Print on Demand Mistakes in 2025

We’ve seen too many merch sellers make the same print on demand mistakes. They then search common terms, like “Why my merch isn’t selling?” and “What am I doing wrong with my merch shop?“.

Common print on demand (POD) mistakes prevent a lot of sellers from meeting their merch goals.

Print on demand merch gives anyone the power to sell custom merchandise without traditional hassles like production and shipping. All you have to do is customize your products (300+!) and effectively market to your audience.

The path to becoming a profitable print on demand shop owner isn’t without its potential challenges, though. It takes a lot more effort then simply uploading designs

In this blog, we’ll look at the top 13 print on demand mistakes people make when designing and marketing their custom apparel. We’ll also offer solutions and tools to help you achieve long-term success!

1. Designing for “Everyone” Instead of Finding a Niche

Many sellers make the print on demand mistake of trying to cater and appeal to everyone. In a saturated e-commerce market, specificity is your best friend. Find a niche you’re passionate about and that allows you to carve out a unique space online. This makes it easier for you to build a sustainable side hustle.

What to do instead: Identify your passions and interests; could be anything. We’ve seen all types of POD sellers thrive with different niches, no matter how small – funny cat content, plant parent apparel.

The list is endless and untapped. If a niche does not lead to real merchandise sales, you won’t lose money on inventory or production equipment. We’ve compiled a list of profitable print-on-demand niches with design tips and marketing tools for you.

Once you’ve picked a niche for your merch, do some market research to craft a brand identity that resonates with your target demographic. This includes your brand’s tone of voice, visual style and overall messaging. Build a brand kit with design tools like Canva. Store all your logos, icons and brand color scheme all in one place!

2. Ignoring Social Selling (TikTok Shop, Reels, Shorts)

Short-form video has radically changed how content creators and small businesses sell online. More customers discover and buy merch through TikTok Shop, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts than traditional search. If you only rely on your print on demand shop domain to get sales, you’re likely missing your biggest and most active audience.

Creators today want merch that integrates directly into their content – not something their followers have to hunt for. That’s why social commerce is such a powerful tool for POD sellers.

With Spreadconnect, seamlessly connect your merch to TikTok Shop, Squarespace, Shopify or your own website with our API.

When you go directly to your customer, the path to purchasing your becomes much easier.

Selling through TikTok Shop is especially valuable because followers can purchase your merch without ever leaving the app. Spreadconnect handles the printing, packing and shipping for you, too!

spreadconnnect content creator testimonial

Want to set up TikTok Shop the right way?

Selling successfully with TikTok Shop can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created a TikTok Shop selling guide to walk you through the setup process. We break down account requirements so you don’t lose access to content monetization opportunities and talk about common TikTok Shop merch mistakes.

3. Not Ordering Samples Before Launching

Samples are an often overlooked aspect for print on demand success. How are you going to successfully promote your merch without seeing it in-person?

Sharing stock model images and screenshots from your shop is an easy out, but it can come off as detached and inauthentic. It’s a common print on demand mistake that can’t be ignored in e-commerce marketing for 2025. Making your merch tangible to potential customers is key to driving sales. They want to see how your merch looks like in real life, and integrating that into your content and marketing strategy is key.

Ordering merch samples also allows you to check print quality, color accuracy and fit. Get feedback from people in your circle to see if they’re happy with the print and feel of the product before it goes LIVE.

How to order merch samples with Spreadshop:

Preview your Spreadshop in your dashboard and click the “order product samples” button
Add your items to your cart
Place your order and buy your samples at base price

4. Using Overcrowded or Low-Contrast Designs

One of the simplest ways to tell a strong merch design from a weak one is how easy it is to understand at first glance. Since most customers will find your merch shop from their phones, small text, crowded graphics and muddy colors can make your design look confusing.

And when a design is loud and hard to understand, shoppers move on quickly.

Print on demand products sell best with designs that have clean lines, bold shapes and colors that stand out. Here are some design tips to help you avoid this common print on demand mistake.

Prioritize clarity over complexity: Your design should communicate its message in one second. Use fewer elements and make the main visual or phrase the focus.

