Etsy, a popular online marketplace for handmade and unique goods, has evolved and expanded into other creative products, including print on demand. However, the debate over the feasibility, profitability, and creative potential of print on demand and Etsy continues to grow.
In this comprehensive guide, learn the advantages of print on demand with Etsy, and practical steps if you want to adopt this business model for your Etsy online store.
What Is Print on Demand for Etsy?
Print on demand (PoD) is a business model where products are created and customized based on customer demand. On Etsy, PoD services help Etsy sellers create and sell customized products without having to manage inventory or handle production.
Here’s how PoD typically works on Etsy for sellers:
- You create your design (artwork, graphics, etc.) and decide which products to sell them as, such as T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, etc.
- Then, you decide on a PoD platform to integrate your Etsy seller account with. Etsy has partnered with certain PoD providers to make the integration process smoother.
- Create product listings on Etsy with the chosen product and design. Etsy will specify that the product is made and shipped by the PoD service.
- When a customer places an order, the PoD service automatically receives the order details, including the chosen design and product. It then produces the customized item and ships it directly to the customer on behalf of the seller.
Learn more about print on demand and its pros and cons, and discover how to start a print-on-demand business.
Should You Use Print on Demand With Etsy?
It makes sense for your business to tap into Etsy PoD if any of the following apply to you and your business:
- You have limited resources for holding and managing inventory: With PoD, you don’t have to invest in or manage inventory, reducing upfront and ongoing costs as well as the risk of unsold products.
- You want to offer different types of products: You can offer a wide variety of designs and products without having to physically create each one. PoD allows for flexibility and customization.
- Growth is a top business goal: PoD allows you to scale your business easily, as you don’t have to worry about manufacturing and fulfillment processes. This allows you to handle a growing number of orders without worrying about production capacity.
- You want to reduce risk: Since there’s no need for upfront investment in inventory, you can test different designs and products with relatively low risk.
- It’s time to test a new market or design: PoD is an excellent option to test the market with new designs or products. Since there’s no need to invest in bulk inventory, you can experiment with different items to see what resonates with customers.
- Creativity is your priority: Etsy started as a marketplace for makers—creators, artists, artisans, and crafters. PoD allows you to focus on the creative process. You can spend less time on production, fulfillment, and inventory management.
Is Etsy Print on Demand Profitable?
The print-on-demand business model affords small businesses plenty of benefits.
Since PoD takes most of the logistical burden off the seller’s shoulders, many think it also cuts into your profit margins more heavily. However, according to one survey, PoD product margins are 15%–60%—the majority come in around 25%–50%. So they’re actually healthier than you might think. This trend is in line with retail businesses and online stores in general, which have an average 30.86% gross profit margin.
So if you price and promote strategically, you can certainly stand to gain a high ROI from a PoD business on Etsy.
How Do I Start Print on Demand With Etsy?
If you think taking on the print-on-demand model on Etsy suits your business plan, you can get started by setting up an Etsy shop. Then, it’s a matter of fleshing out your designs, working with PoD partners, and finally, promoting your products.
Step 1: Open an Etsy Shop
The first step is to start selling on Etsy by opening your shop. Go to Etsy’s website and click on “Get started” to go through the steps of signing up. Select your login credentials and then navigate to the seller dashboard. Click “Open Your Etsy Shop” to create your store.
You’ll also have the option to select an Etsy Subscription: Etsy Standard or Etsy Plus. Standard is free while Plus costs $10 monthly. Plus comes with perks like discounts on certain features and advanced shop customization options. You can change your subscription at any time.
Step 2: Create a Design
Once your Etsy Shop is all set up, you can start working on the designs you want to offer. If you’re an artist or creative type, you might create these designs yourself. If you have an idea but not the skills to execute it, you can commission a professional designer to bring it to life.
When creating your Etsy PoD designs, consider legal ramifications like copyright, trademarks, and usage. If outsourcing the design work to a contractor, make sure your contract gives you the rights to and ownership of the design. You might even consider filing your own copyright to protect your creations.
Step 3: Know Which Products You Want to Offer
Now it’s time to figure out which products your designs will be printed on. Common items include T-shirts, mugs, stickers, phone cases, and tote bags—but the PoD industry has widely expanded, and you can now choose from things like yoga mats, throw pillows, and jewelry.
Think about how your design will look on each product. Be mindful of dimensions, as you don’t want your design to get cut off during the printing process. You might want to create different versions of the same design so it renders well on different products. For example, you might use larger font size ratios for small items like phone cases than you would for a large canvas print.
Related: Learn how product manufacturing works
Step 4: Browse Production Partners (PoD Providers)
Once you know your design and the products you want to offer, it’s time to search for a PoD provider that can make it happen. When vetting potential PoD services, consider the following:
- Reliability and production/fulfillment time
- Product quality
- Pricing structure
- Shipping policies
- Order minimums and maximums (if any)
- Customer reviews and testimonials
- Examples of their work
- Customer service responsiveness
The top PoD options are:
- Amplifier
- Apliiq
- CustomCat
- Gelato
- Gooten
- JetPrint
- Printed Mint
- Printful
- Printify
- Printsome
- Prodigi
- Redbubble
- TPOP
- Teelaunch
- VistaPrint
- Zazzle
Don’t be afraid to test out a few providers before making your decision. Order product samples to properly assess the quality of the materials, printing, and workmanship so you can be certain the final products meet your expectations. This will also help you when it’s time to start promoting your products.
