Print-on-demand (POD) has transformed how people start online businesses. Instead of investing in inventory, you can sell custom-designed products that are only created after a customer places an order. This reduces risk, lowers upfront costs, and makes it easier to experiment with different ideas.

But here’s the truth—success in print-on-demand doesn’t come from just uploading random designs. It comes from choosing the right products, understanding customer intent, and positioning your store strategically.

This guide will walk you through the top custom print products to sell, along with insights on why they work, how to market them, and how to build a scalable business around them.

Why Custom Print Products Are a Profitable Business Opportunity

Before diving into product ideas, it’s important to understand why print-on-demand is such a strong business model. Custom products tap into personalization, which is one of the biggest drivers of online purchases today. Customers are more likely to buy something that feels unique, meaningful, or tailored to them.

What makes print-on-demand attractive

• No need to hold inventory
• Lower upfront investment
• Wide range of product options
• Easy to test designs and niches
• Scalable with the right strategy

This combination makes POD one of the most beginner-friendly ways to make money online.

The role of personalization in sales

People don’t just buy products—they buy identity and emotion. Custom print products allow customers to express themselves, which increases perceived value and willingness to pay. That’s why selecting the right product categories is critical.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Custom Print Products

Not every product works well for print-on-demand. Some sell consistently, while others struggle to gain traction. Before selecting products, consider these factors carefully.

Demand and market size

Choose products that have consistent demand by researching evergreen markets like apparel or home decor. Avoid items that are too niche unless you’re targeting a specific audience, such as hobbyists or professionals, to ensure a steady stream of customers.

Profit margins

Some products have higher production costs, which can reduce profits. Look for items with healthy profit margins after printing and shipping, and use a profit margin calculator to ensure your pricing strategy is sustainable.

Customization potential

Products that allow creative designs or personalization, such as custom names or unique graphics, tend to perform better. Tapping into personalization increases the perceived value of the item and encourages emotional purchases.

Shipping and logistics

Lightweight, easy-to-ship products like t-shirts or tote bags are usually more profitable and easier to manage. Consider your supplier's shipping rates and delivery timelines to ensure a positive customer experience.

Top Custom Print Products You Can Start Selling Today

Now that you understand how print-on-demand works and what makes a product profitable, it’s time to explore the actual opportunities. Not all custom products perform equally—some consistently generate demand due to their practicality, gifting appeal, or strong personalization potential. In the following sections, you’ll find a carefully selected list of custom print products that are proven to sell, along with insights into why they work and how you can position them for maximum profitability.

1. Unisex T-Shirts

If you’re looking for cheap dropshipping products, unisex t-shirts are extremely popular right now. And with the right print on demand partner, you could be creating new and exciting print on demand designs to have printed on unisex tees to start earning a profit in little to no time at all.

Unisex tees are timeless. That’s what makes them such great products for drop shipping. Worn by men, women, and non-binaries alike, unisex tees have long-been a staple of every wardrobe. For that reason, for anyone wanting to dropship goods, unisex t-shirts could prove an easy win.

2. Children’s T-Shirts

Children never seem to stop growing. And their tastes change at the drop of a hat too. One week it’s all about Batman, and the next only Spider-Man merch will suffice. As such, parents are in need of a constant supply of POD drop shipping merchandise. That’s where your dropshipping store comes in.

Spot rising kids’ trends and design t-shirts that will be in high demand for a limited time. Then, import those designs to your drop shipping catalogue and watch the sales numbers start to climb!

3. Mugs

Who doesn’t love a custom mug? Whether you’re printing your own artwork or providing the opportunity for your customers to customize their own, mugs are a great example of a POD product that anyone drop shipping items to sell should add to their offering.

Custom Print mugs are evergreen and seasonal at the same time. You can offer a range of personalizable prints year-round and then introduce different seasonal designs in line with key holidays like Christmas, Easter, and even Valentines Day!

4. Hoodies

When it comes to drop ship products to sell online, hoodies are sure to fly off your virtual rails. And print on demand hoodies are a really versatile choice. With options to have customizable hoodies for teams or all over print hoodies, there’s options for every dropshipping store’s needs.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your POD hoodie designs, turn to celebs and influencers to see what’s popular right now. Or, if your dropshipping store’s niche is in kidswear, be sure to keep up with the most popular shows on Netflix and any trending YouTubers too.

5. All Over Printed Yoga Pants

Yoga is ever-popular in the wellness world. And so, a great option for wellness stores to consider addressing to the list of drop ship products to sell is all over print yoga pants. Genuinely, the bolder the print, the more popular it’s likely to be.

And this is where choosing a print on demand service provider you can trust comes in handy. If you’re entrusting a printing service to produce high-quality all over print on demand results, you’ll need some reassurance. Choose a POD that offers a discount for product samples like SPOD or Printful. That way you can double check the quality of the products and printing services before offering them to your customers.

6. Engraved Jewelry

Nothing says I love you quite like a personalized piece of jewelry. That’s why engraved jewelry is a great product to consider adding to your dropshipping catalogue.

Plus, with so many different styles of jewelry to choose from, keeping your product offering on-brand is easier than you may have thought.

7. Tote Bags

The handy, foldable and reusable shopping essential; the tote bag is a must-have for your next highstreet-based shopping spree. As such, creating some impressive and unique print on demand designs to your existing list of high profit dropshipping products is a great idea.

If you already dropship accessories, and are looking for a way to break into the print on demand space, tote bags is it.

8. Stationery

While thinking “what can I dropship?” stationery might not be the first thing to come to mind. And yet, stationery is a big business for online retailers and especially those with a POD income stream.

Add either customized or customizable pens, pencils, notebooks, and diaries to your current catalog and, with some careful marketing tactics, they’ll be flying off the shelves in no time.

9. Stickers

Asking yourself the question “what products can I dropship?”? Ever considered dropshipping print on demand stickers? For dropshipping stores that consider themselves a go-to for B2B essentials, stickers are an obvious choice.

Stickers help to promote brand awareness and grow our audiences. So, by offering other businesses to source promotional products such as these at competitive prices, you’ll be providing a valuable service to a hungry audience.

10. Wall Art

Whether your customer base is primarily made up of businesses or customers, wall art is a compelling product category to consider. And a sensible one for an existing homewares dropshipper to consider adding to their lineup!

Of all the POD things to drop ship, wall art is probably the most universally in-demand. All you’ll have to do is come up with a collection of unique, stiking, and visually appealing designs and you’ll be on your way to success in no time.

11. Cushions

A home can never have too many cushions. Or so they say anyway! As such, why not consider adding POD cushions and other home items to drop ship through your store.

You can create designs that tie in with the changing seasons, or let interior design trends be your guide. With some careful research and a bit of marketing know-how, you’ll have your POD cushion designs bolstering your profits in no time.

12. Towels

Another household staple that is essential for family members of all ages is the humble, often under-appreciated towel. Anyone asking the question “what can you drop ship?” might want to consider print on demand towels.

And this niche is surprisingly broad too. When it comes to towels there’s bath towels and hand towels. There’s also tea towels and beach towels. And then there’s even hair wraps (which are essentially towels in themselves anyway) to consider.

13. Phone cases

Phone cases are consistently in demand and with so many different models around, you can be as inclusive or restrictive in your offering as you please.

When creating print on demand phone cases draw inspiration from design trends. Be it a hot topic TV show, the latest action movie, or that the color green is currently everywhere! Keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground. Then generate desirable phone case designs in next to no time to cash in on those “of the moment” crazes!

14. Hats

Adding custom print hats to your existing accessory-based dropshipping offering could yield you great results. Plus hats are an essential accessory year-round so there is the potential to create evergreen designs as well as following the current trends (or setting them!).

From caps to beanies, whatever the weather there’s a hat for that! The right dropshipping products to add to an existing store will depend on your target audience. So, above all else, remember to let them be your guide.

15. Water Bottles

Water bottles are a contemporary must-have for all walks of life. We take them to work, the kids take them to schools, we need them handy at the gym, and they’re even useful when we’re traveling too. And so print on demand water bottles could be a great way to increase your dropshipping store’s offering.

Again, we’ll encourage you to draw on trending topics to create your customer POD dropshipping water bottle designs. There’s inspiration all around us all the time.