Pick strong colors: High-contrast combinations – like black on cream, white on forest green, or red on tan. Avoid pairing colors that are too similar, such as navy on black or yellow on white.

Use clean, readable typography: Bold fonts, retro lettering and simple script styles perform best. Thin or overly decorative fonts often disappear when printed and are more difficult to read.

Need help designing? We’ve got you covered.

You don’t need expensive software or a professional design background to make great merch designs. Spreadshop has compiled some beginner-friendly design tools and tips to help you create print-ready artwork fast.

Download our Ultimate Merch Design Guide to learn more about file requirements, recommended image sizes and best practices.

Explore beginner-friendly design tools (including Canva, Kittl, Vectr and more) to find the right tool for your merch needs. We break down key features, pros/cons and pricing for each tool!

5. Not Aware of Design File Requirements

Blurry designs, fuzzy edges and pixelated prints are some of the most common issues new merch designers run into. And they almost always come from uploading images that aren’t the right size or format.

But file quality is one of the easiest print on demand mistakes to fix!

Use PNG formats: PNGs are the preferred file type for apparel because they support transparency. This prevents unwanted white boxes or backgrounds from appearing behind your design.

Make sure your design is at least 300 DPI: DPI (dots per inch) affects printing clarity. At 300 DPI, your artwork will look crisp and professional on hoodies, tees, totes and more. If you design at a lower DPI and try to scale up, the image will become blurry.

Export your file at the right dimensions: Larger designs require larger files. For a standard front print, aim for at least:

4,000 px wide for apparel, like hoodies or t-shirts.
2,500 px wide for smaller items, like mugs or stickers.

Avoid screenshots or images grabbed from social media: These images are heavily compressed and rarely meet print standards.

Check out our help center page for print file requirements.

6. One and Done Posts Promoting Merch

One of the biggest misconceptions about selling merch is thinking that one announcement is enough. Many creators post about their shop once, don’t see immediate sales and assume their merch “isn’t working.” But in reality, even your most loyal followers need multiple reminders before they click and shop.

Think about your own habits: You often need to see a product several times before you even think about purchasing it. And your audience is the same.

Promote your merch consistently and naturally: Build steady content that keeps your merch top-of-mind.

Remind your audience during peak purchasing moments: Holiday gifting, back-to-school, game days are great selling opportunities.

7. Don’t Offer Bundles and Upsell Product

One easy way to boost your sales, especially during busy shopping times, is to offer gift bundles. Bundles make decision-making easier for your customers and help increase average order value (AOV).

Shoppers love when creators curate items that naturally go together. Instead of choosing between a hoodie or a beanie, they get both. Instead of scrolling through a shop trying to piece together a gift, the bundle does the work for them.

Here are simple bundles that work well for print on demand sellers:

Cozy Holiday Bundle: Hoodie + Beanie

Perfect for winter gifting, holiday vibes and seasonal promotions. Cozy apparel always sells well, and bundling makes it feel premium. Market larger bundles that have throw pillows and blankets, as well.

Everyday Gift Bundle: Tote + Mug

Shoppers looking for last-minute gifts? Teachers, co-workers, parents and students love practical bundles. Tote bags and coffee mags are functional and affordable. Get creative with designs that play on themes and personalities.

Explore our gift bundle guide featuring stocking stuffer sets and cozy bundles for more inspo.

8. Not Updating Shop Homepage

Your merch shop homepage is the first impression shoppers get of your products. And it only takes a couple of seconds for them to decide whether they want to keep browsing. If your homepage looks empty, outdated or unorganized, shoppers may leave before they even get to your best designs.

Here are a some quick updates that can improve your shop’s look and performance:

Create an engaging shop banner: Your banner is the largest visual element customers see. Updating it for seasonal design drop or new collections helps make your shop feel active and curated. Dimensions for Spreadshop banner: 1400x250px.
Highlight bestsellers: Every shop has a few designs that perform well.
Group designs into collections: Collections make it easier for shoppers to browse and navigate your shop. Great collection ideas include holiday designs, pet designs and gifts under $30. Learn how to organize your Spreadshop into collections by watching our video tutorial.

