Merchandising: How Australian Print-on-Demand Can Supercharge Your Business Growth

Merchandising: How Australian Print-on-Demand Can Supercharge Your Business Growth

Next-Level Merchandising: How Australian Print-on-Demand Can Supercharge Your Business Growth

Are you looking to take your business to the next level? Australian print-on-demand services could hold the key to supercharging your growth. In this article, we’ll explore how leveraging this innovative approach to merchandising can transform your business and increase your revenue.

Imagine a world where you don’t have to worry about inventory management, production costs, or shipping hassles. With Australian print-on-demand, you can say goodbye to these headaches while still offering a wide range of customizable products to your customers. From t-shirts and hoodies to mugs and phone cases, the possibilities are endless.

Not only does this model save you time and money, but it also allows you to tap into a growing market of consumers who crave unique and personalized products. By partnering with a reputable Australian print-on-demand provider, you can easily create and sell custom designs that resonate with your target audience. This level of flexibility gives you a competitive edge and opens the door to new opportunities for business growth.

So, if you’re ready to take your business to new heights, it’s time to discover the power of Australian print-on-demand. Let’s dive in and unleash the full potential of your brand.

print on demand web software

Benefits of using print-on-demand for your business

Print-on-demand, also known as POD, offers numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. One of the biggest advantages is the elimination of inventory management. With traditional merchandising models, you would have to invest in large quantities of products and store them until they are sold. This ties up your capital and comes with the risk of unsold inventory. However, with print-on-demand, you only produce items as they are ordered, reducing the need for storage space and minimizing financial risks.

Another benefit of print-on-demand is the ability to offer a wide range of customizable products without the need for upfront investment. From t-shirts and hoodies to mugs and phone cases, you can easily expand your product line and cater to various customer preferences. This level of flexibility allows you to tap into different market segments and meet the diverse demands of your target audience.

Furthermore, print-on-demand takes care of the production and shipping process for you. Once an order is placed, the print-on-demand provider handles the manufacturing and fulfillment, leaving you with more time to focus on growing your business. This streamlined approach saves you valuable time and effort while ensuring that your customers receive their orders promptly.

Running your business takes commitment

Print-on-demand statistics in Australia

The print-on-demand industry has been rapidly growing in Australia, driven by the increasing demand for personalized products. According to recent statistics, the market is expected to reach a value of AUD 1.12 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3% from 2021 to 2026. This significant growth is attributed to factors such as the rise of e-commerce, advancements in printing technology, and the desire for unique and customized products.

Ive started several Print on Demand businesses and so can you. 2 out of 10 of my close friend circle have POD stores.

Furthermore, a survey conducted among Australian consumers revealed that 63% of respondents are willing to pay extra for personalized products, indicating a strong market potential for print-on-demand businesses. This consumer preference for customization presents a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the print-on-demand industry or expand their existing business.

print on demand tee shirts

How to start a print-on-demand business

Starting a print-on-demand business in Australia is relatively straightforward. Here are the key steps you need to follow:

1. Identify your niche: Determine the target market you want to serve and the specific products you want to offer. Research the demand and competition in your chosen niche to ensure its viability.

2. Create designs: Develop unique and appealing designs that resonate with your target audience. Consider trends, customer preferences, and market gaps to differentiate your products from competitors.

3. Choose a print-on-demand platform: Select a reputable print-on-demand platform that aligns with your business goals and offers the products you want to sell. Consider factors such as pricing, product quality, printing options, shipping capabilities, and customer support.

4. Set up your online store: Create an e-commerce website or utilize an existing platform to showcase your print-on-demand products. Customize your store’s design, product descriptions, and overall branding to create a cohesive and engaging customer experience.

5. Market your products: Implement effective marketing strategies to promote your print-on-demand products. Utilize social media, influencer partnerships, email marketing, content creation, and search engine optimization to reach your target audience and drive sales.

6. Monitor and optimize: Regularly analyze your sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to identify areas for improvement. Continuously refine your product offerings, marketing strategies, and customer experience to maximize your business’s growth potential.

