The U.S. offers countless opportunities for entrepreneurs and creative individuals to start and grow businesses in various industries. Among these, the print-on-demand (POD) sector has become a particularly attractive opportunity for individuals looking to build a brand without the need for managing inventory. For non-residents looking to break into this market, understanding the logistics of starting a business in the U.S. is the first step toward success.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of setting up your POD business in the U.S. as a non-resident and how creating your company the right way can help simplify operations and maximize your profits.
Why Start a Print-on-Demand Business in the U.S.?
The print-on-demand model is ideal for entrepreneurs, artists, and brands who dream of selling custom apparel and other merchandise without risking excess inventory. Platforms like Apliiq make it even easier, as they handle the design, fulfillment, and shipping process for you.
With your designs and their fulfillment solutions, the only thing left to do is handle the business side. And for non-residents, this involves navigating the U.S. business formation process.
Steps for Non-Residents to Launch a POD Business in the U.S.
Building a successful POD business as a non-resident requires more than just great designs. Here’s a simplified roadmap:
Legally Form Your U.S. Company
To conduct eCommerce and tap into the U.S. market, forming a legal business entity in the U.S. is essential. Most international entrepreneurs opt for an LLC (Limited Liability Company) due to its flexibility and low administrative requirements.
Platforms like Clemta specialize in helping non-residents set up their U.S.-based businesses. By guiding entrepreneurs through the company formation process, Clemta ensures that non-residents can hit the ground running without complications or unnecessary delays.
The incorporation process will include:
- Choosing a business name
Registering your LLC in a U.S. state (Delaware and Wyoming are popular choices for simplicity). Securing an EIN (Employer Identification Number), which is required for banking and tax purposes.
Still can’t decide? You can visit the blog: 200+ LLC Name Ideas
- Set Up a U.S. Bank Account
A U.S. business bank account allows you to easily receive and manage payments from platforms like Shopify or Etsy and from fulfillment services like Apliiq. Some online payment services (like Stripe or PayPal) may require a U.S. bank account to process transactions in the U.S.
Even for non-residents, opening a U.S. bank account is manageable with a company like Clemta, which provides assistance during the application process.
- Understand U.S. Taxes
The U.S. tax system can feel overwhelming as a non-resident, but managing your federal and state-level filings is critical for legal compliance. Services like Clemta’s Federal Tax Filing or State Tax Filing ensure that non-resident entrepreneurs stay stress-free while fulfilling obligations.
Additionally, if you’re planning to trademark your designs or brand for future growth, Clemta also provides trademark filing services. This can be particularly useful when building a recognizable brand in the POD space.
- Start Designing and Selling with Apliiq
Once you’ve established your legal company, and bank account, and filed necessary tax documents, you’re ready to focus on the creative part of building your POD business. Apliiq makes this simple:
No Upfront Costs: As there’s no inventory requirement, you only produce items when a sale is made.
Customization Options: From embroidery to screen printing, Apliiq allows you to create completely unique pieces for your brand.
Simplified Fulfillment: Apliiq handles the production and delivery of your orders, so you can focus on building and marketing your brand.
Many artists, entrepreneurs, and non-resident founders have used this seamless process to connect with millions of customers in the U.S. and beyond.
Why Work with Clemta?
For non-residents entering the U.S. market, ensuring compliance while simplifying the business formation process is essential. Clemta provides a complete range of services for eCommerce entrepreneurs, including:
- Business formation and EIN applications.
- Bank account and tax filing services.
- Documents like Certificate of Good Standing and Reseller Certificates.
- Assistance with Beneficial Ownership Information Return (BOI).
- By partnering with Clemta, you can focus on your POD venture while they handle the legal and administrative side of things.
Key Considerations for Success
Before you begin your POD journey:
- Research your target audience and niche to select designs that will resonate with your customers.
- Take advantage of platforms like Apliiq, which streamline the logistical aspects of print-on-demand.
- Keep track of your financial and legal obligations to avoid unnecessary fines or complications.
Final Thoughts
Starting a print-on-demand business in the U.S. as a non-resident is an exciting opportunity, offering significant potential for non-resident entrepreneurs to expand their global reach. By working with experienced partners like Clemta to handle the technical details of business formation and leveraging Apliiq for streamlined apparel production, you’ll have the right tools and resources at your disposal to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life.
The U.S. market is ready for your designs—are you ready to bring them to the world?
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