Print On Demand Strategies – Hands On or Passive?
Print on demand presents a golden opportunity to build an online ecommerce business without high upfront costs.
In this guide, I will outline three main print on demand strategies for print on demand passive, semi-active, or active which will deterim the activities required to start, develop and grow your dropshipping store.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy, you can maximize your earnings while keeping the operational demands at a level that suits your lifestyle.
Summary:
- Passive Approach: Utilizing POD sites like Amazon Merch and Redbubble allows you to upload designs without handling customer relationships, support, and drive traffic.
- Semi-Active Approach: Selling on marketplaces like eBay and Etsy offers some involvement in customer service while still relying on the platform for traffic and store management.
- Active Approach: Building your own ecommerce website with platforms like Shopify gives you complete control over your store, including design, traffic, and supplier choice.
- Traffic Generation: In passive and semi-active models, platforms drive traffic for you, whereas in active models, you must actively generate your own traffic.
- Ownership and Control: The level of ownership and control varies significantly; passive approaches mean less control but less work, while active approaches provide maximum control and the possibility of selling your business.
Types of Print on Demand Strategies
Before entering into the world of print on demand, it’s vital to understand the different strategies you can adopt. Here are the three primary approaches to consider:
| Passive Approach | Leverage POD sites like Amazon Merch and Redbubble |
| Semi-Active Approach | Engage with marketplaces like eBay and Etsy |
| Active Approach | Create your own site using Shopify or WooCommerce |
Reviewing your goals and the resources available will help you choose the best strategy for your print on demand business.
Passive Approach
Even though the Passive Approach requires minimal effort, you benefit from established platforms like Amazon Merch and Redbubble.
This strategy allows you to upload your designs while the POD site takes care of marketing, customer relationships, and order fulfillment. Innovation is limited, but it is perfect for newcomers looking to dip their toes into the print-on-demand market.
Semi-Active Approach
The Semi-Active Approach involves selling on e-commerce marketplaces, such as Etsy and eBay. In this model, while the platform drives traffic and owns customer relations, you share customer support duties.
This method offers a blend of ownership and responsibility, allowing you to choose your POD suppliers while leveraging existing marketplace traffic.
With the Semi-Active Approach, you can benefit from existing buyer communities while having some flexibility in your operations.
You get to curate your shop and designs but must navigate the challenges of customer interactions. This balance provides an opportunity to enhance your brand identity while still capitalizing on the reach of the marketplace.
Active Approach
With the Active Approach, you have complete control over your ecommerce website by using platforms like Shopify.
You build and run your store according to your rules, choosing the POD suppliers that best fit your business needs. However, you must drive your own traffic, which requires effort and skill.
Another great advantage of the Active Approach is the potential for higher profits due to lower fees and more customizable branding options. It requires dedication and a proactive mindset, as you handle marketing, customer service, and inventory management yourself.
While it may be more challenging, the long-term rewards can be substantial, allowing you to potentially sell your store in the future for a premium price.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Print on Demand Strategy
One of the most crucial aspects of your print on demand journey is deciding which strategy aligns best with your goals. Consider the following factors:
- Control over customer relationship
- Ownership of your store and data
- Traffic generation and customer support
Knowing these factors will empower you to make informed decisions that suit your business objectives.
Control Over Customer Relationship
Over time, establishing a solid customer relationship becomes vital for brand loyalty and repeat sales.
In passive and semi-active approaches, you have limited control, as the POD site and marketplaces manage customer interactions and therefore they own the customer.
Ownership of Store and Data
The importance of owning your store and customer data cannot be overstated.
In the passive approach, the POD platforms retain ownership of the store and customer data, limiting your ability to market to your customers, or even sell your store.
In contrast, having a dedicated eCommerce site allows you to maintain full ownership and control, paving the way for strategic business decisions which could result in cashing in on your store’s success by selling it.
Relationship management is key when you own your store and data. You’ll be able to track customer purchasing behaviors and preferences, which provides valuable insights for honing your marketing strategies.
This level of understanding leads to better customer targeting and personalized interactions that enhance customer satisfaction.
Traffic Generation
An effective print on demand strategy hinges on your ability to generate traffic.
In passive models, the POD sites handle traffic; however, this can lead to reliance on their marketing efforts.
In an active model, you must invest time and resources in marketing (free and or paid) in order to bring people to your store.