Online product side hustles for beginners

Designing your print-on-demand products

Design plays a crucial role in the success of your print-on-demand business. To create compelling and marketable designs, consider the following tips:

1. Research your target audience: Understand the preferences, interests, and demographics of your target audience. This knowledge will help you design products that resonate with their specific needs and desires.

2. Stay on top of trends: Keep up with the latest design trends in your industry. Incorporate popular themes, colors, and styles into your designs to attract customers who are seeking trendy and fashionable products.

3. Balance uniqueness and market appeal: While it’s important to stand out from the competition, ensure that your designs have broad market appeal. Strive for a balance between unique, eye-catching designs and designs that cater to popular tastes.

4. Use high-quality images and graphics: Invest in high-resolution images and graphics to ensure the visual appeal of your products. Poor-quality visuals can detract from the overall perception of your brand and products.

5. Offer customization options: Consider offering customization options for your products, such as adding personal names, initials, or messages. This allows customers to create personalized items that hold sentimental value, increasing the likelihood of purchase.

Remember, design is a continuous process. Stay open to feedback, experiment with different styles, and iterate on your designs based on customer preferences and market demands.

Designing business building blocks

Choosing the right print-on-demand platform

Selecting the right print-on-demand platform is crucial for the success of your business. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a platform:

1. Product variety: Ensure that the platform offers the range of products you want to sell. Look for options beyond apparel, such as home decor, accessories, or stationery, to diversify your product offerings.

2. Print quality: Assess the print quality and durability of the platform’s products. Request samples if possible to evaluate the overall quality and ensure that it meets your standards.

3. Pricing and profit margins: Compare the pricing structure of different platforms, including base costs, printing fees, and shipping rates. Calculate your potential profit margins to ensure that they align with your business goals.

4. Integration and ease of use: Consider the platform’s integration capabilities with e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify or WooCommerce. Ensure that the platform provides user-friendly tools and interfaces for easy product creation and management.

5. Customer support: Look for a platform that offers reliable customer support. Prompt assistance can be crucial when dealing with issues such as order fulfillment, product quality, or technical difficulties.

6. Shipping options: Evaluate the platform’s shipping capabilities, including domestic and international shipping options, tracking, and delivery times. Seamless shipping processes are essential for a positive customer experience.

By carefully evaluating these factors and choosing a print-on-demand platform that aligns with your business needs, you can set yourself up for success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Build an online business selling products

Marketing your print-on-demand products

Even with a quality product, effective marketing is crucial for driving sales and growing your print-on-demand business. Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Social media marketing: Leverage social media platforms to showcase your products, engage with your audience, and build brand awareness. Utilize platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok to reach and connect with potential customers.

2. Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand’s values and target audience. Influencers can help promote your products to their followers, increasing brand visibility and credibility.

3. Email marketing: Build an email list and regularly communicate with your subscribers. Send product updates, promotions, and personalized recommendations to nurture relationships and encourage repeat purchases.

4. Content creation: Create engaging and informative content related to your products or niche. This can include blog posts, videos, tutorials, or user-generated content. Valuable content not only attracts potential customers but also establishes your brand as an authority in your industry.

5. Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and product descriptions for relevant keywords to improve your visibility in search engine results. Conduct keyword research to identify high-traffic and low-competition keywords that can drive organic traffic to your store.

6. Paid advertising: Consider investing in paid advertising platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience and drive targeted traffic to your store. Set clear goals, monitor your campaigns, and optimize your ads based on performance data.

Shopify store owners can leverage Apps to do the heavy lifting with new product inventory.

Remember to track and analyze the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Use data-driven insights to refine your strategies and focus on channels that yield the best results for your business.

selling products online ecommerce

Print-on-demand success stories in Australia

The print-on-demand industry has witnessed numerous success stories in Australia. One such example is “Beach Vibes Apparel”, a local brand that specializes in beach-themed clothing and accessories. By leveraging print-on-demand services, they were able to offer a wide range of unique designs without the need for upfront inventory investment. Their products gained popularity among beach enthusiasts, leading to significant growth in sales and brand recognition.

