Print on Demand Embroidery: A Seller’s Guide to Building a Profitable Online Store

In today's digital age, starting an online business has never been easier. Print-on-demand embroidery can be a promising business model you can try in the next few years. This model allows entrepreneurs to sell custom embroidered products without managing inventory or handling fulfillment.

Unlike traditional screen printing, embroidery offers a premium, durable, and high-quality finish that resonates with consumers looking for long-lasting products. From trendy embroidered hats and sweatshirts to personalized tote bags and socks, the demand for unique, high-end embroidered items is on the rise.

If you’re considering starting your own POD embroidery business, Shopify provides the ideal platform. With powerful tools and customizable themes like Minimog, you can create a professional online store that drives conversions and delivers an exceptional shopping experience.

Ready to tap into the world of custom embroidery and build your dream business? Let’s get started!

What is Print on Demand Embroidery? 

Print on demand embroidery is an eCommerce model where you sell embroidered products online without holding any inventory. When a customer places an order, a third-party POD supplier takes care of the embroidery, packaging, and shipping—allowing you to focus on branding and marketing.

Unlike other print-on-demand methods, such as direct-to-garment (DTG) or sublimation printing, embroidery offers a more textured and long-lasting finish. Print on demand embroidery makes it an ideal option for businesses looking to create premium, high-margin products.

Source: Reddit 

To give you a better understanding of regular print on demand and print on demand embroidery, take a look at the following comparison table:

Source: burdastyle.ru

In the print-on-demand market, embroidery is considered a high-end product:

• Choose Print on Demand (POD) if you want a quick turnaround, lower costs, and colorful designs with mass appeal.
• Option for Print on Demand Embroidery (POD Embroidery) if you want to offer premium products with higher durability and perceived value, it is ideal for corporate merchandise and personalized gifts. 

Next, we will explore the most suitable products that offer the highest margins for a print-on-demand embroidery business. Then, learn how to optimize your print-on-demand business for long-term growth. 

Top Products for Print-on-Demand Embroidery

When selecting products for your embroidery business, choosing items with high demand and profit potential is crucial. Here are some of the best products to sell. 

1. Print on Demand Hat Embroidery

Between 2024 and 2032, the headwear market is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 6.3%, highlighting the strong potential of these products in the coming years. Additionally, customers are increasingly valuing long-lasting, high-quality items, even if they come at a higher price. This makes embroidered hats an excellent option for anyone looking to start a print-on-demand embroidery business.

Source: Polaris Market Research

Why embroidered hats are a great choice

More than just accessories—hats are profitable and versatile products for your print-on-demand (POD) embroidery store: 

• High demand across niches: Ensuring steady sales because hats appeal to a broad audience, fit various styles, and are popular with sports teams, businesses, fashion brands, event planners, etc.
• Low cost and high-profit margins: Hats are affordable to produce and ship compared to larger items. They’re perceived as premium, allowing for higher pricing, and great for bulk orders, increasing your revenue potential
• Easy branding and customization: Embroidered hats are perfect for logos, slogans, and eye-catching designs. Embroidered details add a high-quality, professional touch. 

Source: makevancouver.com

Best niches for POD embroidered hats 

• Corporate branding: Custom hats for businesses and organizations.
• Sports teams: Fan merchandise and team caps.
• Streetwear: Trendy minimalist embroidery designs for fashion enthusiasts.

2. Print on Demand Sweatshirt Embroidery

Sweatshirts have become a wardrobe essential, making them a highly profitable option for your print-on-demand embroidery business. The custom apparel market is projected to grow by $2.45 billion, with a robust CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2029. This trend positions embroidered sweatshirts or embroidered hoodies as a perfect fit for tapping into this growing market.

Source: Gelato 

Why are embroidered sweatshirts/hoodies a smart choice?

• Evergreen appeal: Sweaters are perfect for casual, streetwear, and athleisure markets. They’re suited for year-round wear, especially in colder climates and popular among students, professionals, and families.
• Premium pricing potential: Embroidery adds perceived luxury, allowing for higher markups. More than that, customers value long-lasting, high-quality apparel for gifting and personal use.
• Customization opportunities: This product is an excellent canvas for unique logos, monograms, and inspirational quotes, making them one of the options for personalized purposes.

