Pros and Cons of Print-on-Demand for Fashion Startups

Starting a fashion brand is exciting—but it also comes with a lot of decisions. One of the biggest is how to produce your t-shirts: Should you go with bulk printing or try the flexible, low-risk model of Print-on-Demand (POD)?

At The TSHRT, we’ve seen both sides of the coin. Let’s break down the pros and cons of using Print-on-Demand for your fashion startup.

What is Print-on-Demand?

Print-on-Demand (POD) is a fulfillment method where your designs are printed on t-shirts only after a customer places an order. There’s no need to stock inventory—your printing partner handles production, packaging, and shipping for you.

Pros of Print-on-Demand

1. Low Upfront Costs

You don’t need to invest thousands in stock. Just upload your designs, and you're ready to sell. Perfect for startups with a tight budget.

2. No Inventory Hassles

Forget about storing, managing, or worrying about unsold products. POD means you only produce what you sell.

3. Easy to Launch and Test Designs

Want to try a new style or trend? Upload a design and test it out—no risk, no commitment.

4. Automated Fulfillment

Most POD platforms handle everything—from printing and packing to shipping. You focus on marketing and branding.

5. Scalability

Whether you get 5 or 500 orders, your production scales automatically. Great for growing fast without stress.

Cons of Print-on-Demand

1. Lower Profit Margins

Because you’re ordering one piece at a time, POD t-shirts cost more to produce. That means lower margins compared to bulk printing.

2. Limited Customization

Custom neck labels, packaging, fabric choices, or stitching options are usually not available with basic POD setups.

3. Slower Shipping Times

Many POD companies take 3–7 days just to print the product, before shipping it. That delay can affect customer satisfaction.

4. Quality Control Risks

You won’t see the product before it’s shipped. If there's a misprint or defect, you’ll have to rely on the POD provider’s support system to fix it.

5. Dependence on the Platform

You’re tied to their printers, tech, pricing, and policies. If they go down, your business might too.

The TSHRT Tip: POD vs Bulk—Which One Should You Choose?

• Go for POD if you’re just starting, want to test the market, or run a design-heavy brand with frequent drops.
• Switch to bulk printing when you know which designs sell best and want to increase your profit margins.
  

Want the best of both worlds? At The TSHRT, we help you start with POD and scale to bulk printing when you're ready.

Final Thoughts

Print-on-Demand is a powerful tool for fashion startups—but it’s not perfect. Knowing the pros and cons can help you plan better, avoid costly mistakes, and grow faster.

Need help getting started with POD or exploring bulk DTF printing?
The TSHRT is here to guide you through every step—from concept to customer delivery.