How to Sell With Print on Demand on Etsy in 2024

Etsy, a lively marketplace full of handmade and vintage finds, is perfect for shoppers searching for unique items—and it’s also a great place for creative entrepreneurs to earn passive income. With Print on Demand (POD), you can sell custom designs without worrying about inventory, upfront production costs, or shipping.

All you need to do is just upload your designs to products in the POD service's catalog, add them to your Etsy store, and start selling. That’s simple!

In this beginner’s guide, we will walk you through starting an Etsy POD business, showing you how to build a profitable shop with services like Printful and Printify.

What is Print on Demand on Etsy?

First, let's understand that Print on Demand (POD) is a business model that lets sellers create and customize products based on what customers want, without having to manage inventory or handle production logistics. On Etsy, this model allows sellers to offer a variety of personalized items like clothing, home decor, and accessories by partnering with POD services that take care of printing and shipping directly to customers.

So, how does Print on Demand work with Etsy? 

When you upload your designs to Etsy and receive an order, the POD provider will create and ship the products directly to your customers. Here’s how it generally works for Etsy sellers:

1. Design Creation: Sellers create their own designs, which can include artwork, graphics, or text.
2. Platform Integration: They choose a POD provider that works well with their Etsy shop.
3. Product Listings: Sellers create listings on Etsy for their products, making it clear that the items are made and shipped by the POD service.
4. Order Fulfillment: When a customer places an order, the POD provider gets the details, produces the item, and ships it directly to the customer for the seller.

This business model allows sellers to focus on creating and marketing their products while their Print on Demand partners take care of printing, shipping, and logistics. This makes it a low-risk way to sell custom-designed items.

With these great benefits, many sellers have been using this model. Should you jump on board, or is it still a good choice in 2024? We’ll address that in the next section.

Why Should You Sell Print on Demand on Etsy?

Selling Print on Demand (POD) on Etsy offers a great chance for entrepreneurs who want to start an online business with little upfront cost. Here are some strong reasons to consider this business model:

1. Low Barrier to Entry: Etsy is user-friendly, making it easy for sellers to open shops at a low cost. Listing fees are only $0.20 per item, and Etsy takes a 5% commission on sales, which makes it financially manageable for new sellers to get started without much risk.

2. Market Demand for Unique Products: Etsy attracts many buyers who are specifically looking for unique, handcrafted, and customizable items. This matches perfectly with Print on Demand products, which are often one-of-a-kind and tailored to individual tastes.

3. Creative Freedom: POD allows sellers to focus on their creativity without having to worry about managing inventory or handling shipping. They can try out different designs and products based on what’s trending in the market and what customers want.

4. Potential for High Profit Margins: Etsy sellers using Print on Demand can expect profit margins between 15% and 60%, with many averaging around 25% to 50% (Ippei, 2024). This is competitive compared to traditional retail margins, which are about 30.86%. Sellers can increase their profits even more with smart marketing and by offering personalized items that can be priced higher.

5. Scalability: As sales increase, POD makes it easy to grow because there’s no need to buy inventory in bulk or find storage space. Sellers can continuously add new designs without worrying about unsold products.

Overall, selling Print on Demand on Etsy combines creativity with a practical business model, leading to potential financial success while serving a growing market of consumers who want personalized and unique items.

However, if you still want your own store, then choosing a website builder platform can be a better choice. Shopify is one of the stand out options with Shopify Page Builder like EComposer for customization and personalization, moreover, it can also help to integrate with Etsy and other marketplaces if you want.

Still consider Shopify vs Etsy? Check out our blog to better make decisions.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Sell Print on Demand on Etsy 

Now if you decide to start selling on Etsy with Print on Demand products, then let’s see how to turn this Etsy business idea come true. 

Step 1: Find Your Product Niche

(Image Source: EComposer’s Template) 

The first step in starting your Print on Demand (POD) business on Etsy is to find a specific niche. This is important because there are over 6.7 million active sellers on the platform as of September 2023. 

Choosing a niche lets you target a specific audience, making it easier to customize your products and marketing efforts. Instead of competing with many sellers, you can focus on a smaller area with fewer quality options. It increases your chances of standing out and attracting loyal customers.