Best niches for POD embroidered hats 

• College merchandise: University logos, mascots, and class pride embroidery.
• Minimalist fashion: Sleek designs with simple text and modern patterns.
• Family gifts: Matching sweatshirts for holidays and reunions.

👩‍🏫 Pro Tip: Use Shopify’s Minimog theme to create sleek product pages that highlight your embroidery designs with high-quality images.

3. POD Socks Embroidery

Socks have transformed from a basic necessity into a fashion statement, and custom embroidery takes them to the next level. With the global personalized gift market growing, embroidered socks are an ideal product that combines affordability with high perceived value.

Source: Chus

Why embroidered socks are a growing trend

Socks are affordable, easy to ship, and perfect for gifting. Personalized embroidery can turn a basic item into a thoughtful present or a trendy fashion accessory.

• Affordable and easy to sell: Socks are low-cost products with a wide appeal. They’re lightweight and cost-effective to ship and perfect for impulse purchases and stocking fillers.
• High personalization potential: Embroidered socks are great for initials, fun designs, and quirky embroidery placements. Ideal for gift-giving and special occasions.
• Broad audience reach: Popular among fashion enthusiasts, gift shoppers, and event planners.

Best niches for POD embroidered socks

• Novelty gifts: Funny quotes, pet-themed or quirky patterns.
• Personalized wedding gifts: Bride and groom socks, groomsmen gifts.
• Corporate giveaways: Custom socks with brand logos for events.

4. Print on Demand Embroidery Tote Bags

With sustainability trends on the rise, tote bags have become a go-to eco-friendly accessory. Adding embroidery enhances their appeal by giving them a premium, stylish look that resonates with eco-conscious consumers. The global tote bag market is expected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 4,60% annually between 2024 and 2031, making it an excellent opportunity for POD sellers.

Source: Homsstore

Why embroidered tote bags are a must-have

• Eco-friendly and practical: The market is appealing to a growing trend of sustainability-focused, making tote bags stylish and environmentally friendly products that can be used for both work and casual outings.
• Highly customizable and profitable: Offers a canvas for intricate embroidery designs with vibrant thread colors.
• Strong demand across various niches: Perfect for corporate branding, events, and retail stores.

Best niches for POD embroidered tote bags

• Eco-conscious shoppers: Designs promoting sustainability or nature themes.
• Small businesses: Branded tote bags for cafes or boutiques.
• Events: Personalized totes for weddings, conferences, or giveaways.

5. Print on Demand Embroidered Cushion Covers

​​Cushion covers are a home décor staple, and embroidery adds a unique, high-end touch that stands out from standard printed designs. They’re a versatile product that appeals to a wide range of customers and can be customized for various themes and occasions.

The global online home decor market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2034. Embroidered cushion covers cater to customers looking for premium, stylish home accents.

Source: Export House 

Why are embroidered cushion covers a great choice?

• Premium perception & profitability: Customers are willing to pay more for durable, high-quality fabrics and detailed embroidery. And embroidered cushion covers offer a luxury feel, allowing sellers to command higher prices.
• Versatility in niches: Cushion covers fit well in various interior styles—modern, bohemian, minimalistic, and more. They’re great for homes, offices, cafes, and boutique hotels.

Best niches for POD embroidered cushion covers

• Home décor enthusiasts: Customers looking to refresh their interiors with trendy, personalized cushion covers.
• Gift shoppers: Custom embroidered cushion covers make thoughtful gifts for weddings, anniversaries, and holidays.
• Event planners: Businesses seeking decorative items for corporate events, weddings, and parties.

👩‍🏫 Pro Tip: 

• Pair your embroidered products with other matching items to offer complete, stylish looks your customers will love. Using tools like FoxKit - An All in One Shopify Upsell and Cross-sell, Sale-boosting app to create irresistible product bundles. Showcase these bundles right in front of your customers to make the deals look too good to pass up, boosting your revenue in no time!

• Use high-quality, detailed images to showcase your print on demand embroidered products in real-life settings. Close-up shots highlighting embroidery details can boost trust and appeal, helping customers visualize the product's quality.

