Print on Demand on Etsy: 9 Easy Steps to Start Succeed!

Print on Demand on Etsy is an efficient way to sell custom products without the need for inventory. You design your items, and when an order comes in, since the product is printed and sent straight to the consumer, it's a flexible, low-risk business strategy that's perfect for beginning company owners.

It's easier than you would think to launch a Print on Demand company on Etsy. Here, we will take you through the key steps to creating a successful store, right from selecting your niche to optimizing your listings to generate more sales.

Why Print on Demand (POD) on Etsy?

If you're considering launching a Print-on-demand (POD) venture, Etsy is one of the perfect sites to start. Here's why:

Massive Customer Base

Etsy is home to more than 90 million active buyers, all eager to find unique, creative, and personalized products. The demand for custom-made items, like personalized mugs, t-shirts, jewelry, and home decor, is huge! The visitors to Etsy are specifically looking for unique products perfect for your POD shop.

For example, if you create a funny, custom-designed mug, Etsy buyers who love quirky designs are already searching for it. The exposure is huge!

No Upfront Inventory Costs 

With POD, you don't have to invest in inventory upfront. You don't have to purchase products in bulk or keep any stock. You only pay for products after you've made a sale, so there's no financial risk whatsoever. This is a godsend for entrepreneurs who don't want their cash flow tied up in inventory. You also won't have to worry about storing products or unsold products taking up space.

Seamless Integration 

Etsy makes it incredibly easy to run a POD business by seamlessly integrating with top POD platforms like Printify, Printful, and Gooten. Everything is handled by these services, including product development, printing, packing, and customer-direct shipment.

This means that once you design your items, you can automate everything, making fulfillment hassle-free. Imagine making a new shirt, and within minutes, it's off to be printed and shipped off to your customer as you simply sit back and relax!

Higher Profit Margins 

Etsy buyers are more than willing to pay extra for something that is custom-made, handmade, or personalized. Unlike mass-made products at big-box stores, unique designs on Etsy can command top dollar. A custom-designed or personalized wall decor hoodie, for example, could cost much more than a generic form of the same product. Since you don't pay for the inventory or the startup costs, your profit margins are higher automatically, so you get to earn more per sale.

Easy to Start  

Unlike creating a website on Shopify or other platforms, opening a shop on Etsy is quick and straightforward. Etsy already has a successful marketplace with organic traffic established, so you don't have to worry about bringing people to your site. Get your shop established, list your designs, and you're ready to start making sales. And, Etsy handles all the transactions, payments, and customer service basics for you, allowing you to focus more on growing your business.

The Complete Guide to Start Etsy POD Business

Step 1: Find Your Product Niche to Sell on Etsy

Selecting the proper niche is key to success at Etsy. As there are so many sellers, a niche helps you differentiate yourself and find a committed market. It makes you more likely to get sold and have a loyal following. You need a profitable niche that you also have an interest in.

Here's how to uncover the perfect niche for your Etsy store:

• Etsy Search Bar & Bestsellers: Start by typing keywords into the "Etsy search bar" to see what's trending. Autocomplete product suggestions can give you an idea of what others are searching for. You can also go through the "Bestsellers" section and notice products selling like hotcakes.
• Google Trends & Pinterest: Track search volume over time with Google Trends. It'll tell you if a niche is increasing or declining in popularity. Pinterest's another treasure trove of finding out what's trending. Look at the keywords associated with your niche to find out what people most frequently pin.
• EtsyHunt, EverBee, and Marmalead: These are essentials for competitor research and keyword research. They provide you with an understanding of what is trending on Etsy right now, so you can find high-demand products and keywords that will make you more visible.

Some successful POD niches you can look into are:

• Pet Lovers
• Mental Health & Wellness
• Humor & Funny Quotes
• Fitness & Gym
• Personalized Baby Products
• Wedding & Bridal
• Travel & Adventure
• Home Decor
• Sports Fans
• Eco-friendly Living

To further assist in refining your product niche, take a look at this review of the best Etsy product research tools, which offers a deeper dive into the most effective tools for your Etsy store research.

Step 2: Look for Trusted Etsy Print-on-Demand Companies

Once you've determined your niche, the second critical step is finding a reliable Print-on-Demand (POD) vendor. Your POD vendor handles production, printing, and shipping, so it is crucial to pick a business that aligns with your quality, price, and delivery vision. A good supplier will help you maintain high standards, build trust with customers, and grow your Etsy store profitably.

2.1. The Most Important POD Partner Selection Factors

• Product Line: Ensure the supplier offers a variety of customizable products suitable for your niche.
• Quality Assurance: Choose a firm with a history of delivering uniform, top-quality products.
• Price & Fee: Check product cost, shipping cost, and other charges to ensure profitability.
• Lead Time: Choose a supplier that ships in 3-5 business days to meet customers' needs.
• Shipping Locations: Select a partner with international shipping capabilities or multiple fulfillment locations for quick shipping.

