Discover the best options for cost-effective print on demand products to boost your business without
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Print on demand (POD) is a revolutionary business model that allows entrepreneurs to create and sell custom-designed products without worrying about inventory or upfront costs. However, one of the key concerns for many starting in the POD business is the cost of the products themselves. Finding affordable options that don’t compromise on quality is essential for maximizing profits. In this article, we’ll explore some of the cheapest print on demand products available and help you make the best choice for your business.
1. Custom T-Shirts – The Evergreen Favorite
Custom T-shirts are among the most popular products in the print on demand market. They are versatile, easy to design, and have a broad customer appeal. Due to their popularity, many POD companies offer competitive pricing, making them one of the cheapest options for entrepreneurs. The cost of a custom T-shirt generally depends on the material, print method, and the POD service provider you choose. However, high-quality cotton T-shirts can often be sourced for as low as $5–$7 per unit.
Another factor that makes T-shirts an affordable choice is the ability to sell them at various price points. Whether you’re targeting budget-conscious customers or looking to sell premium designs, T-shirts can be priced accordingly without significant overhead costs. Moreover, T-shirts are lightweight, which helps to keep shipping fees lower, making them an ideal choice for keeping overall expenses down.
Popular POD platforms like Printful, Printify, and Teespring all offer cheap T-shirt options, and you can find further savings by buying in bulk or choosing a simple one-color design. The low production cost and potential for high sales volume make custom T-shirts an excellent starting point for anyone looking to launch a print on demand business on a budget.
2. Mugs – Affordable Custom Drinkware
Custom mugs are another affordable print on demand product that appeals to a wide range of customers. They are practical, easy to design, and can be sold at a variety of price points. Mugs typically range from $5–$9 each depending on the print provider and material. Whether it's a ceramic mug, travel mug, or enamel mug, they all offer good margins while keeping your costs low.
Because mugs are a staple in households and offices, they have a broad market appeal. Custom mugs are often purchased as gifts, promotional items, or personalized accessories, making them a versatile product to add to your POD catalog. They are also relatively inexpensive to ship compared to bulkier products, which helps keep overall expenses low.
Many POD providers offer discounts for bulk orders or provide cheaper base prices for smaller batches. By leveraging these deals, you can maximize your profit margins while offering a low-cost product to your customers. Additionally, mugs are easy to store, pack, and ship, which further reduces operational costs for small businesses.
3. Phone Cases – Affordable and Trendy Accessories
Custom phone cases are another affordable and highly popular product in the print on demand industry. With the increasing number of smartphone users worldwide, the demand for personalized phone cases has surged. POD companies often offer a range of case types, such as hard cases, soft cases, and wallet cases, all at affordable prices starting at around $6–$8 each.
Phone cases are relatively cheap to produce because they require minimal materials and simple printing methods. In addition to being inexpensive, they also have high perceived value, making them a great option for POD sellers looking to maximize their profit margins. The cost of production is low, but you can sell these items at premium prices depending on your designs and branding.
Many platforms, including Printful, Redbubble, and Gooten, offer a variety of phone case options, and you can further reduce costs by choosing simpler designs or bulk ordering. As phone cases are lightweight, shipping costs are also kept at a minimum, making them a low-risk product for entrepreneurs looking to reduce expenses.
4. Tote Bags – Eco-Friendly and Affordable Custom Accessories
Tote bags are a popular print on demand product that combines affordability with practicality. They are lightweight, reusable, and eco-friendly, making them an appealing option for customers who are conscious about sustainability. Custom tote bags can be found at a base price of around $5–$8, depending on the material and design options chosen.
The low cost of production and high demand for eco-friendly products make tote bags an excellent choice for POD sellers looking for budget-friendly products that align with current market trends. These bags are versatile and can be designed with unique artwork, logos, or catchy slogans to appeal to a wide range of customers. Moreover, tote bags are easy to store and ship, which reduces operational costs for small businesses.
Many POD platforms offer a variety of tote bag styles and materials, from cotton and polyester to jute and canvas. You can also offer different sizes and handle options to cater to different customer preferences. With their low production costs and broad appeal, tote bags are a great addition to your POD product lineup.
Conclusion – Start Small, Scale Smart
When starting a print on demand business, finding the cheapest products is an essential step toward maximizing your profits. Custom T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and tote bags are among the most affordable and popular products in the market. These products offer high potential for customization, broad customer appeal, and low production costs, making them excellent choices for entrepreneurs on a budget.
However, while keeping production costs low is important, it’s equally essential to focus on quality and design. Offering unique, eye-catching designs can help differentiate your brand from the competition and attract more customers. By choosing affordable print on demand products and optimizing your designs and marketing strategies, you can build a successful and sustainable business.
Remember, the key to a successful POD business is not only finding cheap products but also knowing how to market and sell them effectively. By starting with budget-friendly products like T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and tote bags, you’ll be on your way to creating a profitable POD business that grows over time.