20 Print On Demand Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Interested in starting a print on demand business in 2024?
We put together 20 of the best print on demand businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other print on demand businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a screen printing business
Creating a screen printing business is a blend of creativity and craftsmanship. At its core, screen printing involves transferring designs onto various surfaces, typically textiles like t-shirts and hoodies. This is done using a mesh screen, ink, and a squeegee.
This business idea is appealing for those who have a flair for design and a knack for hands-on projects. You can cater to a wide array of clients— from local businesses needing branded merchandise to individuals wanting custom apparel for events.
To start, you’ll need some basic equipment and materials, but the initial investment is relatively low compared to many other manufacturing businesses. Once you master the techniques, the potential for growth is substantial. There is always a demand for personalized, high-quality printed products, making screen printing a lucrative and fulfilling venture.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $80,000/month
How long does it take to build: 205 days (?)
This case study features an entrepreneur who started a screen printing company with no financing or investors, and despite struggling for the first few years, was able to grow his business to hit $80,000 in revenue in October 2018 and is set to hit $1 million by the end of 2019.
2. Start a 3D Printing Business
3D printing is a process that assembles objects layer by layer and starting a business in this industry can be a very creative venture.
You will need investment in the right equipment and materials, and the acquisition of 3D modeling and design skills. You will also need to regularly calibrate and maintain your 3D printers to deliver consistent results.
Plan how you'll handle shipping and logistics, and leverage technology to find new applications of 3D printing in all industries.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $330,000/month
How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
3. Start a framed prints ecommerce
Do you love art and looking for a low-capital business venture? You can start making framed prints and sell them online. Your customers will include interior designers, homeowners, and commercial clients looking to decorate their interior space.
Here is a video illustrating how to start a framed prints business
Framed prints are typically seen in smaller frames featuring various textures and finishes. The popular paper for fine art prints includes cotton-based matted paper and high gloss photo paper. The advantage of starting a framed prints business is that you can make the prints at home and sell them online.
How much you can make: $200 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 140 days (?)
Framed Tweets, an online store that offers customers the opportunity to frame tweets as art, started by grossing $20k in its first year and increasing to $110k in the second year, and now has monthly gross sales of $20k from Instagram ads, spending about $300 a day.
4. Start a custom prints business
Custom print businesses often focus on printing everything, including business cards, photos, and even custom T-shirts.
To start an online custom prints business, choose a niche to help your business stand out and attract the right target audience. Then, focus on producing quality prints of different sizes, materials, and designs. You may hire designers online or search for designs in online design communities. Then, validate the designs before you begin mass production. Finally, set up an online store, and launch the business.
Remember that with the growth in popularity of selling custom prints, expect to face stiff competition. Therefore, you should market your custom prints on social media to maximize your reach.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $9,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 1182 days (?)
Framed Tweets, an online store that offers customers the opportunity to frame tweets as art, started by grossing $20k in its first year and increasing to $110k in the second year, and now has monthly gross sales of $20k from Instagram ads, spending about $300 a day.
5. Start a photo printing business
Are you keen on preserving moments and keen on business? Here's an idea for you: a photo printing service. This business centers around printing digital images onto physical mediums - think high-quality paper photos, canvas prints, or personalized photo gifts.
In today's digital age, there's a certain charm to physical photographs, creating a tangible memory people can hold on to. You'll be offering customers a nostalgia-inducing service, bringing their shots to life and enabling them to cherish these moments eternally. Strategizing your business for both online and physical interactions will expand your reach to photo enthusiasts far and near.
Entering the photo printing business might also tap into your creative side, allowing you to experiment with different materials and styles. With the right marketing approach and high-quality service, this business idea could be a profitable venture that allows you to combine passion with profit.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)
How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)
CanvasChamp, a custom photo products company founded in 2012, has grown to offer 60+ personalized photo gift products with revenue of 1.5m$+/mo through SEO and successful digital marketing strategies.
6. Start an online art prints business
The art print is a fast-growing segment. Although there is a lot of competition in the fine art marketplace, selling original art prints online can be profitable.
You do not have to rely on original artwork sales alone for financial stability in your artistic career. Selling copies and digital art from different artists is a simpler way of starting your online art print business.
7. Start a Digital Printing Business
Digital printing is a more flexible and cost-effective option than offset print. It is popular for its quality and ease of use. You don’t need to take the mechanical steps that are essential in offset printing, which makes it much more popular.
Digital printing is a fast-growing industry that allows you to print high-quality images, text, and symbols on your own products. It also allows you to customize printed products with various materials, such as different inks and paper, or you can use pre-made pages and print them using a digital printer.
A Digital printing business is a simple and easy way to start a small business. It requires less investment as compared to other types of printing business ideas.
The average hourly wage for a Digital Print Operator in the United States is $17, but salaries can range from $16 to $19 per hour.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 92 days (?)
FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.
8. Start a large prints design business
Got a knack for creativity and eye-catching designs? Consider launching a large prints design business. This venture focuses on creating striking, oversized artwork for corporate offices, homes, events, and even public spaces.
You would be responsible for conceptualizing vibrant designs and working alongside print shops to bring them to life on a grand scale. The process involves understanding client needs, designing custom graphics, and overseeing the production process to ensure quality.
The demand for unique, large prints is growing as businesses and homeowners seek to make impactful visual statements. This idea merges artistic skills with business acumen, providing a fulfilling blend of creativity and commerce.