2.2. Best POD Platforms for Etsy

#1. Printful

Best suited for those who want a high-quality product without the hassle of too much work in the platform, Printful has beautifully crafted products and simply delivers it to their Etsy account. There are no subscription fees or upfront fees so that is good for first-timers.

#2. Printify

A global supply network of 90 print partners. Each of these partners offers some range in products to provide customization. Printify is the best option for those businesses that want flexibility and cost-effective services. Everything is low priced, and Printify covers a nice range of suppliers.

#3. Gooten

Best suited for growth, Gooten boasts a worldwide supply network and offers a range of products. Its robust system accommodates hassle-free order fulfillment, perfect for companies growing their business.

#4. Teelaunch

A reliable POD source with a broad selection of items that can be personalized. Teelaunch is Shopify compatible, too, so if you will be selling beyond Etsy, it's a smart option for multichannel sellers.

#5. Custom Cat

Offers custom printed items like apparel and home goods, and boasts fast turnaround time, shipping 95% of orders in three business days. Custom Cat is ideal for speed and quality-oriented sellers.

Pro Tip: Purchase samples first prior to committing to any supplier. In this manner, you may verify if the entire service, delivery time, and quality are satisfactory. Sampling the products yourself can help you make a good decision and avoid issues later down the road.

To find trusted print-on-demand companies for Etsy, you can refer to this guide on Etsy print-on-demand partners for additional insights on reliable providers to help you get started on the platform.

Step 3: Open Your Etsy Print-on-Demand Shop

Now that you've selected your niche and identified a POD partner, you can now open your Etsy shop and start selling! Below is a step-by-step process to help you launch your Etsy store effectively:

3.1. Create Your Etsy Account

To begin, go ahead and create an Etsy account. You can sign up right away or create a new independent account using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account. Keep in mind that having an Etsy account doesn't automatically make you a seller—it's just the first step!

3.2. Select Your Shop Preferences

Once your account is set up, click on the "Sell on Etsy" button to start opening your shop. You'll be directed to a dashboard where you'll be making some basic shop decisions:

• Shop Language: Choose a default language for your item descriptions. You can't change this once it's set, so decide carefully.
• Shop Country: Choose the country in which your shop is based. This will also determine which payment methods are available to you.
• Shop Currency: Choose your currency of pricing. Keep in mind that Etsy also applies a 2.5% conversion fee if your bank currency differs from your shop currency.

3.3. Name Your Etsy Print-on-Demand Shop

Your shop name is a part of your brand identity. Make it memorable, niche-related, and your vibe. These are the rules for an awesome Etsy shop name:

• 4 to 20 characters long
• No spaces or special characters (such as! or @)
• No profanity or names that other sellers are already using.
• Check for trademark infringement.

When you type in your shop name, Etsy automatically checks whether it is available. If the name is already taken, the site will offer suggestions.

3.4. Add Branding Elements

Once you've settled on your shop name, it's time to personalize your shop. Add a banner and logo that reflect the character of your brand. Consistent branding builds trust with customers and gets your shop seen.

3.5. Optimize Your Shop for Conversions

In order to attract more potential customers to your store, you must:

• Clear Policies: Set shop policies like returns, shipping, and payment terms in order to instill trust among your customers.
• About Section: Share your story! Here you can interact with your customers, inform them of what your shop does, and highlight your selling features.
• FAQs: Respond to the most frequent inquiries regarding your shipping, personalization, and merchandise. This will reduce customer uncertainty and save you time.

Step 4: List Your Products on Etsy

Listing best-converting products is the backbone of your Etsy success. This is how you compose listings that do not only bring attention, but also convert browsers into buyers:

4.1. SEO-Friendly Titles

Your title is the first customers see, and it's a major factor in Etsy search rankings.

• Utilize Primary and Long-Tail Keywords: Think about what your ideal customer would search. Not just "T-shirt," but "Custom Graphic T-shirt for Dog Lovers."
• Be Specific: The more words you have, the higher opportunity is that Etsy's search engine will get to the correct buyers of your product.

4.2. Eye-Catching Product Images

A photo is worth a thousand words. Pictures can make or break a sale.

• Use 5-10 Photos: Show your product from multiple sides, in various surroundings, and with close-up shots of the key details.
• Mockups & Lifestyle Shots: Add lifestyle shots and mockups (for intangible products) so customers can visualize using the product. For example, show your personalized mug on a workbench or your special tee being worn.
• Thumbnail Picture: Your initial image upload becomes your thumbnail, and this is displayed in search results, so post the best one possible!

4.3. Convincing Product Descriptions

Your description is your chance to connect with the buyer and seal the sale.