With Foxify - Shopify visual builder, you can effortlessly create stunning product pages featuring lifestyle images and customer testimonials—no coding needed. A well-designed store enhances the shopping experience and encourages repeat purchases.

Best Practices for a High-Converting POD Embroidery Store

To stand out in the crowd as the best online embroidery store in the print on demand market, you need more than just great products. A successful store requires strategic planning, branding, and innovative marketing techniques to convert visitors into loyal customers. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Define Your Unique Brand Identity

Creating a strong and memorable brand helps differentiate your store from countless competitors. A clear brand identity builds trust and encourages customer loyalty. Here’s how you can do it: 

• Find Your Niche: Narrow down your target audience. For example:
  • Eco-conscious buyers: Offer organic cotton and eco-friendly embroidery threads.
  • Pet lovers: Design personalized pet-themed embroidered products.
  • Local pride: Create city- or state-specific embroidered hats and tote bags.
• Develop a Compelling Brand Story:
  • Share why you started your embroidery store and what makes it unique.
  • Highlight your values (e.g., sustainability, creativity, or craftsmanship).
  • Use storytelling on product pages and social media to build emotional connections.

Source: LinkedIn

2. Create a Professional and Memorable Storefront

Your online store serves as the first impression for potential customers. A well-designed, user-friendly storefront not only builds trust but also improves conversion rates. There are some key elements that you need to focus on: 

1. Theme Selection

• Choose a visually appealing and high-performing theme like Minimog, which is optimized for speed, conversions, and mobile responsiveness.
• Ensure the theme supports customization to align with your brand identity and style.
• Pro Tip: You can have a free Minimog theme if you start using Shopify today. By clicking on the banner below, you’ll get Shopify’s 3-day free trial + $1/month for 3 months and a Free high-converting Minimog theme. 

2. Product Presentation

• Use high-quality product images with close-up shots to showcase intricate embroidery details.
• Include lifestyle images to show how products fit into customers' everyday lives.
• Provide multiple product views and zoom options to enhance the shopping experience.

3. Navigation & User Experience

• Keep navigation simple with clear product categories (e.g., Hats, Sweatshirts, Tote Bags) to make browsing effortless.
• Use intuitive menus, filters, and search functionality to help customers find what they’re looking for quickly.
• Ensure a mobile-friendly experience, as most shoppers browse and buy on their phones.

4. Social Proof

• Showcase customer reviews and testimonials to build credibility and influence purchase decisions.
• Add trust badges (e.g., secure checkout, fast shipping) and clear return policies to reassure potential buyers.
• Feature user-generated content to show real-life product usage and encourage engagement.

5. Compelling Product Pages

• Write informative product descriptions highlighting fabric quality, embroidery technique, and customization options.
• Include size guides, care instructions, and shipping timelines to answer customer questions upfront.

Source: Foxify

• Pro Tip: Use Foxify's drag-and-drop page builder to customize layouts, add videos, and create visually appealing pages that highlight embroidery details through zoomable images and videos and attract customers' attention. 

By focusing on these elements, you can create an engaging storefront that captivates visitors and drives more sales.

3. Build Value Through Product Differentiation

Simply offering embroidered products isn't enough; you need to provide extra value to stand out.

Ways to differentiate your products:

• Eco-Friendly Options: Use sustainable materials and packaging to attract environmentally conscious customers.
• Customization: Offer personalized embroidery with names, logos, and unique designs.
• Bundles and Upsells: Use FoxKit’s Product Bundles features to suggest complementary products like matching embroidered tote bags and sweatshirts.
• Limited Edition Collections: Create urgency with seasonal or exclusive drops to boost demand.

💡 Pro Tip: Highlight customization options and eco-friendly features in your product descriptions to build trust and value.

4. Build Trust and Engage Customers

Trust is a critical factor when customers choose where to shop. Establishing credibility through social proof and clear policies will make buyers feel confident. Here are some trust-building strategies you can refer to:

• Showcase social proof:
  • Display customer testimonials and real product photos.
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews by offering incentives.
• Transparent policies:
  • Clearly outline shipping times, return policies, and production processes.
• Loyalty programs:
  • Offer discounts for repeat customers or referrals to encourage long-term engagement.

