On-demand printing revolutionized consumer markets by making customized products easily accessible. Yet, the future of print-on-demand (POD) lies in the B2B sector, poised to overtake B2C in the coming years. Businesses are now recognizing the strategic value of POD, driving demand and innovation across the industry.
The B2C On-Demand Rise
The B2C side of the print on demand industry—which focuses on consumer-facing custom apparel and merchandise—is estimated by some research reports to be in the $3–5 billion range globally. Many analysts use a mid-range figure of about $4 billion, with expectations of continued strong growth as consumer demand for personalization rises.
While POD’s roots date back to the late 1990s, it really took off in the mid-2000s and has experienced continued growth into the 2010s and beyond as technology and consumer expectations have evolved.
Early pioneers like CafePress, founded in 1999, and later Zazzle in 2005, leveraged emerging digital printing methods to offer customizable products to consumers. These companies helped introduce the concept of producing goods only after an order is placed, which was a radical shift from traditional bulk production.
As digital printing technologies became more refined and cost-effective in the mid-2000s, the model became more viable. The growing popularity of the internet allowed these companies to reach a broader audience, and the idea of personalized, on-demand products started resonating with consumers.
Companies like Printful and Printifyfurther advanced the market by tightly integrating on-demand printing with online storefronts. They not only handled the production and shipping logistics but also provided tools for creators to seamlessly launch and scale their brands without upfront investment in inventory.
The explosion of social media and the increasing trend toward personalization further fueled the growth of POD in 2010s and beyond. Platforms like Redbubble, Teespring (now Spring), Society6, and TeePublic and others emerged, capitalizing on the demand for unique, custom-designed products. Improved logistics and fulfillment services also made it easier for businesses and independent creators to adopt POD without significant upfront investments.
Why B2B is Set to Outpace B2C
The B2B segment—serving companies looking for custom-branded merchandise, uniforms, and corporate apparel—is smaller relative to the broader print on demand industry. Recent estimates place the global B2B print on demand market in the vicinity of $2–3 billion.
Key Trends Shaping the B2B POD Boom:
Corporate Adoption
Businesses increasingly embrace POD for producing high-quality, customized printed materials that meet large-scale marketing campaigns and internal communication needs. POD ensures consistency, rapid turnaround, and scalability—key corporate priorities.
Technological Advancements
Innovations like Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing have significantly improved production speed, customization capabilities, and print quality, aligning perfectly with B2B requirements.
Strategic Efficiency
Shifting to a B2B model provides businesses with more stable, long-term revenue streams. Integrated POD solutions fit seamlessly within corporate procurement and marketing systems, helping enterprises maintain consistent branding, minimize waste, and manage inventory effectively.
Why the Shift?
- Evolving Consumer Demands: Businesses now require on-demand solutions to rapidly execute marketing initiatives and dynamic product launches, not just individual customization.
- Supply Chain Integration: Streamlined logistics, reduced warehousing costs, and faster delivery through POD significantly enhance corporate operational efficiency.
- Sustainability Goals: The POD model aligns with corporate sustainability initiatives by minimizing overproduction and waste, directly addressing critical environmental objectives.
The POD industry’s evolution isn’t just about technological advancements; it represents a fundamental shift toward strategic, agile, and sustainable business practices.
Brikl: Perfectly Tailored for B2B On-Demand
In the dynamic world of promotional wear, speed, customization, and efficiency are paramount. Brikl uniquely meets these demands, positioning itself as the premier B2B on-demand solution.
What Sets Brikl Apart:
Specialized B2B Features:
Brikl offers centralized control over multiple stores and brands, enabling easy duplication of catalogs for specific events or promotions, along with tailored coupon features specifically suited to B2B promo businesses.
Rapid Store Deployment:
Businesses can launch new stores within minutes, empowering them to quickly capitalize on new opportunities, market shifts, or urgent client requests.
Hybrid On-Demand and Stock Stores:
Brikl supports a flexible model allowing businesses to offer both on-demand products (automatically fulfilled) and traditional stock items (self-fulfilled), maximizing sales potential and operational agility.
Robust Integration:
Seamless integration with ERP, accounting, or order management systems ensures smooth transitions and ongoing operational efficiencies.
Scalable and Secure Infrastructure:
Brikl’s cloud-based infrastructure scales effortlessly with business growth, ensuring robust security, compliance, and reliability.
Brikl isn’t just an e-commerce platform—it’s a purpose-built powerhouse designed specifically to elevate B2B promotional wear businesses.
Clarifying On-Demand: What it Really Means
Many misconceptions about print on demand still persist. In reality, it’s a transformative fulfillment model where products are manufactured only after a customer places an order. Here’s a clear breakdown:
What On-Demand Is:
- Triggered by Orders: Production begins only after a purchase, ensuring precision in inventory management.
- No Excess Inventory: Eliminates overproduction, reducing risk and waste.
- Flexible Order Sizes: Products are created on-demand, whether it's a single item or a larger quantity, without unnecessary batching. You can order 1, 10, 100 or 1,000.
- Lower Upfront Costs: Capital isn't tied up in unsold inventory.
What On-Demand Is Not:
- Not Pre-Stocked: Products aren’t manufactured and held in inventory with the expectation of future sales.
- Not Bulk Manufacturing: Unlike traditional mass production, on-demand avoids leftover stock.
- Not Large Batch Production: Each order triggers a unique production cycle, eliminating the inefficiencies of batch production.
In essence, on-demand printing aligns perfectly with actual market demand, offering businesses efficiency, sustainability, and significantly reduced financial risks.