9. Pricing Too Low – Or Too High

If your prices are too low, you cut into your profit margin. But if your prices are too high, shoppers may be hesitant to purchase.

A simple pricing structure helps you stay competitive without guessing. Most creators see success using ranges like $20–$28 for tees and $38–$55 for hoodies, depending on style and design.

But how does pricing work with Spreadshop? Basically, we earn when you earn.

You see, each product you sell has a base price (the cost of the product before retail). That’s what we take home, along with a small printing fee. Anything you set beyond that goes directly in your product.

Your Base Price: Prefixed price of a product before you sell it (what we make).

Your Margin: Anything you set beyond that price (what you earn).

Your Retail Price: Base price + margin (what your customer pays).

Learn how to best price your products by looking at our pricing guide.

10. Rely Only on Trending Designs

Making designs for the moment based on what’s trending in pop culture is a great way to drive sales. But that only works for so long.

Sell a mix of evergreen favorites, seasonal styles and quick-turn trend pieces so your shop stays consistent year-round. This allows you to remain adaptable to trends but still carter to shoppers looking for typical apparel and accessories.

11. Ignore Customer Feedback

Many sellers make the print on demand mistake of failing to capitalize on customer feedback. Whether positive or negative, feedback let’s you know what’s working and what are pain points for your merch.

What to do instead: Actively seek out and encourage customer feedback through polls and social engagement.

Acknowledge and respond to your customers’ feedback to show them that you value their opinions. Implement changes based on customer insights to refine your products.

12. Not Having a Proper Merch Drop Strategy

A successful merch drop is not only dependent on you being authentic to your brand. You need to know how to market to your audience.

Make designs the meet the moment. Post authentically on socials.

Here are some tips to have a successful merch drop:

Tease out your merch drop with little sneak peeks. Utilize the countdown feature on your Instagram stories or post about it on your other social media channels.
If you make videos or livestream on platforms like TikTok, wear your merch. This will get people interested and excited about your upcoming drop.
Run a giveaway leading up to the drop. This will help generate interest and get people invested in your brand.

13. Giving Up Too Early

Many sellers think their products aren’t selling when they don’t see quick results. However, print-on-demand success takes time.

Promote!: Get the word out once your Spreadshop is up and running and stocked with products.

Use your keyword research to your advantage and include those keywords as text in your videos, titles and hashtags. Give your marketing added visibility by using trending songs.

Take Advantage of Exclusive Promotions: As a shop owner, you get access to exclusive promotions every month. Access them in the backend of your shop. We recommend adding new designs and hyping up seasonal products, like Christmas sweaters.

Most importantly, keep promoting your merch. Growth takes time. Every creator who succeeds in print on demand does so by staying committed. They allow their merch shop to grow and change and avoid common print on demand mistakes.

Ready to avoid these mistakes and start selling merch? Open your free Spreadshop today.

How Digital Artists Can Monetize Their Art

Making money as a digital artist has never been more broad or accessible. 2024 brings plenty of new opportunities and platforms for artists to leverage their skills into sustainable income streams.

Unlocking the potential to turn your passion into profit shouldn’t be a mystery. We’ve created this guide to arm you with strategies to monetize your artwork. Let’s embark on this journey together, transforming your artistic passion into a thriving source of income.

The Evolving Digital Art Market

The digital art market can be difficult to navigate. Several factors influence this, like tech advancements, consumer behaviors, and new digital platforms. As a digital artist, staying abreast of these changes and adapting your monetization strategies accordingly is key to success.

Comprehensive Strategies for Monetizing Digital Art

1. Selling Prints and Merchandise through Print on Demand

The print on demand (POD) model allows digital artists to monetize their work without the hassle of inventory management. POD platforms let artists customize various products with their own artwork, offering a wide range of options for personalization.

These platforms allow artists to upload their designs and have them printed on items such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. This enables artists to reach a wider audience and offer their artwork in a variety of formats. POD platforms handle creating, sending, and assisting customers, allowing artists to focus on creating and promoting their art.

