Print on demand (POD) is a smart and efficient way to create custom products, like t-shirts, mugs, or posters, without the need for large inventories or upfront costs. Here's how it works:1. **Design Creation:** It all starts with a design. You create a unique image, logo, or artwork that you want to see on a product. This could be your own creation or something you've purchased the rights to use.
2. **Online Store Setup:** Next, you set up an online store or use a POD platform like Printful or Printify. These platforms handle the technical aspects, like website hosting and payment processing.
3. **Product Selection:** You choose the products you want to offer, such as t-shirts, hoodies, or phone cases. You can offer a wide range of items, but for this example, let's stick with t-shirts.
4. **Design Upload:** You upload your design to the POD platform. They provide templates to ensure your design fits perfectly on the product. You can also set the price at which you want to sell each product.
5. **Customer Orders:** When a customer visits your online store and orders a t-shirt with your design, the POD platform takes care of everything. They receive the order, handle payment, and process it for you.
6. **Printing and Fulfillment:** Here's the magic part. The POD company prints your design on a blank t-shirt only when it's ordered. This means no excess inventory, no storage costs, and no risk of unsold items.
7. **Shipping:** The POD company then packages the t-shirt and ships it directly to your customer. They also provide tracking information so you can keep your customers updated.
8. **Customer Service:** If the customer has any issues, like receiving a damaged product, the POD company usually handles customer service inquiries, saving you time and stress.
9. **Profit:** You make money from the difference between the product's cost (printing, t-shirt, and shipping) and the price you set. This profit goes to your account on the POD platform.
10. **Scaling:** As your business grows, you can add more designs and products. You don't have to worry about the logistics; the POD company takes care of it all.
In a nutshell, print on demand simplifies the process of selling customized products. You focus on creating unique designs and marketing your store while the POD