Side hustles come in all shapes and sizes—but if you’re looking for something flexible, online, and low-cost to start, print-on-demand (POD) might be exactly what you need. Across Canada, thousands of people are turning their ideas and designs into t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, wall art, and more—all without ever touching inventory or owning a printer. If you’ve got a bit of creativity (or can work with free design tools), this is one of the easiest ways to build an online store and earn extra income on the side.
What is Print-on-Demand (POD)?
Print-on-demand is a business model where you create custom designs and sell them on physical products like clothing, mugs, posters, phone cases, and more. When someone places an order, a third-party company prints the product, ships it directly to the customer, and handles the logistics. You don’t need to keep inventory, buy bulk items, or deal with shipping. You just focus on the creative side—and the profits.
How Does It Work in Canada?
POD works through platforms like Shopify, Printful, Printify, or TeeSpring. You create a Shopify store (or use a marketplace like Etsy), connect it to your chosen POD supplier, and upload your designs. When someone orders a product, the supplier prints and ships it, and you keep the profit after base costs. It’s a great option for people who want to run a business from home without a lot of overhead. Canadians can easily set up accounts and reach global customers—no warehouse required.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
You don’t need a degree in graphic design or a huge startup budget. What you do need is a computer, internet access, and a little creativity. Tools like Canva (free), Photopea (a free Photoshop alternative), or Adobe Express help you create eye-catching designs—even if you’re a beginner. Think slogans, quotes, patterns, pet illustrations, holiday themes, or regional pride (hello, “Eh Team” shirts). Once you’ve got a few solid ideas, upload them to your POD store and start building your product catalog.
Marketing Your Print-on-Demand Store
Once your store is live, the next step is attracting customers. Social media is your best friend here—especially Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Post mock-ups, behind-the-scenes videos, and short reels that showcase your products in real life. You can also tap into niche audiences (dog lovers, plant parents, hockey fans, teachers) by creating specific collections. A few well-placed hashtags and a bit of consistency can bring in your first orders without any paid ads.
Why Canadians Love POD as a Side Hustle
Print-on-demand is perfect for side hustlers because it’s low-risk and fully flexible. You can work on it at night or on weekends, and scale it up or down depending on your availability. There are no storage fees, no packing supplies, and no need to quit your day job. Plus, the Canadian market is wide open for niche, homegrown designs—and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing someone wear or use something you created.
How Job Skills Can Help You Build Your POD Business
If you’re ready to explore print-on-demand—or any side hustle idea—Job Skills can help you get started the right way. Our Self-Employment Services include training on branding, digital marketing, pricing, and customer service—all tailored to your goals. If you’re new to business or unsure what fits your skills, try the Right Fit for You tool to discover what suits you best. And if you’re a newcomer to Canada, our Self-Employment Pathways for Newcomers program is designed to turn your background and ideas into income. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more tips, free resources, and stories from local entrepreneurs just like you. Your next big idea could be hanging in someone’s closet—and it all starts with print-on-demand.