16. Phone Grips

Phone grips are a popular print on demand accessory that allows users to hold their phones more comfortably. Custom designs can be printed on these grips to add personality or branding, making them a fantastic option for businesses looking to tap into the tech accessory market. As a growing trend in print on demand products, phone grips are affordable, easy to create, and perfect for customers wanting to add some flair to their devices. Their high demand and low production cost make them a profitable product for any print on demand store.

17. Backpacks

Custom backpacks are ideal for students, travelers, and commuters. They offer ample space for unique designs and are an excellent way to showcase personal style or branding. Backpacks are in high demand within the print on demand market, and their practicality makes them a great choice for those looking to sell print on demand products that are both functional and fashionable. Whether for school, work, or travel, custom backpacks can cater to a wide variety of customers.

18. Aprons

Personalized aprons are extremely popular among chefs, hobbyists, and home cooks. They offer ample space for custom designs, making them a fun and functional product for a variety of customers.

From cooking enthusiasts to small business owners, print on demand aprons are an excellent addition to any print on demand store, offering both style and practicality for a wide range of audiences.

19. Keychains

Custom keychains are small but impactful print on demand products that can add a personal touch to keys or bags. Whether engraved or printed, keychains are an affordable and versatile product that’s easy to design and sell. Keychains are perfect as gifts, souvenirs, or promotional items for events, offering high margins for sellers in the print on demand industry. Their small size and low shipping cost make them a highly profitable option.

20. Calendars

Custom calendars are not only practical but also provide a unique way to showcase personal photos, artwork, or branding. Whether sold as personalized gifts or for office decor, they have a steady demand throughout the year. Offering print on demand calendars can attract customers looking for functional items that also serve as beautiful décor pieces, making them an excellent addition to any online store.

How to Choose the Best Products for Your Store

With so many options, selecting the right products can feel overwhelming.

Start with a niche

Instead of selling everything, focus on a specific audience. Look for communities with passionate interests, such as specific hobbies or professions, where customers are eager for tailored designs. This allows you to build a loyal customer base and reduce competition from broader markets.

Test before scaling

Launch a few products, test demand, and scale what works. Start by running small-scale tests on a variety of designs to see which ones resonate most with your audience. Once you identify a winner, double down on marketing and inventory to maximize your returns.

Focus on branding

Strong branding helps you stand out in a competitive market. Consistent visuals and a compelling brand story create trust and emotional connection with your shoppers. High-quality packaging and a professional website further reinforce your brand's value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Print-on-Demand

Avoiding mistakes can save time and money.

Selling generic designs

Unique designs perform better than generic ones. Avoid using overused stock graphics that customers can find elsewhere. Investing time in original artwork or hiring a professional designer will give your products a distinct competitive edge.

Ignoring niche targeting

Trying to sell to everyone reduces effectiveness. Broad marketing often leads to low engagement and wasted ad spend. By speaking directly to a specific group's needs and language, your message becomes much more persuasive.

Overloading your store

Too many products can confuse customers. A cluttered store makes it harder for customers to make a decision, leading to higher bounce rates. Curate your selection to show only your best-selling or most relevant items for a smoother shopping experience.

Poor product presentation

Low-quality images and descriptions reduce conversions. Use high-resolution mockups and clear, benefit-driven descriptions to help customers visualize the product in their lives. Professional presentation reduces perceived risk and encourages shoppers to complete their checkout.

Pros and Cons of Selling Custom Print Products

Before starting, it’s important to understand both the advantages and challenges.

Pros

• Low startup cost
• No inventory risk
• Flexible business model
• Scalable with automation

Cons

• High competition
• Lower margins on some products
• Dependence on suppliers
• Requires strong marketing

Final Thoughts: Building a Successful Print-on-Demand Business

Custom print products offer one of the most accessible ways to start an online business. With the right approach, you can turn simple designs into a profitable brand.

The key is to:

• Choose the right products
• Focus on a niche
• Test consistently
• Build a strong brand

Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and strategy, print-on-demand can become a sustainable source of income.Ready to turn your print-on-demand strategy into sustained income? Stop guessing which products will sell. Use Dropshiptool to instantly find trending print products, analyze demand, and track competitors—so you can launch winners with confidence.