Related Article: Australian Print on Demand Suppliers.

Another success story is “The Wandering Artist”, an independent artist who turned their artwork into profitable print-on-demand products. By partnering with a print-on-demand platform, they transformed their illustrations into t-shirts, art prints, and even home decor items. Through targeted marketing efforts and a strong online presence, they built a loyal following and achieved substantial sales growth.

These success stories highlight the immense potential of print-on-demand in Australia and serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the market.

Build success in your online business

Print-on-demand services and resources

To help you get started with your print-on-demand business, here are some reputable print-on-demand platforms and resources available in Australia:

1. Printful: A popular print-on-demand platform that offers a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, and home decor. They provide integrations with major e-commerce platforms and offer global shipping options.

2. Redbubble: A marketplace for independent artists and designers to sell their artwork on various products. They handle production, shipping, and customer service, allowing artists to focus on creating.

3. Printify: An all-in-one print-on-demand platform that connects you with a network of printing providers. They offer a wide range of products, competitive pricing, and integrations with popular e-commerce platforms.

4. Shopify: An e-commerce platform that allows you to create and customize your online store. Shopify offers integrations with various print-on-demand apps, making it easy to manage your print-on-demand business.

Additionally, there are numerous online communities, forums, and tutorials available to help you navigate the print-on-demand industry. These resources provide valuable insights, tips, and support from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.

print-on-demand-store

Conclusion and next steps for your print-on-demand business

In conclusion, Australian print-on-demand services offer a game-changing solution for businesses looking to expand their product offerings and increase revenue. The benefits of print-on-demand, such as inventory management, product variety, and streamlined fulfillment, make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking growth opportunities.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can start your print-on-demand business with confidence. Remember to focus on creating compelling designs, choosing the right print-on-demand platform, and implementing effective marketing strategies to drive success. Stay agile, continuously adapt to market trends, and listen to your customers to optimize your offerings and maximize your business’s growth potential.

So, if you’re ready to take your business to new heights, it’s time to discover the power of Australian print-on-demand. Unleash the full potential of your brand and embark on a journey of growth and success in the thriving print-on-demand industry.

How To Start A Business

How To Start A Business

Have you ever wanted to start a business but been stuck on what to do, where to start and how to take step 1? I got you. Ive started a lot of businesses and advised a whole lot more how to grow. It starts with you and the idea, the rest is easy.

Want to start a business this weekend?

Let’s do this and get you from idea to reality with this article on building a business in a short amount of time. Im a serial business builder this is my weekend startup process for going from idea to reality.

Before we do this are you ready to commit to this? are you ready to start a business and put your thoughts to the world wide web? I sure as heck am right here with you. Lets do it.

The key is the idea, only you can come up with this. Have a think and as you read this think about your surroundings, what you like and dislike, and think also a little left field out of your normal comfort zone.

meme business in 2020

Image source: Emily Rhoads


Here are 6 ways to go about finding this idea👇

Method 1 Search Facebook Groups

Ive trawled group after group looking for inspriation for products. This is a goldmine. People are busy, people voice their opinions, people share frustrations and you can even reach out to these people to ask questions.

You can also look for group members who are looking for help with things that they can not do. This is a huge field and a good example is freelancing social media because people are busy and don’t have the time to manage their social media.

Ive also started my own Facebook groups on topics Im curious about calling them things like “learn at home gym gang” and “learn fruits of the garden” as group names. This is a great way to get extra ideas and build a warm group of people to either help test products or provide feedback and buy your stuff.

It’s that simple
Recommended reading: How to start a freelance digital marketing business.

social media famous

Method 2 Review top Amazon bestsellers

Ive always been an ecommerce guy from way back. Selling things online has been one of the best teachers for me. I love to trawl through Amazons Best Sellers and Movers and Shakers lists looking for new product ideas.

