Reasons to Choose Print on Demand Business

Print on Demand (POD) businesses have experienced significant growth in recent years, largely due to the rise and popularity of digital printing technologies. In this passage, we'll delve into the three key questions to gain a deeper understanding of this business model and explore whether it's worth pursuing.

Written by Procolored - Published on Aug 26, 2024

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Written by Procolored - Published on Aug 26, 2024

Passage Summary

Why Print on Demand Business

Mastering Heat Transfer Printing for Your Print-on-Demand Business

Reasons to Choose Print on Demand Business

Print on demand (POD) is a business model that contrasts with traditional manufacturing practices. It involves producing items only after an order has been placed, typically in smaller quantities. This approach helps business owners significantly reduce the risk of accumulating unsold inventory.

1. Why Did Print on Demand Emerge?

The history of manufacturing dates back to the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, when innovations like steam engines and machinery accelerated the transformation of production models. Since then, manufacturing has been the predominant method in the commodity industry due to its high output and centralized automation.

As consumers, we've benefited greatly from manufacturing products – they're readily available in shopping malls, supermarkets, and online stores, often at affordable prices with abundant stock. Even when a product is sold out, there's usually a similar substitute readily available.

However, for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses and become sellers, the traditional manufacturing model can be daunting. Can you afford to carry large inventories? Where will you store them? What happens if sales are slow? How do you compete against rivals offering the same products at lower prices?

In response to these challenges, innovation arose – leading to the emergence of print on demand (POD).

Passage Summary

Reasons to Choose Print on Demand Business

Mastering Heat Transfer Printing for Your Print-on-Demand Business

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3. Why to Start a Print on Demand Business

Given the above, print on demand business has rapidly developed, greatly benefiting from innovation in printing and Internet technology, as well as preferences of consumers. However, the bigger momentum of its prosperity lies in its flexibility and dynamic, exhibiting features as below:

3.1 Lower startup cost & lower risk

Easy Startup of Print on Demand Stores - Printing suppliers such as Printful or Gelato are just as easily accessible online as e-commerce platforms! The print on demand business model offers entrepreneurs great flexibility, as it can be quickly set up with the assistance of online services, covering everything from material sourcing to product sales, without the need for expensive office space, time-consuming site visits, or prolonged negotiations.

No Need for Large Stock - Typically, entrepreneurs don't have to worry about excess stock issues since print on demand products are only produced once an order is placed. Some producers may choose to keep a few white-label or printed items on hand as quality references, but this is not a requirement.

3.2 Considerable profit margin

estimated print on demand market size (2022 as base year )

So far, everything sounds promising. But before diving into this new business venture, is print on demand really worth it? Let the statistics speak for themselves: According to Precedence Research, the market size of the print on demand business reached 10.17 billion by 2024.

Printify, a leading print on demand company, conducted related research and found that the average profit margin for its sellers is around 20%, with some businesses achieving even higher margins of approximately 30%.

3.3 Global reach & broader market

Most online print on demand companies and e-commerce platforms have established steady cooperation relationship with global logistics carriers, that means they not only provide print on demand sellers with a complete commodity system, but also trusted shipping services and a much broader global market.

Mastering Heat Transfer Printing

for Your Print-on-Demand Business

To start and run a successful print-on-demand (POD) business, selecting a suitable and efficient printing method is crucial. Thanks to advancements in printing technology, there are now numerous printing methods available on the market.

Today, let’s focus on one specific and popular method: heat transfer printing.

1. What is Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing is a method that uses heat and pressure to transfer designs or graphics onto a variety of materials, including textiles and other flat surfaces. Unlike traditional printing methods such as screen printing, heat transfer printing allows for the creation of custom decorations with minimal human effort, using just printing and pressing machines. This method is ideal for print-on-demand (POD) products like custom apparel, home decor, and promotional items.

2. How to Proceed Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing uses printers to produce graphics, and the process generally involves three main steps: graphic design, printing, and heat pressing. However, the specifics can vary depending on the method used. In the following section, we will delve into three popular heat transfer printing methods: HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl), sublimation, and DTF (Direct to Film) printing.

2.1 HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)

picture from https://www.siser.com/news/the-basics-and-benefits-of-siser-easyweed-heat-transfer-vinyl/

HTV, also known as Heat Transfer Vinyl printing, is a method that uses a thin and flexible material suitable for various fabrics, including polyester, cotton, leather, linen, and more. The vinyl has an adhesive layer on one side that can be activated by heat and pressure, ensuring a tight and stable bond to the desired surface.