POD platforms are popular for artists to make money and connect with fans because they offer flexibility and convenience. This method helps you reach the right people and try out new designs on different products without spending any money upfront.

How to achieve POD Success:

Niche Targeting: Tailor your designs to cater to specific niches or interests, enhancing the appeal of your merchandise. The more specific your niche is, the greater the likelihood of connecting with your audience.
Quality Assurance: Use POD platforms that emphasize quality in their products, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Marketing: Use social media and content marketing to show off your products, emphasizing their unique designs and availability.

2. Licensing and Royalties

Licensing your digital art can be a lucrative avenue for artists looking to monetize their work. By licensing your art, you allow businesses, publishers, or media to use it for payment. Artists can earn money by using or copying their art, creating a new way to make income.

One of the key benefits of licensing your digital art is the potential for recurring income. Unlike selling a piece of art outright, licensing allows you to retain ownership of your work while still profiting from its use. This means that you can continue to earn money from your art even after you have finished creating it. This allows you to have a steady income over time.

Additionally, licensing your digital art can also help to increase your visibility as an artist. This increased exposure can lead to more opportunities for collaboration, commissions, and other lucrative projects in the future.

Steps to Successful Licensing:

Create a varied portfolio with your best work to send to the industries you want to sell your art to.
Market Research: Identify potential licensing opportunities by researching companies that align with your art style.
Meet new clients by going to events, art fairs, and using LinkedIn to connect with people who are looking to license art.

3. Digital Downloads and Online Sales

Selling digital downloads of your art allows customers to easily access your work for personal use. This can include printing posters at home or using the images as wallpapers. This model works well with tiered pricing, where customers can choose different options at various prices for better effectiveness.

Optimizing Digital Sales:

Sell your digital art easily using platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website for a smooth buying experience.
Customer Engagement: Offer customizable options or limited editions to create a more personalized shopping experience, encouraging higher engagement and sales.

4. Crowdfunding and Patronage

Artists can use crowdfunding sites like Patreon to receive financial support from their fans. In exchange, they can offer special content, early access to new work, and behind-the-scenes looks at their creative process. This model helps foster a community around your art, providing a steady income stream while deepening overall audience engagement.

Enhancing Patronage:

Exclusive Content: Offer patrons exclusive artwork, tutorials, or merchandise to incentivize subscriptions.
Engagement: Regularly interact with your patrons through social comments, polls, and live Q&As to build a loyal community.

5. Workshops, Courses, and Tutorials

Leverage your expertise by offering online workshops, courses, or tutorials. This helps you make money in various ways. It also demonstrates your expertise, which can lead to more opportunities to collaborate or speak with others.

Launching Educational Offerings:

Choose platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or your own website to host courses. Consider audience reach and revenue share when deciding.
Various types of content are available for different skill levels in digital art. This includes different techniques and software. The goal is to appeal to as wide a range of people as possible.

6. Custom Commissions

Offering custom commission work allows you to engage directly with clients, creating personalized artwork based on their specifications. This can range from portraits and illustrations to branding and design work for businesses.

Maximizing Commission Work:

Clear Process: Establish a clear commission process, including pricing, timelines, and revisions, to manage client expectations.
Advertise your commission work on social media and your website to get new clients. Use hashtags and keywords to increase visibility.

7. Engaging with NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)

NFTs offer a unique way to monetize digital art by selling ownership of a digital asset through blockchain technology. This can provide artists with not only an immediate income but also ongoing royalties from secondary sales.

Navigating the NFT Space:

Learn about NFTs, blockchain, and cryptocurrency to decide where and how you can sell your art as NFTs.
Engage with NFT communities on Twitter and Discord to share your work and connect with people who may buy it.

Building a Sustainable Career as a Digital Artist

Making money from your digital art comes down to more than just talent. You also need to have the ability to market, network, and keep learning. You can build a stable career by earning money from various sources and having a strong online presence. This will support you financially and allow you to continue your passion for art.

