What You Need to Know Before Starting a Print on Demand Merch Business
Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business can be exciting, but many entrepreneurs fail before they ever see success. If you want to avoid their mistakes, you need to understand the top reasons why print-on-demand businesses fail. Let’s dive into the seven biggest pitfalls and how to overcome them.
1. Not Filling a Gap in the Market
One of the biggest mistakes new POD sellers make is creating designs that don’t fill a gap in the market. Simply put, if you want to sell, you need to create products that people want but can’t find anywhere else.
For example, a seller on Etsy, despite having an unpolished store with no reviews, still managed to make sales because their mug design was completely unique. Since no one else offered that exact design, customers were willing to take a risk on a new store. If you’re only copying existing designs, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
2. Copycat Stores Don’t Succeed
Many beginners believe that if a product is selling well, they can simply replicate it and make sales. Unfortunately, this rarely works.
When you create a generic “Dog Dad” mug in an already saturated niche, you’re competing with thousands of established stores with great reviews. Why would a customer buy from you when they can choose a trusted seller? Instead of copying, focus on creating truly original designs that set you apart.
3. Selling in a Niche Without an Unfair Advantage
Just because a niche is profitable doesn’t mean it’s the right niche for you. Many new sellers choose popular categories—like pets or sports—without actually being passionate about them.
If you’re not part of the target audience, you’ll struggle to create unique, desirable designs. The best ideas often come when you yourself are a customer and can ask, “What would I buy that doesn’t exist yet?” Find a niche where you have an advantage, and you’ll have an easier time standing out.
4. Pricing Products Too Low
It’s a common misconception that lower prices lead to more sales. Many beginners think that undercutting competitors will help them gain traction, but it often backfires.
Customers associate price with quality. If your pricing is too low, they may assume your product is subpar. Instead, research competitor pricing and aim for the middle range. This pricing strategy makes your products seem valuable without appearing overpriced.
5. Assuming Higher-Priced Print Providers Mean Higher Quality
Not all print providers offer the same quality, and price isn’t always an indicator of superiority. Some expensive providers produce poor-quality prints, while some budget-friendly ones offer excellent results.
Before committing to a provider, order samples and check customer reviews. A higher-rated provider with reasonable pricing can save you money while ensuring product satisfaction.
6. Relying on Paid Advertising Before Testing Products
Many beginners jump into paid ads before confirming that their products resonate with customers. This can be an expensive mistake.
Big brands conduct focus groups before launching products, but small POD businesses don’t have that luxury. Instead, use free marketing methods—such as social media and organic search—to gauge interest in your designs. Once you see which products perform well organically, you can invest in paid ads with confidence.
7. Giving Up Too Soon
Finally, one of the biggest reasons people fail is simply giving up too early. Many sellers upload a few designs, see no immediate sales, and quit. But success in print-on-demand requires persistence, testing, and continuous learning.
Most successful POD stores see a mix of hits and misses. Instead of quitting, refine your strategy based on what works and keep improving. The entrepreneurs who push through early challenges are the ones who ultimately succeed.
Final Thoughts
Failing at print-on-demand isn’t random—it’s often due to one or more of these common mistakes. By focusing on originality, choosing the right niche, pricing effectively, selecting quality providers, and using free marketing strategies before diving into paid ads, you’ll set yourself up for success. And most importantly, don’t quit too soon. Persistence and adaptation are key to building a profitable POD business.