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The Future of Print on Demand Business

Valeria Santalla
The Future Of Print On Demand Business Trends To Watch Featured Image

The print-on-demand business keeps evolving, bringing new challenges but also exciting opportunities for sellers and brands.

To stay ahead, you need to keep your creativity sharp and find clever ways to boost sales. That’s why, just like every year, we’re taking a peek into the future. So, what’s in store for the POD industry in 2025? Let’s dive in! ✨🤑👕

Benefits of a Print-on-Demand Business

First off, let’s recap why starting a print-on-demand business is such a smart move!

🤑 No Upfront Costs = Low Investment
  • You only pay for products after you've sold them! Your only expense is your eCommerce platform.
📦 No Inventory Needed
  • Forget about stocking products, warehouse fees, or storage headaches—your supplier takes care of everything.
🚀 Selling as Many Products as You Want Is Easy
  • From t-shirts to tote bags, mugs, and more, you can create a wide variety of products to offer precisely what your customers are looking for.

😁🤝🏻 Discover the Best Print-on-Demand Websites for this year.

🚚 No Packing, No Shipping Hassles
  • Your supplier handles fulfillment, so you can focus 100% on your brand and customer service.
📈 A Business That Keeps Growing
  • The print-on-demand trend has only gone up in the last few years! Check out this chart!
  • It shows how the industry spiked in 2020 during the pandemic. With businesses adapting to lockdowns, POD became a perfect solution since it requires no inventory and works online. Customers could order and deliver products straight to their door, even as fast as the next day!

💡 Did you know? In 2025, 85% of shoppers buy online classic items but also personalized ones, making print-on-demand a booming industry!

  • So, as you can see, eCommerce businesses are thriving more than ever!
  • That's why getting your business online is crucial: joining top marketplaces, advertising on social media, and building your eCommerce store. More retailers are making the move to online selling every day, so don't get left behind! 😊💫

✨ Now, let’s dive into what’s trending this year and what you need to know to stay ahead of the game!

🤓🍎 You might like: Is Print on Demand Still Profitable for New Sellers in 2025?

Alrighty, let’s check together what is known or must-have in your print-on-demand business to get the best year yet!  🌟😊✏️

⭐ 1. Customer Reviews are The Secret to More Sales

According to a survey by eRank, buyers, especially on platforms like Etsy, are more likely to make a purchase from shops with positive reviews. And it makes total sense, right?

Imagine if the roles were reversed: Would you prefer buying from a shop that looks great but has no reviews or a shop with glowing reviews from happy customers (bonus points if they share photos)? Yep, the second one, for sure!

If you want to set your print-on-demand business up for success, start focusing on building solid reviews. Here are a few ideas to help:

  • Follow up with customers after their purchase.
  • Offer incentives, like a coupon code for their next purchase, to encourage reviews.
  • Propose something attractive to your customers to make them want to share their thoughts!
In Addition
  • Etsy rewards shops with a strong reputation (because they appear more trustworthy to buyers).
  • Thanks to Etsy's algorithm, shops with positive feedback also tend to rank higher in search results.
  • Etsy wants to promote shops that are likely to provide a great shopping experience for customers.
  • Having good reviews is essent

💡 2. Diversification for POD Success

Apparel no longer dominates sales in print-on-demand. A clear trend shows that diversifying your product range benefits brands.

Fast-changing trends and new consumer shopping habits are pushing POD sellers to expand their product offerings, designs, and target audiences. A diverse catalog allows you to tap into different niches and quickly adapt to new market demands.

According to Printify, some of the best-selling POD products right now include:

  • 👕 Unisex Short-Sleeve and Soft-Style Tees
  • 🧥 Unisex Hooded Sweatshirts (Also for Youth!)
  • ✨ Kiss-Cut Stickers
  • 🖼️ Matte Canvas and Vertical Posters
  • ☕ Ceramic Mugs and Accent Coffee Mugs
  • 🛋️ Velveteen Plush Blankets and Polyester Square Pillows
  • 📱 Tough Phone Cases
  • 🕯️ Scented Soy Candles
  • 👜 All-Over Print Tote Bags
  • 📒 Spiral Notebooks
  • 👶 Infant Jersey Bodysuits
  • 🚗 Insulated Travel Mugs
  • 👕 Kids’ Heavy Cotton Tees

These trending POD products focus on:

  • ✅ Comfort
  • ✅ Personalization
  • ✅ Practicality
  • ✅ Aesthetics

So, what does this mean for your business? There’s a growing demand for cozy, stylish, and functional products that people can use daily. To stay ahead, make sure your POD store offers the products customers are actively looking for!

🍏 3. Evergreen Best-Sellers That Never Go Out of Style

There’s something timeless about the classics. These year-round best-sellers continue to dominate the print-on-demand market, are reliable, are in high demand, and are always a great choice for your store.

Here are some must-have products every POD seller should keep in their lineup:

  • 👕 T-shirts
  • 🧥 Hoodies & sweatshirts
  • ☕ Mugs
  • 🧢 Hats & caps
  • 👜 Tote bags
  • 📱 Phone cases
  • 🖼️ Posters
  • ✨ Stickers
  • 🛋️ Pillows & blankets
  • 📒 Notebooks & journals
  • 👩‍🍳 Aprons
  • 🧦 Socks
  • 🚰 Water bottles & tumblers

So, whether you’re expanding your store or diving into a new niche, 2025 is the perfect time to explore these high-selling products. The key? Offering fresh variations while keeping the beloved classics.

For example, the classic t-shirt remains a top seller, but many POD sellers swear by the Unisex Garment-Dyed T-shirt from Printify, which has a perfect mix of comfort, style, and sustainability. 🌱 

🐞 Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for different materials, fits, and unique design approaches to make these tried-and-true products feel fresh and exciting!

🚚 4. Fast Shipping as Your Competitive Advantage

Customers today demand quick delivery times, and in 2025, fast shipping will be more than a convenience; it will be a competitive edge.

To keep up, choose print providers with a streamlined fulfillment system or a network of local printers offering quicker turnaround times. Many customers now expect same-day or next-day delivery, especially with platforms like TikTok Shop making it easier to buy directly.

Fast shipping boosts customer satisfaction, reduces cart abandonment rates, and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases. So, are you in? ✨ (Not to mention, this will also give your customers a better shopping experience and elevate your shop’s rate!)

✨ 5. Good Designs are Worth Investing In

Great designs are the heart and soul of POD success. In 2025, investing in unique, high-quality designs that align with your brand’s message and appeal to your target market’s interests is essential. This will make your products stand out in the crowded POD market and help you create a loyal customer base. 

Plus, keeping an eye on emerging design trends, like AI design, maximalism, bold shapes, and big media, is always a good idea.

Luckily, tools like Placeit by Envato offer top-notch templates 100% customizables, in case you’re not a professional designer. In addition, we’re always adding new designs and templates that are trendy and relevant for you to keep your store fresh and shiny. 

⛅️ Pro Tip: Stay updated with design communities on platforms like Dribbble, Pinterest, or Behance for inspiring ideas.

✨✏️ Get the best of our assets with this Ultimate Guide to Placeit’s Design Templates.

🔎 6. Increase Your POD Business’s Visibility by Using SEO

Don’t underestimate SEO (Search Engine Optimization)’s power! As the years go by, it keeps getting more innovative, and it’s becoming more important for your print-on-demand business, especially if you’re selling on platforms like Etsy. 

Search engines like Etsy will continue to improve their algorithms. Etsy wants to feature products and sellers who match what customers are looking for. So, take the time to optimize your listings and watch your visibility grow!

Good SEO can be the game-changer between making a sale or not. You could have the best product with a fantastic design that truly speaks to your audience, but without solid SEO, you’re missing out on the chance to be discovered.

So, be sure to check out our latest Etsy SEO guide and apply all the tips to boost your visibility! ✍🏻😊✨

🚀 7. Innovative Products Changing the POD Market

The future of print-on-demand is expanding beyond the basics, and you’ll want to take advantage of this! Introducing new and innovative products is key to staying competitive in the print-on-demand industry. 

One of the top market leaders, Printify, is constantly adding exciting new arrivals to its catalog, including:

  • 🎧 Airpod Cases
  • 🌱 Organic Apparel
  • 👶 Toddler Sweatshirts
  • 🚩 Double-Sided Flags
  • ⛳ Golf Towels
  • 🏡 Yard Signs
  • 🍽️ Napkins
  • 👜 Thermochromatic Tote Bags
  • 🎉 Party Triangle Hats
  • 🎒 Sling Bags
  • 🖼️ Standing Wooden Deco
  • 📱 Tablet Folio Cases
  • 🐶 Pet Bowls
  • 🌂 Foldable Umbrellas
  • 🛌 Hooded Blankets
  • 📖 Bible Covers
  • ✨ Crystal Glass Ornaments
  • 👕 Men’s Full Pajamas
  • 🔖 Wooden Hanging Signs
  • ☕ CPG Products (Beauty, Coffee, and Supplements)

💡 Why Does This Matter?

Print-on-demand is evolving beyond traditional products to satisfy a variety of needs and target new niches. Many of these unique products are still underrepresented across POD platforms, giving sellers a huge opportunity to stand out and offer fresh, personalized items. Such as:

  • Tech & Accessories
  • Sustainability & Lifestyle Items
  • Special Occasion & Decor Goodies

By adding these niche and innovative products, sellers like you can reach a more narrow audience, ensuring they meet seasonal demand while staying competitive.

😊💊 Discover 20+ Personal Care Products You Can Sell With Printify.

🤝🏼 8. Integrations & Partnerships: Big Moves in POD!

2024 brought some major shake-ups in the print-on-demand world, and 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger! Here are some of the most exciting updates that could take your POD business to the next level:

In a surprising move, Printful and Printify announced their merger on November 5, 2024. While both platforms continue to operate under their original names, they now belong to the same company. What does this mean for sellers? Only time will tell, but this could lead to better pricing, improved fulfillment, and new product offerings!

Selling on Amazon just got way easier! Now, POD sellers can seamlessly connect their Printify and Amazon accounts, making it simpler to list and fulfill products on one of the biggest marketplaces in the world.

This one’s a game-changer for product mockups! With Placeit, Printify users can get more models to choose from that typically aren’t available on Printify. This means better and more accurate images of the products, more settings, styles, and backgrounds, and a competitive edge.

And this is just the beginning! More partnerships and integrations are on the horizon, so keep an eye out. 2025 could be the year your POD business levels up in a big way!

🌟💚 Get the full scoop on the new Placeit x Printify Integration to get top Placeit mockups within Printify and the Printify Amazon Integration.

💡 9. Marketing Strategies to Expand Your Reach

Marketing for POD businesses in 2025 is about expanding your presence on multiple platforms and engaging with different audiences. TikTok is a huge player, but don’t ignore platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, where you can create more content for diverse customer segments.

The key is diversifying your marketing efforts—experiment with paid ads, influencer partnerships, and even live shopping events.

Also, track your marketing campaigns using tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, or TikTok’s native analytics to understand your audience’s behavior and preferences.

Keep experimenting with new content formats, such as short-form videos, shoppable posts, and interactive ads, and see what resonates best. The key is to remain flexible and adjust your strategies based on what drives the most sales.

Lastly, keep a special document for all your progress and improvement areas. This way, you’ll have a record of what worked and what needs improvement, which will help perfect your POD marketing strategy. 💪 

🎯 10. Micro Niches for Profitable Opportunities

Some people think the print-on-demand market is oversaturated, but the truth is—you need to niche down! Many new sellers jump into classic products like t-shirts, tote bags, and phone cases. While these are great, the real key to success is finding a micro niche with less competition and more demand.

Think specific and targeted instead of going after broad, highly competitive categories. For example:

A massive niche, but also oversaturated. Instead of generic wedding merch, focus on bachelorette themes like “No More Dating” or “Bride’s Last Ride.”

Holiday-themed POD products are hot, but competition is fierce. Instead of general Christmas shirts, try Christmas shirts for nurses or festive designs for teachers.

The trick is combining a strong niche with the right designs. But how do you find these golden opportunities? Data is your best friend! 🕵️‍♀️

🔎 Use Tools Like:

This Chrome extension lets you see real Etsy search trends and sales data.

With Erank, you can find keywords, competition levels, and search volume.

By digging into real demand, you can uncover profitable micro niches that help your store stand out. So, are you ready to get hyper-specific and make 2025 your best POD year yet? 🚀

 ​​✍🏻🧐 You might like: Best Print-On-Demand Niches to Get Your Numbers Rising!

🔥 11. Mobile Commerce and the Growing Power of Smartphones

With mobile commerce on the rise, optimizing your POD store for mobile-first experiences is a must. Over 60% of all online purchases are made on mobile devices, and in 2025, that number is expected to grow.

Ensure your store is responsive, with fast load times and easy navigation. Use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to analyze your website’s mobile compatibility and make necessary adjustments.

👏 Pro Tip: Make your checkout process as simple as possible; offer one-click payment options, keep forms short, and allow guest checkout. By focusing on creating a mobile-optimized experience, you’ll capture a growing segment of on-the-go shoppers. 

🌈 12. New Decoration Methods to Make Your Products Pop

Print-on-demand isn’t just about designs; it’s also about how they’re printed! Even though classic methods remain industry favorites, new printing techniques continue to emerge, allowing sellers to create even more unique and high-quality products.

Let’s break down some of the most common and cutting-edge printing methods reshaping the POD industry.

  • Direct-to-Garment (DTG): This method is one of the most used as it’s best for full-color, detailed prints on cotton-based apparel.
  • Direct-to-Film (DTF): This popular technique works on more fabrics like polyester and blends.
  • Sublimation: This method is ideal for all-over prints on polyester items like mugs, phone cases, and apparel.
  • Screen Printing: This one is usually best for bulk orders, offering bold, long-lasting prints.
  • Embroidery: This decoration method adds a premium touch to hats, jackets, and polo shirts and resembles a handmade look.
  • UV Direct Printing: This method is for prints on hard surfaces like acrylic, wood, and metal with incredible detail.
  • 3D Puff Embroidery: Similar to traditional embroidery, this one creates raised, textured designs for a standout effect.
  • Hybrid DTG + DTF: It combines the best of both methods for vibrant colors and more fabric options.
  • Laser Engraving: Although not so common, this printing method is fantastic for premium gifts as it engraves wood, metal, and leather.
  • Water-Based Screen Printing: This eco-friendly alternative is gaining traction for sustainable bulk orders.
  • Giclée Printing: Last but not least, this method provides a high-end, gallery-quality inkjet printing method for art prints and posters.

In a nutshell, the future of POD looks bright and innovative! As technology advances, we may soon see even more groundbreaking techniques—such as eco-friendly sublimation, AI-powered color correction, and even 3D printing for truly unique products.

So, whether you’re selling t-shirts, home decor, or other POD products, keeping up with printing trends will help you stay ahead of the competition and, most importantly, offer fresh, high-quality products to your customers! 🚀

🤓✨ Keep reading these All T-Shirt Printing Methods Explained and Print-on-Demand Embroidery guides!

⚡ 13. Omnichannel Shopping: The New Retail Standard

In 2025, customers expect a seamless shopping experience across all platforms. For instance, they might discover your products on TikTok, check Instagram for reviews, and then complete their purchase on your website or a marketplace like Etsy.

Ensure your POD business is visible across multiple touchpoints, from social media to marketplaces to your store. 

To optimize for omnichannel success, ensure:
✅ Your store is mobile-friendly because many shoppers browse and buy from their phones.
✅ Your product descriptions are consistent across platforms so that customers get the same experience everywhere.
✅ Your checkout process is smooth. In other words, eliminate friction at the final step!

Moreover, tools like Shopify and BigCommerce allow you to manage inventory and orders across different sales channels. By tracking customer journeys with analytics, you’ll better understand how they engage with your brand and, in turn, create more personalized shopping experiences. 🎯

🤑 14. Payment Innovations for Your Customers

As eCommerce continues to evolve, so do payment methods. By 2025, digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay will become even more popular. Not to mention, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin will continue gaining traction.

To maximize sales, expand your payment options so that customers—especially international ones—have the flexibility they need. After all, integrating multiple payment options builds trust and simplifies the buying process, particularly for tech-savvy shoppers.

🤑 Pro Tip: Consider using a payment processor like Stripe or PayPal for a hassle-free setup. Since they support various payment methods, you can cater to different customer preferences, whether they prefer traditional payments or the latest digital currencies.

📊 15. Performance Analysis for Constant Evaluation

To ensure consistent growth, regularly assess your performance and fine-tune your strategy. For instance, tools like Google Analytics, Shopify Analytics, and social media insights help track key metrics such as traffic, conversion rates, and customer demographics.

Moreover, collecting feedback through surveys or reviews helps determine whether your products truly resonate with your audience.

Each month, set aside time to review your business goals and measure your progress. By making data-driven decisions, you can enhance your designs, marketing strategies, and customer service. Ultimately, the more you evaluate and adapt, the stronger your POD business will be in 2025!

✨ 16. Personalization as A Must-Have for Shoppers

Personalization isn’t just a passing trend, it remains one of the most powerful selling points in print-on-demand. After all, shoppers want unique items they can’t find in a regular store.

To make personalization stand out, focus on:

  • 🖼️ Product Images: Show examples with different names or designs.
  • 📝 Titles & Descriptions: Highlight the customizable options clearly.
  • Names
  • Dates
  • Shapes
  • Quotes
  • Addresses
  • Images & Graphics
How to Simplify Personalization

✅ With Placeit by Envato, you can create a folder for a specific design and duplicate it so that swapping names becomes quick and effortless.
✅ Additionally, Printify offers a built-in personalization feature, making it simple for sellers to let customers customize products.


💡 The easier you make personalization, the greater your chances of boosting sales! 🚀

📈 17. Pricing Strategies for Maximizing Profits

Pricing is a crucial factor in the success of your POD business. In fact, dynamic pricing, adjusting prices based on demand, competitor pricing, and your sales performance will be essential in 2025.

To stay ahead, regularly monitor competitor prices, seasonal demand, and sales trends. Luckily, tools like Prisync or RepricerExpress can help automate price adjustments based on real-time data.

✏️ Pro Tip: During high-demand seasons or sales events, raise prices slightly to maximize profits, but be careful not to overprice and scare off potential customers. Additionally, consider offering bundled discounts or limited-time promotions to create urgency and drive sales.

🤓📐 Let us help you do the math with our Online Profit Calculator and this How to Set Up a T-Shirt Pricing Strategy guide. 

🌟 18. Solid Brand Image for Long-Term Success

Creating a strong brand is more important than ever! After all, customers trust and remember businesses that provide a cohesive and professional experience.

With Placeit by Envato, you can build your brand from the ground up, designing everything from your logo and color palette to marketing assets that keep your branding consistent and polished.

💡 Why does branding matter? Well, sellers without a well-defined brand often struggle to stand out or build long-term success. That’s why, if you want your print-on-demand business to thrive, it’s essential to:

✅ Define what you want your brand to represent
✅ Plan how you’ll communicate it visually and strategically
✅ Take action to create a lasting impression

Ultimately, a brand is more than just aesthetics, it’s a strategic decision that shapes the future of your business. So, start refining yours today!

🌱 19. Sustainability and the Future of POD

The future of print-on-demand is heading toward sustainability, and it’s an exciting shift! More and more companies are committing to going 100% green, or at least making significant strides in that direction. But what does this really mean?

In short, brands are actively working to be more environmentally conscious by implementing practices such as:

  1. ✅ Using safe, biodegradable inks
  2. ✅ Choosing eco-friendly and organic materials
  3. ✅ Minimizing or even eliminating plastic
  4. ✅ Operating sustainable fulfillment centers

Additionally, many POD platforms are now offering eco-friendly products and inks. This is great news for sellers looking to attract eco-conscious customers—people who care about sustainability and are often willing to pay a premium for greener alternatives. 🌿

😊🌱 Looking for some Eco-Friendly Print-On-Demand Sites? Check this updated list!

🤳 20. TikTok as Your Ultimate Tool

Social media is a game-changer for growing your POD brand, and when it comes to building a strong community, showcasing your designs, and driving sales, TikTok stands out as one of the best platforms. In a saturated market, having an engaged audience can give you a serious edge.

Why TikTok?

People spend hours scrolling through TikTok, and unlike other social platforms, it’s still less crowded with ads. This makes it easier for organic content to stand out. Plus, TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes engaging, authentic content, meaning you don’t need a huge following to go viral! 🚀

  • Create Fun & Casual Videos: Showcase your designs, share behind-the-scenes clips, or jump on trending sounds to connect with your audience. No need for perfection, authenticity wins here!

  • Drive Traffic to Your Shop: Use TikTok to direct followers to your Etsy, Shopify, Instagram, or YouTube. Add your shop link to your bio and mention it in your videos.

  • Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with TikTok creators to promote your products and boost visibility. Even micro-influencers can drive solid sales!

  • Start a Hashtag Challenge: Encourage users to show off your products with a branded hashtag. This not only boosts engagement but also builds social proof.

  • Explore TikTok Ads: If you’re ready to scale, TikTok’s ad system helps you target your ideal buyers and send them straight to your store.

As you can see, TikTok thrives on creativity, trends, and authenticity. So, have fun, experiment, and make your POD brand unforgettable! ✨

And if you’re looking for an easier way to create engaging content, don’t forget to check out our TikTok templates made just for print-on-demand sellers like you! 😉

👀 21. Trendspotting to Stay Ahead of the Game

Trends can make or leave behind your POD business. In 2025, global movements such as eco-consciousness, social justice causes, and memes from viral TikTok challenges continue to shape consumer behavior.

So, it’s essential to stay informed by following trend-forecasting platforms or industry blogs and using tools like Google Trends to monitor emerging interests.

Creating products that tap into these trends can make your brand more relevant. Luckily, Placeit by Envato also checks trends to develop new content for you. With Placeit, you can take a fantastic template designed by a graphic designer, edit it, download it, and put it on any POD product.

🎯 Recommendation: Use social listening tools to see what your audience is talking about on social media and adapt your designs to reflect their current passions. Predicting trends beforehand gives you a competitive edge, allowing you to offer products before others catch on.

🚀 Pro Tip: It’s also a must-have skill in 2025 for POD sellers to know how to jump on trends and combine them with seasonal or evergreen factors to create winning designs and products.

🍪🍩 Discover all about the 2025’s Color of The Year.

🙌 22. Visual eCommerce and How Images Drive Sales

With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest leading the way in visual commerce, high-quality, eye-catching visuals are more important than ever in 2025.

To stand out, ensure your product images are professionally shot, showing the design from different angles, and optimized for social media sharing. Additionally, invest in video content, whether it’s product demos, behind-the-scenes footage, or customer testimonials. Even if you don’t have professional design skills, tools like Placeit or Canva can help you create stunning visuals with ease.

✨ Pro Tip: Take it a step further by using augmented reality (AR) features on platforms like Instagram or Facebook to let customers virtually “try on” or visualize products. The more dynamic and engaging your visuals, the more likely they are to be shared, bringing in organic traffic.

Final Thoughts on This Year's Print-on-Demand Business

If you think now might be the time to start your own eCommerce business, you’re absolutely right! 2025 promises to be an exciting year for all print-on-demand enthusiasts. 🚀

Is print-on-demand still worth it?

Yes, definitely! But let’s be clear: this isn’t a business for the lazy. 😅 You must set yourself apart from the competition by offering value, building a strong brand, and using the most effective promotion channels.

While the print-on-demand market may feel saturated, you can still make a big splash with a clever marketing approach. Best of all, you can do this with a low-investment business model!

Also, staying on top of market trends is essential to keep your products relevant. That way, you’ll always know what your audience is looking for and how to stand out.

So, what are your thoughts? Got something to say? Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear from you! 😊

Valeria Santalla
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