Print on demand market trends and statistics

In an era of personalization, print on demand revolutionizes how products are created and shipped to customers. It offers entrepreneurs a flexible and innovative pathway to enter the market and eliminates the need to maintain extensive inventories, thus reducing overhead costs and the risks associated with unsold stock.   

This article will explore the current print on demand market trends, offering valuable insights into industry growth, emerging opportunities, and potential challenges. Whether you're an established ecommerce business owner or just starting out, the insights in this piece will help you stay ahead of your competitors.

• The global print on demand market was valued at $6.5 billion in 2022 and will grow at a CAGR of 24.4% through 2030, driven by technological advancements and consumer demand for personalized products.

• Key trends include increased personalization, technological advancements like digital and 3D printing, a shift towards sustainable practices, and greater integration with ecommerce platforms for streamlined operations.

• North America dominates the market, but Asia-Pacific has the highest growth potential. Popular product segments include apparel, home decor, drinkware, and accessories, all catering to consumers' desire for customized items.

• Gelato's print on demand platform stands out by offering innovative print on demand solutions, leveraging advanced technology, a global network, and a comprehensive platform to meet market demands and support businesses in staying competitive.

As per Grand View Research, the global POD market was worth $6.18 billion in 2022. Forecasts indicate a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.4% from 2023 to 2030, suggesting substantial future potential. This growth trajectory underscores the market’s increasing relevance in the global economy, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. 

Several drivers are propelling this rapid growth. Rising disposable income allows consumers to invest more in personalized and unique products. The increasing penetration of the internet and the growth of ecommerce platforms also provide easier access and a wider reach for print on demand companies. These factors bolster the market, making it an ever-more attractive field for entrepreneurs and businesses alike.

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends is crucial in the print on demand industry. It helps businesses adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Here, we will highlight key trends shaping and reshaping the landscape, namely personalization, technological advancements, sustainability, and integration with ecommerce platforms.

Personalized and unique products

Consumers crave personalized and unique products that reflect their individuality. Whether apparel, home decor, accessories, or drinkware, the appeal of bespoke items continues to grow. Print on demand (POD) platforms can effectively fulfill this demand, offering seamless customization options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The ability to create one-of-a-kind pieces is not only a selling point but also a powerful driver of customer loyalty and repeat business. 

Entrepreneurs can capitalize on this trend by leveraging POD services to offer exclusive designs and limited-edition products. This inclination towards unique and personalized goods aligns well with the capabilities of POD technology, allowing sellers to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The flexibility of POD means you can quickly adapt to changing consumer trends, keeping your offerings fresh and relevant.

Technological advancements

Technological advancements have revolutionized the print on demand industry, making production faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. Digital printing technologies, such as direct-to-garment (DTG) and 3D printing, have transformed how we manufacture customized products. These technologies ensure high-quality outputs and allow for small-batch production without the traditional costs of large-scale printing. 

Automation and AI-driven design tools have further streamlined the process, enabling entrepreneurs to create and manage their product offerings easily. Innovations like augmented reality (AR) enhance the consumer experience by allowing virtual previews of products before purchase. Staying updated with these advancements is crucial for businesses looking to remain competitive in the dynamic print on demand market.

Sustainability trends

The print on demand (POD) market increasingly aligns with sustainable practices. Consumers today are more environmentally conscious, driving the demand for eco-friendly products. Many POD platforms, including Gelato, offer recycled materials and sustainable ink options, which reduce waste and appeal to a growing segment of eco-aware consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. 

The on-demand nature of POD significantly reduces overproduction, a common issue in traditional manufacturing. Print on demand suppliers minimize waste and surplus inventory by producing items only as customers order them. This streamlined approach benefits the environment and leads to cost savings for businesses, making sustainability both a feasible and profitable option.

Integration with ecommerce platforms

Integration with ecommerce platforms is a critical component of the print on demand industry. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix.com, and Squarespace are becoming increasingly popular for sellers who want seamless order processing and fulfillment. 

These integrations enable entrepreneurs to quickly connect their online stores with print on demand services, ensuring customer orders are efficiently managed and fulfilled without manual intervention. The convenience and automation offered by these integrations help streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction. 

Many print on demand platforms provide custom APIs, enabling businesses to tailor the integration to their needs. This customization enhances the capabilities of online stores, allowing for real-time inventory updates, dynamic product offerings, and personalized marketing strategies. As a result, sellers can focus on growing their business, knowing that the logistics and backend processes are in capable hands. Examples like Gelato's partnership with Etsy highlight the benefits of a well-integrated system that simplifies processes for sellers and buyers alike.

As we explore the latest print on demand trends, let's examine crucial numbers highlighting industry growth, leading markets, and evolving consumer preferences. These statistics clearly show this market’s trajectory and how businesses can strategically position themselves for success. 

Market share by region

The global print on demand market report reveals significant regional trends: 

• North America: According to Market.US, this region dominated market share in 2022 with more than 40%, driven by advanced technologies and robust infrastructure.

• Asia-Pacific: Straits Research indicates this region will exhibit the highest growth rate of 26.6%, with increased market penetration and adoption of print on demand services.

• Europe: According to Gil Information, this market will achieve a steady growth rate of 24.1%, owing to mature markets and high consumer demand for customized products.

• Latin America and Africa: Studies by Straits Research indicate that the LATM and Africa emerging markets will index a CAGR of 22.8% as technology adoption increases.

