In 2025, e-commerce continues to grow, offering entrepreneurs exciting opportunities with minimal upfront costs. One such opportunity is Etsy print on demand (POD). Whether you’re a creative professional or a hobbyist, Etsy provides a platform to turn your designs into physical products without handling inventory.
Print on demand allows you to create & sell custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters, which are printed and shipped directly to customers. This means you don’t have to worry about inventory, shipping, or fulfillment. But how do you get started, and how do you make your Etsy shop stand out in 2025?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of launching your Etsy POD business, offer tips for maximizing profits, and share strategies for growing your shop in an increasingly competitive market. With the right approach, you can turn your creative ideas into a profitable business. Ready to start? Let’s dive in!
What is Etsy?
Etsy, launched in 2005, is an online marketplace where independent sellers offer handmade, vintage, and personalized products like jewelry, clothing, home decor, art, and craft supplies. It’s known for its community of creators and small business owners. Etsy also supports digital products like printables and designs. As of 2023, Etsy has over 96.3 million active buyers and 7.5 million sellers.
Unlike Amazon, Etsy doesn’t manage stock for sellers, meaning sellers need to handle everything from marketing to orders and inventory. This is where print on demand (POD) services come in handy. Etsy allows POD products on its platform, and many POD manufacturers integrate with Etsy, making it easier for sellers to run their E-commerce business. With POD integration, sellers can streamline their processes and focus on growing their business without worrying about inventory management.
Is Print on Demand allowed for Etsy?
Etsy and print on demand is the obvious winning combination. POD on Etsy offers the best solution for shop owners as it will take care of the manufacturing as well as handling orders. Print on demand helps to fill the gap in Etsy’s service including stock management and delivery.
If you are planning on selling white-label products using your own design, print on demand service is the best option to try.. Print on demand also offers white label products that are highly relevant to the user base on Etsy. Statistics show that “personalized gift” was the most popular search term in 2020 on this e-commerce site, revealing the increasing demand for custom products on this platform. Needless to say, using POD with Etsy is arguably the best way to start an e-commerce business.
The key to success with Print on demand on Etsy lies in your creativity, the uniqueness of your products, how well you market your store, and your ability to provide excellent customer service. Just make sure you’re following Etsy’s guidelines for handmade items and that you’re transparent with your customers about how the items are made.
Here’s how you can use Etsy for Print on Demand:
Print on Demand with Etsy works through a seamless integration between Etsy and a POD provider. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works:
1. Set Up Your Etsy Shop
- Create an Etsy shop: Fill in your shop details (name, branding, shop policies, etc.).
Payment System Issues: Etsy is transitioning to its in-house payment system, Etsy Payments, in India. However, there have been delays in integrating it, which has caused difficulties for new sellers in setting up their payment methods.
Market Strategy Changes: Etsy has shifted its focus away from the Indian market due to lower-than-expected sales and challenges in building a strong buyer base in India
- Etsy will handle the marketplace and transactions, while you’ll handle product listings, customer service, and marketing.
2. Choose a Print on Demand Provider
- You’ll need to select a best Print on demand provider that works well with Etsy. Some popular options include: Qikink, Printful, & Printify. These providers offer a range of customizable products, from t-shirts and mugs to posters and phone cases.
3. Create and Upload Designs
- Design the products you want to sell using graphic design software or hire a designer. Common POD products include apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, etc.), home décor (pillows, posters, etc.), and accessories (mugs, phone cases, etc.).
- You can use the Print on demand provider’s design tool to upload your artwork or use their templates for various products.
4. List Products on Etsy
- Once your designs are ready, you’ll create product listings on Etsy. These listings include:
- Product images (mockups provided by the Print on demand provider)
- Descriptions
- Pricing
- Shipping information
- You’ll also set up product variations (e.g., sizes, colors) within Etsy’s listing tools.
5. Customer Places an Order on Etsy
- When a customer places an order for one of your products on Etsy, the order information is automatically sent to your POD provider.
- The customer pays you through Etsy, and you’ll receive the funds, minus Etsy’s transaction fees.