If you’re looking for a way to monetize your design skills and enjoy working on projects that literally make a big impression, this could be the perfect business opportunity for you.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Web-to-print software company Design'N'Buy has acquired clients in over 40 countries and earned a turnover of $1.5 million and 1,000+ clients across 60+ countries within a short span of existence.
9. Start an art prints business
Turn your creativity into a sustainable business with an art prints venture. The core idea is simple: create or commission artwork, print it on high-quality materials, and sell them online or through local markets.
The demand for unique wall art is consistently strong, driven by home decorators, office spaces, and art enthusiasts. By curating a diverse portfolio and marketing through platforms like Etsy or your own e-commerce site, you can build a loyal customer base.
Expect some upfront costs, including the purchase of printing equipment or contracting with print shops. The real work involves continuous marketing efforts, networking with artists, and maintaining an engaging online presence.
If your passion lies in the visual arts and you enjoy connecting with people through your work, starting an art prints business offers both creative fulfillment and a viable income stream.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $6,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $486 (?)
How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)
This case study is about a freelancer turned founder who started an online business selling unique 2D digital designs for CNC machines, with only basic design knowledge and part-time work, and now has a standalone running business with revenues of up to $7K per month.
10. Start a security printing business
11. Start a print communication business
12. Start a printable sales business
Printable sales businesses involve creating and selling printable items such as stationary, invitations, wall art, and other decorative items that the customer can print at home or through a professional printing service. This type of business is famous for its low startup costs and flexibility, as it can be run from a home office or online store.
To run a successful printable sales business, it is important to have strong design skills and a unique aesthetic to stand out in a crowded market. It is also essential to have a clear brand identity and a well-designed website to showcase your products and make it easy for customers to purchase.
One key tip for running a successful printable sales business is to offer a range of products to appeal to a broader audience. This can include different styles and themes to suit different occasions and offer customization options for customers who want something more personalized.
Another important aspect of running a successful printable sales business is staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry. This can involve taking online courses or attending workshops to learn new design software and techniques, as well as keeping an eye on popular design trends and adapting your products accordingly.
Finally, it is essential to have excellent customer service and communication skills in a printable sales business. This includes responding promptly to customer inquiries, offering support and assistance with printing issues, and being open to feedback and suggestions to improve your products and services.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
Periwinkle Greetings uses Dye-sublimation to create unique metal greeting cards that can be displayed as art, with an average monthly revenue of $1000, and plans to pivot to B2B sales in 2023.
13. Start a postcard printing business
14. Start a removable wallpaper and prints
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
15. Start a Business/Visiting Cards Printing Business
Business/Visiting cards are a popular item for businessmen because they can use them to promote their businesses. As long as businesses continue to grow, there will be an ever-growing demand for business cards.
Digital printing is a great business idea for new entrepreneurs. It is a great idea to start a digital printing business. However, you must learn the basics of digital printing. You will also need to learn how to design custom business cards and then you can begin selling your products.
Business cards cost between $10 and $500. The national average is $194. The cost depends on the quality and complexity of the card, as well as the company that produces it.
Discover how George El-Hage built Wave Connect, a sales and marketing tool that helps professionals exchange contact information and manage leads efficiently, resulting in monthly revenues of $25K per month and a customer base of 12,000, primarily acquired through organic LinkedIn outreach.
16. Start a self-publisher business
A self-publishing business helps authors self-publish books through technology, services, education, and other means. Self-publishing businesses fall into three classifications: publishing platforms, author services, and self-publishing education companies.
To start a self-publishing business, you must file a “Doing Business As” (DBA) or form a limited liability company.
Self-publishing business is not a new phenomenon. The business dates back to the 18th century, and today it is increasingly becoming the first choice for writers.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Reedsy, a book publishing services marketplace that connects authors with freelancers, has driven over $1m in GMV, features over 1,500 vetted freelance professionals, and sees over 1,000 projects every month.
17. Become a newspaper publisher
A newspaper publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors.
In small newspapers, the publication owner is usually the publisher.
To become a newspaper publisher, there aren’t any formal learning requirements, but you may consider undertaking a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, writing, or business.
18. Start a sports magazine publishing business
A sports magazine publishing business is a venture that involves creating and distributing magazines that cover various sports and athletics-related topics. These magazines can be printed or digital and can focus on a specific sport, such as football or basketball, or they can be more general and cover a range of sports.
To start a sports magazine publishing business, you must first identify your target audience and determine the type of content most appealing to them. This could include in-depth analysis and coverage of specific teams and players, as well as general sports news and events.
Next, you must create a business plan and determine your budget. This will involve calculating costs for printing, distribution, and marketing. You will also need to consider how you will monetize your magazine, whether through subscriptions, advertising, or a combination of both.
To succeed in this business, you must have a strong passion for sports and a deep understanding of the industry. You will also need excellent writing and editing skills and strong marketing and business acumen. It is also essential to adapt to changes in the industry and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the world of sports.
Overall, a sports magazine publishing business can be a rewarding and exciting venture for those passionate about sports and with the skills and dedication to succeed in the industry. With careful planning and hard work, this business can provide a platform for sharing your love of sports with others and building a loyal readership.
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
19. Start a training manuals printing business
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
20. Start a brochures printing business
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
