15 Print-on-Demand Statistics (Stats)
Ecommerce and print-on-demand is more popular than ever. Even amidst the whirlwind of the 2020s, the industry has showcased resilience, emerging bigger and bolder than ever by 2024.
This blog post encapsulates the freshest data, trends, and forecasts for the print-on-demand sector. Utilize this vital intel for your marketing strategies and business expansion this year. Here’s a glimpse of the topics we’ll explore:
- Print-on-demand stats and market growth trends
- Popular print-on-demand products and categories
- Insights from successful print-on-demand ventures
- E-commerce platform trends
Excited? Let’s jump right in!
1. The print-on-demand industry’s growth: CAGR of 25.3%
The print-on-demand market size is expected to see substantial growth in the next decade. In 2022, its global value was $5.397 billion. Projections suggest it will hit $39.035 billion by 2031, reflecting an approximate CAGR of 25.3%.
Print-on-demand market size, past CAGR, and forecasts until 2031. Source: Straits Research
63% of print-on-demand (POD) customers prefer this model due to its eco-friendly impact. Unlike traditional manufacturing or dropshipping, POD minimizes production risks and eliminates excess inventory, reducing the environmental footprint.
2. The US as the top player in print-on-demand: largest market
North America, particularly the US, is the leading regional market for print-on-demand. The US hosts renowned print-on-demand giants like Printful and Zazzle, with other players such as Redbubble and Gelato having manufacturing facilities in the area.
Interestingly, the majority (75.8%) of successful POD businesses operate from the US, making it a thriving hub for print-on-demand enterprises.
Source: Dropshipping.com
Although North America leads the global market, growth is evident in other regions, with the Asia Pacific anticipated to experience a substantial 27.9% CAGR in the print-on-demand sector from 2020 to 2030.
3. Driving force behind POD market: surge in demand for customized products
For many users (36%), personalization is now an expectation, with 48% willing to wait longer for tailor-made items.
Source: Printful
Print-on-demand’s on-demand production without minimum orders facilitates meeting the demand for personalized goods profitably.
4. 25% of consumers show inclination for sustainable products
This inclination skyrockets to 73% among millennials. The quest for eco-friendly goods propels the print-on-demand sector, offering a sustainable edge over fast fashion through on-demand creation.
Source: Printful
5. Eco-friendly apparel sector set for $10.1 billion global sales by 2025
The sustainable fashion market, currently valued at $6.5 billion, is on track to nearly double by 2025.
While fashion brands mostly target women, men aged 25–34 are the primary purchasers of sustainable fashion, urging brands to rethink strategies to capture this demographic.
6. Monthly searches for “print-on-demand” average at 132.7K
Source: Semrush
Each month, “print on demand” racks up 132,700 searches globally, with the US leading the search tally at 33,100 monthly queries.
7. Emerging print-on-demand categories: Fashion, home décor, drinkware, and accessories
An annual trend shows that apparel consistently leads in top-selling print-on-demand categories. Sellers can quickly embrace high-fashion trends affordably due to the on-demand production capability.
8. The top trending apparel print-on-demand products are t-shirts, sportswear, and leggings
In the print-on-demand fashion industry, the timeless t-shirt holds a special place. For many print-on-demand suppliers, including Printful, t-shirt printing was where it all began. Even as the industry has diversified with various techniques and products, digital t-shirt printing remains a preferred choice.
Check out: 12 T-Shirt Design Trends for 2024
Trending products like leggings, sportswear, and custom hoodies reflect the enduring popularity of laid-back, comfortable styles.
Source: Printful
Denim jackets are witnessing increased customer interest, providing online sellers with opportunities to price jackets in the premium segment.
As for pricing strategies, what profit margin should you target in 2024?
9. The average print-on-demand product profit margin is 20%
A 20% profit margin has proven successful for many online sellers, balancing competitive pricing with sustainable profitability for operations and occasional discounts.
However, certain niches and products have allowed sellers to achieve profit margins as high as 60%!
10. Around the globe, there are approximately 228K print-on-demand stores currently in operation
About 5% of all online retail stores are supported by print-on-demand services. It’s highly likely that items in your home are created using print-on-demand services.
11. The average success rate for businesses engaged in print-on-demand is 24%
Research by Dropshipping.com suggests that 24% of print-on-demand stores remain active in the long run, possibly due to intense industry competition.
Starting a print-on-demand business is feasible for beginners and experts alike, but the market is saturated due to low entry barriers. Success hinges on differentiation through niche market focus, exceptional product design, and effective marketing strategies.