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For self-reflection and inspiration, not professional, financial or legal advice. Cost and timing figures are rough estimates. Some links are affiliate links.

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E-commerce & products

Print-on-demand store

Sell your designs on shirts, mugs and posters without holding inventory.

Start-up cost: under $500
First revenue: ~3 months
Time needed: 5+ hrs/week
Where: Online

Rough estimates. Costs and timelines vary a lot by location and niche.

Who thrives at this

People who have a strong creative streak
People who can grind for a long payoff
People who enjoy digging into data and puzzles
People who prefer to play it safe
People who recharge with focused solo time

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Skills that help

Don't have them yet? Tap one to find beginner courses.

Graphic & visual design ↗
E-commerce & product sourcing ↗

Your starter kit

The tools and steps most people need to get a print-on-demand store business off the ground.

1. Test the idea

SBA business guide FreeFree, official step-by-step guide to planning, launching and managing a small business.
SCORE free mentoring FreeGet matched with a volunteer mentor who has run a business. Free.
Sell on Etsy The easiest place to start selling handmade and vintage goods.

2. Launch

Register your business FreeChoose a structure (sole prop, LLC…) and register with your state. The SBA explains every option.
Get an EIN from the IRS FreeYour business tax ID. Free and takes about 10 minutes online. Never pay a third party for this.
Licenses & permits FreeFind out which local, state and federal licenses your business needs.
Business insurance basics FreeWhat coverage small businesses typically need, and how to shop for it.
Open a business bank account FreeKeep business money separate from day one. The SBA covers what to look for.
Wave FreeFree accounting and invoicing for small businesses.
Canva FreeMake a logo, flyers, social posts and business cards without hiring a designer.
Squarespace Polished website builder for portfolios and service businesses.
Stripe Take card payments online and send invoices.
Shopify The standard platform for running your own online store.
Printful FreePrint-on-demand: they print and ship your designs, so you hold no inventory.

3. Grow

Kit FreeEmail list and newsletter tool, free for your first subscribers.

Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never affects your matches. How we choose resources

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