The TRUE Cost of Starting a Print on Demand Business in 2026

Thinking about starting a print-on-demand business in 2026? In this video I break down the real costs of POD — tools, listings, mockups, samples, and everything nobody mentions in their “passive income” videos. After 7+ years in the industry and over $130,000 profit, I’m giving you an honest look at what you actually need to spend (and what you don’t). Whether you're using Printful, Etsy, or Amazon Merch, this guide will help you budget wisely and avoid beginner mistakes. Bella's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/HellaBellaOfficial Get started using Printful: https://www.printful.com/design-side-hustle/a/hellabella Get 40 FREE Etsy Listings: https://etsy.me/4h0Aveh Merch Informer use code HELLABELLA for 20% OFF - https://merchinformer.com/1044.html Creative Fabrica 10 FREE Downloads: https://www.creativefabrica.com/ref/2622028/ #printful #printondemand #etsyprintondemand #passiveincome #etsyshop #graphicdesign CHAPTERS: 00:46 – Started in 2017 01:44 – You’re not an artist (and that’s okay) 02:08 – Etsy startup cost 03:00 – How much do you want to make? 03:19 – Ad spend budget 04:03 – Tools I’ve used 04:54 – ChatGPT 06:07 – Pretty Merch 06:50 – Printful 07:52 – Mockups 08:58 – Passive income 10:58 – Strategy I think works well 12:02 – Designs you make 12:17 – Branding 12:49 – 2025 earnings