Print-on-Demand (POD)

A production model where products are made by a third party only after someone places an order. Items like apparel or home goods are printed and fulfilled as needed, rather than produced in bulk or held in inventory. Think Printful, Printify, or Gelato for apparel and home goods, and Lulu xPress or Blurb for books, journals, and magazines. 

Why it matters
Print-on-demand lowers upfront risk and makes it easier to test ideas. It allows creators and small businesses to launch products quickly, learn from real sales, and adjust without committing to large production runs.

Where this shows up

  • Ecommerce startups
  • Product testing and validation
  • Apparel and merchandise brands
  • Online marketplaces and platforms

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