Since its inception in 2005, Etsy Print-on-demand popularity has skyrocketed, showing no signs of slowing down. According to Statista, by 2021, there will be an astounding 96.3 million active buyers on Etsy, doubling the number from 2019.
Here, creatives and entrepreneurs can easily network with an international clientele. It’s perfect for people who want to shop for unusual items that they can’t find in chain stores.
Because everything for sale on Etsy must be handmade, vintage, or a craft supply, the website promotes itself as a one-of-a-kind marketplace where customers can find items they might not be able to find elsewhere.
Despite this, print-on-demand (POD) sales are still possible. As long as you’re the one who comes up with the designs for the products, you’re good to go with outsourcing to companies like Laser Chili to get the job done.
What is Etsy Print-on-demand?
Etsy is a web-based retail outlet for unique, handmade, and vintage goods. Since its inception in 2005, Etsy has grown rapidly, providing artists and craft enthusiasts with a new outlet to sell their one-of-a-kind wares to a wider audience.
Do You Have to Make Something to Sell on Etsy?
Etsy has always committed to being an artist-centric community where makers can sell unique items that can’t find in big-name stores. As a result, you might wonder if there is a way to make money on Etsy without actually making anything. Surprisingly, there is! It’s much easier today than it was when the site first launched.
Even if a company like Laser Chili is producing the final good, you, as the vendor, need to demonstrate that you had some hand in its conception. According to Etsy’s rules, you can upload your custom design and have it engraved by a third-party manufacturer onto a bracelet or keychain.
What Kinds of Items Can You Sell on Etsy Print-on-demand?
Find a market for your handmade goods on Etsy. Options for personalized gifts are vast and can range from engraved jewelry and keychains to custom t-shirts and hats to calendars bearing your inscription.
We’re not here to provide an exhaustive list of everything that can sell on Etsy, but when it comes to the most popular print-on-demand list, keep the following in mind:
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Cards
- Keychains
- Homeware
- Art & Collectibles
- Crafts and supplies
Is Etsy A Good Fit For Your Business?
The first step in learning how to sell on Etsy is deciding whether or not the site is a good fit for your business.
People actively seeking out unique, personalized products are the target market for those who sell on Etsy. The question is whether or not your time and money will be worthwhile.
The following are some of the dangers you might encounter if you decide to open an Etsy shop. Think about the pros and cons thoroughly before you get going.
1. Competition is tough. Your Etsy products? Many sellers offer similar items as you. Your designs should be unique. If not, consider your differences. How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? Look at similar products’ average prices.
It’s worth noting that Etsy buyers are willing to pay a premium for something truly one-of-a-kind, so don’t be afraid to set your prices high.
2. Countless submarkets. Not just on Etsy, it’s important to know your target audience and find a profitable niche. With 7.5 million active sellers, finding a niche is crucial. Consider your clients. Who will buy it? Does your audience use Etsy? Check Etsy for popular shops and products. Discover what people want and design unique versions of it.
3. Costs per order. Print-on-demand Etsy store setup is free—no monthly or membership fees. The listing, transaction, and other fees still apply. Etsy charges US-based sellers 6.5% and 3% + 0.25 USD per transaction. Each listing is active for four months; reactivation costs 0.20 USD. Selling on Etsy can be expensive, but it’s worth it for the creative marketplace. Etsy’s fees won’t seem so bad if you’ve found your niche, set your prices, and stood out from the crowd.
4. Engage with your audience and clientele. Etsy lets you connect with customers. Personalize messages and show your character. Request fan reviews whenever possible. This builds your store’s credibility and shows potential customers you have fans.
Laser Chili and Etsy Print-On-Demand Service
One of the first things to figure out when opening an Etsy shop is how you’ll be able to keep up with the constant influx of new customers and what you’ll be selling. POD services fill this void.
With Laser Chilis’ Etsy integration, you can forget about handling customer orders or shipping supplies. Etsy’s system takes over after you’ve published a few items, allowing you to focus on running your business and promoting your wares.
Everything on Laser Chili is white-labeled, and there are no monthly fees (you only pay when an order is shipped). That means that none of your products will feature the Laser Chili logo, just like if you made and sent out the product yourself, it features your unique designs and branding.
The process of making money with Laser Chili on Etsy is simple. Use our no-cost Etsy fees calculator to estimate your potential earnings from selling Laser Chili products on Etsy.
Start Your Etsy Print-On-Demand Marketing for Profit
Now that you have the fundamentals, it’s time to open up shop and begin making money off your art. The time it takes you to make money on Etsy depends on you and your level of perseverance, but here are some strategies you can employ to increase your chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Creating an Etsy shop can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for makers and artists. It’s a great way to turn passion projects into lucrative businesses.
Don’t give up if your initial Etsy sales aren’t stellar; even the biggest names in Etsy commerce had to begin somewhere. Furthermore, you don’t need a large group of people to get started; in fact, 79% of Etsy stores are run by single individuals. If you work with a print-on-demand dropshipper like Laser Chili, you won’t even need initial funding because you won’t pay for production until a customer place an order.
The nerve to begin is the only thing stopping you from selling on Etsy. Take risks, show resolve, and try new things to increase your sales. If you put in the time and effort required to implement the advice you just read, you have an excellent chance of achieving your goals.