Maximizing Etsy Shop Profits with Print-on-Demand Tips

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Etsy Shop Overview
3. Weekly Etsy Numbers
4. Gross Sales
5. Fees and Shipping Costs
6. Net Profit
7. Print on Demand Experiment
8. Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day Products
9. Choosing Print Providers
10. The Importance of Research and Legwork
11. Updates on Channel and New Discord Group

Introduction

Welcome back to my channel! In this weekly Etsy update, I will be sharing the real numbers for my Etsy shop. As a self-published author looking for additional streams of income, I started an Etsy sticker and magnet shop as a hobby but decided to take it more seriously. I also recently added print on demand products through printify, such as coffee mugs and mouse pads. In this video, I will be discussing my weekly Etsy numbers, my experiences with print on demand, and my plans for upcoming holidays.

Etsy Shop Overview

In my Etsy shop, I sell vinyl stickers and magnets that I personally ship out. Additionally, I have introduced print on demand products through printify. While combining all these products in one shop may not be advisable, I am currently doing so to explore different income streams. However, it is important to note that running an Etsy shop requires attention to detail and understanding the numbers involved.

Weekly Etsy Numbers

Let’s dive into the numbers for the past seven days on Etsy. In terms of gross sales, I have made a total of $282.50. Alongside gross sales, I have incurred $66.48 in fees and $16.09 in shipping costs. It is worth mentioning that I offer free shipping, but as a seller, I bear the cost. So far, my net profit for December is $199.93. However, this figure does not include expenses from printify and Sticker Mule, where I order my stickers.

Gross Sales

Looking at the gross sales figure for the past week, it is encouraging to see that I have sold 33 stickers and magnets. Additionally, I have sold two print on demand items: an accessory pouch and a tote bag. While print on demand is still an experiment for me, it is motivating to witness sales in this category. The key to success with print on demand lies in listing a wide variety of products and optimizing titles, descriptions, and tags to give them the best chance of being discovered.

Fees and Shipping Costs

As an Etsy seller, it is crucial to take note of the fees and shipping costs involved. While Etsy helps calculate fees, it is important to understand that free shipping is not truly free; the cost is transferred to either the customer or the seller. In my case, I bear the shipping costs, which amount to $16.09 so far in December.

Net Profit

Although my net profit for December, as per Etsy fees and shipping costs, stands at $199.93, it is not a complete representation of my overall profit. Expenses from printify, Sticker Mule, and other business-related expenses have not been factored in yet. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the net profit figure mentioned is not comprehensive.

Print on Demand Experiment

One of the key areas I am exploring in my Etsy shop is print on demand. This entails offering products such as accessory pouches, tote bags, fanny packs, and coffee mugs alongside my stickers and magnets. While print on demand requires listing a large number of products and giving them time to gain traction within the Etsy system, it is heartening to see some sales in this category. It is an ongoing experiment to understand what products resonate with customers and drive sales.

Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day Products

To stay ahead in the e-commerce world, it is essential to plan ahead for holidays and occasions. Currently, I am focusing on upcoming holidays like Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day. I have already listed Valentine's Day bags, coffee mugs, stickers, and magnets. Additionally, I am working on St. Patrick's Day products such as coffee mugs, bags, stickers, and magnets. By planning and creating products in advance, I aim to attract customers looking for holiday-themed gifts.

Choosing Print Providers

Selecting the right print providers is crucial in ensuring quality products, timely processing, and efficient shipping. As a seller based in the United States, my preference is to work with American print providers. This allows for faster shipping within the country and improves the chances of customer satisfaction. When choosing print providers, it is advisable to consider their rankings in terms of product quality, processing time, and shipping time. While there are international print providers available, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages based on your specific needs.

The Importance of Research and Legwork

Running a successful Etsy shop requires research and legwork. It is necessary to search through each product category and find the best print providers for your specific products. Taking the time to evaluate rankings, read reviews, and narrow down options will result in better customer experiences and improved overall shop performance. While it may seem overwhelming at first, putting in the effort to find reliable print providers is a crucial step in building a successful Etsy business.

Updates on Channel and New Discord Group

Lastly, I wanted to share some exciting news. I am working on uploading more videos to my channel, with two videos planned for this week. These upcoming videos will focus on Amazon KDP, providing valuable insights and tutorials for those interested in this avenue. Additionally, I have recently joined a new Discord group run by Cindy, who is known as AmazingTaste in the reselling community. This group covers various e-commerce and home-based business topics, including Amazon KDP, Etsy, Print on Demand, and more. The group offers tutorials, discussions, and accountability to help individuals grow their businesses. If you are interested, the link to join the group will be provided below.

Highlights

• I share my real numbers for my Etsy shop, which includes vinyl stickers, magnets, and print on demand products through printify.
• My net profit for December is $199.93, but this figure does not account for expenses from printify, Sticker Mule, and other business-related expenses.
• Print on demand is an ongoing experiment in my Etsy shop, with the addition of accessory pouches, tote bags, fanny packs, and coffee mugs.
• I am focusing on upcoming holidays like Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, planning and listing relevant products in advance.
• Choosing the right print providers is crucial for ensuring quality products, timely processing, and efficient shipping.
• Running a successful Etsy shop requires thorough research and legwork to find reliable print providers.
• Updates on my YouTube channel: more videos will be uploaded, and I have joined a new Discord group for e-commerce and home-based businesses.

FAQ

Q: Can you explain more about print on demand? A: Print on demand is a business model where products are only created and fulfilled once an order is placed. This allows sellers to offer a wide range of customizable products without holding inventory or investing in equipment. With print on demand, products can be created and shipped directly to customers, saving time and resources for sellers.

Q: How do you choose which products to offer in your Etsy shop? A: When deciding which products to offer, I consider factors such as market demand, customer preferences, and trends. I also conduct thorough research to understand what types of products are popular on Etsy and other platforms. By staying informed and listening to customer feedback, I can make informed decisions and provide products that have a higher chance of selling.

Q: Is it necessary to offer free shipping on Etsy? A: Offering free shipping can be a competitive advantage as it is preferred by many customers. However, it is important to note that free shipping is not actually free; the cost is incorporated into the product price or absorbed by the seller. It is crucial to analyze the impact of offering free shipping on your profit margin and adjust your pricing accordingly.

Q: Are there any risks involved in using print on demand services? A: While print on demand services offer convenience and flexibility, there are some risks to consider. These include potential delays in processing and shipping, variations in product quality across different suppliers, and the need to rely on third-party services for production and fulfillment. It is important to thoroughly research and choose reputable print providers to minimize these risks.