If you run a print-on-demand (POD) store, you’ll eventually get a product request that sounds simple—until you discover it isn’t in any mainstream POD catalog.
This guide covers the most common hard-to-find POD products (and near-misses)—from spare tire covers and shaker keychains to custom-shaped pillows, stationery, Japan domestic fulfillment, variable sticker/label printing, and press-on nail alternatives.
Each section is marked with:
- ✅ POD exists (you can do it with a real POD supplier)
- ⚠️ Kind of (possible, but only with specialty catalogs or a different workflow)
- ❌ Not really POD (usually requires custom manufacturing, handmade production, or a local print workflow)
Note: product catalogs change. Always verify current availability and production location on the provider’s product page before you sell.
Quick decision guide
Before you waste hours searching, answer these 4 questions:
1. Does it need special construction (tailoring, padding, liquid-filled parts, unusual shapes)?
- If yes -> likely ⚠️/❌.
2. Does it require “variable printing” (every item different) in one order?
- If yes → likely ⚠️ (you need a variable-data workflow).
3. Do you need domestic fulfillment in a specific country?
- If yes → treat it as a logistics problem first.
4. Is the product a novelty SKU (motel key tags, shaker keychains)?
- If yes → search specialty catalogs, not mainstream POD.
How to brief a POD supplier (so you get a real answer)
When you ask in communities or support chats, include:
- Where you ship from/to: country + “must be domestic” or “OK if cross-border”
- Quantity: 1-off POD vs small batch (10–100) vs wholesale (100+)
- Customization type: one design for all vs personalization vs every unit unique
- Material constraints: vinyl/UV, acrylic thickness, paper stock, fabric type, etc.
- Print method preference: DTG / embroidery / sublimation / UV print / laser / etc.
The product list
1) Spare tire covers (vinyl / UV protected)
Verdict: ✅ POD exists (specialty catalogs)
What’s realistic: Spare tire covers are usually treated as car accessories. Some POD suppliers offer them as made-to-order SKUs.
A practical place to start is with providers that commonly carry this SKU, like Merchize and Print KK.
What to watch:
- Tire sizes (fit is everything)
- Material/UV claims (get samples)
- Shipping cost (bulky item)
2) Shaker keyrings (with charms/liquid inside)
Verdict: ⚠️ Sometimes (specialty), otherwise ❌
What’s realistic: “Shaker” style items are manufacturing-heavy vs pure printing. You’ll sometimes find them as novelty POD SKUs, but they’re not common across providers.
If you want the quickest yes/no, check the novelty accessory catalogs at Merchize and Print KK.
If you can’t find it:
- Switch to standard acrylic keychains (still looks great, much easier)
- Or go small-batch custom manufacturer (MOQ likely)
3) “Can POD print on men’s suits / blazers?”
Verdict: ❌ For real suits. ⚠️ for “AOP blazer/jacket-style” products.
Reality check: Tailored suits/blazers have sizing complexity, construction, and high return risk. Most POD catalogs don’t offer true suits.
If you’re trying to get as close as possible within POD catalogs, browse providers known for all-over-print cuts like InterestPrint and Yoycol.
Workable alternatives:
- Sell AOP jackets / bomber jackets / casual blazers instead of suits
- If it must be a suit: you’re in custom apparel manufacturing territory (MOQs, sizing charts, sampling rounds)
4) Stationery (envelopes, paper products, return address labels)
Verdict: ✅ Stationery exists, but envelopes + addressing often work better via dedicated print providers.
What’s realistic: POD platforms can cover notebooks/cards/postcards and some paper goods. But envelopes, addressing, and “office-grade” stationery workflows are typically stronger with stationery-first vendors.
For envelopes, addressing, and office-grade stationery workflows, providers like Moo and VistaPrint are often the most straightforward.
If you mainly need POD-style ecommerce integrations and “good enough” paper products, start with Printful, Printify, or Gelato.
Pro tip: Stationery buyers care about paper stock and finish. Always order a sample kit.
5) Motel keychains (classic motel key tags)
Verdict: ⚠️ Not universal, but you can usually get close.
What’s realistic: Many providers offer acrylic keychains and novelty key tags. The exact motel-key-tag shape may or may not exist.
You’ll usually get the closest match by scanning keychain-heavy catalogs like Printify and Print KK. If you’re okay with a marketplace-style flow, Zazzle can also be a pragmatic option.
If you need the exact motel key tag:
- Look for a specialty manufacturer (likely MOQ) or a local laser-cut/UV-print shop.
6) Baby/toddler bubble rompers
Verdict: ❌ Usually not as a standard POD SKU. ✅ Closest: baby bodysuits / onesies / toddler apparel.
What’s realistic: “Bubble romper” cuts are fashion-specific and not common in POD catalogs.
The closest POD-adjacent substitutes are mainstream baby/toddler apparel lines from Printful, Printify, or US-heavy catalogs like CustomCat.
If you must have bubble rompers:
- Custom apparel manufacturer (expect MOQ + sampling + sizing complexity)
7) Custom-shaped pillows (USA fulfillment)
Verdict: ✅ POD exists
What’s realistic: Custom-shaped pillows are a known POD SKU. The big differences are fabric, seam quality, and cutline accuracy.
Start with providers that explicitly support shaped products and have solid template/cutline tooling—most sellers begin with Printful or Printify. If you need US-leaning catalogs, check CustomCat. For broader catalog depth, InterestPrint can be worth scanning.
Checklist before you sell:
- Ask for template/cutline rules
- Order 1–2 samples and test wash/feel
- Confirm US production for US orders (don’t assume)
8) Japan-based POD suppliers (domestic fulfillment)
Verdict: ✅ POD exists, but the supplier set is smaller than people expect.
What’s realistic: “Ships to Japan” is easy. “Printed in Japan” is the key constraint.
For Japan coverage, start by checking providers with broad global networks such as Gelato and Printful. Also scan catalog-heavy providers like Print KK and Printy6, then verify where orders are actually produced.
How to verify it’s truly domestic:
- Place a test order to a Japan address and check:
- carrier + origin tracking
- return address
- delivery time consistency
9) “I need sticker labels where every label is different” (variable printing)
Verdict: ⚠️ Usually not “classic POD.” Needs a different workflow.
Reality check: Most POD workflows assume one design per SKU (or personalization per order), not “100 different designs in one print run.”
Workable options:
- If you just need stickers (same design), a normal POD workflow is fine—start with Printful or Printify.
- If you need many unique labels:Use a variable-data label printer or a local print shop that supports CSV-based variable printingSome stationery-first providers support “many designs in one order” on specific products (check product rules)
Practical workaround:
- Group designs into small batches (10–25 per design) to avoid variable-data complexity.
10) “Is there POD for press-on nails?”
Verdict: ❌ Typically no mainstream POD solution.
Why it’s hard: Press-on nails are a manufactured cosmetic product (materials, shapes, sizes, adhesives, hygiene, regulations). Printing a design is the easy part.
Closest alternatives:
- Nail decals (stickers/waterslides) — much closer to normal printing workflows
- Small-batch press-on nail makers (handmade/OEM) with branding
Where POD can still help:
- Packaging, labels, inserts, and branding assets (stationery suppliers + stickers)
Fast path: what to do next
If you’re trying to fulfill one of these requests quickly:
- Pick your constraint (domestic production? unusual construction? variable printing?)
- Browse our directory and set the filters accordingly
- Order samples before you list anything that’s unusual