Step 1: Pick a niche
Design for a specific group: nurses, pickleball players, a hometown, a hobby. Narrow niches convert better than “funny shirts.”
Step 2: Choose a print-on-demand company
The big three for apparel are Printful, Printify and Gelato. Printful offers consistent quality and branding options; Printify usually has lower base prices across many print partners; Gelato prints locally in many countries. See the best print on demand sites.
Step 3: Choose your sales channel
- Etsy: built-in buyers; integrates with major POD companies. See Etsy print on demand.
- Shopify or your own store: more control and margin; you bring the traffic.
- Marketplaces like Redbubble: upload designs and they handle everything, for a smaller cut.
Step 4: Price for profit
A typical POD tee costs $9-$15 to print plus shipping. Many sellers price at $22-$30. Plug your numbers into the print-on-demand profit calculator before you list.
Step 5: Order samples
Always order your own product first to check print quality, fit and the blank shirt feel, and use the samples for photos.
Step 6: Launch and market
Good mockups, keyword-rich titles, Pinterest and short-form video work well. Add new designs steadily; most shops grow from a few best sellers.