Create a website and social media accounts to display your work. Share your creative process with your audience. Connect with your followers.
Improve your online content with keywords like “digital artists” to boost visibility in search results and attract more buyers. They call this SEO strategy.
Keep learning about new trends, tools, and platforms in digital art to stay relevant and find ways to make money.

Conclusion

As the digital art landscape continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for artists to monetize their artwork. You can make money by selling merchandise, or getting involved in the NFT market. There are many ways to earn that exist.

Digital artists can make money and build a successful career by using marketing strategies and engaging with their community. This approach helps them make money from their artwork and create a sustainable career in the digital age.

Remember, success in the digital art world is not just about talent: it’s about strategy, persistence, and the ability to adapt.

Shop of the Month: Interview with Erik Aanderaa

What does it take to run a successful shop with Spreadshop? We asked Erik Aanderaa, sailor and adventurer from Norway, about his experiences with Spreadshop and how his passion drove his success.

The world of e-commerce is ever-evolving, and dropshipping has emerged as a popular business model for entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures with minimal to ZERO upfront investment.

The appeal of dropshipping lies in its simplicity: you sell products directly to customers without having to store any inventory. When a sale is made, the product is shipped directly from a supplier to your customer’s doorstep. While this model offers a streamlined path to business ownership, it’s not without its challenges.

Many newcomers to dropshipping encounter common mistakes that can hinder them from achieving their ultimate potential. Understanding these errors and knowing how to avoid them is crucial for building a profitable dropshipping business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your existing storefront, this blog will guide you through the 10 most common dropshipping mistakes and provide actionable strategies to help you achieve success with your business.

1. Choosing the Wrong Niche

One of the first and most significant steps in starting a dropshipping business is selecting your niche. A common mistake many shop owners make is choosing a niche based solely on what they think will be profitable rather than aligning it with their interests, expertise, or market demand. The result? A lack of passion and knowledge that eventually leads to burnout and disengagement.

If you’re not passionate about your niche, you’re not going to put in the extra effort it takes to be successful in the dropshipping business. Use your passion to connect with an audience that’s been waiting for someone like you. Insider knowledge and experience will help you better connect with the people that matter.

How to Avoid It: Conduct thorough market research to identify niches with high demand and low competition. Use tools like Google Trends, social media analysis, and keyword research to gauge interest and trends. Align your findings with your interests or expertise to ensure you remain motivated and informed about the products you’re selling.

2. Ignoring the Quality of Suppliers

In dropshipping, your suppliers are more than just your source for products: they’re your business partners. Relying on unreliable suppliers can lead to a myriad of issues, including poor product quality, shipping delays, and unsatisfactory customer service — all of which can tarnish your brand’s reputation.

How to Avoid It: Vet potential suppliers. Order samples to assess quality, verify their shipping times, and read reviews from other businesses. Platforms like AliExpress, SaleHoo, and Oberlo can help you find reputable suppliers with a history of reliability and quality.

3. Underestimating the Importance of Customer Service

Many dropshippers mistakenly believe that their responsibility ends once the customer places an order. However, excellent customer service is pivotal in building trust, encouraging repeat business, and managing disputes effectively.

It might be worth it to choose a supplier that offers their own customer services as a perk of using their service. If there’s an issue regarding the location of an order, quality of a product, or need to exchange for a different size, they’ll take care of it for you. That’s just one more thing you won’t have to worry about.

How to Avoid It: Be proactive in your communication with customers. Provide clear, detailed product descriptions, transparent shipping times, and easy-to-find contact information. Implement a straightforward return policy and be responsive to customer inquiries and complaints. Utilizing chatbots and customer service software can streamline this process. Find a supplier that will take care of customer concerns for you.

4. Overlooking the Importance of a Well-Designed Store

A visually unappealing or poorly navigated online store can deter customers from exploring your site and making a purchase. First impressions are crucial in the digital world, and your website is often the first interaction customers will have with your brand.

Think about who the audience is for your brand and what will resonate with them. Artists and designers will appreciate attention to detail and an infusion of personality. Sports fans might prefer your website to be better organized to allow them to find products that suit their personal and athletic needs. Create visuals using your likeness and pick colors and images to best represent your brand.

