities on their food or water bowls.
The designs must be diverse. The shapes can be varied too. You can sell your print-on-demand pet bowls on the following platforms:
- Amazon Pets
- Chewy
- Brand website
- Social media
- Shopify
- Etsy
- Other pet-centered ecommerce sites
Key to success:
Advertising through Instagram and TikTok, where pet videos are very popular, is crucial. Many consumers, particularly pet lovers, enjoy pet photos and videos, so you must take advantage of the interest.
3 print-on-demand suppliers
Your supplier is your partner when you open your print-on-demand dropshipping business. Sure, you may have a fantastic business idea, but if the supplier cannot provide high-quality products and a reliable printing service, your business venture may not prosper.
Here are the best print-on-demand companies that can provide you with the best products to help your business grow:
Supplier 1
What they do:
It has more than 800 products you can customize with your designs. You can choose the best selection of items that would best engage your audience—T-shirts, jackets, phone cases, and so much more.
The platform also has free tools you can use to create designs, thus simplifying the process.
Which market do they work with:
The suppliers work with many different markets and online sellers.
How to work with them:
Anyone can become an entrepreneur, and this supplier makes it easy. You only need to sign up to begin using its robust print-on-demand dropshipping services.
As soon as you have created an account, you can start choosing the products, making the designs, and publishing them to the ecommerce platform of your choice.
Access supplierSupplier 2
What they do:
T-shirts are the most popular print-on-demand products, and this supplier will make it easy for you to start your dropshipping business. It has an app that fully integrates with ecommerce platforms to simplify the process of design and sale.
Which market do they work with:
The supplier mainly provides services for the T-shirt or retail industry. But it also has a collection of other common products, such as mugs, phone cases, hats, and more.
How to work with them:
You can use the website or the app to begin the design process. When uploading a design, you can browse through available images or use a customizable template. You can then complete all other components and start selling your products.
Access supplierSupplier 3
What they do:
This supplier provides backend services for entrepreneurs who want to start a print-on-design business. It is available in over 32 countries and its product catalog includes T-shirts, tote bags, photo books, calendars, and more.
Which market do they work with:
It is a versatile supplier that handles various products for a wide range of markets.
How to work with them:
Sign up for the supplier’s program, which is free. Once you’ve done that, you can start designing and then connect your ecommerce store to showcase your work.
Access hereTo sum up
Print-on-demand products have a lot of potential for business success. There is high demand for one-of-a-kind items with designs from independent artists—ones you can’t find anywhere else.
When starting your print-on-demand business, it’s best to begin with the most popular items like T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs, among others, to maximize profits. You can always expand to more niche products once you’ve had more success.
The future of your business depends on your supplier. Make sure you find a trustworthy one that will provide high-quality products and reliable printing services. That’s where SaleHoo Directory comes in, where you can choose from over 8,000 pre-vetted credible suppliers to help make your business come to life. You can also contact our 24/7 customer support on how to get started, eCommerce advice, and anything related to selling online.
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