Menu
Share
When I first started exploring print-on-demand (POD), I learned that picking the right sales channel could make or break my business. It’s a choice that shapes everything from how you reach your audience to how you handle fulfillment and branding. Along the way, I discovered a few pitfalls—both through research and experience—that can trip up even the most enthusiastic entrepreneurs.
If you’re considering launching a POD business, here are seven mistakes you’ll want to avoid, along with tips to make smarter choices.
Why it’s important: Your sales channel needs to align with the buying behavior of your audience. If your customers hang out on Etsy but you choose Amazon, you could miss out on sales.
How to avoid it: Research where your audience shops. For instance, Etsy caters to buyers looking for handmade or custom designs, while Amazon attracts customers prioritizing speed and convenience.
Example: A designer selling quirky, personalized mugs might thrive on Etsy but struggle to stand out on Amazon, where buyers often compare products by price.
Pro Tip: Join online communities where your target audience is active, and observe their shopping preferences.
Why it’s important: Each platform has unique rules that could limit your designs, branding, or ability to market your products.
How to avoid it: Read the terms of service and understand what’s allowed. Some platforms have restrictions on copyrighted images or require specific fulfillment processes.
Example: A creator selling parody T-shirts learned the hard way when Amazon flagged their designs as violating copyright rules.
Pro Tip: Keep a backup list of alternative platforms in case your account faces restrictions.
Why it’s important: Managing multiple platforms can dilute your focus and overwhelm your workflow, especially when starting out.
How to avoid it: Begin with one platform that fits your goals and expand only after mastering it.
Example: A seller trying to juggle Shopify, eBay, and Etsy struggled to manage listings, marketing, and fulfillment, leading to missed orders and unhappy customers.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Printful or Printify to sync and automate listings if you decide to sell on multiple channels later.
Why it’s important: Many POD platforms limit how you can brand your store or products, impacting how customers perceive your business.
How to avoid it: Choose platforms that allow some level of customization, such as Shopify, which lets you create a branded storefront.
Example: A POD artist found greater success switching from Redbubble to Shopify, where they could personalize their packaging and add a logo to their products.
Pro Tip: If branding is crucial, look for POD providers like Printify or Gelato that offer white-labeling options.
Why this matters: Every sales channel has fees, and ignoring these can eat into your profits.
How to avoid it: Calculate your margins carefully. Include costs like platform fees, listing fees, and transaction percentages to determine your actual earnings.
Example: If your shirt costs $10 to produce and you sell it for $20, but your platform takes 15%, your profit drops to $7. Factor in these numbers before committing.
Pro Tip: Use pricing calculators offered by platforms like Shopify or Etsy to assess your profits.
Why it’s important: Your chosen sales channel should accommodate your growth without limitations.
How to avoid it: Choose platforms that allow you to expand your product range or scale your operations as demand grows.
Example: If you plan to grow into multiple categories, a standalone Shopify store might work better than a limited marketplace.
Pro tip: Read about successful POD sellers to see how they scaled their businesses using their chosen sales channels.
Why it’s important: Some platforms come with built-in customer trust, while others require you to build credibility from scratch.
How to avoid it: Choose a platform that already has a good reputation with your target audience, especially if you’re just starting.
Example: Shoppers on Amazon are used to fast shipping and reliable service. If you can’t match these expectations, customer complaints might hurt your brand.
Pro tip: Read reviews of your potential sales channel to see what customers love and where they’re dissatisfied.
Choosing the right sales channel in print on demand is a pivotal step in building a thriving business. By avoiding these 12 common mistakes, you’ll save time, protect your profits, and position yourself for long-term success.
Are there any mistakes on this list you’ve encountered? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to check out my guide on Mockup Generators to get started today.
