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When I first started my print-on-demand journey, I made my fair share of mistakes that slowed my progress. Each misstep taught me valuable lessons, which I now use to streamline my process and grow my businesses.
In this post, I’ll share the most common mistakes people make in print on demand and how to avoid them so you can fast-track your success.
Why it’s a mistake: Your niche determines your audience, branding, and profitability. Picking a niche that’s oversaturated or too obscure can make it harder to stand out.
How to avoid it: Research niches using tools like Google Trends, Etsy, or niche-specific keyword tools. Look for underserved audiences with specific interests. For example, instead of targeting general fitness, focus on yoga enthusiasts with a quirky sense of humor.
Pro tip: Test a few niches with small ad campaigns to see what resonates before committing.
Why it’s a mistake: Without using the right keywords, your products might never reach the right customers.
How to avoid it: Use tools like Marmalead, eRank, or Ubersuggest to find keywords shoppers are actively searching for. Focus on long-tail keywords that are less competitive, such as “funny cat lover t-shirt” instead of just “cat shirt.”
Example: A well-optimized product description with strong keywords can improve visibility on platforms like Etsy or Amazon.
Why it’s a mistake: Poor designs can damage your brand’s credibility and turn customers away.
How to avoid it: Invest in professional design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva Pro, or hire a designer from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Pro tip: Focus on creating clean, visually appealing designs with high-resolution graphics and avoid overly cluttered layouts.
Why it’s a mistake: Skipping quality checks can lead to unhappy customers and bad reviews.
How to avoid it: Order samples of your products from your POD provider to ensure colors, print placement, and materials meet your expectations.
Example: A t-shirt may look great online but arrive with faded colors or incorrect sizing. Testing prevents this kind of disappointment.
Why it’s a mistake: Poor or nonexistent mockups can fail to showcase your products effectively.
How to avoid it: Use high-quality mockup tools like Placeit to display your designs on real-life models or lifestyle settings.
Pro tip: Mockups that align with your niche can build trust and show how the product fits into a customer’s life.
Why it’s a mistake: Pricing too high can scare off potential buyers, especially if your brand isn’t established yet.
How to Avoid It: Research competitors’ pricing on platforms like Etsy or Amazon.
Pro Tip: Start with a moderate price to attract buyers, then gradually increase as your store gains credibility.
Why it’s a mistake: Pricing too low might attract buyers but leave you with razor-thin profit margins.
How to avoid it: Factor in production costs, shipping fees, and platform fees when setting prices. Look at competitors’ pricing to find a balance between profitability and marketability.
Example: A $25 shirt with $10 profit is better than a $15 shirt with no profit after expenses.
Why it’s a mistake: Long shipping times are a common pain point in print on demand and can lead to unhappy customers if not managed properly.
How to Avoid It:
Example: I once shipped through a supplier with a 4-week delay during the holidays, leading to multiple customer complaints. Now, I choose partners with reliable delivery times.
Why it’s a mistake: Simply listing your products online doesn’t guarantee sales.
How to avoid it: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to promote your designs. Paid ads on Facebook or Google can also drive traffic to your store.
Pro tip: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to gain visibility quickly.
Why it’s a mistake: Missing out on seasonal opportunities can limit your sales potential.
How to avoid it: Plan and design for major holidays or seasons months in advance. For example, start creating Valentine’s Day designs in November or Christmas collections in July.
Example: A store that sells Halloween-themed items in August has a higher chance of capturing early shoppers.
Why it’s a mistake: Misunderstanding your audience’s preferences can lead to designs and products that don’t sell.
How to avoid it: Create detailed customer personas based on demographics, interests, and buying behaviors. Conduct surveys or use social media polls to gather insights.
Example: A brand targeting eco-conscious millennials should focus on sustainable materials and minimalist designs.
Why it’s a mistake: Putting all your trust in one provider can lead to delays or quality issues if they face production problems.
How to avoid it: Partner with multiple POD providers to diversify your product range and reduce risks. For example, use one provider for apparel and another for home goods like mugs or posters.
Pro tip: Compare providers on factors like shipping times, product quality, and pricing. Platforms like Printify and Printful allow you to integrate multiple suppliers seamlessly.
Example: If one supplier experiences delays during the holiday rush, having a backup ensures you can still fulfill orders on time.
Building a successful print-on-demand business takes effort, but avoiding these ten mistakes can put you on the fast track to success. Remember to research your niche, focus on quality, and market your products effectively.
If you’ve made any of these mistakes before, share your experience in the comments! And if you’re ready to refine your POD strategy, check out my guide to mastering print-on-demand marketing for more tips.
