How to Start a Side Hustle in Print on Demand — No Inventory Business (2026)
I've been watching people struggle to make a profit on print on demand platforms for years, and I've come to realize that the key to success lies in understanding how the platforms actually work. Take Redbubble, for instance. It's a popular platform that allows artists to sell their designs on a wide range of products, from t-shirts to phone cases. But what many people don't realize is that Redbubble takes a 20% commission on each sale, and the payment threshold is set at $25. That means you won't see a dime until you've sold at least $25 worth of merchandise.
In practice, this means you need to create designs that appeal to a broad audience and have a high conversion rate. I've seen people create designs that are too niche or too complex, only to find out that they don't sell well. For example, I once knew an artist who created a series of intricate, hand-drawn designs that were meant to appeal to fans of a specific TV show. However, the designs were too detailed and didn't translate well to smaller products like phone cases or stickers. As a result, the designs didn't sell well, and the artist didn't meet the payment threshold.
To make money on Redbubble, you need to create designs that are simple, yet eye-catching. You also need to understand the platform's algorithms and how they affect your visibility. For instance, Redbubble uses a system called "best match" to determine which designs are shown to customers. This means that if your design is similar to one that's already popular, it's more likely to be shown to customers. However, this also means that if you create a design that's too similar to an existing one, it may not be shown at all.
One way to get around this is to create designs that are unique and don't compete with existing ones. This can be a challenge, especially if you're new to design. I've seen people try to create designs that are too complex or try to appeal to too broad of an audience. However, the key is to find a niche and stick to it. For example, I know an artist who creates designs that are specifically for cat lovers. The designs are simple, yet unique, and have a high conversion rate. As a result, the artist is able to meet the payment threshold and earn a decent income.
In terms of earnings, the amount you can make on Redbubble varies widely depending on the design and the product. On average, you can expect to earn around $5-10 per sale, although this can range from as low as $1 to as high as $50 or more. To give you a better idea, let's say you create a design that sells 10 phone cases per month at $15 each. That's $150 per month, which may not seem like a lot, but it's a decent side hustle.
One of the pros of working with Redbubble is that you don't need to hold any inventory, which means you don't have to worry about storage or shipping. However, this also means that you have less control over the final product and may not be able to offer customizations or personalized products. Additionally, the platform takes a commission on each sale, which can eat into your profits.
To mitigate these issues, you can use tools like Printful, which allows you to design and sell products without holding any inventory. Printful integrates with Redbubble and other platforms, making it easy to manage your designs and orders. However, keep in mind that Printful charges a setup fee and a per-item fee, which can add up quickly.
In terms of requirements, you'll need a computer or mobile device with internet access, as well as a design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. You'll also need to create a Redbubble account and set up your designs, which can take some time. Additionally, you'll need to be patient and persistent, as it can take months to build up a following and start selling regularly.
Overall, making money on Redbubble requires a combination of creativity, technical skills, and patience. By understanding how the platform works, creating unique designs, and using tools like Printful, you can build a successful side hustle that earns you a decent income.