Print on Demand: What’s the Hype and Why Custom Printing Might Be Your Better Bet

In the world of instant gratification, where you can get a pizza, a new pair of shoes, and a mystery gadget from Amazon all in the same day, it’s no wonder print on demand (POD) is booming. But before you dive headfirst into the POD pool, let’s take a moment to unpack what it is and whether it’s the right solution for your printing needs.

Here at Screenprint & Display, we don’t offer print on demand—but don’t worry! Instead, we’re here to help you understand what it’s all about and why sometimes, custom printing might just be the smarter choice.

So, What Is Print on Demand?

POD is exactly what it sounds like: items like t-shirts, posters, mugs, or even books are printed only after someone orders them. Sounds simple, right? No stockpiling up in your garage, no risk of unsold inventory, and no upfront costs. Just print when it’s demanded and ship it out.

Sounds like the holy grail of the printing world! But wait, there’s a bit more to the story…

The Perks of POD

Let’s start with the good stuff. POD has some real advantages, especially if you’re a small business or a creative soul just dipping your toe into selling physical products.

• Low risk: You don’t have to spend loads of cash upfront on inventory.
• Customisation: You can create and sell designs without having to worry about minimum order quantities.
• Easy integration: Many POD platforms sync seamlessly with e-commerce sites like Etsy, Shopify, and others, making it simple to sell your designs.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? But before you hit “Print Now,” there are a few things worth considering.

The POD Pitfalls

While POD is great for some, it’s not always the silver bullet for all printing needs. In fact, there are some downsides that people don’t always talk about.

Higher cost per item: While you’re not buying in bulk, POD services can get pricey when you order more than just a few pieces. The cost per item doesn’t really go down, making it less ideal for larger orders.

Quality control: POD services vary in quality and since you’re not involved in the process, it’s harder to ensure consistency and monitor this.

Limited options: Customisation is often limited to basic options like colours and sizes, but specialty finishes, materials, or effects might not be available.

That brings us to custom printing—where we come in!

Why Custom Printing Still Rules the Roost

If you’re looking for high-quality results, custom options, and economies of scale, custom printing is often the way to go. Here’s why:

Bulk orders mean savings – Got an event coming up? A product line to launch? Opening multiple outlets? When you order in bulk, screenprinting or digital printing (like what we do) becomes a much better option cost-wise. The more you print, the lower the cost per unit. It’s simple maths!

Quality you can trust – Screenprinting or custom digital printing will give you the professional finish you’re after.

Here at Screenprint & Display we control every step of the process, so you know exactly what you’re getting every time.

Flexibility with customisation – Want a special finish? Looking for something unique, like an oversized print or a particular material? POD can be limited in what it offers, but with custom printing, the sky’s the limit – From glitter or reflective to neon colours.

Personalised service – Here at Screenprint & Display, we’re a little old school when it comes to customer care. Whether you need help choosing the best print method or advice on design, we’re here for you. You’re not just another number in a queue—our team are ready to collaborate on your project to ensure the end result is spot-on.

The Best of Both Worlds: Custom Printing with Online Ordering

Now, if you’re thinking POD is convenient because of its easy online ordering process, we’ve got you covered there too. With our online ordering system, you can get instant prices for vinyl stickers, Correx signs and Foamex signs and place your order—all from the comfort of your own home.

When to Choose POD and When to Choose Custom Printing

If you’re just starting out or testing a new product line and only need a few one-off items, POD might work for you.

But if you’re looking for high-quality results, professional-grade prints, or bulk orders, custom printing is your best bet.

Plus, we’re happy to discuss your needs and help you figure out the best approach, even if you’re not sure which way to go. No hard sell, just honest advice!  Speak to our team on 01347 823 230.

Wrapping It Up

Print on Demand is great for some scenarios, but when it comes to quality, customisation, and cost-effective bulk orders, custom printing is where it’s at.

Here at Screenprint & Display, we’re all about delivering high-quality results that meet your specific needs—whether you’re printing for an event, your business, or just because.

Ready to bring your ideas to life? Order online or get in touch with our team today, and let’s chat about how we can help with your next project.