How Do I Sell Print-On-Demand Products On Amazon Or Etsy?

Apr, 24 2023
Posted by Frank Merino
Wiki
Are you interested in starting a print-on-demand business but not sure which platform to choose and asking yourself this question "How Do I Sell Print-On-Demand Products On Amazon Or Etsy?"? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of selling on Amazon and Etsy, and discover the step-by-step guide to selling print-on-demand products on each platform.
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    As a seller, you may be familiar with Etsy and Amazon, two well-known and trusted eCommerce platforms. If you're considering starting an online business, it's a common question among business owners to at least  once asked this question to ourselves: "How do I sell Print-On-Demand products on Amazon or Etsy?" In this article, we'll provide you with a clearer vision of this hot topic. 

    POD meaning in business?

    The POD (Print-on-demand) method is a type of order fulfillment where products are printed only when an order is placed, usually without any minimum order requirements. POD is often combined with drop shipping, where the items are printed and shipped directly from the manufacturer to the buyer, on behalf of the customer who is selling the products. Compared to bulk/wholesale orders, Print-on-demand eliminates the need to keep finished inventory, offers a wider range of product choices, and allows fulfillers to produce only the items that have been sold. Although production occurs after the order is placed, modern technologies have made the entire process, from order to shipment, very efficient.

     

    How to start a print on demand business on Etsy?

    Let's dive into the step-by-step process of starting to sell print-on-demand products on Etsy.

    Step 1: Sign up for an Etsy seller account

    Sure, you'll need an Etsy account. If you don't already have one, sign up for a seller account on Etsy using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account.Then clicking in "Sell on Etsy" on your Etsy homepage.

    Step 2: Determine your niche and products 

    Choose the type of products you want to sell, such as T-shirts, mugs, stickers, or any other item that can be customized through print-on-demand. 

    Step 3: Choose a print-on-demand partner

    Find a print-on-demand partner that works well with Etsy and meets your needs. You can search for print-on-demand partners in the Etsy marketplace.

    Step 4: Set up your shop

    Create your shop name, and customize your shop banner, profile photo, and shop policies.

    Step 5: Create your product listings

    Add your products to your shop, including high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and appropriate tags. Make sure to optimize your listings for search engines by using relevant keywords. The 5th step holds significant importance as it has an impact on your shop's visibility and ranking for millions of Etsy customers. As a result, it's essential to gain knowledge about Etsy SEO to optimize your listings' titles and descriptions.

    Step 6: Connect your print-on-demand partner

    Connect your print-on-demand partner to your Etsy shop. You can do this by going to your shop's "Production Partners" section and adding your print-on-demand partner's information such as production partner, location, etc. 

    Step 7: Market your shop 

    Promote your shop on social media and other channels to attract customers. Use Etsy's advertising platform to reach more potential customers.

    Step 8: Manage your orders and fulfillment

    When you receive orders, your print-on-demand partner will handle the production and shipping of your products. Make sure to stay on top of your orders and communicate with your customers if there are any delays or issues.

    By following these steps, you can start your print-on-demand business on Etsy and begin selling your custom products to a global audience.

    How to sell Print on demand on Amazon?

    Here are the steps to sell print-on-demand products on Amazon:

    Step 1: Create a seller account

    If you don't already have an Amazon seller account, you need to create one. You can choose between two types of accounts: Individual and Professional. Individual accounts are free, but you'll need a Professional account if you plan to sell more than 40 items per month.

    Step 2: Choose a print-on-demand provider

    You'll need to find a print-on-demand provider that integrates with Amazon, such as Printful, Merch by Amazon, or KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).

    Step 3: Create your designs

    You can either create your designs or hire a designer to do it for you. Make sure your designs meet Amazon's content policy guidelines.

    Step 4: Upload your designs to your print-on-demand provider

    Once your designs are ready, upload them to your print-on-demand provider's platform. You'll be able to select the products you want to sell, such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more.

    Step 5: Connect your print-on-demand provider to Amazon

    You'll need to integrate your print-on-demand provider with your Amazon seller account. Follow the provider's instructions to do so.

    Step 6: Set your prices

    Decide on the prices you want to charge for your products. Make sure you take into account the costs of production, shipping, and Amazon's fees.

