How to Start Your Print on Demand Skateboard Business on Shopify [2024]

You've decided to start selling custome skateboard on Shopify? Smart move! Shopify is visited by billions every month, offering a simple platform for beginners to launch their ecommerce ventures without needing to build a store from scratch.

Pairing this market opportunity with a popular product like skateboards, especially custom ones featuring game elements, fan themes, and trendy designs, is promising. Shopify is ideal for this, providing a hassle-free shopping experience and global shipping options.

But is there money in selling custom skateboards? Let's talk about it.

The global skateboard market has seen significant growth recently. The market was valued at USD 2.97 billion in 2022 and is expected to climb to USD 3.93 billion by 2030. In the US alone, the demand for skateboards generates about $2 billion annually.

With an annual market growth rate of 3.1%, the skateboard market is projected to reach $2.38 billion by 2025.

With increasing competition,  success requires niche-specific designs, carefully selected product providers, competitive pricing, and a solid marketing strategy.

Get to know print on demand business

For sellers planning to start an online skateboard shop, Print on Demand (POD) offers a zero-risk, low-cost business model. This approach operates online, selling custom-designed items produced only after an order is received, thus eliminating the need for initial inventory investment and reducing risk.

Many sellers opt for high-quality platforms like PrintKK due to the savings on design and online platform development team costs, as well as the management hassle. They simply need to create an account on PrintKK, use its smart and convenient tools to easily complete product designs, and with one click integrate with platforms like Shopify, enabling them to have their own stores on leading e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon.

For artists seeking to profit from their creations, or entrepreneurs looking to expand their brand or joint ventures, POD services cater to a diverse audience. You provide the designs, and your chosen POD service manages everything else - printing, packaging, and direct shipping to customers.

This setup not only saves time, allowing focus on design and marketing, but also supports a wide range of products without the need for physical storage, seamlessly blending creativity with commerce.

How to know if print on demand skateboard business model is right for you?

If you are looking for minimal upfront investment or lack confidence in assembling a team to design and set up a shop initially, and prefer to focus on product design, marketing, and store operations without managing inventory, then the print on demand skateboard business model is an ideal choice.

Adopting a print on demand approach for a skateboard business not only benefits initial sellers in terms of reduced risk and costs but also alleviates the burden of inventory management and global shipping, making it easier and more efficient for Shopify store owners.

How to start selling print on demand skateboard on Shopify in 2024?

1.Decide on your target market and unique selling proposition

2.Build your custome skateboard shop on Shopify and create your brand

3.Choose your print on demand skateboard supplier

4.Create designs, click to connect with shopify

5.Set up payment and shipping options

6.List your skateboard products

7.Start your marketing works, and witness the business growth

1.Decide on your target market and unique selling proposition

Identify a specific group of consumers whose interests and needs align with what you can offer. A well-defined target market and unique selling proposition (USP) are crucial as they guide all other decisions. For instance, if your target audience is young professionals passionate about street art, your USP could be custom skateboards featuring exclusive designs from notable street artists.

2.Build your custome skateboard shop on Shopify

Set up your online store using Shopify, a platform that offers robust e-commerce tools and flexibility. Personalize your shop to reflect your brand, which should resonate with your target audience's aesthetics and values. Your brand is not just your logo; it encompasses your customer service, product quality, and overall customer experience.

3.Choose your print on demand skateboard supplier

Select a print-on-demand supplier that specializes in high-quality skateboard production and can integrate seamlessly with Shopify. Factors to consider include production and shipping times, product quality, and the ability to fulfill custom orders effectively. Companies like Printful or PrintKK offer extensive customization options and reliable fulfillment services.

4.Create designs

Design your skateboard products using tools provided by your POD supplier. For instance, PrintKK offers a free Design Maker with various resources like fonts, cliparts, and quick designs. Ensure your designs align with your brand and appeal to your target market. Once your designs are ready, use the POD platform's Shopify integration to connect them directly to your store.