How to Identify Your Niche:

1. Use the Etsy Search Bar: Start by typing potential product ideas into the Etsy search bar. This will show you trending products and what buyers are searching for.
2. Analyze Competitors: Look at successful shops in your potential niche. Check their product offerings, customer reviews, and sales numbers to see what works well.
3. Explore Micro Niches: Consider targeting micro niches—specific subcategories within larger markets. For example, instead of just selling t-shirts, you could focus on eco-friendly graphic tees for dog lovers.

Potential Niches for Your Etsy Store:

• Pet lovers (custom pet portraits or themed accessories)
• Hobby enthusiasts (crafting supplies or personalized gear)
• Seasonal products (holiday-themed items or gifts)
• Personalized gifts (custom mugs or apparel for special occasions)

By carefully choosing your niche and ensuring there's demand for your products, you lay the groundwork for a successful Print on Demand business on Etsy. This foundational step helps reduce competition and improves your ability to create focused marketing campaigns that resonate with your audience.

Step 2: Choose Trusted Print on Demand Companies

Choosing the right Print on Demand (POD) company is essential for the success of your Etsy shop. The quality of the products, reliability of shipping, and customer service from these companies directly affect your business reputation and customer satisfaction. Here’s how to pick a trustworthy POD partner:

1. Research Reputable Providers: Start by looking for well-known POD companies with a good track record. Some popular options for Etsy sellers include:

(Image Source: Google Search)

• Printful
• Printify
• Gelato
• Teelaunch

2. Evaluate Product Quality: Before choosing a POD provider, order samples of their products to check the quality yourself. This ensures that the final products meet your standards and will please your customers.

3. Consider Shipping Options: Investigate the shipping options of each provider. Fast and reliable shipping can improve customer satisfaction and lower return rates. For example, Printify offers geo-routing, which fulfills orders from the closest location to the customer, speeding up delivery times.

4. Review Customer Support: Good customer support is important in case you have issues with orders or need help with your account. Look for a provider that has responsive support channels like live chat or email.

5. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for online reviews and testimonials from other Etsy sellers who have used these services. Their experiences can give you valuable insights into each POD company’s reliability and quality.

Just carefully choosing a trustworthy Print on Demand company, you can simplify your operations on Etsy, ensuring that your designs are printed correctly and delivered on time to your customers. If you are still not sure about which is the best suitable POD company for your business, we will discover in the next coming parts. 

Step 3: Create your Unique Print on Demand Designs

(Image Source: EComposer’s Template) 

After choosing your niche, products, and Print on Demand (POD) provider, it's time to create designs that will stand out to customers. This step is key, as unique and attractive designs can set your products apart in a competitive market. Here’s how to create effective POD designs:

1. Know Your Audience: Identify your ideal customers by thinking about their interests, preferences, and the types of products they’d buy. Research current trends in your niche to make sure your designs appeal to potential buyers.

2. Use Design Tools: Many POD platforms like Printify and Gelato offer easy-to-use design tools with features like:

• Mockup Generators: See how your designs will look on different products.
• Graphics Libraries: Access free images and graphics to enhance your designs.
• AI Image Generators: Use prompts to create unique graphics, providing inspiration or a starting point for your designs.

3. Make High-Quality Graphics: Use graphic software like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or free tools like GIMP to create clear, high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI) for the best print quality. Follow the POD provider’s recommended dimensions for each product type.

4. Focus on Originality and Branding: Develop a style that reflects your brand, using consistent colors, fonts, or themes across products. Original designs not only make your brand memorable but also reduce copyright issues.

5. Test Your Designs: Consider ordering samples from the POD provider to check print quality, color accuracy, and how the product looks overall. Use this feedback to make any adjustments and ensure your designs are just right. 

Each of every design will represent yourself and your own business, so there should not be any mistakes happening to the quality and the visual. Now things are all ready to sell, the next step is to set up Etsy. 

Step 4: Open Your Etsy Print on Demand Shop

1. Create Your Etsy Account

First, you need to create an Etsy account. You can sign up using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account through the single sign-on (SSO) feature, or you can create a standalone account. Just remember, having an Etsy account alone doesn’t make you a seller.

