2025 Print-On-Demand Trends & Key Statistics for Sellers

Editor: Kirandeep Kaur on Mar 13,2025

 

With the advent of new technology, the print-on-demand business model is predicted to boom in 2025. Most gains will come from elevated market demand for custom print products, AI Automation, and production focused on sustainability. 

Recent statistics point towards inexhaustible growth in the bunch of services around customization offered to merchandise add-ons. Rapid expansion of the custom merchandise business would stop competitors who do not match to e-commerce trends 2025 which is a significant leap in.

More than just selling different items, print on demand is maturing into an experience. People now want on-the-go modifications, the ability to see their modifications, and green options, which redefines how brands need to devise strategies.

The Evolution of the Print-on-demand Industry

The POD industry has seen an increase in the past 10 years due to the increase in digitisation and the willingness of people to personalise services. Consumers today want products that are specially crafted just for them which compel brands to follow POD market trends, which are very niche. 

Unlike physical retail models where sales come with the burden of having stocks, the print-on-demand business enables sellers to produce only after receiving orders eliminating the risk and wastage. A significant development in the economic forecast for the print-on-demand industry reveals that it's expected to exceed $50 billion in revenue by 2025. 

This custom merchandise industry is advancing as more brands integrate AI-powered solutions to aid in the manufacturing and design processes. Sustainability also plays a huge role, with eco-friendly customers requiring organic materials, biodegradable inks, and ethically sourced manufacturing. Those willing to adopt these changes will thrive in the future integrated retail ecosystem.

Suggested Read: Building Business Success: The Power of Core Competencies 

Key Print-On-Demand Statistics for 2025

With the expected growth of print-on-demand companies, clear trends are emerging in the statistics. In 2025, it is expected that the growth rate for the POD industry will increase by 12.5%, which is considerably higher than for the majority of other e-commerce trends. Over 40% of online store owners are predicted to adopt POD strategies to better serve their customers through tailor-made products.

Like other sectors, the market for custom merchandise is also moving towards high-value niche products. According to the information, the profit from sales of limited edition merchandise is 35% higher than the profit from the sale of imprinted mass merchandise. 

In addition, research estimates that 70% of Gen Z customers state they are more likely to shop with brands that allow for customisation, making it vital for brands to automate personalisation. With new records being set for global e-commerce, print-on-demand will be crucial in the development of online shopping.

Emerging Product Trends in the POD Market

business man working print on demand

In a similar fashion, as trends with the print-on-demand business evolve, certain subcategories of products seem to take centre stage. Merchants who intend to capitalise on the growth of the POD industry must prepare their stocks for the following hot items:

  • Sustainable Fashion: As society becomes more eco-friendly, the value of pure cotton t-shirts, plant-based tote bags, and world-friendly hoodies continues to rise.
  • Pet-Themed Merchandise: The custom merchandise section is growing exceptionally fast with regard to customised pet pictures, pet bowls, and breed-specific paraphernalia.
  • Personalised Home Décor: The personalisation of home decor items, including canvas prints and engravings on wooden plaques, has appealed to people with its modern design unlike that of conventional interior decoration items like LED neon signs.
  • Tech Accessories: The demand for personalised phone cases, laptop skins, and smartwatch bands has widened the scope of the POD market and these items now form part of the consumers' tech accessories.
  • Wellness & Self-Care Products: The boom in self-care and health consciousness makes personalised water bottles, yoga mats, and even aromatherapy candles more appealing and popular.

These new products open new opportunities to boost sales and cross-sell. With the expansion into new trending products, businesses ensure their relevance, but most importantly value add on the sale and purchase value.

The Role of AI and Automation in POD Industry Growth

AI is single-handedly transforming the buy-on-demand sector by easing management and creating and customizing orders for sellers. These days, incorporating the use of design generators allows customers to engage with and personalise the products in real time, enhancing product sales. Buying patterns can be tracked using predictive analytical tools, enabling the business to restock accordingly and increase profits significantly.

The development of automation technology will be another essential reason for growth in the POD industry. Enhanced order fulfilment systems continue the trend towards greater automation of production and shipping and require significantly less time for each of the steps. This makes it possible for customers who wish to market custom order merchandise to receive their products in the least amount of time, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. 

As AI technologies improve in usage, it is these sellers who will be ahead of the competition in the print-on-demand market trends of 2025. With chatbots taking over customer relations and automated marketing increasing sales, technology is set to make print-on-demand easier than it has ever been. Integration of AI in business will lead to increased productivity, customer retention, and profitability.


Also Read: Significance of Economic Indicators: Metrics for Investors

E-Commerce Trends 2025: the espousal of social commerce technology

The current landscape of social media has changed how every business, including print-on-demand, connects with potential customers. Sales platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Shops grant a brand the opportunity to display their custom merchandise market products to the audience.

In 2025, viral user-generated content (UGC) will become the dominant strategy of e-commerce content. Shoppers who post their unique purchases on social media assist in branding marketing augmentation. Through influencer marketing, niche creators are fuelling the print-on-demand market trends by advertising to their selected audiences.

Brands are enhancing their social media presence by including direct checkout features and, in return, shortening the customer's journey while increasing conversion rates. Storytelling alongside shopping and real-time interaction will drive the future of e-commerce.

The Custom Merchandise Market: Growth Beyond Clothing

The print-on-demand business has traditionally relied on clothing; however, a shift is being noticed within the custom merchandise market toward different and more advanced product types. Custom sports accessories are gaining popularity with the fitness crowd, including personalized yoga mats and gym towels. High-margin product segments are emerging from personalized stationery like custom notebooks and planners.

In the realm of print-on-demand, marketers are noticing a rising trend of selling limited-edition collectibles. Unique and rare engraved glassware, custom figurines, and artistic prints are capturing the attention of more consumers. Businesses oriented towards exclusivity and scarcity marketing strategies will build a customer base willing to invest in personalized items.

With a growing trend of subscription-based purchases, brands can now count on a steady stream of income thanks to auto-renewing monthly subscriptions. This strategy builds customer loyalty and ensures steady growth in a volatile e-commerce environment.

Future Outlook: What's Next for the Print-On-Demand Business?

Taking into account further advancements in automation, blockchain authentication, and shopping via augmented-reality technologies, the POD sector is expected to grow significantly. By the year 2025, buyers will look forward to more active interactions during shopping, including ordering goods after viewing them through AR.

 

Moreover, the existing sustainability policies will shape the directional movements of the print-on-demand industry and force domestic and foreign brands to adopt environmentally friendly production processes. The sector manufacturing custom-designed goods will have to comply with tougher legislations aimed at protecting the environment concerning the use of biopolymers and carbon-neutral transportation of the products.

For online sellers, success hinges on riding the e-commerce wave, now and in 2025, coupled with adopting advancements in technology. Change agents who challenge the status quo and innovate continually will flourish in the specialized print-on-demand business environment.

Conclusion

Technological advancement in AI integration and focus on sustainability and social commerce is fuelling rapid growth in the print-on-demand business. Those entrepreneurs informed about the advancements and recent figures of the print-on-demand industry are in a good position to profit from the growth of the custom merchandise market.

In 2025, there will be new opportunities for online retailers in the field of e-commerce and additional profitability in the thriving print-on-demand industry.

The advancement in digital marketing is ushering in a new age of retail and transforming the POD industry into a multi-national behemoth. Merchants who foster change and remain flexible in their strategies are bound to thrive in the marketplace of the future.


This content was created by AI