Is Print-on-Demand T-Shirts a Legit Side Hustle? Let’s Get Real

Print-on-demand (POD) t-shirts have become a hot side hustle, and for a good reason. Who doesn’t want to design a quirky tee, upload it online, and make passive income while sipping a latte? Sounds dreamy, right? Well, before you quit your day job, let’s take an in-depth look at how much you can actually make, the effort required, and whether this is a goldmine or just another internet pipe dream.

How Much Does the Average Person Make Selling Print-on-Demand T-Shirts?

Earnings in the print-on-demand world vary more than a cat’s mood. Some sellers rake in thousands per month, while others struggle to cover their morning coffee. The average POD seller earns between $100 and $500 per month after several months of effort. If you want to scale to $1,000+ per month, be ready to treat it like a real business—not just a hobby.

Why is it so inconsistent? Because it depends on your niche, marketing, and how much effort you put in. If you expect sales to roll in without putting in the work, you’ll be more disappointed than a kid opening a gift box full of socks on Christmas morning.

Pros and Cons of Print-on-Demand T-Shirts

Pros (Why You Should Jump In)

• Low Startup Costs – No need to stock inventory or worry about upfront costs. You only pay when you make a sale.
• No Shipping Hassles – The POD platform handles printing, packaging, and shipping for you. So no late-night trips to the post office!
• Scalability – A single design can keep selling for years if it’s a hit. That’s the dream, right?
• Work from Anywhere – Fancy working in pajamas? Go for it. All you need is a laptop and WiFi.
• Unlimited Creative Potential – You can design for multiple niches, trends, and audiences.

Cons (The Harsh Truths)

• Fierce Competition – The market is saturated, and standing out requires strategy.
• Lower Profit Margins – Since POD platforms take their cut, expect to make $5-$10 per shirt sold—unless you price strategically.
• Marketing is Essential – Without SEO, social media, or paid ads, your store will collect dust.
• Limited Branding Control – You’re at the mercy of the POD provider’s quality and shipping speed.
• Significant Marketing Effort Required – If you think just uploading designs will bring in money, think again. You’ll need an audience or ads to drive traffic.

How to Actually Make Money with Print-on-Demand T-Shirts

Let’s break it down step-by-step so you don’t end up designing shirts that no one ever buys.

Step 1: Choose the Right POD Platform

Not all print-on-demand platforms are created equal. Some charge higher fees, while others offer more integrations. Here are the most popular ones:

• Printful – Great for high-quality prints and integration with Shopify and Etsy.
• Printify – Offers a variety of print providers, allowing you to find the best prices.
• Redbubble – A built-in marketplace with organic traffic, so you don’t need to drive all the sales yourself.
• Spring – Great for selling through social media, particularly YouTube influencers.

Step 2: Find a Profitable Niche

You might think, I’ll just make cool designs and people will buy them! Nope. The truth is, general designs rarely sell well unless you have an existing audience. Niching down is where the money is.

Popular niches that work:

• Funny slogans (think dad jokes but on a t-shirt)
• Hobbies & passions (fishing, gaming, coffee lovers, etc.)
• Pet lovers (dog moms, cat dads, etc.)
• Trending topics & memes (just be mindful of copyright issues!)
• Motivational quotes & fitness

Step 3: Create Killer Designs

No, you don’t need to be Picasso. Free and affordable tools like Canva, Photoshop, or Kittl can help. Make sure your designs are:

• Simple & Bold – Intricate designs don’t always print well.
• Eye-Catching – People scroll fast. Make your design pop.
• Relevant to Your Niche – A gamer won’t buy a fishing shirt. Know your audience.

Step 4: Set Up Your Store

Where do you sell? You have two choices:

1. A marketplace like Redbubble or Spring (easy but competitive)
2. Your own store via Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon Merch (more work but higher profit potential)

For beginners, Etsy + Printful is a fantastic combo because Etsy has built-in traffic.

Step 5: Market Like a Pro

You can have the best designs in the world, but if no one sees them, you won’t make a dime. Here’s how to get eyes on your shirts:

Social Media (Your Free Marketing Machine)

• Instagram – Post high-quality mockups, use niche hashtags, and engage with potential buyers. You’ll need at least 10,000 engaged followers to make $500/month.
• TikTok – Viral videos can drive massive traffic. Show your design process or do funny skits about your shirts.
• Pinterest – This platform is a hidden gem for POD. Use SEO-friendly pins and drive traffic to your store.
• Facebook Groups – Join niche groups and engage naturally (no spammy sales pitches!).

Paid Ads (If You Have a Budget)

• Facebook & Instagram Ads – Target specific audiences based on their interests.
• Google Shopping Ads – Good for driving traffic to your store.
• Influencer Collaborations – Send free shirts to influencers in your niche to showcase your designs.

How Many Followers Do You Need to Make $500/Month?

A rough estimate:

• 10,000 engaged Instagram followers (with at least a 2-3% conversion rate)
• 5,000-10,000 Pinterest monthly viewers
• At least 5 viral TikTok videos per month
• $5-$10 per day in paid ads for steady traffic

Final Verdict: Is Print-on-Demand Worth It?

If you’re looking for a low-risk, high-flexibility side hustle and love design, print-on-demand can be a great option. However, don’t expect overnight success. The people making serious money have strong marketing strategies, a defined niche, and a commitment to growing their brand.

Ratings Breakdown: 7/10 – Solid side hustle but takes effort to scale.

• Startup Costs: 9/10 – Almost zero upfront investment needed.
• Earning Potential: 6/10 – Possible to make good money, but competition is high.
• Flexibility: 9/10 – Work whenever, wherever.
• Marketing Effort: 3/10 – Success depends on SEO, ads, and social media.

Would you try POD t-shirts, or are you exploring other side hustles?