• Go to etsy.com and click on “Sign In” in the top right corner. 
• If you don’t have an account, choose “Register.” 
• You can sign up with your email or through social media like Google or Facebook. After registering, check your email for a confirmation message and follow the instructions to verify your account.

2. Access the Seller Section

To start creating your Etsy shop, click the “Sell on Etsy” button on the homepage. This will take you to a dashboard where you can set up some basic shop preferences:

• Shop Language: Choose the main language for your product descriptions. Be careful here because you cannot change this setting later.
• Shop Country: This is the country where your shop is located. This setting affects your eligibility for Etsy Payment services. If your country isn't listed, you can find more details on the Etsy FAQs page.
• Shop Currency: This is the currency you will use to price your items. If your bank currency is different from your shop currency, Etsy will charge a 2.5% conversion fee on sales.

3. Choose a Shop Name

Next, you’ll need to choose a name for your shop. The name should be easy for customers to read and remember while reflecting your brand and products. Your shop name should:

• Be between 4 to 20 characters long
• Have no spaces or special characters (like exclamation marks)
• Avoid profanity and names already used by other Etsy sellers
• Not violate any trademarks

Once you enter your shop name, Etsy will automatically check if it’s available. If the name is already taken, Etsy will suggest alternatives.

Those are first and foremost steps to get started with Etsy, next steps will be the main parts that truly set up your business.

Step 5: List Your Products on Etsy

Listing your products is a key step to successfully selling Print on Demand items on Etsy. To help buyers easily find and choose your products, follow these steps to create strong, optimized listings:

1. Create High-Quality Mockups: Before listing, make sure each product has a professional mockup. It gives buyers a clear picture of what they’re getting and helps make your items more appealing.
2. Update Product Details: In your listings, update descriptions to highlight product features and benefits. Set competitive prices based on your research, and be clear about shipping rates so buyers know exactly what to expect.
3. Publish Your Listings: Once everything is filled in, click “Submit to Store” to publish on your Etsy storefront. Each item created through Printful’s product generator will show up as a draft in your Etsy account.
4. Edit Draft Listings: To finalize listings, go to Etsy’s Shop Manager, then select Listings. Choose the new draft to make any final edits before publishing it live.

Step 6: Optimize your Product Listings

You’ve set up your Etsy business, but standing out among millions of other sellers takes some extra effort. Here are key areas to improve your listings:

1. Product Photos and Videos

• Use High-Quality Visuals: When buyers search, product photos are the first thing they notice, so choose eye-catching, high-quality images. If taking custom photos isn’t an option, Printful’s Design Maker offers a variety of mockups, backgrounds, and design elements to create standout visuals. You can also add your own backgrounds to make the images unique.
• Add Videos: Including a video in your listing can increase visibility and build trust, as it provides a deeper view of your product than photos alone. According to Etsy, videos boost buyer confidence by offering extra details and transparency.

2. Search-Friendly Titles and Descriptions

Use Relevant Keywords: Well-written descriptions and titles with relevant keywords help your products appear in search results. Think about words potential buyers might use, and list them in your title and description. Keep the most important keywords at the beginning of the title since longer titles might get cut off.

3. Optimize Etsy Tags for Better Search Results

• Use All 13 Tags: Tags are essential for helping buyers discover your items. Use all 13 tags wisely to cover keywords related to your product's design and purpose. You also have 13 tags for the material, which helps attract buyers looking for specific materials.
• Include Key Phrases: Use multi-word or specific phrases that clearly describe your product, even if they’re not trending, to help reach customers searching for something unique.

4. Choose a pricing approach

To price your Etsy products effectively, aim to balance your costs with competitive pricing. Check what similar items are selling for to keep your prices appealing while ensuring you make a profit after covering:

• Production
• Shipping
• Etsy fees

Consider pricing strategies that allow for discounts or bulk deals. If your products are high-quality and unique, you can set a higher price, adding extra value to your brand.

Step 7: Connect Your POD Partner with Your Etsy Shop

After setting up your product listing details, the next step is to connect your Etsy store with your Print on Demand partners. On the listing page, look for the “Production Partners” section to add your print fulfillment provider.

You’ll need to fill in a few fields to enable this connection with Etsy:

1. Production Partner: Enter your print provider’s name. If you prefer not to disclose it to buyers, you can choose a descriptive title instead by toggling the privacy option.

