Print-on-demand (POD) sounds like a dream.No stock. No warehouse fees. No awkward convos with your accountant about unsold crates of your debut novel living in your garage. But POD isn’t a shortcut to success — it’s just a different kind of hustle. Let’s ignore the shiny promises and talk about the real story on POD — the good, the bad, and the buried fine print.
Print-on-demand lets you upload a product design (book, shirt, mug, journal) and only pay to print it when someone actually buys it. No upfront inventory. No bulk orders. No packing boxes at midnight. Sounds good? Sure.
But margin-wise, it’s often thin as rice paper — and it works best when paired with smart marketing and niche targeting. Let’s look at how the giants stack up for books.
The Big Two: Amazon vs IngramSpark
Amazon KDP:You upload your manuscript to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), set your price, and Amazon handles the rest — printing, shipping, and listing it on Amazon marketplaces globally. Massive reach, no upfront fees and easy to update.
But:
- You’re at the mercy of Amazon’s algorithm
- There are limited print formats (e.g. hardcover still in beta or limited rollout)
- There are low royalties if you price too low (Amazon takes a fat slice of RRP)
And for Aussies? Amazon AU doesn’t print locally — so shipping from US or UK impacts both delivery time and cost. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely not what they plaster in the brochure.
Full breakdown of starting POD on Amazon here: Print On Demand with Amazon Guide 2025
IngramSpark:For books with bigger ambitions, IngramSpark is the professional’s POD platform. Think of it like the grown-up cousin to KDP. Libraries and bookstores source titles through Ingram’s global catalogue. We are talking about hardcover, paperback, colour — loads of formats, access to global distribution (bookstores, libraries) and better pricing flexibility.
But:
- Setup fees are around AUD$75 per title, unless you’ve got a promo code
- You need your own ISBN (which you can get via Thorpe-Bowker Australia)
- Learning to navigate their system is a higher learning curve
Want a walk-through? Try this: How to use IngramSpark for POD Publishing
What They Don’t Tell You (But Should)
🕒 Print-on-demand isn’t “instant.”Yes, it’s automated. No, it’s not Amazon Prime-fast. Print time + postage = slower delivery. Your readers might wait two–three weeks. Tell them upfront.
📦 Product quality varies.Amazon’s paperbacks? Decent. Ingram’s hardcovers? Better. But don’t assume — order proof copies. There’s nothing worse than discovering your margins are fine but your book cover looks like it was printed in the dark.
💸 Margins are skinny.You’re not paying upfront, but unit cost is higher. That means lower profit unless you price smart (and even then — volume is king).
Example: If your paperback costs AUD$6.50 to print and you sell it at AUD$18.99, subtract Amazon’s 40%–60% cut… and you’re not exactly booking a yacht in Noosa.
🌏 Aussie complications are real.
- ABN:You need your own ABN to set up an account with either supplier.
- GST: Amazon auto-adds GST in AU, but your backend reporting needs watching.
- Shipping: Books ordered by Aussie customers from Amazon AU often print in the US/UK.
- Ingram: Prints out of Melbourne (good!), but freight delays still happen.
📣 You’re still your own marketing team.POD handles fulfilment — not promotion. No one’s stumbling on your book unless you’re directing traffic (via email lists, socials, ads, or SEO).
POD Can Work For You
POD might just be your secret weapon, if you:
✅ Have a niche or genre with proven demand
✅ Willing to market your work like a pro (or learn fast)
✅ Got your pricing and margins calculated
✅ Comfortable testing and adjusting based on sales data
✅ Okay with not seeing your book in Dymocks (unless you pitch it yourself)
✅ Not allergic to terms like metadata, ISBN, and fulfilment logic
If not — time to rethink the model, or get support before you jump in.
Print-on-demand isn’t a scam. It’s also not a magic wand. It’s a tool — and like any tool, it works best in experienced hands.
So whether you’re selling fantasy epics or gym singlets — know your numbers, test your products, and treat it like a real business. Because it is one.
Helpful Resources:
Check out IngramSpark’s guide for new publishers, this no-BS Amazon POD breakdown or contact www.booktreepublishing.com.au (our sponsor) to see how they can help you navigate the uploads (or do it for you).