Title : 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Print-On-Demand on Etsy
link : 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Print-On-Demand on Etsy
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Print-On-Demand on Etsy
Imagine running a business successfully for nearly 10 years and then having the chance to start over with all the knowledge you’ve gained. That’s kind of where I am today. I’ve been a print-on-demand seller for almost a decade, and today, I’m sharing five crucial things I wish I knew before diving into print-on-demand on Etsy.
These points are rarely discussed on YouTube and were deal breakers for me, which is why I don’t sell on Etsy anymore. If you’re considering selling on Etsy, this is a must-read for you. Let’s get right into it.
The Workload: Etsy vs. Print-On-Demand Specific Sites
Running a print-on-demand business on Etsy requires more effort compared to print-on-demand specific websites. Here's why:
Time-Consuming Tasks on Etsy
1. Setting Up a Third-Party Fulfillment Service:
First, you’ll need to find and set up a third-party print-on-demand fulfillment service. While this isn’t too difficult, it’s just the beginning.
2. Nurturing Customer Reviews:
Maintaining customer reviews on your Etsy shop is an ongoing task. Positive reviews are crucial for your ranking and reputation.
3. Managing Customer Service:
This is the most time-consuming task. You’ll need to handle all customer inquiries and issues, which brings us to our next point.
Customer Messages and Response Time
On every Etsy product page, there is a "Message the Seller" button.
Rapid Response is Key
Etsy Monitors Your Response Time:
Etsy tracks how quickly you respond to messages, and this affects your ranking. Quick response times are essential.
FAQs Aren’t Enough:
Even if you fill your product descriptions with FAQs, customers will still message you about shipping, product customization, sizing, and more.
Glued to Your Phone:
The bigger your Etsy shop gets, the more messages you'll receive. Be prepared to be constantly available to respond quickly.
Setup Process and Learning Curve
Setting up print-on-demand on Etsy is far more challenging than on print-on-demand specific websites.
Integration with Third-Party Services
Learning Two Platforms:
You’ll need to integrate with third-party fulfillment services like Printful or Printify. Learning to use both Etsy and the fulfillment service is essential.
Not a Print-On-Demand Platform:
Etsy is a marketplace, not a print-on-demand platform. It means you get organic traffic but have to manage fulfillment separately.
Fees and Upfront Costs
Selling on Etsy comes with various fees and upfront costs that aren’t present on print-on-demand specific websites.
Understanding the Costs
Etsy Listing Fee:
Every design you upload costs 20 cents. While this may seem small, it adds up if you’re uploading hundreds or thousands of designs.
Upfront Cost of Goods:
When a customer places an order on Etsy, you pay the fulfillment service upfront (e.g., $15) before receiving the customer’s payment (e.g., $20), leaving you a profit of $5. Other platforms don’t have this upfront cost; they pay you a commission without needing a card on file.
Sales Tax Complications
Sales tax can get messy when selling on Etsy because you’re technically reselling products from a fulfillment service.
Navigating Sales Tax
Reseller Responsibilities:
You might have to register for a sales tax or reseller permit and file sales tax returns, depending on your location.
Not an Issue on Other Platforms:
Print-on-demand specific sites handle this differently. They pay you a commission, so you’re not the seller or reseller, avoiding sales tax complications.
Easier Print-On-Demand Options
For those looking for a simpler way to dive into print-on-demand, there are easier alternatives than Etsy.
Recommended Platforms
Five Print-On-Demand Websites:
I recommend checking out five specific print-on-demand websites that are much easier to use. They come with fewer headaches and a more straightforward setup process.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
I’ve linked a detailed tutorial in the description below. It walks you through everything you need to start with these platforms.
Conclusion
Etsy can be a viable platform for selling print-on-demand products, but it comes with more challenges than one might expect. From handling customer service and setting up third-party fulfillment services to navigating complex fees and sales tax issues, there’s a lot to manage.
For a simpler alternative, consider other print-on-demand specific websites that offer fewer complications and a more manageable workload.
$ads={2}
Thank you for reading, and happy decorating with your new wallpapers! 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Print-On-Demand on Etsy
You are now reading the article 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Print-On-Demand on Etsy with the link address https://gardner-one.blogspot.com/2024/06/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting.html