On-demand printing: Reshaping how businesses produce and deliver print
Rising demand for faster turnaround, personalisation and lower inventory risk is pushing on-demand printing into the mainstream, as businesses across publishing, packaging, retail and marketing rethink traditional bulk production models
31 Jan 2026 | By Pratik Shah
This is a guest column written by Pratik Shah, creative head of PrintXpand
The global print-on-demand market was valued at approximately USD 10.2-billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 103-billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of around 26%.
The conventional printing patterns which use bulk printing, large initial expenditure, and long lead time are no longer viable to most companies. The customers now demand timely delivery, customisation of goods and reduction of wastes. This shift has led to the rapid adoption of print on-demand solutions and on-demand printing solutions across industries. Incorporating on-demand printing is helping companies, big and small, to remain flexible, less risky, and efficient at scale. This article examines how on-demand printing works, where it is being adopted and why it is increasingly seen as a structural shift rather than a short-term trend.
What is on-demand printing?
On-demand printing refers to a production model in which printed products are manufactured only after an order is placed. Businesses do not print the items in large volumes; rather, they print them on request, according to the real demand of the customers.
The model is commonly used for books, packaging, promotional materials, apparel and personalised products. Enabled by digital print technology and workflow automation, on-demand printing can deliver consistent quality even for single-copy or short-run jobs.
Unlike traditional printing, print on-demand solutions eliminate the need for large inventories and reduce the risk of unsold stock. This renders them suitable to companies that have a quick shifting market.
How the process works
The printing process is promoted on-demand, and is very straightforward and efficient. Customers place orders through an online store, eCommerce website, or a print on-demand marketplace. In most of the situations, they are able to customise products with text, image, or design changes. When the order has been received, the system will automatically create print-ready files and forward them to the production. This product will be printed, finished, packaged and delivered to the customer or retailer. In the case of print on-demand dropshipping, the seller never handles the physical product, as fulfillment is managed entirely by the printing provider. The workflow is automated, thus decreasing the amount of manual work and cutting the turnaround time.
Key advantages of on-demand printing
Reduced inventory and storage costs: One of the most significant advantages of print on-demand solutions is the elimination of inventory holding costs. Warehouses are unnecessary in businesses to store printed products. This saves on operational costs and spares capital which can be used in other areas. Businesses end up making items when they are needed, eliminating the losses that may have been incurred due to stock that is not sold or even the outdated design.
Cost efficiency and better cash flow: The conventional printing involves huge initial investments, not to mention the fact that no sales are yet to be achieved. The on-demand printing changes this model as production costs are directly related to the orders of the customers. This is a pay-as-you-go model that enhances the cash flows and reduces financial risk. It is especially useful in cases with start-ups and small businesses that are interested in trying new products without binding to large-scale production.
Faster turnaround times and time to market: The pace is one of the key competitive strengths in the modern market. On-demand printing solutions enable businesses to fulfill orders quickly, especially for short-run or customised products. The lapses in production of marketing campaigns, seasonal products, and limited editions can be introduced in a shorter time without delays in production. This responsiveness enables companies to react fast to fads and customer needs.
Scalability for growing businesses: On-demand printing solutions are highly scalable. The businesses are able to begin with small order quantities and increase with increase in the demands without alteration of infrastructure and processes. This flexibility is especially valuable for eCommerce brands using print on-demand dropshipping, as it allows them to expand product catalogs and enter new markets with minimal risk.
Sustainable and eco-friendly printing: Sustainability has come to be a significant factor among businesses as well as consumers. On-demand printing allows to minimise waste, not overproduction, and the volume of unused inventory is diminished. When one prints what is necessary, it becomes more responsible for using materials and energy. This green mindset is beneficial to the businesses as it enables them to meet the sustainability objectives and attract environmentalists.
Industries adopting on-demand printing
On-demand printing is spread extensively among industries. They are applicable to personalised clothing, accessories, and domestic furnishings by eCommerce and retail brands. Marketing agencies also depend on on-demand printing of brochures, banners and promotion materials. On-demand printing is a practice by publishers which enables them to print books in small numbers, minimising the cost of storage and the number of unsold books. Training materials and certificates are printed on-demand in educational institutions.
Employers also make use of on-demand printing of branded merchandise and internal communication in their corporate businesses. This model is flexible and can therefore be applicable to both small and large businesses.
Role of print-on-demand marketplaces
Print-on-demand marketplaces connect sellers, designers and print providers on a single platform. Through these marketplaces, it is made easier to launch and manage demand products.
The sellers will be able to post products without concerns about production or delivery. Orders are automatically sent to the partners who do the printing, manufacture, and delivery. This model reduces the barrier to entry of entrepreneurs and creators.
The print on-demand market places also reach customers worldwide therefore, the businesses can easily expand to other parts of the globe.
Technology behind on-demand printing
The current on-demand printing systems, which are based on technology, are important. The use of web-to-print allows customisation and online ordering. Automation software are used in handling files, scheduling of jobs, and production processes. The eCommerce integration with ERP systems and MIS software will guarantee the flow of data between sales and production, as well as fulfillment. Cloud-based systems enable the business to track business activities in real-time and without limitation of the infrastructure.
Key features to look for in on-demand printing solutions
Features, including the possibility of online customisation of the product, automated order processing, and generating print-ready files are the features that businesses should seek when selecting an on-demand printing solution. It is also important to track orders in real-time and integrate with eCommerce websites.
Print on-demand dropshipping and marketplace integration are also supported, which provides additional flexibility. Reporting and analytics solutions assist companies to measure performance and streamline operations in the long term.
Implementing on-demand printing
Successful implementation begins with identifying suitable products—typically those requiring personalisation, frequent design changes or low inventory risk. Selecting the right technology partner is critical. Integration with existing systems, staff training and ongoing optimisation all play a role in long-term success. Observing the customer feedback and performance indicators can be used to streamline the process of work and enhance the service quality.
Conclusion
On-demand printing solutions have revolutionised the way business organisations think about printing, fulfillment and product customisation. By eliminating inventory risks, reducing costs, and enabling personalisation at scale, print on-demand solutions empower businesses to operate more efficiently and competitively.
This model has unrivaled flexibility and growth potential be it direct eCommerce stores, print on-demand dropshipping, or a print on-demand marketplace. With the ever-changing customer demands, on-demand printing has ceased being an option but a necessity. PrintXpand can be used by businesses wishing to utilise high-level and scalable on-demand printing services to facilitate the digital printing and eCommerce revolution.
This guest column was written by Pratik Shah, creative head of PrintXpand.
See All