Print-on-Demand Profit Calculator

Typical POD profit margins range from 20-40% depending on product type, platform, and whether you sell through a marketplace. A $29 t-shirt on Printful might net $10-12 profit selling direct, or $7-9 after Etsy fees. Volume is key — 50+ monthly sales is where POD becomes meaningful income.

Printify generally has the lowest base costs because they aggregate multiple print providers. Printful costs more but offers better quality, branding options (custom labels, inserts), and more reliable fulfillment. Merch by Amazon has zero upfront costs but takes a large cut (67.5%).

Etsy gives you marketplace traffic but charges 6.5% transaction + 3% processing + listing fees. Your own Shopify/WooCommerce store has no marketplace fees but requires driving your own traffic. Many sellers start on Etsy for visibility, then transition to their own store as they build an audience.

T-shirts are the highest volume POD product, followed by hoodies, mugs, and phone cases. Stickers have the lowest production cost and highest margin percentage. Posters work well for niche art. Choose products that match your audience — a fitness brand sells more hoodies than mugs.

Merch by Amazon gives you access to Amazon marketplace traffic with zero upfront costs, but you earn only 32.5% royalty and have limited customization. Printful gives you full control over pricing, branding, and marketplace choice, but you handle marketing. MBA is best for passive income; Printful is best for building a brand.