My Print-on-Demand experience (and profits) with Printify
I’ve been running POD stores on Etsy since 2020, and I’m going to walk you through my experience, update you on 2023 results, and answer the questions I get asked the most:
1) How much money do you make?
2) Is it worth it?
3) Where should I start?
I’ll answer these questions and more below!
If you’re not familiar with POD, here it is in a nutshell: You choose products. You come up with a unique design. Customers buy products. Your POD supplier fulfills orders directly to your customers.
This means you get to focus on your creative skills — design and marketing — and the supplier takes care of the rest.
And here’s the icing on the cake, and the primary reason I started POD: You can start with less than $10! You only pay for products after your customers make a purchase.
All of these factors combined make POD with Etsy and Printify (my POD supplier of choice) the least risky and best side hustle in 2023.
So let’s dive into the details!
How much money do you make?
In 2023, I saw a total of $3,049.60 in sales. My revenue and orders per shop decreased compared to 2022, but I opened a new shop so that helped balance out my sales. Overall, numbers were still down compared to 2022. But 2023 was a really tough here with rising unemployment and interest rates!
Here’s the numbers from my most successful shop:
Is it worth it?
Profit margins sit around 50% and the ongoing work is very low. After you get a new shop opened and add some products, there’s very little work required to keep things going.
Said another way, I pocked about $1,500 last year for maybe 10–20 hours of work. So if you think your time is worth $75-$150 per hour, then YES — it’s worth it!
Where should I start?
TL;DR — here’s my recipe:
1. Open an account on Printify (Print-on-demand)
2. Start an Etsy store
3. Link your Etsy store to your Printify account
4. Create some designs. I started with just 1 design that I paid $7 for on Fiverr, or DIY with Canva
5. Promote your Etsy store to your network (free word of mouth) and enjoy the benefits of the Etsy marketplace.
Why Printify?
I’ve used other POD suppliers before, but I found that Printify in some cases had a better product selection than other suppliers. In other cases, the profit margin was better. The quality was great as well, so that’s a solid winning recipe.
Product ideas
Probably the most common question I get asked is — what products should I start with?
In general, apparel is a great place to start. They make great gifts, and the profits margins rock!
Toddler Pullover Fleece Hoodie
Kids clothing can be particularly successful as there are typically more people shopping for kids gifts. Think about it this way– I’m a dad, and you know who buys gifts for me? My wife, and that’s about it!
But who shops for my kids on their birthdays or at Christmas? Two sets of grandparents, 7 aunts and uncles, as well as their mom and I. Selling kids apparel is a great way to please those gift-givers looking for a personal and high quality item that will make the whole family smile.
Pajama Pants
Think comfy PJs that scream “beach life” while giving you “Netflix marathon champion” vibes? Printify’s got you covered (literally) with their Pajama Pants. Made from polyester as smooth as a dolphin’s belly, they’re the perfect blend of chill and stylish. Just don’t try dry cleaning them — these bad boys prefer a more laid-back approach.
Color Morphing Mug
Need a gift that changes as often as your mood? The Color Morphing Mug is your new BFF. This ceramic chameleon starts black and sleek, then BAM! Hot beverages unlock its hidden rainbow personality. Warning: may cause spontaneous office dance parties fueled by caffeine and pure amazement.
Framed Posters
Craving wall art that doesn’t involve questionable dorm-room posters? Framed Horizontal Posters are here to level up your decor game. Choose from 7 sizes and 3 frame colors (because beige isn’t everyone’s jam). Plus, they’re eco-friendly, so Mother Earth will thank you (and your walls will sing).
Arctic Fleece Blanket
And for snuggle sessions that rival a polar bear hug, enter the Arctic Fleece Blanket. This polyester powerhouse comes in 3 sizes, each softer than a baby bunny’s ear. Vibrant colors? Check. Durability that makes Chuck Norris jealous? Check. Just say no to bleach, dryers, and dry cleaning — let this blanket live its cozy best.
So, what are you waiting for? Spend a few less hours watching Netflix, and pick up a hobby that puts cash back in your pocket. Unleash your inner designer, build a business that sparks joy, and maybe even buy yourself a private island (it might be more attainable than you think).
Remember, it’s not just about the products, it’s about the possibilities. And thanks to Printify, the only limit is your imagination.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out their blog for design tips, marketing tricks, and enough inspiration to fuel your creative rocket ship. Happy printing!
