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How to Use AI to Design and Sell Custom Merchandise
Create custom merchandise designs with AI and sell them on popular Asian platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
8 min read26 February 2026
merchandise design
print-on-demand
ecommerce
creative business
Generate unique product designs using AI image tools for t-shirts, mugs, and stickers
Create mockups to visualise designs on actual products before selling
Write compelling product descriptions and marketing copy with AI
Sell on Asian ecommerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and print-on-demand services
Why This Matters
{"heading":"Why This Matters","content":"Creating and selling custom merchandise has never been more accessible. AI design tools let you generate unique artwork without specialist skills. Combined with print-on-demand platforms and ecommerce channels popular across Asia, you can launch a merchandise business with minimal upfront investment."}
How to Do It
1
Define Your Merchandise Concept
Decide what products you'll create and identify your target audience. Think about themes, styles, or niches that will resonate with customers in your market.
2
Generate Designs with AI
Use AI image generators to create artwork. Describe your concept, style preferences, and specific elements. Experiment with different prompts to generate variations.
3
Create Product Mockups
Use AI or mockup tools to visualise designs on actual products. This helps you see how designs look on t-shirts, mugs, or other items before uploading.
4
Write Marketing Copy
Use AI to craft compelling product titles, descriptions, and marketing messages tailored to your platform and audience.
5
Upload and Sell on Platforms
Select your sales channels: print-on-demand services, Shopee, Lazada, or your own store. Upload designs, set pricing, and launch.
Prompts to Try
Design Generation
Create a unique t-shirt design combining [theme] with elements appealing to [target audience]. Make it modern, eye-catching, and suitable for printing.
Marketing Copy
Write a compelling product title and description for a t-shirt featuring [design description]. Make it appealing to [market] and include relevant keywords for [platform].
Business Strategy
I'm selling custom merchandise on Shopee. What pricing strategy should I use? How can I differentiate my products in Southeast Asia?
Common Mistakes
Tools That Work for This
Frequently Asked Questions
No. AI tools are designed for beginners. Describe what you want and iterate until you're happy with results.
Consider costs (printing, materials, platform fees), target market expectations, and competitor pricing. Most creators mark up 2-4x production costs.
Next Steps
["Create 5-10 designs in a niche you're passionate about and test them on Shopee or Lazada","Join creator communities on these platforms to learn from successful sellers","Experiment with different product types based on customer feedback and sales data"]