Understanding regional dynamics helps entrepreneurs target markets with the highest growth potential and adapt their strategies effectively.

Popular product segments

The print on demand market features several popular product segments that cater to different consumer needs. Here are a few: 

• Apparel: This segment includes custom t-shirts, hoodies, and activewear, representing 33.58% of the market share in 2023, per Kings Research reports.

• Home decor: This market segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28%, according to Precedence Research, owing to the demand for products like custom wall art and pillows.

• Drinkware: Personalized mugs, water bottles, and tumblers are famous for individual and corporate gifts.

• Accessories: Includes custom phone cases, tote bags, and jewelry that offer consumers unique, customizable options.

These segments illustrate the diverse opportunities available in the print on demand market, each with its customer preferences and growth potential.

Revenue and profit margins

The print on demand market is experiencing significant growth, with the integrated software sub-segment accounting for the largest revenue share in 2022 - at a CAGR of 29.8% (Future Market Insights); this trend will continue. Key insights include: 

• Print on demand market size: The global print on demand market achieved a value of $6.5 billion in 2022, according to Vantage Market Research.

• Forecasts: Revenue forecasts indicate consistent growth over the coming years.

• Spending: Consumers are spending more on premium upgrades and customization options.

• Market demand: High demand in key markets like the U.S. and Asia drives revenue increases.

• Growth potential: Entrepreneurs have a ripe opportunity to tap into growing profit margins.

With these trends, entrepreneurs can maximize revenue and profit margins in the print on demand sector.

Consumer behavior insights

Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for success in the print on demand market. Here's what you need to know: 

• Personalization: Consumers increasingly seek personalized products, whether apparel, home decor, or accessories.

• Influence of fashion and entertainment: Trends driven by fashion icons and media significantly impact demand.

• Spending power: Rising disposable income allows consumers to explore and purchase unique, customized items.

• Home makeovers: The shift to remote work has spiked interest in personalized home decor as people spend more time in their living spaces.

• High-quality expectations: With the ability to upgrade products, customers are willing to spend more for higher quality and additional features.

As disposable incomes continue to rise, consumers increasingly seek personalized and unique products, significantly propelling the print on demand market. The demand for customized apparel, home decor, and accessories is at an all-time high, reflecting a shift toward individuality and exclusivity in consumer behavior.

Gelato stands out in the printing industry by continuously innovating and providing exceptional solutions to meet market demands. Here’s how our print on demand platform stays ahead: 

Innovative solutions

Gelato invests heavily in cutting-edge technology and services to keep pace with market trends. We offer advanced print on demand services with features like variable data printing, enabling personalization at scale. Gelato integrates AI-driven tools to streamline the design and production processes, ensuring high-quality outputs.

Global reach

With a network of local print partners in over 30 countries, Gelato ensures fast, reliable delivery no matter where your customers reside. This global presence reduces shipping times and minimizes the carbon footprint by promoting local production. Our extensive reach allows users to tap into diverse markets and meet the growing demand for customized products worldwide.

Comprehensive platform

Gelato offers a robust, all-in-one platform that simplifies creating and selling custom products. Our platform includes user-friendly design tools, seamless integration with major ecommerce platforms, and end-to-end fulfillment services so you can focus on your creative online business. At the same time, Gelato handles production, logistics, and delivery efficiently. By leveraging these strengths, Gelato empowers entrepreneurs and businesses to remain competitive in the dynamic print on demand landscape.

As the print on demand market continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends is crucial to be a successful entrepreneur. By understanding and leveraging the latest technological advancements, sustainability efforts, and ecommerce integrations, you can position your business for long-term success.

Gelato is a trusted player in the industry, offering innovative solutions that can help you stay competitive. With a global network of 130+ print partners, Gelato empowers you to serve customers worldwide. Our all-in-one platform offers everything from intuitive design tools to streamlined logistics to create custom products and have them home-delivered to your customers at lightning-fast speed. All this ensures that your entire workflow is optimized for the greatest customer satisfaction. 

We provide attractive subscription plans that cater to businesses of all sizes. Find the perfect plan for your business and start taking advantage of the opportunity to elevate your print on demand offering.

Is print on demand profitable?

Yes, print on demand can be highly profitable. Its profitability largely hinges on low upfront printing costs, minimal inventory risk, and the ability to tap into niche markets with customized products. By partnering with leading platforms like Gelato, entrepreneurs can optimize production and delivery processes, ensuring higher margins and customer satisfaction. Ultimately, success depends on effective marketing, quality designs, and understanding consumer trends.

How much does the print on demand business make?

A print on demand business has promising revenue potential. According to Kings Research, the global market will reach a value of $9.7 billion in 2024 and will continue to grow significantly over the next few years. Changing consumer preferences and the demand for customized products drive this growth. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on these trends, tapping into a lucrative market with substantial profit margins.

What are the best-selling print on demand products?

Top-selling print on demand products include apparel like t-shirts and hoodies, home decor items like wall art and pillows, and accessories like phone cases and tote bags. These products allow for high customization and cater to the growing demand for unique and personal items, driving sales and customer satisfaction in the print on demand market.

What is the future of print on demand?

The future of print on demand is bright and promising. Technological advancements and growing consumer demand for customized products are driving market expansion. A study by Grand View Research shows the U.S. market alone will index a value of $10.66 billion. Entrepreneurs can expect more automation, innovative product offerings, and seamless integration with ecommerce platforms, providing ample opportunities for growth and profitability.