--- title: Select the best products for your shop shortDescription: Learn the differences between Print-On-Demand and MOQ to choose the best products and launch strategy for your store. articleType: Reference primaryTopic: product-selection-guide categories: - Products - Store Design tags: - print-on-demand - minimum-order-quantity - dtg-printing - screen-printing - embroidery - sublimation - product-sourcing - merch-strategy - product-launch - evergreen-store - best-selling-products - youth-sizes - bespoke-products tasks: - Choose between Print-on-Demand and MOQ production methods - Select the right print method for a product design - Pick blanks from the Fourthwall product catalog - Build a cohesive product collection - Decide between evergreen and drop-style launches - Plan a product line refresh schedule - Find out which products sell best on Fourthwall - Check if youth or kids sizes are available terms: - print on demand - POD - minimum order quantity - MOQ - DTG - DTFx - screen printing - blanks - evergreen store - merch strategy - best selling merch - youth sizes - kids sizes - custom products - bespoke sourcing labels: - product-strategy - print-methods - best-practices contextString: Available on all plans. Applies to creators selecting products and print methods for their Fourthwall shop. breadcrumbPath: "Create and sell products > Best Practices > How to select the best products for your shop" path: create-and-sell-products/best-practices/select-best-products relatedModules: - name: catalog-product-all route: /admin/products/all - name: products-list route: /admin/dashboard/products/all/ - name: catalog-product-discover route: /admin/products - name: collections-list route: /admin/dashboard/products/collections/ - name: theme-font-change route: /admin/dashboard/store-design/general/font-change last_updated: '2026-04-28' --- # Select the best products for your shop Fourthwall creators use two production methods: Print-On-Demand (POD), where items are printed one at a time after each order, and Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), where products are manufactured in bulk before being sold. Choosing the right method depends on your audience size, design goals, and how much risk you want to take on. ## Print-On-Demand production methods Print-On-Demand (POD) items are printed only after a supporter places an order. There are no minimums, no upfront inventory costs, and no risk of unsold stock. POD is the recommended starting point for most creators, especially those still growing their audience. **Direct-to-Garment (DTG)** printing produces a retail-quality finish where the print feels flush with the fabric. There are no color restrictions, making it suitable for complex, full-color designs. White designs on fully black garments can appear slightly faded, so that combination is not recommended unless it's a deliberate style choice. DTG works best for smaller or newer creators with no pressure to sell in bulk. **Direct-to-Film (DTFx)** prints have a smooth, slightly glossy finish about 0.1mm thick layered on the fabric. DTFx delivers sharper color vibrancy than DTG and works on more fabric types. It's a good option for creators who want consistent color pop without moving into MOQ territory. See the [DTFx printing technique article](/create-and-sell-products/printing-techniques/dtfx-printing-technique) for more details. **Embroidery (POD)** brings a premium finish and higher perceived value. Designs are stitch-based and work best with simpler artwork. For guidelines and best practices, see [Embroidery Best Practices](/create-and-sell-products/best-practices/embroidery-best-practices). **All-over prints (sublimation)** cover items like leggings, crop tops, and athletic tees with full-coverage designs on demand, with no MOQ required. Printing on seams is not supported, and print areas are typically limited to approximately 16" x 12" rectangles (front, back, and sleeves). Colors may be slightly less vibrant than screen printing. On-demand items include: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, joggers, sweatpants, shorts, tank tops, dresses, embroidered items, tote bags, desk mats, fleece blankets, throw pillows, coffee mugs, phone cases, posters, laptop sleeves, notebooks, journals, washcloths, towels, stainless steel tumblers, travel mugs, and all-over print items like bikinis, leggings, and athletic tops. ## When to use Print-On-Demand POD is the right choice when you want to launch fast with no upfront investment, don't have enough audience to support bulk runs, want unlimited color designs, or prefer low risk with no inventory to manage. ## Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) production methods MOQ products must reach a minimum number of orders before going into production. If minimums aren't met, orders can't be fulfilled. MOQ unlocks additional print methods and greater design flexibility, making it a good fit for experienced creators with established audiences. **Screen printing** is the most popular MOQ method for garments. It produces top-tier color vibrancy and high durability, matching the quality seen on graphic tees in major retailers. Screen printing supports block colors only (no full-color printing or gradients), cannot print on seams, is costly in low quantities, and carries extra fees per ink color used. Volume discounts apply to larger runs. **Full-dye sublimation** allows printing over the entire surface of a garment including shirts, hoodies, socks, and yoga pants. It produces high-quality results but can only be applied to polyester blend items. Occasional print inconsistencies may occur. **Cut-and-sew** is a variation of full-dye sublimation. Instead of using a whole garment, individual pieces (sleeves, torso) are cut, dyed, sublimated, and then sewn together. The result is more premium but the process is more expensive. **Embroidery (MOQ)** creates a