Print on demand vs. do it yourself: which is right for you?

Have you ever dreamed of bringing your creative designs to life through a quirky t-shirt, elegant home décor, or other unique custom products? Two exciting pathways exist to make those dreams a reality: print on demand and DIY production.

In this blog, we’ll explore each method, highlight essential factors like time commitment, costs, and quality control, and help you navigate the pros and cons of each option. Each approach offers its own advantages and challenges, and understanding these can be the key to making the right choice for your creative enterprise.

If you want to partner with a print on demand service like Gelato or roll up your sleeves for DIY production, this blog is here to help you weigh your options and find the perfect fit for your unique vision.

• Print on demand offers the convenience of low initial investment and no need for inventory management.

• DIY production allows for higher control over production quality but often involves higher upfront costs and time dedication.

• When deciding between a print on demand online store and DIY production, consider factors like time, cost, quality control, and scalability.

• Print on demand is ideal for quickly scaling and offering diverse products without overhead and logistics hassle.

• DIY can benefit hands-on creators who want unique customization and direct profit margins through customized offerings.

Print on demand (POD) is a modern fulfillment strategy in which products, like books or apparel, are only produced once an order is received. This approach eliminates the need for holding inventory and upfront costs. It allows creators and businesses to focus on design and sales while third-party providers manage production and shipping logistics.

DIY production, or "Do-It-Yourself," involves creating custom products in-house. It offers complete control over design, quality, and production processes. This option requires significant upfront investment in equipment, materials, and workspace but offers personalized branding opportunities. While it entails time and cost, the benefits include better quality control and lower long-term costs.

Deciding between a print on demand store and DIY production involves various important factors. Let's look at some key elements to factor in before making your choice.

Time commitment

This encompasses the total time required from the initial stages of production to the final product delivery. Methods that demand longer setup times may delay market entry, potentially missing critical sales windows or seasonal opportunities. 

Consider the time required to train staff, maintain equipment, and manage workflows. Balancing speed with quality ensures that products are delivered promptly without compromising standards. 

Overhead costs

Overhead costs include expenses related to facilities, equipment, utilities, and administrative functions that are not directly tied to production. Different methods may require varying levels of investment in machinery, technology, and labor, impacting the overall budget. 

Consider ongoing maintenance, depreciation, and potential upgrades. High overhead costs can reduce profit margins, especially for small businesses.

Efficiency

An efficient method maximizes output while minimizing waste, energy consumption, and time. It involves streamlined workflows, optimized machinery, and effective labor management to enhance performance. 

High efficiency leads to lower production costs, faster turnaround times, and the ability to meet increasing demand without compromising quality. Efficient production methods can easily adapt to market conditions and scale operations changes. 

Target audience

Different audiences have varying preferences, expectations, and purchasing behaviors that must be catered to. For instance, a premium market may demand higher quality and customization, necessitating more intricate and controlled production processes. 

A cost-sensitive audience might prioritize affordability and faster delivery, favoring more streamlined and scalable methods. Aligning the production method with the target audience’s needs ensures the product resonates with customers. 

Profit margins

Each production technique has its own cost structure, including materials, labor, and overhead expenses. Selecting a method that balances cost efficiency with product quality ensures that profit margins remain healthy. 

Factors such as economies of scale, potential for cost reductions over time, and pricing flexibility should be considered. High profit margins provide the necessary funds for reinvestment and innovation, while low margins may restrict growth and sustainability. 

Scalability

When choosing a production method, it’s important to consider whether it can be expanded for growth. Scalable methods allow businesses to respond easily to market trends, seasonal spikes, and long-term growth strategies. 

They often involve flexible processes, modular equipment, and adaptable workflows that can handle higher volumes with minimal additional costs. Ensuring scalability helps businesses avoid bottlenecks, maintain consistent product quality, and support expansion.

Shipping costs and times

The chosen method should facilitate efficient packaging, handling, and transportation to minimize expenses and delivery times. Consider the geographic location of production facilities relative to key markets, as proximity can significantly reduce shipping costs and transit durations. 

The production method should also support scalable and flexible shipping options to accommodate varying order sizes and customer locations.

Quality control

Different methods offer varying levels of precision, consistency, and reliability. Implementing robust quality control processes involves regular inspections, testing, and adherence to industry standards throughout the production cycle. 

A method that facilitates easy monitoring and adjustment can significantly reduce defects, returns, and customer dissatisfaction. Maintaining high-quality standards strengthens brand reputation and builds customer loyalty and repeat business. 

Space and storage needs

Different production techniques require varying amounts of physical space for equipment, inventory, and workflow processes. Assessing the available space and how it can be optimized is crucial to avoid overcrowding, ensure safety, and maintain a smooth production flow. 

Consider the storage requirements for raw materials, finished products, and equipment. Efficient space utilization can reduce overhead costs, enhance productivity, and provide flexibility for future expansion.

Now that we have an idea of what factors you need to consider, let's explore the various pros and cons of print on demand. 

Pros of a print on demand business

Print on demand services have revolutionized how businesses approach manufacturing and selling custom products. This model offers several advantages:

• Lower investment: With POD, you eliminate the need to purchase bulk inventory upfront, reducing initial financial risk.

• No inventory stress: Say goodbye to stockpiling products and managing storage, as POD companies handle everything from printing supplies to shipping.

• Global reach: Most print on demand providers can ship internationally, allowing you to expand your customer base effortlessly.

