Print on Demand Explained: Sell Books and Products Without Holding Stock

Print on demand (POD) means a product is printed only when someone orders it. For authors, that means no boxes of unsold books in the garage. For online sellers, it means offering products without paying for inventory up front. Here is how it works and what to watch out for.

How print on demand works

1. You upload your files, such as a book interior and cover or a product design.
2. A customer places an order on a retailer site or on your own online store.
3. The POD provider prints the item and ships it directly to the customer.
4. You are paid the difference between the sale price and the production and shipping costs, as set out by the provider and sales channel.

The benefits

• Low upfront cost, because you do not buy stock in advance.
• No storage or packing work.
• Easy to update a book or design when it changes.
• Wide distribution options depending on the provider you use.

The trade-offs

• The cost per unit is usually higher than a large offset print run, so margins are smaller.
• You have less control over shipping speed and packaging.
• Print quality varies, so it is wise to order a proof copy before you launch.

Get the files right

Most POD problems come from file issues. Check trim size, margins, bleed and spine width, and use the cover template your provider supplies. Fonts should be embedded and images should be high enough resolution for print.

Selling from your own website

Many authors and small brands connect a POD service to their own online store so customers can buy directly. This lets you keep customer relationships and build your brand while the provider handles printing and shipping.

Think about your customers’ locations

If you sell to readers in the US, UK, Canada and Europe, check shipping options, delivery times and how taxes such as VAT or sales tax apply to your sales. Rules differ by country, so confirm the details for your situation.

We can help you get set up. See our Lulu print-on-demand setup service.

Talk to BzLogics

Have a project in mind? Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp: UK +44 7786 384431 or Pakistan +92 321 2039365. You can also contact us here.