premium product. The per-unit price may be higher than POD embroidery, but cost decreases as order volume increases. MOQ items include: color block hoodies, pigment-dyed apparel, screen-printed apparel, full-dye sublimation apparel, plushies, PopSockets, bracelets, necklaces, socks, slides, and sunglasses. ## How to choose blanks Blanks are un-designed base products you apply your artwork to. Browse the [Fourthwall product catalog](https://fourthwall.com/products/all) and filter by color availability or base price to find options that fit your vision. [Image: Filter produts by colors or base price] Once you select a blank, review the size range, color options, base cost range, print style, and printable areas. Material weight matters: a lightweight shirt like a Bella + Canvas 3001 feels very different from a heavier item like a Gildan sweatshirt. Search the product name online for detailed material specifications before committing. ## How to build a collection A strong collection feels intentional and covers multiple use cases: - **Seasonal range.** A shop with only hoodies and joggers in summer misses seasonal sales. Add lightweight t-shirts and shorts to stay relevant year-round. - **Accessories.** Smaller, inexpensive items like embroidered hats, phone cases, and mugs with matching designs help round out orders. - **Audience fit.** If your audience follows fashion trends, streetwear pieces like text-leg joggers, crop top hoodies, or dresses may perform alongside basics. ## What sells best on Fourthwall T-shirts, hoodies, and stickers are consistently among the top-selling categories on Fourthwall. They appeal to a broad audience, have low base costs, and work with a wide range of designs. Accessories like mugs, phone cases, and tote bags perform well as add-ons that round out orders. If you're unsure where to start, launch with 3 to 5 products across these categories and expand based on what sells. To track performance, check the [**Analytics**](https://my-shop.fourthwall.com/admin/dashboard/analytics/?redirect) section of your dashboard. Product performance data shows which items drive the most revenue, so you can focus on what works and retire what doesn't. ## Youth and kids sizes Youth and kids sizes are NOT part of the standard on-demand product catalog. Most blanks in the Fourthwall catalog are available in adult sizes only (typically S through 3XL, depending on the product). If your audience has strong demand for youth sizing, bespoke sourcing is the alternative. Bespoke Products let you work with Fourthwall's sourcing team to manufacture custom items in non-standard size ranges. Bespoke orders require a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), so this option works best for creators with enough audience demand to meet minimums. For more details, see [Add bespoke or minimum-order products to your shop](/create-and-sell-products/how-to-guides/add-bespoke-or-minimum-order-products). ## Non-standard or custom products Fourthwall's bespoke sourcing program lets you sell products outside the standard catalog: branded packaging, custom plushies, unique accessories, and more. The Fourthwall team handles manufacturing coordination, quality checks, and fulfillment. MOQ requirements apply, and lead times are longer than on-demand products. To start a custom product request, see [Add bespoke or minimum-order products to your shop](/create-and-sell-products/how-to-guides/add-bespoke-or-minimum-order-products). For common sourcing questions, see [Product sourcing FAQs](/create-and-sell-products/best-practices/product-sourcing-faqs). ## Launch types: evergreen, drop, and hybrid There are two main launch strategies: evergreen and drop. A hybrid approach combines both. **Evergreen stores** keep products available at all times with no expiration date. They are typically built on POD items and are the default model for creators starting out. - Products are always available for supporters to purchase - Low risk for creators with limited ecommerce experience - Stock limitations typically don't apply, so supporters get a reliable shopping experience - Consistent revenue stream with a strong promotional strategy - No built-in sense of urgency or scarcity - Requires consistent promotion to drive ongoing sales - Too many products at once can cause decision paralysis for supporters **Drop-style launches** release products for a limited time or until a set inventory sells out. Drops often use MOQ products but can also use POD items restricted to a specific sale window. - Creates urgency since products are available for a limited time only - Lets creators promote a specific launch window rather than promoting year-round - Supporters can only buy during the drop window, which may mean missing seasonal sales - Inventory limitations can affect the supporter experience **Hybrid launches** combine both approaches. Keeping evergreen POD products available at all times ensures supporters always have something to buy, while drop releases create excitement and urgency for new or limited-edition items. ## How often to refresh your product line Refresh your merch line at least twice a year. If there's strong demand, 3 to 4 times a year (roughly every 3 months) is a reasonable maximum. - **Product count.** There's no fixed rule, but fewer is often better. If you have a dozen items and only half are selling, remove the non-sellers. A focused shop is easier for supporters to browse. - **Seasonal timing.** Seasonal changes are natural refresh points: new warm-weather items in spring, cozy pieces for fall. November and December are the highest-traffic period for merch sales. - **Holiday planning.** When launching before the Black Friday rush, have everything planned at least a month in advance. Supply chains and carriers get backed up in late November. Orders placed after the first week of December cannot always be guaranteed to arrive by Christmas.