A “printable” refers to a digital file that can be easily printed using a standard printer. These files are typically sold as downloadable documents, which you can buy, download, and print at home or at a local print shop. It’s an easy business to start with low starting costs. If you are either artistic or a good planner this could be a possible retirement side hustle for you.
Printable Business Ideas
Printables come in many forms, covering a wide range of needs and interests. Some common types include:
Planners and Organizers: Calendars, daily schedules, meal planners, budget planners, etc.
- Planners and Organizers: Calendars, daily schedules, meal planners, budget planners, etc.
- Art and Décor: Artistic designs, quotes, photographs, which you can print and frame for home decor.
- Craft Patterns and Templates: Sewing patterns, knitting patterns, scrapbooking templates.
- Educational Materials: Worksheets for kids, lesson plans, educational posters, flashcards.
- Party Supplies: Invitations, banners, cupcake toppers, party games, and decorations.
- Business Tools: Business cards, inventory sheets, invoice templates, organizational charts.
- Guides and Checklists: Travel checklists, packing lists, DIY project guides.
- Health and Fitness Trackers: Workout logs, diet plans, health journals, medication schedules.
If you aren’t familiar with printables, let me explain the typical process of how people would use your product. Initially, you would purchase the printable online. After making the purchase, you’ll receive a link to download the file, which is usually in PDF format. Next, you’ll open the file on your computer and print it using your home printer. If you don’t own a printer or if you’re in need of a higher-quality printout, you have the option to take the file to a local print shop. Once the document is printed, it’s yours to use as you see fit. For instance, you could fill out a planner with your schedule, hang a piece of printed artwork on your wall, or utilize printed party decorations for a birthday celebration. Whether they are organizing their day, decorating their home, or planning an event, there’s likely a printable that can make the task easier and more enjoyable. This versatility and wide appeal makes printables a compelling option for retirees seeking to leverage their skills and interests into additional income.
Successful Printable Companies
If you are interested in what a printable company looks like, below are 3 examples of successful printable companies:
Erin Condren Design (https://www.erincondren.com/)
This company is well-known for its high-quality, customizable planners and organizational tools. Their products often include printable versions of planners, calendars, and other organizational aids. Erin Condren Design has grown significantly due to its focus on aesthetics, functionality, and the ability to personalize products.
Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/)
This is not a single company but rather Teachers Pay Teachers is an online marketplace where educators sell their original educational materials, many of which are printables. Numerous sellers on TpT have found great success by offering lesson plans, worksheets, and other educational resources in printable formats.
Printable Wisdom (https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrintableWisdom)
This Etsy-based shop specializes in calligraphy and hand-lettered design printables, ranging from wall art to wedding invitations. Printable Wisdom stands out for its unique, handcrafted designs and has garnered a substantial following and customer base on the Etsy platform.
These companies and platforms highlight the diversity within the printable market, making them excellent for those looking for side hustles for retirees. Their success is rooted in understanding their target audience, offering high-quality and unique designs, and effectively utilizing online platforms to reach customers.
Printable Download Niches
There is a lot of competition in the printable business, so finding low-competition niches in the printable market requires a bit of research and creativity. Here are five ideas for printable types that might face less competition, filling gaps within the market.
- Printable Kits for Unique Hobbies: Think about hobbies that are less mainstream, like astronomy, bird watching, or home brewing, and create printables that serve these interests (logs, guides, etc.).
- Gardening and Plant Care Guides: Create printables for specific types of gardening, like urban gardening, succulent care, or seasonal planting guides.
- Pet Care Records and Guides: Develop printables for pet owners, like vaccination trackers, training logs, or species-specific care sheets.
- Cultural Education Materials: Create printables that help teach about different cultures or languages, which could include language learning aids, cultural stories, traditional craft templates, etc. This could be a great one for people who are looking fir side hustles for teachers.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainability Guides: Design printables that focus on sustainable living, like zero-waste checklists, recycling tips, or eco-friendly household practices.
- Event Planning Checklists for Niche Events: Think beyond weddings and birthdays. Create planning guides for events like baby showers, retirement parties, or even pet birthdays.
- Financial Planning and Investment Trackers: Develop niche financial planning tools, like budget planners for specific life situations (college students, new parents, retirees) or investment tracking sheets.
When exploring these niches, it’s important to research thoroughly to ensure there is indeed a demand. A good strategy is to look for areas where you have personal interest or expertise, as this will help you create more authentic and useful products,
As you begin your journey into the printable download business, focus on identifying your niche and understanding what unique offerings you can bring to your customers. Start small, perhaps with a few designs that showcase your unique style or address specific needs in the market. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors to find out what types of printables they use. Remember, every successful business starts with a single step: yours is creating your first printable,
If you would like more side hustle ideas for either preretirement or retired people, please visit sidehustleforretirees.com.