1. Location: Specify where the provider is based.

2. About Production Partner: Provide a brief description of the manufacturer.

3. About Your Partnership: Answer a few questions about the partnership, including:

Step 8: Personalize your storefront

Your Etsy shop is your chance to stand out, even in a busy marketplace. Etsy limits storefront customization, but here are some areas you can make your own:

• Store logo/icon: Pick a clear, memorable logo that looks good at smaller sizes.
• Store banner: Showcase your brand's vibe with a banner; you can even use a carousel to display different products or brand aspects.
• About section: Share your brand's story in a friendly, personal way to connect with customers.
• Store policies: Set clear shop policies, including shipping, returns, and any guarantees, to build customer trust.
• Shop announcement: Add updates, promotions, or unique aspects about your shop. Keep it short and focused.
• Product categories: Organize your items to make it easy for customers to find what they need.
• Shop owner photo: Use a personal photo to help customers feel a connection with you.
• Featuring items: Highlight top-sellers or new items to draw attention and show what’s special about your shop.

Once your shop reflects your brand’s style, focus on marketing to draw in Etsy shoppers and grow your business.

Step 9: Complete Your Etsy Shop Settings and Go Live

The final step to setting up your Print on Demand shop on Etsy is to complete the following settings:

• Set up payment options: Choose how you want to receive payments. Select whether your shop is an individual or business (for tax purposes) and provide your bank details.

• Choose billing options: If you’re outside the US, you’ll need to enter a credit card for identity verification and billing for Etsy fees. For US sellers, Etsy charges fees directly to the linked credit card.
• Review your shop: Check all personalized features to your storefront, like an About section, Banner, and Featured products.

Once these steps are complete, your Etsy Print on Demand shop is ready to go live!

Step 10: Promote Your Print on Demand Etsy Store

A good marketing plan will help grow your Etsy sales and attract more buyers. Start with social media. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook can reach your ideal audience. Share lifestyle images of your products, customer reviews, and creative content to make your brand memorable.

Don’t overlook Etsy’s built-in promotional tools. Use Etsy Ads for extra visibility, and offer exclusive discounts to those who’ve favorited your items by going to Etsy Shop Manager > Marketing > Sales & Discounts.

Lastly, stay connected with your customers even after a sale. Answer questions quickly, ask for feedback, and encourage reviews to build trust. Small touches, like thank-you notes or repeat customer discounts, can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Outstanding customer service can also earn you the Etsy Star Seller badge, which signals top-notch service and boosts your store’s visibility in searches. To earn this, ensure fast shipping, quick response times, high review scores, and clear return policies.

(Image Source: Etsy Star Seller badge)

Top 5 Print on Demand Companies for Etsy

1. Printful

Printful is a popular supplier for Etsy Print on Demand products. They offer a wide range of items to sell, like clothing, phone cases, and home decor. Plus, they have many customization options, allowing sellers to list a variety of unique products in their shops.

Using Printful costs vary by product, but there are no upfront or subscription fees. The product and shipping costs are simply deducted from each sale, and the seller keeps the remaining profit.

2. Printify

Printify is also one of the top Print on Demand sites for Etsy.

Unlike Printful, Printify doesn’t have its own printing facilities. Instead, they partner with many printing companies around the world and handle all orders in one place. They collaborate with 90 printing factories located in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Australia.

When it comes to product options, Printify allows you to customize a wide variety of items, including clothing, home goods, and even unique products like scented candles and yoga mats.

3. Gelato

Gelato is a great choice for sellers who want a dependable Print on Demand supplier for Etsy, especially since they offer customer service 24/7. They provide a wide variety of high-quality products and excellent support for buyers. This helps sellers build trust and loyalty with their customers, which is crucial for a successful business.

Plus, Gelato doesn’t have any upfront or subscription fees, which helps sellers keep their costs low.

4. Teelaunch

Teelaunch is another well-known supplier for Print on Demand products on Etsy. They provide a wide range of items to sell, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. Teelaunch is also recognized as a Shopify Print on Demand app, allowing sellers to expand their business beyond Etsy and sell on multiple platforms.

If you choose Teelaunch as your supplier for your Etsy Print on Demand store, you'll need to pay for the products and shipping costs. These fees vary based on the items you sell and where your customers are located.