    Step 7: Create your product listings

    Create product listings for your print-on-demand products on Amazon. Make sure you use high-quality images and provide detailed descriptions of your products.

    Step 8: Promote your products

    Promote your products through social media, email marketing, and other channels. You can also take advantage of Amazon's advertising platform to reach more customers.

    Step 9: Fulfill orders

    When an order is placed, your print-on-demand provider will automatically fulfill the order and ship it to the customer. Make sure you monitor your inventory levels to ensure you have enough products in stock.

    Step 10: Manage customer service

    Provide excellent customer service to ensure your customers are happy with their purchases. Respond to any questions or concerns promptly and professionally.

     

    What are the advantages of Etsy print on demand and print on demand Amazon?

    Etsy

    Amazon

    • The primary benefit of selling print on demand on Etsy is the platform's branding identity, which creates a perception of higher value for goods sold by independent designers. This results in better profit margins for sellers compared to selling the same items on other platforms.
    • Etsy's focus on crafts and DIY items sets the mood for buyers looking for unique and personalized products, making it an ideal marketplace for print-on-demand products.
    • Setting up an Etsy store costs almost nothing, making it an economical option for entrepreneurs and sellers who want to test different business models.
    • With Etsy's high volume of traffic, having an Etsy print-on-demand store is a good starting point for a business. However, sellers still need to invest in marketing efforts to stand out and reach a large customer base over the long term.
    • To reassure customers about the quality of customer service and delivery conditions, Amazon displays the phrase "shipped and sold by Amazon" on the items.
    • Amazon handles everything from printing to shipping and customer service, which means you don't have to worry about inventory or risk. You only need to collect your royalties from sales.
    • Amazon promotes your designs more as they become more successful on the platform, which can lead to increased revenues.
    • Amazon doesn't require exclusivity, so you can distribute your designs through other channels like your own website.

    What are the disadvantages of Etsy print on demand and print on demand Amazon?

    Etsy

    Amazon

    • The selection of print on demand products on Etsy is limited to items that fit the platform's focus on crafts, handmade goods, and vintage items (which must be at least 20 years old). If you're selling something that doesn't meet these requirements or that isn't your original design, Etsy may not be the right platform for you.
    • Etsy is no exception to the presence of copycats, who may steal your images and product listings in an attempt to attract your customers. Unfortunately, this is an issue that cannot be completely avoided, as Etsy is a well-known platform for crafters and artists, making it easy for copycats to find and replicate your products.
    • Etsy charges sellers a $0.20 per item listing fee, as well as a 3-5% transaction fee for shipping and gift-wrapping fees. If you use Etsy Payments or PayPal to process payments, you'll also need to pay Etsy a 3% fee and a $0.25 payment processing fee.
    • You have a choice between two options: Individual or Professional fees. If you opt for the former, Amazon will charge you $0.99 per unit sold. If you choose the latter, you'll have to pay a subscription fee of $39.99 per month to gain access to 100,000 free listings and more benefits if you make regular sales.
    • Counterfeit products on Amazon, usually sold by copycats trying to compete with legitimate sellers, are a prevalent issue that many sellers have reported.
    • Amazon exercises strict control over every selling activity from your store, which can make you feel insecure and hinder your ability to expand your customer base.
    • The intense competition among professionals can result in lower margins for your business.

     

    Final words

    Our final suggestion for this article “How do I sell Print-On-Demand products on Amazon or Etsy” is to consider Etsy for your print-on-demand business if you are going to sell handmade items and attract customers looking for personalized products. However, if your goal is to reach a wider audience and establish a recognizable brand, then Amazon may be a better option for you to launch your business.

    Printerval is also a Print-On-Demand marketplace catering to sellers of all levels, from professionals to hobbyists. The platform offers a dynamic marketplace for sellers to showcase their creativity and earn money. With a commitment to valuing and recognizing sellers, Printerval is an excellent option for those looking to enter the POD business. Contact them to learn more.

    Find this article interesting? You might also want to read: 

    Frank Merino-140490
    Posted by: Frank Merino

    Meet Frank Merino, a 32-year-old author at Printerval. Beyond his love for creativity and writing, Frank is skilled in designing personalized items. His passion lies in sharing joy and imparting knowledge and experiences with others.

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