This young Filipino entrepreneur is turning print-on-demand into a growing e-commerce startup

From pandemic setback and personal loss to startup success in the print-on-demand space.

When the pandemic upended businesses, Francisco “Frenzo” Cabasag Jr. saw an opportunity to build something scalable. Out of that came MOD Factory, a print-on-demand startup helping entrepreneurs launch apparel lines without the risks of overstocking or wasted inventory.

Part of the growing print-on-demand movement in the Philippines, MOD Factory caters to small business owners and online sellers seeking customizable merchandise with minimal upfront costs—a model that thrived as e-commerce surged during the pandemic years.

Cabasag admits he was no expert on the market when he began, but he drew on his grit, technical know-how, and years of e-commerce experience to build what would become MOD Factory.

Born in the eye of the storm

Standing for Merch-on-Demand, Cabasag’s business specializes in printing apparel upon his clients’ request to minimize the risk of deficits and product waste. This principle became the core identity of MOD Factory, which is what sets it apart from other companies.

Cabasag credits his late father for instilling the discipline and determination that continue to drive his business today.

“He would always tell me, ‘You fall seven times, you get back eight,’” he said. That mindset shaped how he approaches challenges and opportunities alike.

When his father’s printing business was left without its leader, Cabasag stepped in, applying what he knew from years of working in e-commerce.

A student of the market

Even with seven years of e-commerce experience, shifting from appliance distribution to printing apparel was uncharted territory for the young entrepreneur. But Cabasag learned by doing.

“The market is the best teacher,” he said. “You don’t have to be perfect before starting. In fact, start before you even think you’re ready.”

By posting designs online and observing customer reactions, he discovered which ideas clicked. Through trial and error, he refined MOD Factory’s offerings and business model.

This iterative approach—testing, learning, and adapting—is what sets many startups apart, especially in e-commerce, where consumer trends shift fast. Cabasag’s method is quite common for how lean startups operate: validate the market first, then scale up.

In business, Cabasag encourages patience and open-mindedness—lessons that don’t cost much, or anything at all. 

“If your funds are limited,” he said, “learn skills like running Facebook ads and managing a website yourself.” These, he added, build confidence as much as capability.

Inspiring future entrepreneurs

As Cabasag grows his business, he continues to teach e-commerce at Ateneo de Manila University, where he shares his experience with aspiring entrepreneurs, often emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a competitive digital landscape.

His students’ enthusiasm reminds him of the same energy that fueled MOD Factory’s early days.

“One of MOD Factory’s early clients was a local music label,” he said. “Suddenly, I had 300 to 500 orders a day for weeks. That’s when I knew the business had real potential.”

The success validated the print-on-demand model’s promise in the Philippines’ fast-growing online retail market. Many of MOD Factory’s clients now run small apparel brands through Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada. These are platforms that have made it easier for local entrepreneurs to sell directly to consumers.

Personal mission

As an entrepreneur, Cabasag drew inspiration from Tim Ferriss’ “The 4-Hour Workweek” and his own passion for business. Those influences shaped his personal mission: to empower more Filipinos to build their own brands.

“People can use MOD Factory to start small and grow from there,” he said—a goal he connects to his teaching at Ateneo, where he hopes to inspire students to pursue their own ventures.

A legacy imprinted

Engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and creating content online has become Cabasag’s way of giving back to the community.

As MOD Factory scales, Cabasag now focuses on his seven-person team and future expansion—both internationally and across new product categories, including tote bags and lifestyle wear.

“Entrepreneurship is a form of self-expression,” he said. “You create a business that represents who you are and what you believe in.”

As fashion trends continue to shift, MOD Factory positions itself as a reliable partner for other businesses. From one printing machine to a thriving online operation, Cabasag continues to help others turn creativity into commerce.