This works for you if you are for example a fitness person and 8 of the top 20 trending products are gym equipment. You could easily take 2 of these products and start a real niche business selling just the 2 items.

From here you can find the top sellers, their rough sales volume and market sentiment by review counts and comments. Do a bit of Google searching to see whats happening in your local area and if theres a saturation or gap in the market.

Ecommerce business options:

1 Build an Ecommerce brand

2 Start a Dropshipping store

3 Start a Print on Demand Business


I loved this business so much I moved to China and Indonesia for an extended period to understand more about manufacturing and logistics. To further my Amazon FBA business and ecommerce stores.

Ecom Exploration trip China

I met a handful of cool people all selling different things from all over the world that really opened up my eyes to whats possible. As Im doing for you here now.

People in my groups were selling:

  • Nail polish
  • Makeup
  • Pool Floats, toys
  • Gym gear
  • Pet toys
  • Yoga accessories
  • Gardening equipment
  • Pregnancy clothing
  • Jewellery
  • Supplements
  • and much more

There is no narrow lane for what you can sell online. At the markets in Yiwu China there were football fields on football fields in size of stores selling products of all sizes, shapes and colours. My imagination was limited because asa the tour guide kept telling me “anything is possible”.

Method 3 Searching Different Subreddits

Before learning about marketing, sales and ecommerce I only used Reddit to have heated conversations, and find tips for video games. But I’ll tell you the nuggets are hidden in sub reddits and in open conversations among Reddittors. Its the most underestimated place for product ideas ever.

There is a couple ways to use Reddit.

1 Look for sub Reddits on your niche topic and pick them apart for ideas

2 Go to the DIY (do it yourself) sub Reddit and look for ideas there.

The DIY method might be easier because everyones already showing you how to DIY. You will also find people who don’t have time to DIY and want to hire people to do it for them.

Im the type of person who most of the time would rather pay someone to build me something then spend my weekend physically building something. Im not alone, there are millions of others just like this.

Scroll and look for these comments:

“I WANT THIS.” and “CAN YOU MAKE THIS FOR ME.” and also “I WISH I COULD BUY THIS.”

Thats about as easy to identity an opportunity as it gets. Take that as your motivation to start a business that solves that problem.

couple fixing up old furniture

Method 4 What Annoys You That You Can Fix

This one appeals massively to me. The immediate problem I thought of when doing this the first time was my polo shirts are sometimes in summer (an Aussie summer 40+ degrees) I get a little sweaty under the armpits, so I decided to get all the polo shirts I needed for my work copied into Bamboo polo shirts. No more sweaty pits and a real nice feeling when wearing the polo shirts.

This methods is best for solving problems that you have with existing things. Think of Uber vs Taxis. Taxis used to be the only option in the transport field and the cab drivers were in my experience, stinky, cocky, loud, messy and often missed the destination.

So Uber was created to make transport on demand easier and its so much nicer.

You have to think about what the annoying things are in your week and what it is that could be improved, what it is thats broken and how could it be improved.

What is the most annoying or inefficient thing you do every day?

If you have that problem, others probably do too. This is worth looking at as a business idea.

manufactuer-product

Method 5 What Stuff Do You Like Doing

For me, I love my home gym. During COVID I really went after the home gym market creating several DIY home gym setups for dip stations, door racks, stretch stations and different X Bar competitors (bar that you stand on and use resistance bands for tension). That makes me feel amazing.

Related reading: Insights Into My Top Selling products

So what do you really like doing that you think you could do as a business? the sky is the limit and best of all there is no wrong answer.

Combining stuff you love doing could be your next idea.

Home fitness niche exploding

Method 6 Ask Your Friends

My mates are going to hate me for saying this one, but ask your friends. I’m always asking them for feedback on new businesses and stores that I launch. They may be a bit over it but to be honest some of them work for me and some have since purchased businesses I asked them to help build with me.

All it took was a text or call to a friend to ask them what they thought about an idea.
I then

  • Would you buy this product? Yes or no
  • Would you subscribe if this was a subscription based product? Yes or no
  • Would you be open to the next product (if you know what that might be)? Yes or no
  • Would you be interested to start this with me? Yes or no (no hard feelings either way)

Thats the immediate feedback loop that you need from people who are not just yes men or trying to sell you something.