• Highlight Key Features: What makes your product unique? Tell about its materials, customizations, and special features.
• Show the Benefits: Explain how your product will fix a problem or improve the buyer's life. For example, "This cozy hoodie will keep you warm and personalize your wardrobe."
• Include Keywords: Put keywords in context along the way throughout your description to improve search visibility. Don't forget the size, colors, or special options that apply!

4.4. Competitive Pricing Strategy

Price profitably yet competitively.

• Research Competitors: Take a look at similar items on Etsy to see how others price. This way, you're pricing your items appropriately.
• Calculate Your Margins: Include the cost of production, Etsy fees, and shipping. Don't leave out a little wiggle room for profit to remain competitive, though.

4.5. Automate Listings

Printify and Printful: Both suppliers both offer simple integration with Etsy that lets you upload listings in an automated process. This will streamline the process and ensure consistency in your listings.

Step 5: Connect Your POD Partner with Your Etsy Shop

Once you've got your Etsy listings ready, the next step is to connect your Print on Demand (POD) partner with your shop. This integration ensures smooth order fulfillment, automating the entire process from production to delivery. Here's how to set it up in a few simple steps:

5.1. Integrating with Your POD Partner

To link your Etsy shop with your POD partner (Printify, Printful, or Gooten), follow these steps:

#1. Head to your product listings

Navigate to the Etsy listing page and scroll down to the "Production Partners" section. Here you will add the name of your chosen POD provider.

#2. Add Key Details

You will need to add basic information such as:

• Production Partner's Name: Add the name of your POD provider (Printify, Printful, etc.).
• Location: State the location where the POD company is.
• About Production Partner: Give a very brief summary of the company and what they are doing. It doesn't necessarily need to be detailed enough to give your customers an understanding of where their products are actually being made.
• Your Role: Answer questions like:
• What's your role in the design process (e.g., designing)?
• What's your partner's role in manufacturing and shipping?
• Why did you choose this partner?

Once you have completed filling all the fields, click on "Save Partner."

5.2. Order Fulfillment Automation

Now that your shop is linked to your POD partner, order fulfillment becomes automated.

• Your POD partner will receive the customer's purchase information automatically, print out the product, and send it directly to the customer.
• This will eliminate your need to deal with inventory and shipping, and the entire process will be seamless.

5.3. Test Orders to Ensure Smooth Processing

Before you actually process orders, it's a good idea to send a test order through to ensure that everything processes perfectly.

• Buy one of your products to determine if the process runs smoothly from Etsy to your POD provider.
• Monitor the production, shipping, and delivery to make sure there are no hiccups.

Once everything's connected and running smoothly, you can focus on growing your business while your POD partner handles the logistics!

Step 6: Finish Your Etsy Shop Settings and Go Live

You're at the final stage! The final step to go live with your Etsy Print on Demand (POD) store is to finish your shop settings and get your store live. Here's how you do it:

6.1. Set Up Payment & Billing Information

For accepting payments of your Etsy sales, you must set up your payment settings:

• Etsy Payments: This is your primary way of receiving payments from buyers. Choose your business type (individual or business) for tax purposes and add your bank details.

• PayPal (optional): If you'd like to use PayPal as a way of receiving payments, make sure you sign up for it in addition to Etsy Payments.
• Subscription Billing: If you are not based in the U.S., Etsy will ask you to provide a credit card in order to verify your identity and charge Etsy fees.

6.2. Full Shipping & Tax Settings

Then, configure your delivery preferences to let your clients know when to anticipate their shipments:

• Shipping Profiles: Establish your shipping rates and estimated delivery times according to your POD partner's capabilities. Be sure to include production and transit times.
• Tax Settings: Ensure your store is set up to charge the proper sales tax for your location and shipping location for tax purposes.

6.3. Establish Etsy Shop Policies

Establishing your shop policies is essential to build customer trust:

• Returns & Refunds: Have clear return and refund policies. Be transparent about the nature of your POD products (e.g., custom orders typically can't be returned).
• Shipping Times: Indicate your shipping times, including production time and delivery. Set expectations for how long it'll take to deliver products to your customers.

6.4. Customize Your Shop

Give your shop a personalized appearance to make it inviting and professional:

• Banner & Logo: Add a branded banner and logo to provide your store with a uniform look. This helps in building your brand identity.
• About Section: Create a compelling "About" section to tell your story and connect with your audience.
• Featured Products: Highlight your best-selling products or new products to draw attention to your best products.

6.5. Launch Your Store & Share the News

Once all the settings are complete, open your Etsy store! But don't keep it under wraps, announce your grand opening to the world!

• To generate sales, promote your store on social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Engage with potential customers, provide promotions, and create a buzz around your new POD store.