The HTV printing process typically involves the following steps:

1. Graphic Design: Create and confirm the graphic you want to print.

2. Printing: Print the design onto a vinyl sheet using a vinyl printer.

3. Cutting: Use a vinyl cutter to precisely cut out the desired parts of the design.

4. Trimming: Remove any unwanted parts of the vinyl to isolate the design.

5. Heat Pressing: Place the trimmed vinyl graphic on the desired object and use a heat press to adhere it firmly.

2.2 Sublimation printing

picture from https://blog.spgprints.com/paper-for-sublimation-printing-on-textile

Sublimation is a printing method that uses sublimation inks, a printer, and a heat press to transfer dye onto materials such as polyester fabrics or other rigid surfaces.

Compared to HTV printing, the sublimation process is generally simpler and involves the following steps:

1. Graphic Design: Create and confirm the graphic you want to print.

2. Printing: Print the design onto sublimation paper.

3. Heat Pressing: Place the printed sublimation paper on the desired object and use a heat press to transfer the design.

2.3 DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing

DTF, also known as Direct-to-Film printing, is a method that uses DTF inks, adhesive powder, an oven, and a heat press to transfer prints onto a variety of fabrics, including polyester, cotton, silk, and more. While it shares some similarities with HTV printing, DTF differs from sublimation printing. Although DTF is being experimented with on more rigid substrates, it is primarily used for textile decorations.

The complete DTF printing process involves the following steps:

1. Graphic Design: Create and confirm the graphic you want to print.

2. Printing: Print the design onto a PET film.

3. Powder Spreading: Spread adhesive powder over the printed design.

4. Powder Curing: Use an oven to cure the adhesive powder, ensuring it adheres properly.

5. Heat Pressing: Place the cured film on the desired fabric and use a heat press to transfer the design.

3. Which Heat Transfer Printing Suits Your Business Most

With strong compatibility with fabrics and ease of use, these three printing methods—HTV, sublimation, and DTF—are all suitable for starting a print-on-demand (POD) apparel business. However, in actual application, there are noticeable differences among them.To choose the heat transfer printing method that best suits your business, it's important to understand their unique characteristics and processes. Below is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

3.1 Main Takeaways

Suitable Fabric Range: Both HTV and DTF printing can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including polyester, cotton, leather, linen, and more. In contrast, sublimation printing is limited to polyester fabrics.

Design Options: DTF printing offers the highest flexibility for desired graphics, capable of handling complex and detailed designs. HTV, on the other hand, is best suited for simpler designs, as the cutting and trimming process cannot support intricate silhouettes. Sublimation printing excels in producing high-quality prints, but it works best on light-colored fabrics; otherwise, the printed colors may appear darker and less vibrant than intended.

Generally speaking, with its wide range of suitable fabrics and striking printing outputs, DTF printing undoubtedly exhibits the highest cost-efficiency and perfectly fits the needs of POD business model.

3.2 Get professional DTF printers here!

To sum up, DTF printing stands out for its high-quality fabric decoration, offering both a seamless workflow and vibrant colors with intricate graphic details.As a long-standing leader in the printing industry, Procolored has developed and launched a range of high-standard printers, including DTF, DTG, UV, and UV DTF printers. Among these, DTF printers have garnered significant attention and high praise due to their notable advantages:

Playful Appearance and Seamless Structure: Procolored DTF printers feature a symbolic panda pattern on the cover, combining a playful design with seamless components and a well-organized structure. This thoughtful design provides users with a delightful experience both visually and in practical use.

Remarkable Graphic Reproduction: Procolored DTF printers, compatible with premium DTF inks and versatile operation software, deliver exceptional printing output with a wide color gamut. This ensures high-resolution prints and intricate details, bringing your graphics to life with vivid clarity.

Enduring Printing Performance: To maintain the optimal condition of the printer and enhance user experience, Procolored has developed and launched a series of innovative technologies. Here are some of the DTF-specific advancements:

1. Siphon White Ink Circulation System: This patented system, introduced in early 2024, increases ink efficiency by 85% and extends printhead life by 70%, significantly reducing clogging issues.

2. Printhead Safeguard System: An anti-scraping protection system that uses a light sensor to detect film curvature or foreign objects on the printing platform, effectively preventing printhead scraping and clogging.

3. Printhead Auto-Cleaning System: The printer automatically cleans the printhead every 10 hours when it is on but idle. This feature is especially convenient for users going on long vacations. It maintains ink flow and reduces buildups, ensuring the printhead remains in good condition even when not in use. (Moisturizing devices are also recommended for additional protection.)

4. Built-in Film Cutter: A built-in film cutter at the film exit provides a more seamless DTF workflow. Users can easily cut their desired printing part by simply sliding the film cutter, efficiently reducing turnaround time.

About the Author - Simon

Simon has worked in inkjet printing industry for years. He has the rare ability to see print related issues from many perspectives. Witnessing the gradual development of digital printing especially inkjet printing, Simon knows better about what the users are looking for and how the new technologies will truly help big or small businesses.