Last year, during Amara’s school vacation, I thought I’d finally try something new. The idea of starting a print on demand business had been sitting in my Notion list for weeks. One sunny afternoon, while she was busy with watercolors, I opened a Shopify trial and began setting up a custom t-shirt store.
Simple na? Bas design banao, orders aayenge, profit kamao. But haan, reality had other plans.
If you’re considering launching a print on demand business, especially from India, let me save you some trial and error. Yeh raha the real picture.
It’s Not Passive (At Least Not in the Beginning)
One of the biggest myths? That POD runs on autopilot. Between syncing with suppliers, setting up your store, and managing mockups, you’ll easily spend 15 to 20 hours a week in month one.
Think of it more like a part-time gig with zero guarantee, at least initially. If you’re serious about building a POD business India can trust, know that your time investment will matter a lot.
Design Is Everything, But Not What You Think
Everyone screams “good design!” But let me tell you, what works isn’t always aesthetically pleasing. One quote tee I loved flopped. Another sarcastic line, made in 10 mins on Canva, sold 20 pieces in three days.
Design what your audience feels, not just what looks pretty. Trend check karo, Pinterest and Instagram are goldmines. For more details related to the print on demand business, read this blog.
Also, if you want structured tutorials, Skillshare has great POD design courses to guide you from scratch. Whether you’re launching a t shirt print on demand business or something more niche, your designs have to speak.
Margins Are Thin, Especially in India
Let’s be honest. You sell a tee for ₹699, but after platform and production costs, you earn maybe ₹120 to ₹150. That too if shipping doesn’t eat into it.
If you’re doing this in India, platforms like Printrove or Blinkstore are reliable but not budget-friendly. You’ll need to price smartly or create bundles.
Marketing Eats Your Time and Wallet
Running Facebook ads sounds exciting but burns your wallet. I lost ₹1,200 in just 48 hours with zero sales. On the flip side, reels and organic Instagram growth feel slow but pay off later.
Start with a tiny ad budget and focus on one channel. Measure what works!
Customer Service? That’s You, Baby!
Even if the print fades or courier guy delays, it’s you replying to angry DMs. Most POD platforms handle backend stuff, but the buyer only sees your name.
Keep message templates ready, be empathetic, and always follow up.
Niche Sells Better Than ‘Everyone’
Once I focused on desi pet lovers, things clicked. ‘Dogs of Delhi’ tees got me DMs and shares I’d never imagined. Before that, nothing moved.
The smaller your niche, the bigger your chances. Try astrology, plant parents, startup bros, jo bhi you connect with. That’s how you start a print on demand business that connects and converts.
Print on Demand Business Takes Patience, Yaar
Week one? Zero sales. Week four? Three tees gone. But week eight? One influencer collab turned everything around.
Your print on demand business is like planting seeds. Water them with content, experiments, and time.
Helpful Tools for POD Beginners
| Tool | Use | Free Version? |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Designing t-shirts and mockups | Yes |
| Printrove | Indian POD supplier | Yes |
| Notion | Order and design tracking | Yes |
| Research trending ideas | Yes |
One Final Note, From My Desk to Yours
There were nights I wondered, kya yeh time waste hai? But then I’d see a random order from Mumbai or Hyderabad and smile. My idea had travelled.
If you’re starting a print on demand business, I hope this blog helped you see both the challenges and the hope. You don’t need perfection. Just an hour a day. A little bit of jugad. And a lot of heart.
Slow but steady, always works. Let’s keep showing up.
FAQs
Is POD better than dropshipping?
Depends. POD needs good content and brand building. Dropshipping works faster but needs research and testing.
How much money do I need to start a print on demand business?
₹2,000 to ₹5,000. That covers platform setup, basic ads, and designs (if DIY).
What’s the best platform for POD in India?
Try Printrove and Blinkstore. Both are beginner-friendly and integrate easily with online stores.
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Meet Anam Syed — a freelance writer, side hustle strategist, and full-time mom to little Amara. Based in Pune, Anam started freelancing during her pregnancy and never looked back. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, podcasting, and digital work, she now helps women like you turn their spare time into something powerful. Her mantra? Do one thing every day that builds your “time SIP” — a side project that grows into freedom.
