Core Insights - The article highlights the journey of a young professional exploring the cross-border Print on Demand (POD) business model as a side hustle, emphasizing the challenges and eventual success through the use of a supportive platform [1][3][21] Group 1: Cross-Border POD Model - The cross-border POD model allows for on-demand customization without the need for inventory, making it suitable for small sellers with limited capital [3][9] - Customized products can command higher prices, with examples showing a standard pillow selling for $15 and a customized version for $25, indicating significant profit potential [3] Group 2: Challenges Faced - Initial challenges included finding factories willing to accept small orders, long delivery times, and high return rates due to logistics issues [6][12] - The entrepreneur faced overwhelming responsibilities, including marketing, customer service, and supply chain management, leading to doubts about the business choice [6][17] Group 3: Solution through HICUSTOM Platform - The HICUSTOM platform offers a comprehensive global supply chain solution, addressing key pain points such as product selection, production, logistics, and after-sales service [8][9] - The platform supports a wide range of logistics options and boasts a high delivery success rate, significantly improving competitiveness against local stores [12][14] Group 4: Business Transformation - After partnering with HICUSTOM, the entrepreneur was able to focus on marketing and store management, leading to increased sales and a more balanced work-life dynamic [17][21] - By the end of 2024, the side business became profitable, with monthly earnings approaching half of the primary job income, showcasing the effectiveness of the platform [17][19] Group 5: Future Plans - The entrepreneur plans to expand product offerings to include custom canvas bags and pet apparel, aiming to grow the customer base and eventually transition to full-time entrepreneurship [19][21]