New ways to make money online are always popping up. Nowadays, one of the coolest options out there is print on demand (POD). Whether you’re a pro at e-commerce or just starting out and want to try something new, learning how to set up a print on demand Etsy store can be a game-changer.

With this model, you can create and sell custom-designed products without worrying about storing inventory. Print on demand keeps your startup costs low and allows creative folks to make money from their designs. And there are several reasons why selling on Etsy is an excellent opportunity for creative entrepreneurs. Let’s explore them!

Key Takeaways

Print on demand presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs to sell custom-designed products on Etsy without inventory worries.

Setting up a print on demand Etsy store involves creating an Etsy account, integrating with AutoDS, selecting products, and optimizing listings.

Success on Etsy relies on respecting intellectual property rights, creating original designs, and obtaining necessary licenses.

Marketing strategies are crucial for driving traffic and sales to your print on demand Etsy store.

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What Is Print On Demand Etsy?

Print on demand is a model where you can create and sell custom products without keeping inventory or handling shipping. When someone buys something, a third-party company prints and ships the item for you. This way, you don’t have to worry about the costs and risks of traditional retail, like storing stock or dealing with items that don’t sell. POD lets you focus on making unique designs while someone else handles the printing and shipping.

On Etsy, POD is the same, but it benefits from Etsy’s good reputation for quality handmade and custom items. As you may know, Etsy is a popular marketplace where people shop for personalized products, so mixing it with POD is a great idea. That’s why today we’ll learn how to set up print on demand Etsy store. Let’s jump right to it.

How To Set Up A Print On Demand Etsy Store

how to set up print on demand etsy

Setting up a POD Etsy store is pretty easy. Let’s do a quick recap of our detailed “How To Start Dropshipping On Etsy” tutorial, focused just on print on demand. These easy, step-by-step instructions will help you get your Etsy store going in no time.

1. Create Or Sign Up To An Etsy Account

First things first, you need to either create a new Etsy account or log in to an existing one. Head over to Etsy’s homepage and click on “Sign in” if you already have an account or “Register” if you need to create one. Once you’re logged in, go to the “Sell on Etsy” section and follow the steps to set up your store. You’ll be asked for basic information like your shop preferences (language, country, currency), a unique shop name, and your payment bank details. Keep in mind that there is a $29 fee to open your Etsy shop account, which is designed to deter inactive or uncommitted sellers from flooding the marketplace with low-quality listings. This step is crucial to make sure your store is ready for business and meets Etsy’s requirements.

2. Sign Up To AutoDS Print On Demand

Next, go to the AutoDS website to sign up. You can use the $1 trial to get started. During the signup process, you’ll enter your business details, including your Etsy shop name and contact information. This setup lets AutoDS integrate smoothly with your Etsy store and handle your print on demand operations.

3. Connect Your Etsy Store To AutoDS

Connect Your Etsy Store To AutoDS

After your AutoDS account is ready, the next step is to link it to your Etsy store. Log in to your AutoDS dashboard, go to the Stores section, and click Add Store. Choose Etsy from the list of platforms and follow the on-screen instructions to authorize the connection. This integration allows AutoDS to sync products, manage orders, and update inventory in your Etsy store.

4. Select Products & Create Your Designs

how to set up print on demand etsy autoDS POD catalog

Now that your store is connected, you can start choosing products from the AutoDS catalog. Browse through a variety of customizable items like apparel, accessories, and more. When you find a product you want to sell, use the AutoDS design tool to create your unique design. You can upload graphics, add text, and adjust the layout to make your products stand out. The design tool is easy to use and lets you customize quickly.

how to set up print on demand etsy autoDS design tool

5. Edit & Publish Your POD AutoDS Products To Etsy

Finally, it’s time to publish your designed products to your Etsy store. In the AutoDS product management section, you can tweak important details like the product title, description, pricing, and shipping profile. Make sure to optimize these elements for SEO to boost your product’s visibility on Etsy. Once everything looks good, click “Publish” to list your products on Etsy. Your designs are now live and ready for customers to purchase.

6. Optimize Your Listings 

Alright, now that you’ve picked your products and made them look great, let’s make sure they shine on Etsy. Customizing your listings is key to grabbing attention and standing out in Etsy’s busy marketplace. Here’s what you need to focus on:

  • Use the Right Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your product titles, tags, and descriptions to show up more in searches. Try out tools like AutoDS AI Rewrite feature to create catchy descriptions that show off your products’ best bits and boost your chances of popping up in search results.
  • Show Off with Great Pics: Grab people’s attention with eye-catching pictures that show your products from all angles. Clear, well-lit photos that show how your products look can make a big difference and help turn browsers into buyers. Consider using a design service like Kittl to create additional mockups that beautifully display your product in different settings.
  • Sort Out Shipping: To attract more buyers, consider offering free shipping or competitive rates. Etsy gives a thumbs-up to listings with free shipping, so adding this to your plan can help you stand out and appear higher in search results.