Now you are all ready to sell! Keep your store updated, promote consistently, and be prepared for the process of growing your Etsy Print on Demand business.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Starting a Print on Demand (POD) business on Etsy is exciting, but it's easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some of the most common pitfalls sellers encounter, along with tips on how to avoid them to ensure your store thrives:

💸 Overpricing or Underpricing Products

Choosing the appropriate pricing for your goods is essential. Underpricing and overpricing may both hurt your sales:

• Overpricing: Charging too much can scare potential customers away. Find out what comparable items are selling for on Etsy and establish competitive prices that take into account the market demand as well as the worth of your goods.
• Underpricing: On the flip side, underpricing your products can lead to low-profit margins or make customers question the quality of your items. Always factor in production costs, shipping fees, and Etsy fees when setting your prices.

How to Avoid It:

Examine what other vendors are charging for comparable goods to strike a balance, and make sure your rates provide a competitive advantage while covering expenses.

🔍 Ignoring Etsy SEO

Etsy's search algorithm determines which listings are shown to potential buyers. If you ignore Etsy SEO, your products may remain buried in search results, limiting your visibility.

How to Avoid It:

• Optimize your titles: Add relevant, keyword-filled titles with both main and long-tail keywords.
• Improve your product descriptions: Write appealing, in-depth descriptions that clearly state the product's advantages and features.
• Utilize all 13 tags: Insert a mix of broad and niche-specific keywords so your product gets in front of more individuals.

🖼️ Using Poor-Quality Mockups

Since your product images are usually buyers' first exposure to your store, bad mockups can harm conversions. Blurry or pixelated images can give your products an amateurish look, and buyers may be less inclined to buy.

How to Avoid It:

• Invest in quality mockups: Use professional software or designers to create high-quality mockups that show your products in a good light.
• Use lifestyle photographs: Wherever possible, depict your products in use in real-life situations. It assists customers in imagining how they would use your product in their own lives.

🛠️ Not Testing Suppliers Before Listing Products

One of the biggest mistakes new POD sellers make is not testing their suppliers before listing products on Etsy. This can lead to quality issues, shipping delays, or poor customer service—all of which can damage your shop's reputation.

How to Avoid It:

• Order test samples: Order test samples of products prior to offering them for sale. This keeps you satisfied with the quality, print, and material. Trying suppliers first avoids last-minute issues after going live.
• Read reviews: Prior to joining with any POD supplier, read reviews and feedback from current sellers to ensure reliability.

⚖️ Violating Etsy’s Policies

Etsy has stringent rules on what may and cannot be sold on the site. Violating these policies can lead to store suspension, loss of listings, and damage to your reputation. Common mistakes include selling prohibited items or not properly disclosing third-party manufacturers.

How to Avoid It:

• Learn about Etsy's policies: Read and comply with Etsy's terms of service and list of prohibited items.
• Properly disclose suppliers: If you are using a print-on-demand supplier, always correctly disclose your manufacturing partner in the listing and comply with Etsy's policies for how to describe your products.

FAQs

How long does it take to get sales on Etsy?

The time to sell your very first item on Etsy can vary, but anywhere from a few days to several months is to be expected. Your sales are dependent on various factors, including how well your listings are optimized for Etsy SEO, how good your product looks, and the marketing that you do. With good product pictures, proper keywords, and ongoing promotion, you may begin seeing sales within weeks. It can take effort and time to develop a sound customer base and consistent sales, but persistence is always rewarded.

How can I scale my Etsy Print on Demand business to earn more?

Scaling your Etsy store can be done by expanding product lines and more heavily increasing shop visibility. Offer more designs or move into related product groups (e.g., accessories, home, clothing). Focus on Etsy SEO by optimizing titles, descriptions, and tags to receive more traffic to your listings. Running Etsy ads, marketing your goods on social media, and using influencers are wonderful ways to expand sales and scale your business. Order fulfillment automation tools such as Printful and Printify will help you make the process much easier as you expand.

What are the best tools for Etsy SEO and product research?

To optimize your Etsy store and improve your visibility, tools like EverBee, Marmalead, and eRank are invaluable. They provide keyword research, market trends, and competitor analysis to help you find high-traffic keywords and create better listings. By using these tools, you may enhance your product names, tags, and descriptions and raise your shop's rating in Etsy's search results, which will attract more prospective buyers.

Conclusion

Starting a successful Print-on-demand business on Etsy is simpler than it seems when you break it down into six key steps. First, find your niche, select a trusted POD partner, and set up your Etsy shop with eye-catching listings and effective SEO. Next, integrate your POD supplier for automated order fulfillment, finalize your shop settings, and go live!

The Etsy marketplace offers great potential for growth, and with the right approach, you can start building your brand today. Take action and begin your journey to Etsy success now!