5. Custom Cat

Next on the list of top Etsy Print on Demand suppliers is Custom Cat, which focuses on custom-printed products like clothing and home goods. They promise that 95% of your items will be shipped within 3 business days, ensuring your customers receive their orders quickly.

To explore more about the Best Etsy Print on Demand Partners, click on our blog.

Those are the top five of the best suppliers for integrating Print on Demand with Etsy. If you're looking for more tips on starting your Etsy Print on Demand business, let’s come to the next part of What to do and don’t to make out most of your Etsy store.

Do and Don’t Tips to Sell Etsy Print on Demand

Starting your Etsy Print on Demand shop comes with both opportunities and challenges. To help you succeed and avoid having no sales, here are some important Do's and Don'ts for selling Print on Demand products on Etsy.

Do's for Selling Print on Demand on Etsy

Let's start with what you should do:

1. Partner with Reliable Manufacturers: Choose trustworthy Print on Demand suppliers. Look for those that offer a variety of quality products and easy-to-use platforms to keep your customers happy and prevent problems with product quality and shipping.

2. Treat Your Etsy Shop as a Print on Demand Business: Follow Etsy's guidelines for selling Print on Demand items, making sure that all your designs are original and do not violate copyright. If you use designs created by professional designers, be sure to get the necessary commercial licenses to avoid copyright issues.

3. Think Internationally: Use Etsy’s global platform to consider international markets when designing your products. By working with Print on Demand services that have facilities in different countries, you can reach a wider audience and tap into cultural trends around the world.

Don'ts for Selling Print on Demand on Etsy

While there are helpful tips for selling Print on Demand products on Etsy, it's also important to avoid certain practices:

1. Don't Copy Other Sellers' Designs: When you create a design, you own the rights to it, including copyrights and trademarks. Selling products with designs you don't own or have permission to use can violate these rights.

2. Don't Assume Print on Demand is Easy: Running a successful Etsy Print on Demand shop takes effort. Good marketing, attentive customer service, and managing product quality are key to long-term success. Be proactive in running your shop and keep improving your strategies to grow and make a profit.

3. Don't Use "Print on Demand" in Your Keywords: Avoid using terms like "Print on Demand" in your Etsy listings, as they may not connect with potential customers. Instead, use keywords that accurately describe your products and emphasize their unique features to attract the right buyers.

4. Don't Just Sell T-Shirts: Don’t limit yourself to only selling T-shirts. Explore the wide range of products available through Print on Demand services, such as home decor, accessories, and pet items. Offering a variety of products can help you reach more customers and boost your sales.

5. Don't Skip Product Inspections: Even if you aren't keeping inventory, it’s important to check the quality of the products before selling them. Consider ordering samples from your Print on Demand partner to see the quality for yourself and ensure your customers are satisfied.

Final Thoughts

The Etsy Print on Demand business model offers plenty of opportunities for tech-savvy eCommerce entrepreneurs. With Etsy now allowing Print on Demand products, it has become a very popular marketplace for POD business owners.

However, it's important to remember that the business model and Etsy don't always fit together seamlessly. If you're ready to tackle the challenges, there are many chances to succeed.

FAQs

1. Is Print on Demand profitable on Etsy?

Yes, Print on Demand (POD) can be a profitable business model on Etsy. With POD, you can sell custom-designed products without needing to keep any inventory. This allows you to start your business with low initial costs and grow it quickly.

However, your success on Etsy will depend on several factors, including your product niche, the quality of your designs, your marketing efforts, and how you set your prices.

2. How do I create a Print on Demand store on Etsy?

Here are the basic steps to set up a Print on Demand store on Etsy:

• Choose a product niche.
• Sign up for a Print on Demand service.
• Create an Etsy account.
• Set up your Etsy shop.
• Design your products.
• List your products on Etsy.
• Connect your Print on Demand service to Etsy.

3. What are the best Print on Demand products on Etsy?

Some of the most popular Print on Demand products on Etsy include:

• T-shirts
• Mugs
• Phone cases
• Wall art
• Stickers
• Greeting cards

The best products to sell will depend on your target audience and your design skills. It's important to choose items that are in demand and that you can create unique designs for.