You can even try asking them “if I was going to start a business today, and you know me what would you see me doing?” I got some really interesting ideas from doing this. Some paid off some were a waste of time.

Their answers may surprise you. But you’ll learn a lot about your skills and strengths. Opportunity is everywhere, but sometimes not where you could see it alone.

call a supplier

Extra Sauce: Help A Mate Opportunity

This never worked out for me but has worked for some friends that I was helping them pivot after COVID ruined their industry.

You have to ask 5-7 friends who have money and are open minded, what has been on their to do list for more than 2 weeks. This can be stuff like organisation, scheduling, viewing houses, finding clothing and other things.

It’s a really cool way to look at opportunity and has provided a lot of unique new jobs. People are busy and if your friend has money but not time then you need money and have time. Perfect match.

Pitch your friend the idea of you doing that thing on their to do list and them paying you. It might lead to your first customer.

There’s your first customer. 


Ok, so now you have some ideas and you should have a short list of things that you think you can do.

Next you need to do a little research:

• Go and find the number of people in the market
• Go find how much each customer is worth at your price points
• Go calculate the $ of the whole market
• Go validate the idea

I wrote a blog post here for side hustle startups check it out.

make money side hustles

How we make this idea a reality.

1) Focus on what works and cut the loser

Ive wasted a lot of time, energy & money on people and ideas that didnt work out.

How you can avoid my mistakes:

  • Give yourself a time limit for success
  • Give yourself a budget you can not exceed
  • Give yourself a sales target to reach before moving on

This gives you actual numbers that signal if you are wasting time or you are onto something that has potential. Id recommend a small advertising budget to help you in the start up phase like $500 just to help kick start the momentum.

As you notice potential you can use more ad channels and increase ad budgets but this at least gives you a chance. You only want to focus on winners, you want to be a winner.

iron mike tyson aggressive tactics

2) Do more of what works

If my ideas work and my growth tactics work then I will rinse and repeat those tactics all day long. If they cost me ad spend Im happy to pay to play, but I’ll be looking at ways to refine the process and lower my outgoing expenses.

Recommended reading: Mechanics of a Dropship store

I will try new ideas and new methods but if things work you need to know how to systemise them for repeatable use. This helps your new idea scale.

What I like doing is making new user/customer acquisition as simplified as possible. Then sell them on the backend with emails and upgrade bundles. Works a charm.

3) Be Like a Dog with a Bone

If you believe in your idea, go all in. Burn the boats so to speak and be hustling that business all day every day. Start ups work when founders go next level. Every-time I build a dropshipping store its a dog fight but it gets easier.

You will hit patches of uncertainty but just keep going. Live your dream.

It doesn’t matter if you have a growing number of competitors just outsmart them. Do what works, watch their moves and zig when they all zag. Take it serious but use your unique selling position to get in front of the customers. No one brings more passion than a founder.

Things don’t happen overnight.

4) Surround yourself with smart operators

As the founder the one with the idea you have a large battery for your business. You will grind 14 hour days and not break a sweat. Not everyone will give you that energy. Hiring a bunch of 9-4pm workers is not the best way but its essential at some point.

Whats helped me overcome the odds is by aligning with operators and those other weirdos out there that love to hustle. They love to problem solve and fix broken things. They love a good system and seeing momentum in growth charts.

I look for the person not the role when hiring for my startups. I fully believe this and I also look at the hustle each person brings to the table. If They could give me a go then Im interested in hiring them. I want to work with positive energy.

Hire smart, fire fast and encourage people to be their best self. As the leader people around you will feed off your energy, you make them great by being present and driving the ship.

I still take part in the hiring and firing of people in my businesses and I think its part why we are so successful.

I hope this helps you find that idea, reach for it and go all in. Build that business that you have always wanted and make a dream a reality.

That’s a wrap!