How do I become a print on demand supplier?

"We’ve been a partner of Printify’s for many years and I can say without a doubt that there is no company in the print on demand space that is hungrier for growth than them. The opportunity to grow with Printify is unmatched in the market. They are a true partner that takes a collaborative approach in working with vendors, and they understand the operational challenges that a vendor will face. It’s rare to find a partner that shows such patience and understanding when working through the production challenges of print on demand."

This will be the longest step to establish a print on demand business, but it's also the most important.

Register your business

It's time to make your business official! First, select your business name. Your business name should reflect your niche and the products you sell but not be so generic that customers need help finding you on Google. Be sure to research variations of your business name and check against the official trademark database to avoid conflict with (or get sued by) an existing business entity.

Next, it's time to register your business in your operating state. Even ecommerce businesses must seek a proper Business Operation License to help the local government keep track of active businesses and proper tax filing. Depending on the uniqueness of your niche and business name, consider filing a trademark to establish ownership of your identity.

Additional necessary licenses and permits for an online business may include:

• Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Doing Business As (DBA) License

• Sales Tax License

• Seller's Permit

Choose a platform or marketplace

A great store with compelling products should not act like some beautiful yet undiscovered island: holding out for the right customers to miraculously wash up on its shores.

So, selecting the right ecommerce platform or marketplace for your target audience is crucial. Exposing your brand and designs to your niche market where they shop (and when they are looking for the products you sell) increases the entry points to your store and, thereby, your volume of potential shoppers.

But what's the difference between ecommerce platforms versus marketplaces?

• An ecommerce platform is a website or app that allows sellers to create their own online store to directly sell products to customers. Top ecommerce platforms include Shopify, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.

• An ecommerce marketplace is a centralized website or app that's shared by multiple sellers, in which each seller can create a personalized storefront. Top ecommerce marketplaces include Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.

Visibility is everything, and the good news is that online platforms and marketplaces — from Shopify to Etsy, Squarespace to Amazon — allow you to place your store simultaneously across several prime locations that your target customer groups frequent. Unsure which to choose? This blog post might provide some inspiration about what each channel offers.

Set up your store

After you've decided on an ecommerce platform or marketplace, you can begin to set up your own store. While a bit time-consuming, set-up brings you one step closer to selling products. First, you'll need to create an account with your desired provider. From here, you'll input details like your store name and logo and update your language, country, and currency preferences.

Want step-by-step directions to set up your store? Check out the resources below: