Darrin: Oh, wow! And it’s 2:11 p.m. here in Atlanta. Thank you so much for making time. You work in B2B partnerships, and your YouTube channel for Printful is just mind-blowing. I love the content and the wealth of knowledge. Before I get started, Printful sent me so much gear — my M3 shirt, my water bottle right here, and a hat. I’m all swagged out! I’m so honored. Honestly, Liz, I’m excited about this discussion because I’ve been a fan of Printful for years. I started out in New Orleans selling Mardi Gras beads and had an online store doing drop shipping. I don’t think people really understand the power of using drop shipping and print-on-demand. Before I go further, tell me — what excites you most about working at Printful and all the amazing people there?

Liz: The thing that’s always been the most exciting to me is the accessibility it brings to people. I’ve met so many customers who’ve done incredible things with print on demand, and it’s inspiring to see people realize their dreams and create awesome designs — things that I want myself! Many work for great causes or for themselves, and Printful has given them a vehicle that wouldn’t have been accessible otherwise. In the past, you’d have to buy inventory and store it at home. Print on demand makes creating custom pieces possible for everyone.

Darrin: Absolutely! Even this water bottle — I’m not just saying it because you’re on the call — the quality is premium. There’s a straw inside! In the old days, starting a t-shirt or hat business meant big investments — finding wholesalers, buying in bulk, guessing what might sell. But with Printful, there’s no risk. You can upload designs and have a store running that generates money while you sleep. It’s amazing.

Darrin: Before we get deeper into topics, I just want to remind everyone that Giving Tuesday is only 26 days away — December 2nd! This is the perfect time to start generating revenue with print on demand. But for anyone just starting out, don’t try to launch too many products. Start with one design and two or three items. Would you agree, Liz?

Liz: 100%. Especially if this is completely new — you’ve never done merch or set up a store — it’s not hard, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself in the beginning. Start with one design — maybe your logo or a slogan your supporters already recognize. Put it on simple products like a t-shirt, hat, or mug. That’s it. You can do it in 20 minutes. So many people get excited about merch and never actually start; they overthink it, research too long, and the holidays pass by. Just start!

Darrin: That’s so true. And I love what you said about using a slogan instead of just a logo. That really helps you stand out. Can you explain why that’s important?

Liz: Sure. Your logo means a lot to you — you spent time on it and you’re attached to it — but new audiences don’t yet have that connection. They might care more about a cause, an idea, or a fun slogan they can relate to. A slogan can evoke emotion and curiosity. You can always include the logo too, but slogans often resonate first.

Darrin: Exactly! If you’re at the store or a conference, people who already know your organization recognize your logo. But strangers notice a clear message like “Save the Whales” or “End Food Insecurity.” That invites connection and conversation. You can still include your logo, but the slogan grabs attention. Supporters can literally wear your mission on their hearts and sleeves! Speaking of that — if someone has no experience with Printful, how long would it take them to upload a product and get a sample?

Liz: If you already have a design file, like your logo, it’ll take maybe three minutes. It’s as quick as placing an order online. You can also create a free storefront and go live in 10–15 minutes. It’s really that accessible. And yes — you can order samples to see and feel products before you sell them.

Darrin: That’s helpful! Honestly, if you can use Facebook or Instagram or TikTok, you can use Printful. The interface is user-friendly and fun. Plus, Printful has a whole content library full of design ideas. For those listening who want something tangible to apply, let’s do a little role-play. Suppose this water bottle costs $20 wholesale on Printful. If I sell it for $40 on my site, I make about $20 profit after fees. Printful connects with Shopify, WordPress, Wix — it’s easy to integrate or even run standalone. When a customer buys it for $40, Printful takes their $20 cut, ships it to the buyer, and updates inventory automatically. You can even set options for backorders. It’s seamless.

Darrin: Another cool thing — you can offer coupon codes or rewards. It’s a great way to build engagement and energy around your brand. For Giving Tuesday, for example, you can create donation tiers: donate $100 and get a free item; donate $500 and get a bundle. Think creatively! We’re moving into 2026 with tools that make it easier than ever to raise funds. Would you agree, Liz?

Liz: Exactly. You’re so right. The key is not to overcomplicate it. All you need is a design, a product, and a store — those three pieces. Once you have that foundation, you can add the extras later — discounts, loyalty tiers, and more — but don’t let those hold you back from starting.

Darrin: Yes, absolutely. And I love that because as you said, start simple — your logo, a slogan, a few items. Let’s talk about product ideas. Everyone immediately thinks of t-shirts, but Printful offers much more. What are some unconventional or surprising products that nonprofits and mission-based leaders should consider beyond the classic tee?

Liz: Around the holidays, I often see success in the home-and-living category — items that work well for gifting. Stationery is one many people overlook. A simple notebook with a slogan can be powerful, especially for nonprofits. It’s professional, affordable, and easy to customize. For example, if your organization partners with a company sponsor, branded notebooks with your message can be a great thank-you gift for their teams. It’s beginner-friendly and connects beautifully with your cause.

Darrin: I love that idea! I know several people who could benefit from that. And that’s the beauty of it — anyone can participate. After this conversation, I’m calling a few colleagues to tell them about notebooks! Now, you recently posted on LinkedIn about order deadlines for the holidays. Could you recap that? People watching later will want to know when they need their stores ready.

Liz: Absolutely. The order-by deadlines depend on two things: where your customers are located and which holiday they’re buying for — Christmas, New Year’s, Black Friday, etc. On the Printful website, there’s a “Holiday Order Deadlines” page. You choose your country and your holiday, and it displays product-specific cutoff dates. For example, U.S. apparel orders might need to be placed by December 15 to arrive by Christmas. Communicating these deadlines to your supporters is crucial, especially during gifting seasons. It sets expectations and ensures happy customers.

Darrin: Perfect. Now, some nonprofit leaders watching this are fired up, but others might feel discouraged. Budgets are tight, staff are overworked, and some think, “This is great, but I don’t have the capacity.” Others might feel it’s too far outside their comfort zone or that they aren’t tech-savvy enough. How do we help them see that this really is for everyone?

Liz: Great question. I’ll split it in two. First, if you feel overwhelmed or short on time, focus on your goal. If your goal is simply to create an additional income stream or a way for supporters to donate by buying, you can do that in about an hour. Set aside one hour this week — that’s all it takes to launch a small store. You don’t need to build a massive catalog. Second, if you’re worried it’s too technical, don’t be. Printful is designed to be accessible. You don’t need to code. We even have “Quick Stores” — you just add your logo and store name, and it’s live. The interface walks you through pricing so you won’t undercharge. There are videos and tutorials for everything, and you can always reach out for support. It’s easier than most people think.

Darrin: Exactly. If you can use Facebook or Instagram, you can use Printful. It even shows suggested retail prices and profit margins, so you’re guided the whole way. It automatically generates product mock-ups and lifestyle images that you can post on your website or social media. Here’s what I’d do if I were starting from scratch: I’d take my logo, pick one to three products — maybe a t-shirt, a hat, or a water bottle — and set up an online store. I’d link it to my existing site or domain, send an email blast to my supporters through Mailchimp or HubSpot, and announce it on social. I’d also ask my audience for feedback — “Which design do you like best?” That inclusion builds engagement and gives supporters a sense of ownership in your mission.

Liz: Exactly! You can even turn that feedback into marketing. Do an Instagram story poll asking supporters to vote on your next slogan or design. It makes people feel included. And once you have sample products, use them for giveaways. For example, order a few discounted samples through Printful, then host a social-media giveaway: “Share our page and tell us why you support our cause — we’ll randomly choose a winner tomorrow.” You’ll build visibility, gain followers, and someone gets a nice gift. Plus, people will say, “Oh, they have merch? I didn’t know!” It’s simple, fun, and effective.

Darrin: I love that! Funny story — I’ve been posting the swag you sent me, like this water bottle and hat, on Instagram, and people have asked to buy them! Even I might need to launch M3 merch now. Who wouldn’t want cool gear like this? It’s a no-brainer.