7. Market Your Print On Demand Etsy Products

Time to spread the word about your Etsy store! Marketing is super important for any business, including dropshipping on Etsy. Good marketing helps you get noticed, target the right people, build your brand, and learn what works best.

Investing in marketing helps us grow our Etsy stores and reach our goals. Etsy offers ways to promote your products both inside and outside the site.

Promoting With Etsy Tools:

  • Etsy Ads: Boost your listings within Etsy’s site to get seen by more buyers.
  • Etsy Offsite Ads: Advertise your products on other platforms to reach beyond Etsy with no upfront costs—you only pay an advertising fee when making a sale. Offsite Ads are turned on by default for every listing and result in a higher percentage fee when a sale is made through these ads.

Reaching Outside Etsy:

  • Facebook Ads: Facebook’s ad tools are great for targeting specific groups based on interests, ages, and more.
  • Influencer Partnerships: Team up with influencers in your field to show off your products to their followers and get more eyes on your brand.
  • Social Media Sharing: Get chatty with your audience on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest by sharing updates, behind-the-scenes stuff, and customer shoutouts.
  • TikTok Fun: Tap into TikTok’s vibe by creating fun and engaging videos that showcase your products.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of AutoDS’ Ads Spy Tool to discover what products and videos are hot at the moment and embrace virality!

Things You Should Know Before You Set Up A POD Etsy Store

Now that you learned how to set up print on demand Etsy stores, there are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward. By following these simple guidelines, you’re bound to thrive. Let’s check them out. 

What You Can Sell On Etsy

In order to provide a safe and easy experience, Etsy has strict rules about what can be sold on its platform. It’s important for sellers to follow them. When it comes to print on demand products, Etsy allows them as long as the designs are original and made by the seller.

Here are the main categories where we can find and sell popular POD products on Etsy:

  • Jewelry
  • Clothing
  • Home Goods
  • Art and Entertainment
  • Party Invitations, Gifts, etc.

But be careful—there are certain products we should avoid when dropshipping on Etsy. For example, dangerous materials, liquids, medicines, and firearms. Selling these items can get our store suspended or even lead to legal trouble. So, it’s crucial to choose our inventory wisely and stick to Etsy’s rules.

Avoiding copyright issues is super important, especially when running a POD business. Etsy really values originality and creativity. So, it’s vital for us creators to respect intellectual property rights. That means we need to make sure our designs, artwork, and products don’t step on anyone else’s toes. We shouldn’t use copyrighted stuff like logos, images, or slogans without permission or the right licenses.

Etsy is all about handmade, unique creations, and they work hard to prevent copyright problems. Breaking copyright laws could mess up our reputation, or we might end up with takedown notices, lawsuits, or fines. So, doing our homework, making our designs from scratch, and getting permission or licenses when needed are crucial. That way, we can stay on the right side of copyright rules and keep our Etsy stores legit and respected.

Apply Best Practices For SEO & Improve Your Listings

Using good SEO and leveling up your listings isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a big deal for success on Etsy. In a busy marketplace where competition is fierce, making sure your products are easy to find can really set you apart. By improving your listings with the right keywords, catchy titles, and interesting descriptions, you boost your chances of showing up higher in Etsy’s search results.

Plus, smart SEO strategies help you get noticed, boost sales, and give you an edge over the competition. When your listings appear at the top of search results, you attract shoppers who are genuinely interested in what you’re selling. To help with this, consider using tools like EverBee or SaleSamurai, which can assist in finding the best keywords and optimizing your listings. By leveraging top-notch SEO practices and continually refining your listings, you set yourself up for success!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Business License For Print On Demand?

In most cases, you don’t need a business license for print on demand because you’re acting as a middle-person rather than manufacturing the products yourself. However, requirements can vary depending on your location, so it’s a good idea to check with local authorities. You can start by contacting your city or county’s business licensing department or the Better Business Bureau to get accurate information for your area.

How To Advertise Your Print On Demand Business?

You can advertise your print on demand business in lots of ways. Try using social media like Facebook or Instagram. You can also use Etsy Ads to get your products in front of more people. Being active in online communities related to your niche can also help get the word out.

Can I Use AutoDS To Print On Demand On Etsy?

Yes, you can! AutoDS can help you manage your print on demand products on Etsy. It makes things easier by automating tasks like product management and order fulfillment, saving you time and effort.

Conclusion

Diving into POD presents an exciting avenue in a world where online opportunities are always evolving. Through the easy steps we learned today on how to set up print on demand Etsy stores, you can take advantage of many new opportunities.

Remember: aligning with Etsy’s guidelines ensures a smooth journey toward success. So, with creativity as your compass, embrace the POD opportunities on Etsy and watch your dreams take flight! Check these out for more great ideas: