I’ve been using print-on-demand (POD) sites since 2016, starting with Zazzle and Redbubble. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different platforms like RageOn, Society6, and more—finding what fits my art and brand best. I’ve seen the rise and fall of many POD sites and the endless changes that come with them.
Redbubble used to be one of my favorites… until I had a major mental breakdown and ended up getting myself IP banned. Honestly, it turned out to be one of the best things for me. Even though I was making decent sales there, I had already started noticing the decline. The platform was being overrun with spammy designs, artists using irrelevant trending tags, and an overall drop in quality. Then came their payment plan changes, limiting new artists’ uploads and taking a bigger cut of every sale—kind of like what Etsy does now. Society6 followed a similar path, restricting who could sell on their platform. Eventually, both Redbubble and Society6 purged a ton of artists.
It feels like Society6 is trying to be the Amazon of POD, but only for select creators. If you’re looking for a solid POD platform, I’d suggest Teepublic—at least for now, since they’re owned by the same company as Redbubble, and we all know how that turned out.
That said, I always recommend starting your own brand instead of relying solely on third-party platforms.
Why Print on Demand Still Works in 2025
1. Low-Risk Business Model
POD is still a great option if you don’t want to invest in inventory. You only pay when you make a sale, so there’s no need to worry about bulk orders or storage.
2. No Inventory or Shipping Hassles
Your supplier handles production and shipping, which means no packing orders or managing stock. If you want a hands-off e-commerce business, this is a huge plus.
3. Flexible Product Options
With platforms like Printful, Gelato, and Printify constantly expanding their catalogs, you can sell everything from apparel to home decor. This makes it easy to test different niches without committing to just one product type.
4. Global Reach Without the Stress
Many POD providers offer international shipping, so you can sell worldwide without dealing with customs, import taxes, or warehousing.
5. Personalization & Niche Appeal
Customization is still a big trend in 2025. Shoppers love unique, meaningful products—whether it’s personalized jewelry, pet-themed apparel, or bookish merch (which I also sell on my Etsy shop!).
Challenges of Print on Demand in 2025
1. More Competition
POD is more saturated than ever, so generic designs won’t cut it. You need strong branding and a smart marketing strategy to stand out.
2. Lower Profit Margins
Since POD companies handle fulfillment, they take a cut, which means lower margins compared to bulk manufacturing. You’ll need to price your products strategically or focus on premium designs.
3. Shipping Times Can Be Long
While shipping has improved, it’s still not Amazon Prime. Some customers won’t want to wait weeks for their order, so managing expectations is key.
4. Quality Control Issues
Because you’re not producing the items yourself, print quality can be hit or miss depending on the supplier. Ordering samples before launching new products is a must.
5. Dependence on Third-Party Platforms
Most POD sellers rely on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon. If these platforms change their policies, raise fees, or suspend accounts, it can hurt your business. Diversifying where you sell can help reduce this risk.
How to Make Print on Demand Work in 2025
If you want to succeed with POD this year, focus on these key areas:
1. Build a Strong Brand
Don’t just upload random designs—create a brand that people recognize and connect with. Whether it’s mental health-inspired apparel (like mine!) or a pet lover’s collection, a clear identity makes your shop more memorable.
2. Leverage Social Media
Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are still goldmines for e-commerce. Posting engaging content, using the right hashtags, and collaborating with influencers can drive traffic to your shop.
3. Offer Trendy & Unique Designs
Keeping up with trends is crucial. Use AI tools to brainstorm design ideas, research what’s selling in your niche, and create designs that resonate with your audience.
4. Optimize Your Store for Conversions
Whether you’re on Etsy, Shopify, or another platform, your product listings need to be on point—high-quality mockups, compelling descriptions, and SEO-friendly keywords make a big difference.
5. Diversify Your Income Streams
Don’t rely on POD alone. Consider adding digital downloads, custom design services, or even a subscription model for exclusive designs to create multiple revenue streams.
Final Verdict: Is Print on Demand Worth It in 2025?
Yes—but only if you treat it like a real business. The days of throwing up a few designs and hoping for sales are long gone. To succeed, you need strong branding, a solid marketing strategy, and a willingness to adapt.
If you’re serious about POD and ready to put in the work, it’s still a great way to make money in 2025. But if you’re looking for a quick, easy side hustle, you might be disappointed.
Thinking about starting or improving your POD business? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
The Reality of Running A Print on Demand in 2025… Is it WORTH it?
