Exploring the Feasibility of a Print-on-Demand Side Hustle
In a recent episode of "I Tried It," host Alustin Godbolt delved into a popular side hustle that purportedly could earn participants $7 every minute on autopilot—selling custom print-on-demand products via platforms such as Etsy or Redbubble. This article summarizes his three-part exploration of the concept, outlining the methods claimed by the original content creator, the potential pitfalls enthusiasts might face, and an honest account of what he earned through this endeavor.
The foundation of the original video revolves around starting a print-on-demand shop where users sell custom-designed products, primarily focusing on unique pet-themed items. The creator suggests that by accessing royalty-free images of pets and adding personalized touches such as names, users could effortlessly sell merchandise like mugs and phone cases, tapping into a simplistic yet appealing model. However, Godbolt critiques this approach as being fundamentally unoriginal, arguing that similar ideas have been regurgitated countless times without delivering results.
He acknowledges that while the initial promise of making money seems enticing, it lacks any innovative elements that would make it genuinely viable compared to previous proposals in the realm of side hustles.
Godbolt proceeds to discuss the reasons why this side hustle may not work as easily as advertised. As someone who has grappled with various online money-making schemes in the past, he articulates his primary concerns:
Start-Up Costs: Contrary to assumptions about free services, starting a print-on-demand shop involves initial expenditures. This typically includes investing around $100 to set up and fund product listings since you need to pay upfront for the items sold before receiving payment from customers.
Learning Curve: A crucial component for success on platforms like Etsy includes mastering the platform's search engine optimization (SEO). With thousands of listings created daily, simply waiting for sales won't yield results without understanding how to optimize listings effectively.
High Competition: The market is oversaturated with similar products, making it challenging for new sellers to stand out. The fierce competition often leads to price wars, where sellers are compelled to lower their prices, thus eroding profit margins.
Transaction and Listing Fees: Etsy imposes various fees—each listing incurs a charge, adding yet another layer of financial consideration that the original creator of the method failed to mention. In fact, a seller could easily find themselves spending upwards of $200 in fees before even making a single sale.
Involvement Requirements: Godbolt highlights a significant discrepancy in the claim that this side hustle operates on autopilot. Custom designs necessitate either active involvement from the seller, or outsourcing to a virtual assistant, which further reduces potential earnings.
In terms of actual earnings, Godbolt reveals that after two years of operating his Etsy shop, he has made only $49 from 13,000 visits and 46 orders. This stark contrast to the promised $7 per minute becomes particularly striking when one considers the rigorous effort required to achieve even modest results. He mentions that during a recent week, he received zero income despite having active listings—prompting a broader conversation about the likelihood of achieving the extravagant income projections presented in promotional videos.
After dismantling the foundations of the print-on-demand claim, Godbolt advocates for a more sustainable and long-term approach to generating income online. He encourages potential entrepreneurs to establish a niche based on their interests or skills, identify a suitable platform (like YouTube or Pinterest), and create content that answers specific questions from their target audience.
This strategy not only permits the construction of meaningful connections with viewers but also presents various monetization opportunities, including affiliate marketing and digital product sales. Unlike the print-on-demand route, this method maximizes the earning potential without incurring excessive up-front costs or precarious competition.
While the allure of easy money through a print-on-demand side hustle is compelling, the reality is often far less forgiving. Godbolt's thorough breakdown reveals key obstacles that aspiring entrepreneurs would face along their journey, reinforcing the importance of hard work, dedication, and consistent learning. Ultimately, those hoping to make a living from online ventures should consider more stable and proven frameworks instead.
Part 1/8:
Exploring the Feasibility of a Print-on-Demand Side Hustle
In a recent episode of "I Tried It," host Alustin Godbolt delved into a popular side hustle that purportedly could earn participants $7 every minute on autopilot—selling custom print-on-demand products via platforms such as Etsy or Redbubble. This article summarizes his three-part exploration of the concept, outlining the methods claimed by the original content creator, the potential pitfalls enthusiasts might face, and an honest account of what he earned through this endeavor.
The Side Hustle Explained
Part 2/8:
The foundation of the original video revolves around starting a print-on-demand shop where users sell custom-designed products, primarily focusing on unique pet-themed items. The creator suggests that by accessing royalty-free images of pets and adding personalized touches such as names, users could effortlessly sell merchandise like mugs and phone cases, tapping into a simplistic yet appealing model. However, Godbolt critiques this approach as being fundamentally unoriginal, arguing that similar ideas have been regurgitated countless times without delivering results.
He acknowledges that while the initial promise of making money seems enticing, it lacks any innovative elements that would make it genuinely viable compared to previous proposals in the realm of side hustles.
Part 3/8:
The Challenges of Making Money in Print-on-Demand
Godbolt proceeds to discuss the reasons why this side hustle may not work as easily as advertised. As someone who has grappled with various online money-making schemes in the past, he articulates his primary concerns:
Part 4/8:
Learning Curve: A crucial component for success on platforms like Etsy includes mastering the platform's search engine optimization (SEO). With thousands of listings created daily, simply waiting for sales won't yield results without understanding how to optimize listings effectively.
High Competition: The market is oversaturated with similar products, making it challenging for new sellers to stand out. The fierce competition often leads to price wars, where sellers are compelled to lower their prices, thus eroding profit margins.
Part 5/8:
Transaction and Listing Fees: Etsy imposes various fees—each listing incurs a charge, adding yet another layer of financial consideration that the original creator of the method failed to mention. In fact, a seller could easily find themselves spending upwards of $200 in fees before even making a single sale.
Involvement Requirements: Godbolt highlights a significant discrepancy in the claim that this side hustle operates on autopilot. Custom designs necessitate either active involvement from the seller, or outsourcing to a virtual assistant, which further reduces potential earnings.
The Financial Reality
Part 6/8:
In terms of actual earnings, Godbolt reveals that after two years of operating his Etsy shop, he has made only $49 from 13,000 visits and 46 orders. This stark contrast to the promised $7 per minute becomes particularly striking when one considers the rigorous effort required to achieve even modest results. He mentions that during a recent week, he received zero income despite having active listings—prompting a broader conversation about the likelihood of achieving the extravagant income projections presented in promotional videos.
Alternative Avenues for Income Generation
Part 7/8:
After dismantling the foundations of the print-on-demand claim, Godbolt advocates for a more sustainable and long-term approach to generating income online. He encourages potential entrepreneurs to establish a niche based on their interests or skills, identify a suitable platform (like YouTube or Pinterest), and create content that answers specific questions from their target audience.
This strategy not only permits the construction of meaningful connections with viewers but also presents various monetization opportunities, including affiliate marketing and digital product sales. Unlike the print-on-demand route, this method maximizes the earning potential without incurring excessive up-front costs or precarious competition.
Conclusion
Part 8/8:
While the allure of easy money through a print-on-demand side hustle is compelling, the reality is often far less forgiving. Godbolt's thorough breakdown reveals key obstacles that aspiring entrepreneurs would face along their journey, reinforcing the importance of hard work, dedication, and consistent learning. Ultimately, those hoping to make a living from online ventures should consider more stable and proven frameworks instead.