What is a good POD margin?

Aim for at least 40% gross margin before advertising.

Should I use a fulfillment partner?

Yes for most sellers. Printful and Printify handle production and shipping for a per-item cost.

Can POD be profitable with ads?

Only with high perceived value or a strong niche; commodity designs rarely clear acquisition costs.

Print on Demand Profit Calculator

POD margins live or die on the base cost, not the retail price.

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The POD margin trap

A $30 t-shirt with a $13.50 base cost, $4.50 shipping and a 6.5% fee nets about $10. That looks fine until you subtract ad cost. At a $12 customer acquisition cost the order is negative.

POD works on organic traffic or on designs with genuine demand, not on paid ads with commodity products.

Related: see how the same sale nets out on every marketplace. Compare platforms

FAQ

What is a good POD margin?: Aim for at least 40% gross margin before advertising.
Should I use a fulfillment partner?: Yes for most sellers. Printful and Printify handle production and shipping for a per-item cost.
Can POD be profitable with ads?: Only with high perceived value or a strong niche; commodity designs rarely clear acquisition costs.

Related calculators

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Your supplier sets your margin

Printful's base cost per unit is the single biggest lever on a POD margin. Check the catalogue before you price.

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