💡 Pro Tip: Set up automated emails via Shopify to follow up with customers and ask for reviews after a purchase. 

Source: SmartrMail

5. Create Long-Term Marketing Strategies for Brand Growth

Growing your POD embroidery store isn’t just about selling—it’s about building a brand that people connect with and trust. The key? Engaging your audience with meaningful content and staying top of mind with the right marketing strategies.

• Social Media Storytelling: Go beyond just product photos—share your brand’s personality! Post behind-the-scenes videos of the embroidery process, customer testimonials, or even a day in the life of your business.
• Influencer Collaborations: Work with niche influencers to amplify your brand reach. Choose influencers who align with your target audience to create authentic product endorsements. For example, a streetwear influencer wearing your custom embroidered caps in their Instagram reels can instantly attract fashion-savvy followers.
• Seasonal Campaigns with Purpose: Plan promotions around key events and seasons to keep customers engaged. Limited-edition designs and special discounts can drive urgency and boost sales.
  For instance, launch an exclusive Valentine's Day collection featuring embroidered initials on sweatshirts with a "Buy One, Gift One" offer.
• SEO & Content that Adds Value: Blogging can attract organic traffic by answering customer queries and providing helpful content related to your products. A blog post titled "Top 10 Personalized Embroidered Gifts for Weddings" could rank well on search engines and guide potential customers to your store.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Shopify’s marketing automation and analytics tools to track engagement and optimize campaigns based on customer behavior.

Source: Shopify App Store

FAQs

Why should I choose Shopify for my POD embroidery business?

Shopify is the perfect platform for your POD embroidery business because it offers:

• Ease of Use: No coding skills required, with a drag-and-drop interface.
• Seamless POD Integrations: Connect easily with providers like Printify and Printful to automate fulfillment.
• Marketing Tools: Built-in SEO features, email marketing, and social media integration to grow your brand
• Scalability: Whether you’re just starting or expanding, Shopify grows with your business.

What makes the Minimog theme ideal for POD embroidery?

Minimog is an affordable, beginner-friendly Shopify theme packed with high-converting features to boost your embroidery store’s success.

Key benefits:

• Budget-friendly: Perfect for new sellers looking to start without big investments.
• 85+ Pre-Built Demos: Stylish, mobile-optimized designs tailored for embroidery.
• Fast Load Speed: Keeps customers engaged and improves conversions.
• Easy Customization: Showcase embroidery details with high-quality visuals.
• Built-in Sales Features: Upsells, cross-sells, and countdown timers to boost sales.
• SEO-Optimized: Helps attract organic traffic effortlessly.

Minimog makes it easy to build a professional and profitable POD embroidery store.

What if I don’t have design experience?

No worries! Many POD platforms, like Printful and Printify, offer ready-made embroidery templates and easy-to-use design tools. Additionally, you can:

• Use Canva or Adobe Express to create simple designs.
• Hire freelance designers from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
• Leverage Shopify’s Foxify page builder, which allows you to create stunning product pages with zero design skills.

How much does it cost to start a POD embroidery business?

Starting a POD embroidery business can be very budget-friendly. Typical costs include:

• Shopify subscription: Starting at $1/month for the first 3 months with their special offer.
• POD service fees: Depending on the product and embroidery complexity
• Marketing budget: Initial ads on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. 

You can start with minimal investment and scale as your business grows.

Can I sell on multiple platforms while using Shopify?

Yes! Shopify allows you to sell across multiple channels, including:

• Social media: Sell directly on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Marketplaces: Expand your reach with integrations to Etsy, eBay, and Amazon.
• In-person sales: Use Shopify POS for pop-up events and local markets.
  

How can I make my POD embroidery store stand out from competitors?

To differentiate your brand, focus on:

• Unique designs: Offer niche-specific embroidery themes (e.g., eco-friendly or pet lovers).
• Sustainable materials: Use organic fabrics and promote eco-conscious efforts
• Storytelling: Share your brand’s journey and behind-the-scenes content to build trust and engagement. 
• Bundling products: Upsell with matching items (e.g., tote bags with hats) using FoxKit upsell features.