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Pros and Cons of Print on Demand

Print On Demand is a method which allows you to design white-label items, using custom designs of yours, and sell them on per-order basis.

It’s an alternative method to cut down on time and expense and also get rid of the hassles of managing inventory. This allows you to channel your imagination and offer your customized products for sale at less than the price.

There are some essential factors should be considered prior to making a decision to sign up for an online printing service. This article we’re going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Print on Demand, for designers who want to set up an online store using POD services.

The benefits of POD:

1. It’s simple to set up

A majority POD platforms are extremely easy to utilize. It’s a straightforward procedure of sign-up by creating a profile and then uploading your designs or products. It can be completed in less than a minute.

While some of these websites offer free setup however, others charge fees for registration. However, sites such as Merch by Amazon require you to be accepted in the POD program to start selling your items.

2. A small inventory, with no shipping or packaging issues

One of the greatest advantages of the service is that it removes the main disadvantages of inventory-based problems like the cost of stock, expenses such as expenses, stock costs, etc. Also, it eliminates the risk of being stuck with products that you aren’t able to sell or store-out because the product is put into production following the time an order is made.

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3. It lets you focus on what you’re skilled at.

Since the majority of the logistics, technical and production tasks are handled by the print-on-demand service, you’ll be able to enjoy the ability to concentrate on your strengths and focus on creating more designsand other products you’d like to market.

4. It’s simple to create your brand

Print-on-demand services are white-labeled meaning you can personalize the packaging and your products to reflect your logo so that when customers receive their order there’s no trace of a third-party service.

5. No equipment is required. Stock that is less or excess

The reality that a third party is responsible for the production of your designs removes the need for your own equipment for printing your personal designs. The technical aspect of printing is managed directly through Your POD partner.

The cons of POD

1. Lower margins for profit.

The cost of materials for printing on demand will be more expensive when compared with buying wholesale. That means that the margins you earn from your business will be less.

Since the companies that print on demand take care of all the packaging, shipping and selling, they will be able to get a bigger share of the profits and will offer you a commission on the item being sold.

Artists are paid by a percentage of every sale, via royalties, or a marking up the price of the item, and the artist has the option to set pricing at retail. So, based on the product the margin for profit could be extremely small.

2. Limited Data

As these print on demand firms handle selling for you, they’re following the market closely and collecting the information of buyers, so they can then market to them in the future and possibly make more sales.

Since you’re selling your product on their website, you will not ever know people who loved your work and purchased it. They won’t be able to contact you to help you increase your sales unless they contact you.

There’s a chance that you’ll overlook the opportunity to promote your business. The odds are, large POD firms package and deliver items with their logos on them, not yours.

Although it might be beneficial for you to know to have them facilitate the purchase and delivery of products, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of their service too.

3. Types of products and quality

While you design your art or designs and the products you create, make sure that the print-on-demand service you’re investing in is quality-oriented as a top priority. Certain print on demand businesses focus on their bottom line but when they do this they lose the quality. This can negatively impact your art business and impact the sales of your business.

Research to determine which firms have the highest quality printing. Examine the reliability of their websites as well as their customer service department as well.

However when you’re searching for highly specific and customized items to market some print-on-demand firms might not have the solution for you. Commonplace apparel, such as T-shirts, etc. won’t pose an issue as they’re commonly used items.

If you want to market, for instance items made of one specific fabric, you may find it difficult to sell your products through an online printing service.

4. You can count on your printer’s items and their availability.

POD companies partner with various suppliers to source items or materials for their products such as fabrics. This implies that there are many moving parts. Sometimes, products might be unavailable or be inaccessible.

5. Order fulfillment takes longer.

Because every item is made on demand this means it takes longer to meet orders than when you already had your items in stocks. While this might not be an issue to the creator, it can be a problem for the person who is purchasing your product.

After all this…

… It is essential to know that there are a few issues when it comes to the convenience that services for printing on demand can provide. However, a greater understanding and analysis of the most important aspects of the POD business, such as how good the item, the duration of delivery, your profits percentage and so on, will assist you in making the right decision for your art business.