Print-on-Demand vs. In-House Printing

Pros and Cons of Print-on-Demand vs. In-House Printing: Which Custom Apparel Business Model is Right for You?

The custom apparel game is booming, and if you’re ready to launch your own clothing brand or merch line, you’re probably asking the big question: Should I go with Print-on-Demand (POD) or invest in In-House Printing? Each route comes with its own benefits and challenges. And your decision depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. Let’s break it all down. Here’s the pros and cons of print-on-demand vs. in-house printing.

🔁 Print-on-Demand: The Hands-Off Hustle

What it is:
You design the merch, upload it to a POD platform (like Printful, Printify, or Teespring), and they handle everything from printing, packing, and shipping as customers place orders.

✅ Pros of Print-on-Demand

• Low Start-Up Cost: No need to invest in equipment, blank apparel, or storage. You only pay when you make a sale.

• No Inventory Risk: Say goodbye to unsold custom tees sitting in boxes. POD only produces what you sell.

• Time-Saving: Focus on marketing and design while the provider handles the logistics.

• Scalable: Easily add new designs or products without extra overhead.

❌ Cons of Print-on-Demand

• Lower Profit Margins: The convenience comes at a price. You’ll make much less per item compared to in-house.

• Less Quality Control: You won’t see the product before it ships. Inconsistent print quality or wrong items can affect your brand reputation.

• Slower Fulfillment Times: Depending on the provider, orders might take longer to arrive.

• Limited Customization: You’re stuck with the limited range of blank hoodies, basic tees, and print options offered by the platform.

🏭 In-House Printing: Full Control, Full Responsibility

What it is:
You handle the entire production process yourself, from sourcing wholesale blanks to custom printing, packing, and shipping.

✅ Pros of In-House Printing

• Higher Profit Margins: You cut out the middleman and keep more from each sale.

• Full Quality Control: You can test fabrics, inks, and make sure every item meets your standards.

• Faster Turnaround (Eventually): Once you’re streamlined, you can offer faster delivery than many POD services.

• Creative Flexibility: Choose any wholesale blank apparel or printing technique like screen printing, DTG, HTV, etc.

(What Is The Difference Between Heat Transfers And DTG?)

❌ Cons of In-House Printing

• Higher Startup Costs: Equipment (heat presses, printers, dryers) and inventory can be pricey up front.

• Time-Intensive: You’ll be juggling production, fulfillment, customer service, and marketing.

• Storage + Space Needed: You’ll need room for inventory, supplies, and equipment.

• Scaling Can Be Tricky: As order volume increases, so does your workload, unless you hire help.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

🚀 Which One Should You Choose?

• Go POD if:
  You’re just getting started, want to test the market, or prefer a low-risk, low-maintenance approach.

• Go In-House if:
  You’re ready to build a premium brand, care about quality, and are comfortable investing time and money upfront.

Here’s a great video from Hustle Ninjas with their take on the subject.

Final Thoughts: Print-on-Demand vs. In-House Printing

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Many successful custom printed brands even start with POD and transition to in-house printing as they grow. What matters most is choosing the model that matches your resources, vision, and hustle. So the verdict on print-on-demand vs. in-house printing all depends on your desired business plan.

🔥 Pro Tip: Whichever you choose, make sure your designs stand out. A great design can sell even on the most basic blank tee.