I Tried MSN's Print-on-Demand Passive Income Strategy

I Tried MSN’s Print-on-Demand Passive Income Strategy — Earned $425 (So Far!)

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Welcome back, Books After Dark fam — it’s your boy Mr. Steve, and today I’ve got some money-making news… or rather, an update. In one of my recent videos, I shared that I tried MSN’s print-on-demand passive income strategy, featured in their viral “$4,600/month side hustle” article.

Well, after putting their steps to the test, I’m excited to share that I’ve made $425 in earnings so far.

Is this life-changing yet? No.

But it is progress.

Here’s what happened. 👇

I Tried MSN's Print-on-Demand Passive Income Strategy — My Starting Point

I jumped into this experiment with a head start: I already had a backlist of books published through Amazon KDP, including notebooks and journals.

However, Amazon’s recent royalty shake-up in June 2025, affecting low-content books, took effect, reducing my royalties to $0. Yikes!

Still, I wasn’t new to the game. So even though MSN’s article focused on a broader print-on-demand (POD) model (including platforms like Etsy and Shopify), I decided to apply their four-step strategy to my KDP books to see if I could revive my sales.

I Tried MSN's Print-on-Demand Strategy

Side note: Yes, Amazon KDP’s low-content books are considered POD — including notebooks, planners, logbooks, and even coloring books. They’re printed only when someone orders them, so they qualify as a passive income source.

I Tried MSN's Print-on-Demand Passive Income Strategy — Lessons Learned

The two biggest takeaways from MSN’s 4-step roadmap were:

  • Step #2: Make a Plan
  • Step #3: Test Your Idea
Here’s what I did:
  • I analyzed past sales data and narrowed my backlist down to just the top-performing books in my niche.
  • Then, I tested Amazon’s new minimum price point at $9.99 and at $10.99.

Both price points performed well — which indicated to me this strategy has real potential if done right.

I Tried MSN's Print-on-Demand Passive Income Strategy — What's Next?

Now that I’ve hit $425, my next milestone is $500/month consistently — and then on to $1,000/month.

Here’s what MSN recommends as the next steps to scale:
  • Collect Emails – Your email list becomes the real passive income machine
  • Automate Designs – Use tools like Canva or Creative Fabrica to perfect designs and speed up the process
  • Expand Platforms – Consider selling on Etsy, Redbubble, or even your own site
  • Calculate Margins – Factor any print-on-demand and online marketplace fees into your financial estimates.

Mr. Steve's Pro Tip: POD Is a Seasonal Game

When testing products, remember: seasonal demand matters. That’s why you want to diversify your product line.

For example:
  • In summer, lean into POD beach towels, hats, and vacation planners
  • In fall, ramp up back-to-school notebooks and themed tumblers
  • In Q4, go hard on holiday giftables and personalized journals

It’s all about meeting demand where it’s at.

Final Verdict: Scam or Legit?

Now you’ve got all the tea. ☕

Is MSN’s print-on-demand passive income strategy a scam or legit?

You decide.

Want to follow the journey in real time? Join the family on Facebook or subscribe on YouTube to see every update as I continue to test MSN’s POD income strategy and share all the lessons learned.

Missed the original MSN 4-step breakdown? Read it or watch it here.

Ready to explore even more money-making ideas and legit online income opportunities? Don’t miss the latest video on the Mr. Steve Official YouTube Channel — check it out below!

Disclaimer:
This blog post is based on my personal experience and actual earnings. All tests were conducted independently. While we are affiliated with Amazon, we are not affiliated with MSN or any other company, platform, or entity mentioned unless explicitly stated. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Earnings shown are real but not guaranteed — your results may vary depending on effort, niche, product selection, and platform policies.

Author

  • Once upon a time, in a land of mystery and darkness, there was a man named Mr. Steve. He wasn't just any ordinary man, though. He founded Books After Dark, a platform for all things dark, mysterious, and self-publishing. Mr. Steve was a man of many talents. He was a contributing writer, graphic designer, and video creator. He had even ventured into the world of self-publishing, selling thousands of his books worldwide. Despite his success, Mr. Steve didn't want to keep all the secrets of self-publishing to himself. He wanted to provide education on self-publishing, affiliate marketing, and other online money-making opportunities. So thus, Books After Dark was born to help other aspiring authors and artists find success in the online world. In recent times, Mr. Steve has even delved into the world of low-content books, and he's excited to share his journey with others on the "Make Money Online with Books After Dark" YouTube channel. While he currently doesn't sell or promote his book titles through Books After Dark, who knows what the future holds? Mr. Steve is always up for a good mystery, and there's no telling what dark and mysterious tale he might come up with next.

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