Most people think starting an Etsy shop is as simple as creating a profile and listing some products. But, if you’re looking to start a successful Etsy print-on-demand business, there’s much more to it.
In this blog post, we will share four easy steps you can follow to get your Etsy print-on-demand business off the ground. Keep reading to learn more!
Easy Steps to Successfully Start Your Etsy Print on Demand Business
If you have a creative passion for making art and enjoy the process of creating new pieces, and exploring different mediums and styles, then the Etsy marketplace may be an excellent place to sell your art. Many artists are using Etsy to generate an additional source of income from their creative passions while also connecting with new people who appreciate their artwork. With so many artists selling their work on Etsy, it can be challenging to stand out among the thousands of other sellers.
However, with the right approach and techniques, anyone can sell their art on this platform and make a profit. Here are four ways to start your print-on-demand business selling your art on Etsy.
Etsy is home to thousands of artists and designers who use their shops to sell prints and other items printed on demand. With companies like CanvasPop, Fine Art America, and PhotoBarn, you can add framed prints, posters, and canvases to your shop and instantly diversify your product line. It’s important to remember that not all of these companies are the same, though.
You’ll want to choose your POD partner carefully. How do you find a POD partner? Read reviews across different blogs and social media in art communities.
Step One: Find a POD Partner and Decide on Your Printable Products
Engage with POD companies on their blogs, websites, and social media handles to see if they are someone you’d like to do business with. You don’t have to choose just one POD partner, either! You can work with multiple companies to offer a variety of products to your customers.
Step Two: Find 3rd Party Software and Have It Installed.
Once you’ve chosen your partners, it’s time to get the ball rolling on software. You’ll want to download 3rd party software from any POD company you choose to work with. This will allow you to create custom product templates and set up your design and order process.
Each software will be different, but most should have options for designing templates for posters, canvases, framed prints, and any other products you want to offer. Once you have your software installed, it’s time to get designing!
You’ll want to design your products with the printer’s specifications. For example, paper size and orientation, file type, and color settings. You can find information on the printer’s website or call their support line.
Step Three: Go Through the Documents for Your Print-on-Demand Business
You’ll also want to work on the documents needed to start your business as you design products. You’ll likely need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Federal Tax ID Number (FEIN) to start. You can apply for these numbers online through the United States Internal Revenue Service.
These document numbers (similar to a social security number) are unique to your company. You’ll need these numbers to pay quarterly taxes and open a business bank account. These numbers will appear as identification on all documentation.
Once you have your EIN and FEIN, you can apply for an Etsy Seller’s Tax ID. This will allow you to collect sales tax from your customers, which you will be responsible for paying to the state where the sale occurred. You’ll want to open a business bank account and get business insurance.
Step Four: Launch!
Once you’ve finished the initial set-up, you can officially launch your Print-on-Demand business! This is when your products are ready to be sold, and you are ready to accept POD orders. When you are ready to launch, you can create a new post in your Etsy shop that lets customers know you have a POD business.
It’s important to let customers know they will have to wait up to 4-6 weeks for their product. This gives you enough time to create and ship their product. When you are ready to accept orders, you can work with the POD company to create a custom link.
This link will allow you to keep track of your orders and know when to fulfill them. When you are ready to start selling prints, make sure you take the time to design products that are high-quality and match your brand’s aesthetic. Customers will appreciate getting well-designed prints at an affordable price.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article has helped you to understand exactly how to sell your art on Etsy by starting a Print-on-Demand business. With the help of an Etsy print-on-demand partner and 3rd party software, you can create custom designs for various products, like framed prints, posters, and canvases, and have them printed. POD products are printed on demand and shipped directly to customers.
This means you don’t have to keep inventory or store any products. You’ll want to ensure you have everything in place before accepting orders, especially if you plan on selling framed prints and posters.
The products will take longer to print, so ensure you have enough time to prepare everything before you start taking orders.