5.Set up payment and shipping options

Configure payment gateways that are secure and widely used by your target audience. Shopify supports various payment processors, making this step relatively straightforward. Set up shipping options that offer a balance between cost-efficiency and speed, ensuring customers receive their orders promptly without high shipping fees.

6.List your skateboard products

Upload your product listings to your Shopify store, including high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and pricing information. Make sure each listing is SEO-friendly to improve visibility on search engines. Clear, concise, and compelling product descriptions can significantly boost your conversion rates.

7.Marketing and win your business growth

Implement a marketing strategy that encompasses social media, content marketing, email campaigns, and possibly collaborations with influencers in the skateboard or design communities.

Monitor the performance of your marketing efforts and adjust your strategies based on what delivers the best results. Regularly engage with your customers and use their feedback to refine your products and services.

How to choose between print-on-demand services

Once you've chosen your business model, you might find yourself puzzled over which service provider to select. Let's discuss what to consider when choosing an print on demand company as your product provider.

We can start our research and decision-making process by focusing on several key areas that print on demand model can offer:

• Product range and quality
• Printing quality
• Shipping logistics and costs
• Integration capabilities with major platforms like Amazon
• Customer support during usage

Product Quality and Variety: Evaluate the range of products offered and assess the quality of samples. Additionally, consider the quality of printing and packaging, which can enhance customer satisfaction. High-quality products, prints, and packaging are crucial for success.

Printing and Shipping Costs: Compare and weigh the costs associated with printing and shipping. While reducing costs can increase your profit margins, ensure that price reductions do not compromise quality.

Integration Capabilities: Look for on-demand services that can easily integrate with your online store platforms, such as Shopify or Etsy. If you don't have a store yet, seek companies offering the widest range of platform options to give you the most choices.

Customer Service and Support: Choose a print on demand service with reliable customer support. Effectively handling order errors or shipping delays is vital for customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, researching reviews and the reputation of print on demand companies on Facebook groups, online forums, and industry-specific websites is also crucial. This can give you a broader understanding of their reliability, product quality, customer service, and how they handle issues.

Time to launch your own online custome skateboard store and start selling

Armed with this blueprint for starting a successful print on demand business, the next step is yours to take. Don't let hesitation stop you. Launch your online store, turn your creative concepts into reality, and begin selling today. Your entrepreneurial journey starts now - approach it with confidence and excitement.

Print-on-demand FAQs

How can I customize and personalize skateboards for individual customers?

To customize and personalize skateboards effectively, focus on offering a wide range of design options and ensure the customization process is user-friendly. Utilize online tools that allow customers to upload their graphics or choose from pre-designed templates.

Additionally, offer various skateboard components like decks, wheels, and trucks for a fully personalized experience. Make sure your printing technology can handle detailed and durable graphics to maintain high quality.

How do I choose the right print on demand company for skateboards?

Choosing the right print on demand company for skateboards involves several considerations:

Quality of Printing: Ensure the company uses high-quality printing techniques that can produce vibrant, long-lasting designs without fading or peeling.

Material Quality: The durability of the skateboards is crucial, so check that the company uses high-grade materials.

Customization Capabilities: Look for flexibility in customization options that cater to different customer preferences.

Integration and Fulfillment: The company should integrate seamlessly with your sales platform and offer reliable fulfillment and shipping services.

Customer Reviews and Reputation: Research customer feedback and the company's reputation in the market to gauge reliability and service quality.

What are the trends in the skateboard industry, and how can I adapt my business to them?

Current trends in the skateboard industry include sustainable and eco-friendly materials, retro designs, and the integration of technology.

To adapt your business to these trends:

Eco-friendly Practices: Consider offering skateboards made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled components. This appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Retro and Custom Art: Retro styles are making a comeback. Combine this with the option for customers to create or upload custom artwork to appeal to both nostalgic and creative demographics.

Tech Integration: Explore opportunities to incorporate technology, such as LED lights or GPS trackers, which can differentiate your product in a tech-savvy market.