How to Avoid It: Invest time and resources into designing a professional, user-friendly website. Ensure that your site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines. Utilize high-quality images and maintain a consistent branding theme throughout your site. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce offer customizable templates to get you started.

5. Failing to Optimize for SEO

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is essential for driving organic traffic to your dropshipping store. Neglecting SEO means you’re missing out on potential customers who might be actively searching for your products.

How to Avoid It: Conduct keyword research to understand how your target audience searches for your products. Incorporate these keywords into your product titles, descriptions, blog content, and meta tags. Regularly update your content and utilize blogging to address topics related to your niche, further boosting your SEO efforts.

6. Not Utilizing Social Media Effectively

Social media is a powerful tool for building brand awareness and engaging with your audience. A common mistake business owners make is either neglecting social media altogether or using it ineffectively, like posting irrelevant content or not taking the time to engage with followers.

Social media is one of the best, organic marketing strategies out there. It allows you to authentically connect with your audience and turn supporters into customers. If you’re concerned about looking spammy or trying too hard to drive sales, we have some content tips for you.

How to Avoid It: Identify which social media platforms your target audience uses most and focus your efforts there. Create engaging, relevant content that promotes your products and encourages interaction. Use social media ads targeted to your specific audience to increase reach and drive traffic to your site.

7. Ignoring the Power of Email Marketing

Many dropshippers underestimate the value of email marketing, missing out on opportunities to engage with customers, promote sales, and increase repeat business.

Having constant remainders in your customers inboxes is key to developing brand trust and strengthening that relationship.

How to Avoid It: Build an email list from the start by offering incentives for sign-ups, such as discounts or free how-to guides. Use personalized, targeted email campaigns to talk about new products, offer exclusive promo deals, and provide valuable content that keeps your brand at the forefront of their minds.

8. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Dropshipping is often marketed as a quick and easy way to make money online, leading some new entrepreneurs to set unrealistic expectations for instant success and passive income.

But it’s not that simple. You can’t expect sales to rule in if you don’t take the time to evaluate your audience and market to them effectively.

How to Avoid It: Understand that building a successful dropshipping business requires time, effort, and patience. Set realistic goals and be prepared for challenges. Continuously learn from your experiences and adapt your strategies for improvement.

9. Neglecting Analytics and Feedback

Not tracking your store’s performance or ignoring customer feedback can prevent you from recognizing areas for improvement, ultimately stalling your growth. You’re missing a big opportunity to grow your sales and make sure you get your next drop right.

How to Avoid It: Utilize analytics tools like Google Analytics to monitor your website’s traffic, conversion rates, and other key performance indicators. Actively seek out and listen to customer feedback to identify pain points and opportunities to enhance your product offerings and customer service.

10. Inadequate Planning and Research

Jumping into dropshipping without adequate planning or market research won’t set you up on the path for success. This includes not understanding your target market, not being aware of competitors, and not having a clear business plan.

How to Avoid It: Before launching your dropshipping business, conduct comprehensive market research to understand your target audience’s needs and preferences. Analyze your competitors to identify gaps in the market you can fill. Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your business model, marketing strategies, financial projections, and growth strategies.

By steering clear of these common dropshipping mistakes and implementing the strategies outlined above, you can set your online store on the path to success.

Dropshipping offers a world of opportunity, but like any business, it requires dedication, adaptability, and a customer-focused approach to truly thrive. Remember, the key to success is not just avoiding mistakes but also continuously learning and evolving with your market. Always lead with your customer’s needs, stay informed about industry trends, and never stop improving your offerings and operations.

Set up your own dropshipping business today with ZERO upfront costs!

A guide to curating your ultimate NA assortment

Building and perfecting a well-rounded and optimal assortment is crucial to maximize your business potential. Your assortment should meet the needs of the customers as well as following seasonal trends and reducing decision fatigue. The goal is to find the perfect balance of product variety and exclusivity. So what should you consider when it comes to curating your assortment? Let’s dive in. Read more