What is Print-On-Demand?

What is Print-on-demand? Print-On-Demand is a publishing and manufacturing process where creators print items one at a time, as the orders come in. This differs from traditional manufacturing, where you create a huge inventory of items, then hope they sell.

One of the biggest benefits of print-on-demand is being able to test out a product idea without waste.

Manufacturers and publishers take a gigantic risk when they publish or manufacture a large run of any book or product.

How Print on Demand Works for Me with Zazzle

For example, say you have an idea for a t-shirt design.

With a Print-on-Demand company like Zazzle, which I use, you can set up a storefront for free, upload your design for free, and style your t-shirts.

You only pay for manufacturing your t-shirts one at a time, as they sell.

With traditional t-shirt manufacturing, you would have to guess what sizes you would need, and what colors would be popular. Then, as a t-shirt designer, you would have to order a large run of 200 or more t-shirts in different sizes and hope they sell. You would also have to store them in a safe place where they would not get dirty or absorb smells.

Print on demand makes this process easier and cheaper for small designers and sellers.

The Downside of Print on Demand

The downside to print on demand technology is that it costs more to print items one at a time than it would to do them in larger runs. However, when producing specialty and niche items, customers usually are more willing to pay a little extra for the item, than for something mass produced.

To find out more about the different ways you can make money on Zazzle with this other post I made here, or to look at my items on Zazzle, you can check out the additional posts I have on Zazzle here on Thoughts and Designs.

My Latest Collection at Zazzle: Flamingos and Palm Trees Stationery Collection

Flamingos and Palm Trees Office Supplies
by Kimberly Eddy