Pros and Cons of Each Print on Demand Strategy
Once again, it’s vital to weigh the various strategies in print on demand to determine what aligns best with your goals and resources. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each approach:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimal upfront costs (Passive) | Limited control over branding (Passive) |
| No customer service obligations (Passive) | You lack customer relationship ownership (Passive) |
| Access to established traffic (Semi-Active) | Shared customer support responsibility (Semi-Active) |
| Site functionality provided for you (Semi-Active) | Dependence on marketplace rules (Semi-Active) |
| Complete control of your brand (Active) | Higher initial investment (Active) |
| Ownership of customer data (Active) | Requires more time for traffic generation (Active) |
Passive Approach: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
An effective passive approach offers a convenient way to start your print on demand journey. You don’t need to manage customer support or drive traffic, allowing you to focus on creating designs.
However, this convenience comes with drawbacks, including lack of control over your customer relationships and branding.
Semi-Active Approach: Evaluating the Advantages and Disadvantages
Now, consider the semi-active approach as a balance between convenience and control. By using platforms like eBay or Etsy, you can benefit from existing traffic, allowing for a broader reach.
Yet, you share some responsibilities, like customer support, which may dilute consistency.
This strategy allows you to choose your print-on-demand suppliers while still accessing a larger marketplace. Depending on the platform, you may also encounter limitations with fees or regulations.
By being aware of these factors, you can navigate the balance between getting assistance with traffic and maintaining enough control over your brand.
Active Approach: Considering the Upsides and Downsides
Assuming you want maximum control, the active approach is your best bet when selling through your own eCommerce website. This method allows you to tailor every aspect of your business to reflect your vision while owning customer data and relationships.
Drawbacks include the need for upfront marketing efforts to drive traffic to your site and the responsibility of customer service/ You must also handle all operational tasks, from managing your designs to meeting customer needs. However, the potential for higher revenue and establishing a strong brand identity makes this approach appealing for dedicated entrepreneurs.
My Approach – Start With One Then Expand
My recommended approach is to start with one POD strategy and then expand.
For example, if you start selling on Etsy and find a great niche and your designs sell, then set up your own niche ecommerce store selling to that niche.
This way you focus on designs and selling and leave Etsy to provide the platform and the traffic.
If you’ve got designs that sell, why not get them up on Redbubble and Amazon too as a set it and forget it approach.
Summing up
The choice of print on demand strategies determines where you need to spend your time.
- Passive – Time is spent focusing on designing – the more designs published, the better
- Semi Active – Time is spent designing and managing your store and customer relations
- Active – Time is spent on the above AND driving traffic.
You dont need to stick to just one strategy, but you shouldn’t start with all three. Pick one, learn and then expand.
Questions People Ask
What is Print On Demand (POD) and how does it work?
Print On Demand (POD) is a business model that allows creators to sell custom designs on various products without having to manage inventory or production. When a customer purchases a product, the POD supplier prints the design on the item, fulfills the order, and ships it directly to the customer.
What are the advantages of using a Passive Approach for Print On Demand?
The Passive Approach, which includes selling on platforms like Amazon Merch, Redbubble, and Spreadshop, offers several advantages:
1. Minimal upfront investment and risk, as there is no need to manage inventory.
2. The platform drives traffic, allowing creators to reach a larger audience quickly.
3. The platform handles all aspects of customer service and fulfillment, letting sellers focus solely on design.
4. Sellers can benefit from the established trust and credibility of the platforms where they sell.
5. There’s less administrative work involved, making it ideal for those looking for a stress-free way to sell designs.
How does the Semi Active Approach differ from the Passive Approach?
The Semi Active Approach involves selling on ecommerce marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon Marketplace. While these platforms also drive traffic and handle customer relationships, sellers have slightly more control compared to the Passive Approach.
Specifically, sellers can choose their POD suppliers and are involved in customer support alongside the marketplace. This means they have the opportunity to build a brand and engage more directly with customers, though they still operate within the marketplace’s rules and guidelines.
What are the benefits of using an Active Approach for Print On Demand?
The Active Approach allows sellers to create their own ecommerce website using platforms like Shopify or Wix, giving them full control over their business. Benefits include:
1. Complete ownership of the store and customer data, facilitating better marketing and customer loyalty strategies.
2. The ability to design and implement custom branding and layouts.
3. Freedom to choose particular POD suppliers that align with the seller’s values and quality standards.
4. More direct interaction with customers, allowing for personalized marketing and improved customer service.
5. The potential to scale the business and ultimately sell the store if desired, unlocking additional financial opportunities.
What strategies can help drive traffic to my POD store?
Driving traffic to your POD store requires a combination of marketing strategies, including:
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to enhance visibility in search engines.
2. Social media marketing to engage with potential customers and showcase designs.
3. Email marketing to keep customers informed about new products and promotions.
4. Influencer collaborations to reach new audiences via trusted figures.
5. Paid advertising, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, to target specific demographics and generate immediate traffic.
By employing these strategies consistently, sellers can create a steady flow of traffic to their POD store and increase sales.