Step 5: Integrate Your Production Partner
Once you’ve chosen a PoD platform, you can integrate it with your Etsy shop. You can do this while:
- Adding or editing a listing: Add a production partner in the Production partners section of your Listing details
- Accessing the listings section of Shop Manager: Select a listing and choose “Editing options” > “Change production partners.”
Step 6: Disclose Your PoD Information
To disclose your partnership to shoppers, create production partner profiles in the production partner manager. Go to Settings in Shop Manager and click “Production partners.” Click “Add a new production partner” and fill out a form describing your partnership, including the PoD business’s name and location, and details about your work together. The former is public-facing while the latter is internal only.
To make sure your products and shipping details are accurate, do the following:
- Update your listings’ shipping locations to indicate if they’re shipping from a production partner’s location
- Use your shop’s About Section to share how you design and create your items
Step 7: Start Selling
With your designs ready and your PoD partner all set up, you can list and promote your products on your Etsy Shop.
Create great product listings by writing accurate product descriptions and using high-quality product photos. Choose an appropriate product category, add tags, and fill out necessary product details.
To get a handle on how to best promote your Etsy products, check out the following resources:
Once you’re satisfied with your product listing, you’re ready to publish it. Note that Etsy charges a 20-cent listing fee. Learn more about Etsy fees.
Best Practices for Selling Print on Demand on Etsy
When selling PoD products on Etsy, consider the following:
DO:
- Research niche markets: Consider what kind of unique or personalized products might appeal to specific customer segments.
- Use quality product photos: Showcase different angles and close-ups to give customers a clear idea of what they’re purchasing.
- Understand Etsy SEO: Optimize your product listings with relevant keywords and SEO strategies to improve the visibility of your products.
- Create a unique brand: Come up with a memorable shop name, logo, and consistent branding across all your product listings.
- Offer customization options: This can set your store apart and attract customers looking for personalized items.
- Set realistic prices: Price your products competitively, taking into account production costs, Etsy fees, and a reasonable profit margin. Consider how similar products are priced within your niche.
- Prioritize customer service: Respond promptly to customer inquiries and address any issues or concerns professionally. Positive reviews and satisfied customers can boost your store’s reputation.
- Invest in marketing: Etsy’s advertising options, social media, and other marketing strategies can drive traffic to your store.
- Keep up with industry trends: Adapt your product offerings accordingly. Stay aware of what is popular in your niche and make timely adjustments.
- Keep it fresh: Regularly introduce new products to keep your store exciting and encourage repeat visits from customers.
DON’T:
- Ignore Etsy policies: Familiarize yourself with Etsy’s policies and adhere to them. Ignoring policies could lead to penalties, including account suspension.
- Overpromise and underdeliver: Be realistic about what you offer. Don’t promise quick delivery times if you can’t meet them, and ensure the quality of your products matches customer expectations.
- Use low-quality designs or materials: Quality matters. Avoid using low-quality designs or materials for your products, as this can lead to negative reviews and damage your store’s reputation.
- Neglect product descriptions: Provide accurate and detailed product descriptions. Neglecting this can lead to misunderstandings and potential customer dissatisfaction.
- Ignore customer feedback: Pay attention to customer feedback, both positive and negative. Use it to improve your products and services.
- Underestimate shipping costs: Factor in accurate shipping costs when doing your product pricing. Underestimating shipping costs can lead to unexpected expenses and erode your profit margins.
- Disregard competition: Be aware of your competitors. Ignoring what similar shops are doing can hinder your ability to stay competitive and innovative.
- Rely solely on Etsy for traffic: While Etsy is a powerful platform, don’t consider it your only source of traffic. Use other marketing channels like social media and email to diversify your customer base.
- Neglect analytics: Use Etsy analytics to track the performance of your products. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click through the sections below to get answers on your print on demand for Etsy frequently asked questions.
Yes, print on demand is allowed for Etsy. In fact, Etsy used to have a list of preferred Product Partners it works with to allow sellers to integrate PoD seamlessly into their Etsy shops. However, it no longer publicly shares this list, so merchants need to do their own research and due diligence to find a partner that works for them.
Yes, print on demand is profitable on Etsy if you work with the right PoD service provider, price your product strategically, and market your shop effectively.
Yes, you can sell print on demand books on Etsy. You would approach this item just like you would any other print on demand item on Etsy.
Yes, you can sell both print-on-demand items and homemade items in the same Etsy shop. Etsy requires sellers to disclose the name of the production partner for any PoD items made with production assistance.
Bottom Line
Print on demand for Etsy offers a dynamic way for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive on the makers’ marketplace. PoD on Etsy can be a strategic move if you want to minimize risk, maximize customization, and scale your business efficiently. The print on demand business model, when approached with creativity, market awareness, and strategic pricing, can not only align with Etsy’s ethos but also contribute to healthy profit margins.
As you start your PoD business on Etsy, keep in mind the balance between creativity and logistics, and you’ll find a path that suits your business goals.
