As a guide for how Etsy works within the realm of print on demand (POD), you will be walked through how to set up an Etsy account, so that you can decide what products and what Etsy print-on-demand partners are most suitable for your business needs.
How does Etsy Work?
Opening an Etsy shop is a straightforward (and free) process.
Create an Etsy Account
Setting up your account is the first step, as this account is how you will be able to run your shop, add a profile picture, bio, and start establishing brand recognition on the Etsy marketplace.
Set up Shop Preferences
Making your shop’s language, country, currency, and time commitment is the next step. You also will need to connect your bank account to your Etsy shop in order to receive payments and verify your identity, which can be done with a photo of your government-issued ID and an unfiltered selfie.
Choose a Name
Make sure to pick out a memorable name that is both a testament to your image and your quality, along with being catchy to help keep brand recognition strong.
Set up and Stock Your Shop
Add product listings to your shop to start selling! But what should you do if you don’t have products to sell yet?
What to Sell on Etsy
It is important to take two things into account before deciding which print-on-demand products and imagery you wish to sell on Etsy:
Who are Your Etsy Customers?
Standing out starts by understanding what your customers want. If you are an artist/AI artist and already have an aesthetic style, research trending product ideas related to your style or theme. If you create a lot of neoclassical imagery, perhaps you should sell print-on-demand notebooks to focus on dark academia, and if you provide a certain custom services, such as creating paintings of a customer’s pets or loved ones, providing both custom blankets and canvas art is a great way to pique the interest of a potential customer.
What is Etsy’s Shipping Policy?
Etsy requires that items are shipped within 30 days of purchase. If a product is made-to-order and requires more than 30 days to be made, the product listing must specify how long a customer should expect to wait before their purchase is shipped. However, to stand out from the competition as well as to be part of Etsy’s Star Seller program, we highly recommend that your POD orders are fulfilled much sooner than this (preferably within 5-7 business days not including shipping). In today’s online ecommerce world, customers expect products quickly and doing so can lead to positive customer experiences and return business. Being part of Etsy’s Star Seller program means your store can stand out from the crowd and be featured more, leading to increased traffic and sales.
What Products Are Etsy Customers Buying?
Since Etsy has expanded tremendously over the past 10 years as e-commerce continues to grow, you should focus more on the interests of your customers, rather than Etsy products that statistically sell the most products, as customers are looking for unique and authentic products, rather than cheap ones. The top Etsy product categories range wildly such as clothing, jewelry, art/collectibles, home decor, and accessories.
As an up-and-coming business or a local artist, it can be overwhelming to decide how and where to find products. This is where a POD manufacturer can come in to assist in offering logistical solutions to your Etsy business needs.
Why Use Print on Demand for Etsy?
Competing in top-selling categories and making money on Etsy is about focusing on what makes your products unique, and with custom print-on-demand services, you can have a lot more flexibility to make these services a reality. Not only do many print-on-demand manufacturers working with Etsy feature no minimums, you can also help minimize lost revenue by having custom-made products without having to hold inventory.
Not only do Etsy print-on-demand partners help you minimize excess inventory, they also can help by offering white label services with manufacturing, packaging, and shipping services. This allows you to highlight your store brand while giving you more time and opportunity to focus on your business analytics, marketing strategies, and brand imagery.
What to Look for in an Etsy Print on-Demand Partner?
Turning your vision into print on demand products is the goal of a quality POD manufacturer. Making money on Etsy starts with establishing a healthy relationship with your supplier, guaranteeing your trust and belief in their work. Choosing the right POD partner starts with some essential features you need to find in the right supplier:
Quality Products
With the pushback of fast fashion, quality over quantity has become a big selling point for consumers in 2024, and the best POD for Etsy should follow the same steps. Having both quality and range is essential, especially if you want to sell your own art as wall art. Check for fading, the quality of colors, and the quality of the finish.
World Wide Distribution
It’s imperative that not only are your products made of high quality, but that they arrive on your customer’s doorstep with efficiency and professionalism. Look for a print on demand company that has a diverse manufacturing presence, as this will help with both shipping times and minimize cost. Sensaria has over a dozen facilities across the globe in strategic regions prime for print-on-demand audiences.
Seamless API Integration
Easy-to-use integration tools are an essential addition, as well as having a user-friendly interface that allows you to pick the products you need with an online portal with updates you can make in real-time.
Responsive Customer Support
Regardless if you are just starting with an Etsy side hustle or are setting up a full-time print-on-demand business on Etsy, a quality print on demand business partner will be there to help you when you need them. From small questions to major changes to your business model, you should always feel like you can reach out to your manufacturing partner with questions.
Start Making Money on Etsy Today
It all starts with quality. Begin your journey on Etsy with Sensaria. Launching a successful Etsy store is just a few clicks away. By understanding your target audience, effectively marketing your products, and consistently monitoring your progress, the potential for your business becomes limitless.