Liz: Same here! Behind the scenes, when we were planning what to send you, I thought, “Which products do I personally love?” That water bottle is my favorite. I own several because it’s durable, has a handle, and keeps me hydrated. I used to drink too much coffee, so now I keep one bottle at my desk and another by my bed. Honestly, I might order a third one soon — it’s that good.

Darrin: The quality really is excellent. When mine arrived, I posted it and people noticed right away. We live in a world where everyone recognizes quality instantly, and this stands out. My logo looks crisp, the print has depth, and even the straw and lid design are premium. It’s become my gym and travel bottle. And imagine — if this had a nonprofit logo instead, it would be a walking conversation starter. Someone would ask, “Where did you get that?” and that sparks a chat about your cause. That’s what makes this so powerful. For everyone listening, we’re not adding to your workload — we’re helping you invest one hour into something that can generate long-term support.

Darrin: Think about it this way: it’s minimal upfront cost — maybe just time and a sample order — but the upside is recurring revenue and awareness. You can start with one product and grow. Ask your supporters or volunteers for design help if you don’t have in-house talent. It could even be a fun contest — invite people to submit slogan ideas or artwork for your next campaign. It builds excitement and inclusion.

Liz: Exactly. Many people want to support causes they care about but can’t give money. Let them contribute their skills instead — maybe they’re good with Canva or social media. Ask, “Who can help me design or promote our merch?” It deepens community ties. Collaborate with small artists too — they can cross-promote your organization while showcasing their work. It’s a win-win for visibility and impact.

Darrin: That’s brilliant. And I always tell people — it’s okay to start small. Think of it like the iPhone analogy: you don’t need to be iPhone 16 right away. Be iPhone 1 — start simple, test, and evolve. Don’t let perfectionism stop you. This is a safe, low-risk investment. You might only lose a little time, but you’ll gain knowledge and maybe create something sustainable for your mission.

Liz: Absolutely. You’ll learn as you go, and the variety of products is huge. I recommend starting with core items: t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, or notebooks. Then you can expand into more creative products. I’ve also put together a quick PDF that outlines the three steps to launching your store — choosing a storefront type, selecting designs, and picking from top-selling categories. It includes links to product examples, deadlines for holiday shipping, and links to our YouTube tutorials.

Darrin: Perfect. And you brought surprises for our viewers, right? Tell us about them!

Liz: Yes! First, there’s a quick feedback Google Form — you’ll find the link in the chat — and second, you can download the free PDF I mentioned. It walks you through those three setup steps. And of course, there’s also a discount for our viewers: use the code “MYMOGUL” on Printful.com for $20 off your first order. It’s limited to the first hundred people, so act quickly!

Darrin: Fantastic. So, for everyone watching: go to Printful.com, choose at least one or two products, upload your logo or tagline, and give your supporters something they’ll actually love. A nice tee, a mug, or a water bottle can go a long way. For Giving Tuesday, create giving tiers — maybe donations above $50 include merch as a thank-you gift. It keeps your organization top of mind and builds loyalty. Imagine seeing your logo every day on someone’s desk or in their kitchen — that’s priceless marketing.

Liz: Exactly. And if you ever get stuck, check out the Printful YouTube channel — it has hundreds of tutorials. If you’d like personalized help, fill out that form and include your email so our team can reach out. You can also message me on LinkedIn; I’m always happy to help new creators and nonprofits get started.

Darrin: That’s amazing. Liz, thank you so much — and huge kudos to the entire Printful team. I love your energy, your generosity, and all the insight you’ve shared. I hope we can do a Part 2 soon and maybe feature someone who launched their store after watching this. I’ve been a longtime fan of Printful — the customer service, the quality, and the community you’ve built are phenomenal. Thank you for everything. And everyone watching, remember: use code MYMOGUL for $20 off at Printful.com. I can’t wait to see your merch. Tag me on LinkedIn or message me if you need guidance.

Liz: Thank you for having me, Darrin. This was so much fun. I can’t wait to see what people create. Bye-bye!