If you're a drop shipper, you know the importance of finding new ways to grow your business and increase profits. One strategy that's gaining popularity is using print-on-demand (POD) services. POD is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to create custom products without the need for inventory. When combined with dropshipping, entrepreneurs can expand their product offerings without taking on additional risks or upfront costs. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of print-on-demand for dropshipping, popular products to sell, finding the right supplier, setting up your store, and best practices for success.

What is Print on Demand? 
Print-on-demand is a relatively new business model that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows entrepreneurs to create custom products without needing to hold inventory. With print-on-demand, products are only created when an order is placed, eliminating the need for storage space and inventory management. This makes it an attractive option for dropshippers who want to expand their product offerings without taking on additional risk.

Benefits of Using Print on Demand for Dropshipping
There are many benefits to using print-on-demand for dropshipping. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to offer a wider variety of products without the need for inventory. With print-on-demand, entrepreneurs can create custom t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, canvas prints, tote bags, and more. This can help drop shippers to differentiate themselves from competitors and offer unique products that customers can't find anywhere else.
Another benefit of print-on-demand is that it offers a low-risk way to test new product ideas. Since products are only created when an order is placed, spending money on inventory upfront is unnecessary. This can help entrepreneurs to minimize risk and focus on growing their business.
Finally, print-on-demand can help drop shippers save time and money on inventory management. Since products are created and shipped directly to customers, there's no need to hold inventory or worry about storage space. This can free up time and resources that can be used to focus on other aspects of the business.

Popular Products to Sell
There are many popular products that drop shippers can sell using print-on-demand. Some of the most popular products include:
Custom t-shirts: Custom t-shirts are a popular product that can be sold in a variety of niches. Dropshippers can create custom designs for sports teams, hobbies, and more.
Mugs: Custom mugs are another popular product that can be sold in a variety of niches. They can be used for coffee, tea, or as a decorative item.
Phone cases: Custom phone cases are a popular product that can be sold to customers who want to personalize their phones.
Canvas prints: Canvas prints are a popular product for home decor. Dropshippers can create custom designs for a variety of niches.
Tote bags: Custom tote bags are a popular product that can be sold to customers who want to personalize their shopping bags.

Finding the Right Supplier
Finding the right supplier is crucial for success in print-on-demand and dropshipping. There are many suppliers to choose from, so it's important to do your research and find a supplier that meets your needs. Some of the most popular print-on-demand suppliers include Printful, Gooten, and Printify.
When choosing a supplier, there are several factors to consider. These include the quality of the products, the selection of products offered, shipping times, and customer service. It's also important to consider the costs associated with using the supplier and how this will impact your profit margins.

Setting Up Your Store
Setting up your store is an important step in building a successful print-on-demand and dropshipping business. There are several eCommerce platforms to choose from, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose a platform that meets your needs.
Once you've chosen an eCommerce platform, you'll need to integrate the print-on-demand app with your store. This will allow you to select the products you want to offer, create custom designs, set pricing, and launch your store. It's important to take the time to create high-quality designs that will appeal to your target market

Best Practices for Success
To ensure the success of your print-on-demand and dropshipping business, there are several best practices to follow. These include:
1. Focusing on a specific niche: Focusing on a specific niche can help you to differentiate yourself from competitors and appeal to a specific audience. This can help you to build a loyal customer base and increase profits.
2. Creating unique designs: Creating unique designs is crucial for success in print-on-demand and dropshipping. You want to offer products that customers can't find anywhere else. Take the time to research your target market and create designs that will appeal to them.
3. Pricing your products competitively: Pricing your products competitively is important for attracting customers and increasing sales. You'll need to find a balance between pricing your products high enough to make a profit and low enough to be competitive.
Marketing your products through social media and other channels: Social media marketing is a powerful tool for promoting your print-on-demand and dropshipping business. Take the time to create a social media strategy and post regularly to engage with your audience. You can also use other marketing channels such as email marketing, influencer marketing, and paid advertising.
Providing excellent customer service: Providing excellent customer service is crucial for building a successful print-on-demand and dropshipping business. Make sure to respond promptly to inquiries and resolve issues quickly. This can help you to build a loyal customer base and increase profits.

Conclusion
In conclusion, print-on-demand is a powerful tool for drop shippers looking to expand their product offerings and increase profits. By following these best practices and finding the right supplier, entrepreneurs can create a successful print-on-demand and dropshipping business. With dedication and hard work, entrepreneurs can create a profitable and sustainable eCommerce business using the print-on-demand and dropshipping model.