Top 10 Mistakes Print On Demand Beginners Should Avoid

Did you know that many aspiring print on demand sellers inadvertently sabotage their own success?
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly increase your chances of thriving in the t-shirt business.

Starting a print on demand t-shirt business can be an exciting venture, but it’s all too easy to stumble over preventable errors. Drawing from my years of hands-on experience and countless conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, I’ve compiled the eight key pitfalls you must steer clear of. Follow these guidelines to give your designs the best chance at standing out and selling.

1. Going Too General with Your Niches

One of the most critical mistakes in print on demand is targeting broad, oversaturated niches—think “funny quotes” or “motivational fitness.” Instead, drill down into micro-niche subtopics where demand exists but competition is low. For instance, if you love fitness, try “no-coffee no-lift weightlifter coffee humor.” Use tools like Etsy’s search suggestions or Google Trends to gauge interest levels and refine your niche. By focusing on a specific audience—such as vegan yogis or retro gaming dads—you’re more likely to connect with buyers actively searching for unique designs that resonate with their interests.

2. Underestimating the Power of Volume

Publishing only a handful of designs and expecting instant success sets you up for disappointment. In reality, the print on demand market is a numbers game: the more designs you create, the greater your odds of finding a winner. Set a goal to produce at least 50 high-quality designs in your top niches within the first month. Then, expand that portfolio steadily over time. Additionally, upload each design to multiple platforms—RedBubble, Teepublic, and Amazon Merch—to maximize exposure. Consistency in releasing fresh designs builds momentum, improves your organic reach, and helps you learn which styles and themes perform best.

3. Technical Design Mistakes: Color, File Formats, and Specifications

Creating eye-catching visuals is only half the battle; technical accuracy is equally crucial. Avoid color clashing by previewing every design against all available shirt colors. A dark graphic on a black tee or pastel art on ivory can get lost—or worse, look unprofessional. Select contrasting palettes and test them thoroughly. Equally important is adhering to file requirements: most platforms accept transparent PNGs at 300 DPI, but specific dimensions vary. For example, Amazon Merch mandates 4500×5400 pixels. Ignoring bleed area, color modes (RGB vs. CMYK), or file format guidelines often leads to upload failures or low print quality. When in doubt, consult platform documentation or follow this video walkthrough.

4. Ignoring Intellectual Property: Trademarks and Copyright

Nothing derails a print on demand career faster than a trademark infringement notice or a copyright strike. First, vet every slogan and phrase through the USPTO’s TESS database—or use an online trademark checker—to verify it’s not registered in the apparel class. Even seemingly generic sayings like “Never settle” may be protected. Second, scrutinize all fonts and graphics in your designs to ensure they’re royalty-free. Many design marketplaces bundle assets under restrictive licenses, so only use elements explicitly labeled for commercial use. If you accidentally infringe, the platform can remove your listings, issue strikes, or even suspend your account. Protect yourself by referencing my step-by-step guide to copyright-safe design.

5. Confusing Passive and Active Platforms

Understanding the difference between passive and active print on demand platforms is essential for setting realistic expectations. Passive sites—like Amazon Merch on Demand, RedBubble, and Teepublic—handle printing, shipping, customer service, and returns once you upload a design. They also provide organic traffic, so you can scale with minimal overhead. By contrast, active platforms—such as Shopify paired with Printful or Printify—require you to build and market your own storefront. You’ll manage ads, SEO, and customer support yourself. While active sites offer greater branding control and potentially higher margins, they demand more time and marketing expertise. Choose the model that aligns with your resources and business goals.

6. Incorrect Pricing Strategies

Setting the right price is a balancing act. Price too low, and you undercut your profit margin; price too high, and you scare off potential buyers. Through extensive split-testing, I discovered that pricing your shirts one to two dollars below the retailer’s suggested price often maximizes both conversion rates and overall profit. For example, if the suggested price is $24.99, try $22.99 or $23.49 and monitor your sales velocity. Additionally, factor in any fees, shipping costs, and the perceived value of your design. Regularly review competitors’ pricing to stay competitive without sacrificing profit.

7. Failing to Optimize Listings with Keywords

Even the best designs won’t sell if they aren’t discoverable. Effective keyword optimization helps your listings rank higher and attract the right audience. Start by researching long-tail keywords in your chosen sub-niche—terms like “eco-friendly camping dad tee”—and use tools such as Google Keyword Planner or Merch Informer. Integrate these keywords naturally into your title, bullet points, and description, avoiding keyword stuffing. Also include related phrases to capture adjacent searches. Well-optimized listings increase visibility, improve click-through rates, and ultimately drive more organic sales.

8. Procrastinating Instead of Taking Action

The most significant mistake print on demand beginners make is never hitting “publish.” Fear of failure, analysis paralysis, or doubts about profitability can keep you stuck at the starting line. While no business guarantees success, print on demand offers a relatively low-risk way to monetize your creativity and test market demand. Begin with a minimum viable product: pick one niche, create five designs, and upload them within a day. Learn from real-world feedback, iterate on your ideas, and build momentum. If you need a step-by-step roadmap, follow my comprehensive print on demand tutorial.

Conclusion
By avoiding these eight common mistakes, you’ll be ahead of many new sellers and well on your way to sustainable print on demand success.

• Actionable takeaway: Create and upload five niche-focused designs by the end of this week to jumpstart your print on demand journey.

What challenges have you faced in your print on demand business? Drop your questions below, and I’ll help you troubleshoot the next step!