Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model in which products, such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or books, are only printed and manufactured after a customer places an order. This means that the seller does not need to hold inventory or pre-produce items, reducing their upfront costs and risk.
In a typical POD business, the seller designs or sources products and then creates listings for them on a marketplace or their own website. When a customer places an order, the seller sends the order to a print-on-demand company or fulfillment center, which then prints, produces, and ships the item directly to the customer on the seller’s behalf.
POD is popular in the e-commerce industry because it allows sellers to offer a wide range of products without needing to invest in inventory or manufacturing equipment. This makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to get started with minimal investment.
POD also offers benefits for customers, who can order custom-designed products without having to buy in bulk or wait for long production times.
Print-on-demand has become a popular business model in the e-commerce industry, offering a convenient and cost-effective way for sellers to offer custom products to customers.