• Flexible inventory management: You can update designs or product offerings with the click of a button, keeping your store fresh and relevant.

• Cost-efficiency: Pay only for what you sell, making maintaining a positive cash flow easier, especially in uncertain market periods.

Cons of a print on demand business

While print on demand (POD) offers many attractive advantages, weighing the potential drawbacks as well of this model is important. These include:

• Limited control over quality: With POD services, you might face challenges in overseeing the quality of the final printed product line, as everything is left in the provider’s hands. 

• High production costs: Unlike bulk production, POD typically doesn’t offer price breaks for larger quantities. This means the cost per item remains the same, potentially impacting your profit margins.

• Challenges with shipping: Shipping times and costs can be a hassle since third parties manage these. You have little control over ensuring timely deliveries, which can affect customer satisfaction.

• Limited opportunity for uniqueness: POD allows you to reach a broad audience; however, creating unique products can be difficult, given the standardized nature of the process.

• Potential for faded prints: Some POD processes, like direct-to-garment printing, may result in prints that fade quickly, especially on dark-colored items.

With a wrap on POD's pros and cons, let's explore the pros and cons of DIY product production.

Pros of DIY printing

Choosing DIY printing can be an empowering choice for those who value creativity and control, and it offers numerous practical advantages:

• Full creative control: DIY printing means you have the final say in every aspect of the design and production process, from selecting materials to determining print quality.

• Cost savings: By taking matters into your own hands, you can save money in the long run by avoiding third-party fees and managing your supplies efficiently.

• Learning opportunity: While DIY printing is about producing items, it’s also a valuable learning experience that allows you to develop new skills and deepen your understanding of the production process.

• Customization: You can fully customize products, making them truly unique and tailored to specific preferences or needs.

• Profit potential: As your business grows, DIY printing can offer better profit margins because you maintain control over both the cost structure and pricing strategy.

Cons of DIY printing

While DIY printing offers creative control and exploration, it has its fair share of downsides. Let’s delve into some challenges you might face with DIY printing: 

• Limited print quality: Home printers or small-scale setups often can't match the quality of professional print services. This gap in quality can be especially noticeable with intricate designs or vibrant colors.

• Higher likelihood of errors: DIY printing increases the chance of errors. Mistakes during printing can lead to wasted materials, which, in turn, adds to your overall costs.

• Significant time commitment: The DIY approach is often time-intensive. From purchasing equipment to managing each print run, it demands considerable dedication and can distract from other business activities.

• Storage and space challenges: DIY printing requires space for printers, materials, and inventory, which can quickly become a logistics headache.

• Require specialized knowledge: Successful DIY printing requires a broad range of skills, from graphic design to equipment maintenance, which can be hard without the right expertise.

Print on demand services are ideal for individuals and businesses seeking flexibility and low upfront costs. Entrepreneurs and small business owners benefit by avoiding large inventory investments, allowing them to test market demand with minimal risk. 

Artists and designers can showcase and sell custom merchandise without worrying about production logistics. Ecommerce retailers use print on demand to offer diverse products without holding stock. 

Creators looking to offer personalized or niche products find print on demand services perfect for catering to specific customer preferences efficiently.

DIY production is ideal for small businesses, startups, and individual entrepreneurs seeking greater control over their products and minimizing initial costs. Creators who produce unique, customized, or handcrafted items benefit from DIY methods, allowing them to maintain high quality and personalize their offerings. 

Businesses in the early stages can use DIY production to test market responses and refine their products before scaling. Those with the necessary skills, time, and resources to manage production processes in-house will find DIY production advantageous.

After exploring the ins and outs of print on demand versus DIY production, you’re one step closer to knowing which is the right choice for your business. If you're learning towards POD, Gelato offers a robust print on demand solution for creators and entrepreneurs. 

Offering an expansive range of custom products such as t-shirts, mugs, wall art, phone cases, tote bags, and photo books, Gelato connects you with global production partners, ensuring speed, quality, and flexibility. With Gelato, there's no need for inventory headaches or upfront costs—simply upload your designs and Gelato will transform them into tangible items. 

Our platform is designed to scale with your business, offering quick shipping options and high-quality print products. The network covers 34 countries, ensuring that your customers receive their orders promptly and professionally. It’s time to take control of your entrepreneurial journey without the overhead stress. 

Ready to launch and grow your POD business with confidence? Sign up for Gelato today!

Is print on demand better than doing it yourself?

Print on demand (POD) offers lower upfront costs and scalability and eliminates inventory risks, making it ideal for startups and small businesses. However, DIY production provides greater control over quality and customization. The better choice depends on your business needs, resources, and desired level of control over the production process.

How can I find a reliable POD provider?

Research their reputation through reviews and testimonials to find a reliable POD provider. Request sample products to assess quality, check their integration with your sales platforms, and evaluate their shipping times and costs. Ensure they offer good customer support and a wide range of customizable products that fit your brand.

Is print on demand profitable?

Print on demand can be profitable by reducing inventory costs and allowing for flexible product offerings. Success depends on factors like your pricing strategy, marketing efforts, product quality, and niche. Effective targeting and efficient operations can lead to healthy profit margins, especially when scaling and optimizing your POD business.

What are the best print on demand sites to use?

Top print on demand sites include Gelato, known for quality and a wide range of products; Teespring, great for apparel and easy setup; and Redbubble, ideal for artists and unique designs. Each platform has unique features, so choose one that aligns with your business needs.