July 20, 2025
But when it comes time to actually produce merch, or add to your existing line, there’s a big question that comes up for each influencer…
Should you go the print-on-demand route or invest in bulk orders?
Each approach to merch making has its pros and cons. Your choice depends on where you are in your brand (and popularity) growth, how involved you want to be in the process, and how serious you are about using merchandise as the backbone of your business, because ultimately, the best thing to be known for is what you create. Let’s break it all down so you can make the right call for your brand.
Print on Demand (POD) means that your merch gets printed and shipped one piece at a time, only after someone places an order. You don’t have to pre-buy inventory, handle shipping, or manage fulfillment. Sounds ideal, right?
But the convenience of print-on-demand comes with tradeoffs.
POD sounds great on paper, but many creators find themselves frustrated once the orders start rolling in.
If your goal is to build a premium, reliable, sustainability-sourced merch line that reflects your brand quality, POD may not hold up over time.
Bulk ordering means you work directly with a screen printer (like Superior Ink) to produce a larger quantity of merch all at once. You create your unique design, choose your blanks, and forge a partnership with the printer that makes you feel in control and hands-off.
At first glance, bulk printing might feel like a bigger commitment, and it does have a riskier vibe. But for influencers serious about branding, growth, and long-term sales, it unlocks opportunities that POD just can’t touch.
Once you’ve got a message you are passionate about getting out there and a strong brand following, bulk merch orders open the door to something more sustainable and more profitable in the long run.
And maybe most importantly, bulk production lets you build hype around your merch drops. When it’s in your hands, you control the narrative.
With POD, your fans get a t-shirt. With bulk, they get something that feels intentional, elevated, and connected to your overall identity. Whether you're a musician, fitness coach, gamer, or lifestyle creator, quality matters, and people notice.
Want to turn your followers into loyal fans? It starts with a product that feels as thoughtful and relatable as your content.
One of the biggest misconceptions? That going bulk means managing inventory yourself.
That’s where full-service merch partners come in.
You can still enjoy hands-off convenience with way more control, quality, and profit.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and we’ll leave the influencing to you. What we do know is that the best merch strategy for you depends on where you are in your journey, how engaged your community is, and how you want to grow.
Print on Demand is often the go-to for creators just starting. If your audience is still small and you want to test a few designs without a big financial commitment, POD gives you a low-risk way to dip your toe into the merch world. You can upload designs, sync to your storefront, and start selling within hours. No upfront costs. No inventory. No hassle. It’s flexible and easy, and in the beginning, that might be all you need.
But as your platform grows, your merch should grow with it.
Bulk orders become the smarter choice once you’ve built some momentum. If you have a dedicated following, a consistent content strategy, and fans who want to represent your brand, investing in inventory pays off. Not only do you get more control over design, materials, and quality, but you also unlock better margins. That means more profit, more credibility, and a better experience for your audience.
Pro Tip - Bulk doesn’t have to mean going all-in on 1,000 pieces at once. With the right print partner, you can start small, get the quality you want, and grow as your demand does.
Want to build buzz? Bulk is your best bet.
POD doesn’t support limited drops well—it’s always available, always the same. But when you print a set quantity, hype builds around the idea of scarcity. “Only 100 hoodies available—ever.” It creates urgency and exclusivity. Two things the internet eats up.
Bonus: Pre-selling a bulk drop lets you collect orders in advance, cover production costs, and reduce risk. You print exactly what you need, and your fans know they’re getting something special.
Not every influencer needs to print 1,000 shirts to get started. But if you're even thinking about growing your merch into a meaningful part of your business, having a real conversation with a real printer is the best place to begin.
You don’t need to figure it all out alone. You just need a partner who gets it.
Print on Demand is a great tool, especially at the very beginning. But once you know your audience, have a clear visual identity, and want more than just passive sales, bulk merch gives you the power to level up.
You’ve already built a voice, a look, and a loyal fan base. Now it’s time to build the merch line that reflects it all.
Ready to make merch your next big move?
Get in touch with Superior Ink. We’ll help you make smart decisions, stay on budget, and create custom apparel that your followers won’t just wear—they’ll love.
Let’s make something unforgettable.
