Print-on-Demand or Affiliate Marketing: Which Fits You Better?

The online business scene is booming, and starting something of your own is now much easier than in the past. Among the many business models, two keep coming up again and again: Print-on-Demand (POD) and Affiliate Marketing. But the big question for many first-timers is: Should I go for POD, or would affiliate marketing suit me more? Or maybe even run both together for maximum returns?

In this guide, MatterTee takes you through a clear breakdown of these two approaches what they are, how they work, the pros and cons, and even how you can mix both for a stronger, more future-proof business strategy.

Getting the Basics Right: POD vs Affiliate Marketing

Print-on-Demand (POD)

POD is where you sell customised products (think T-shirts, mugs, tote bags, posters, and more) featuring your own artwork or designs. What makes it unique is that nothing is printed or produced until a customer places an order.

You control the designs, the brand, and the customer relationship essentially, you’re running the whole show.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing works very differently. Instead of creating or owning products, you help promote other people’s products or services through a unique affiliate link. When your audience buys through your link, you get a commission.

The process is simple:

1. Join an affiliate programme (e.g. Amazon Associates, or networks like AccessTrade).
2. Choose products that fit your audience.
3. Share your affiliate links through blogs, TikTok, Facebook, or emails.
4. Earn a commission whenever someone makes a purchase (or completes another action).

Here, you don’t handle product creation, fulfilment, or customer service your main role is marketing.

POD: Advantages and Challenges

Why people love POD:

• Build your own brand from the ground up.
• Full control over designs, pricing, and marketing.
• Higher margins compared to commission-only models.
• Low upfront cost no inventory required.
• Room for endless creativity in products and niches.

But also take note:

• You’ll need to juggle many roles (designer, marketer, customer service).
• Quality and fulfilment depend on your POD partner choose wisely.
• Competition is high, so your designs must stand out.
• Customer service responsibility falls on you.

Affiliate Marketing: Strengths and Limitations

What’s good about it:

• Super low cost to start sometimes all you need is a social media page.
• No need to handle stock, shipping, or returns.
• Work anywhere, anytime, with full flexibility.
• Fast to get started with minimal risk.

The flip side:

• You don’t build your own brand; you’re promoting someone else’s.
• Commissions are usually small and income can be unstable.
• No control over product quality, prices, or programme changes.
• You need a lot of traffic for decent income.
• Your reputation could take a hit if you promote poor-quality products.

Choosing Between the Two

Your decision depends on your goals, skills, and resources.

Go for POD if:

• You enjoy designing and want your own brand identity.
• You’re fine putting in extra effort upfront for bigger returns later.
• You want full control of your products.

Example: Running an Etsy shop with your own T-shirt line and building a loyal following.

Go for Affiliate Marketing if:

• You’re skilled in content creation, SEO, or already have a large audience.
• You want to earn without managing logistics.
• You prefer to avoid risks tied to inventory and fulfilment.

Example: A blogger who reviews gadgets and inserts affiliate links to Amazon.

Can You Combine POD and Affiliate Marketing?

Absolutely and that’s often the smartest approach. Here are two ways:

1. Use Affiliate Marketing to support your POD store

• Promote related products alongside your designs (e.g. selling fitness-themed shirts + recommending running shoes through affiliate links).
• Write comparison or review articles that include affiliate products while highlighting your own.
• Monetise visitors who don’t buy your POD items by redirecting them to affiliate content.

2. Use POD to level up your Affiliate Marketing

• If you already have a strong community, launch your own merchandise (e.g. mugs or shirts with your catchphrases).
• Selling your own line gives you more credibility and positions you as an authority.
• You can tap on your existing traffic for higher conversions.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• If your long-term aim is building a lasting, ownable brand, POD gives you that opportunity.
• If you’re looking for quick income streams without worrying about fulfilment, affiliate marketing is a great start.
• But the best path for 2025 and beyond? A hybrid strategy. Begin with the model that suits your current strengths, then integrate the other to build a well-rounded business ecosystem.

At MatterTee, we’re here to back your POD journey turning your creative ideas into reality with high-quality printing and reliable fulfilment, so you can focus on building your brand with confidence.

Vivian Lee

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