6. Order Fulfillment by the POD Provider
- Once the order is placed, the Print on demand provider prints and ships the product directly to the customer.
- The provider handles all aspects of fulfillment (printing, packing, and shipping), so you don’t need to worry about inventory or logistics.
7. Track Orders and Provide Customer Service
- You can track the progress of your orders through your POD provider’s dashboard.
- If any customer service issues arise (such as a wrong order or delivery delay), you’ll need to handle customer support through your Etsy shop.
8. POD Provider Ships the Product
- The Print on demand provider ships the product directly to your customer. Shipping details, such as tracking numbers, are often sent to both you and the customer.
- The POD provider usually ships under your brand name, so the customer may not even know the product was produced and shipped by a third party.
9. Etsy's Role in the Process
- Etsy manages the transaction, handles fees (listing and transaction fees), and provides customer support in cases of disputes. However, you are responsible for managing your shop and ensuring good customer experience.
Key Advantages of Print on demand with Etsy:
- No Inventory: Since products are only made when ordered, you don’t need to keep inventory or deal with the upfront costs of buying bulk products.
- Low Risk: You only pay for the product and shipping once a customer makes a purchase, reducing financial risk.
- Customization: You can offer highly customized, unique designs, giving your shop a personal touch.
- Automation: Once set up, most of the process is automated, making it easy to manage your shop even if you’re new to e-commerce.
- Access to a Large Marketplace: Etsy has millions of active buyers, and many of them are specifically looking for unique, custom, and handmade products.
Factors That Influence Profitability
Selling on Etsy can be profitable, but success depends on several factors. Etsy has millions of active buyers, creating ample opportunities for profit, but how you manage your shop, products, and marketing efforts will play a significant role. Here are key factors that affect profitability on Etsy:
1. Product Niche and Uniqueness
Etsy is known for handmade, vintage, and niche products. If you sell something special, like personalized gifts or niche art, you’ll have a better chance of standing out. Unique, high-quality products typically perform better than mass-produced ones, as buyers look for items they can’t find elsewhere.
2. Transparency and Ownership of Designs
Etsy allows print on demand (POD) services, but you must own the rights to the designs you sell. Reselling pre-made designs or using designs you don’t own is prohibited. Your designs should be original or customized in some way, ensuring uniqueness.
3. Pricing Strategy
Etsy charges several fees, including listing, transaction, and payment processing fees. It’s important to factor these costs into your pricing. Competitive pricing is key, but be careful not to underprice, as it can eat into your profit margin. If you use POD, you’ll also need to account for printing and shipping costs when setting prices.
Etsy uses SEO to help buyers find your products, so it’s crucial to use effective keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags. You can also promote your shop with Etsy Ads, but monitor the ROI to ensure it’s worth the investment. Promoting your shop on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook can help drive more traffic. Collaborating with influencers or bloggers in your niche can also boost visibility.
5. Customer Service & Reputation
Positive reviews are crucial for building trust on Etsy. Providing excellent customer service, responding quickly to messages, and delivering high-quality products can help you earn great reviews. Efficiently handling returns or customer issues also helps maintain a good reputation.
6. Product Type and Listings
If you’re selling handmade items, it may take more time and resources, but it can also lead to higher profit margins. POD or dropshipping models reduce upfront costs and time commitments, though you still need to account for product and shipping costs. Low-cost items may sell in higher volumes but offer lower margins, while high-cost items like custom furniture may have fewer sales but higher profits. Be transparent in your listings about how items are made and whether they are hand-crafted or POD products to avoid issues with Etsy’s policies.
7. Etsy Fees
- Listing Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee for each item you post.
- Transaction Fees: Etsy takes 6.5% of the sale price (including shipping).
- Payment Processing Fees: Etsy charges payment processing fees based on your location and the total sale amount.These Etsy fees can eat into your profits, so it’s important to factor them into your pricing strategy.
8. Competition
Etsy is a highly competitive marketplace with many sellers. If you’re in a saturated category like general t-shirts or jewelry, standing out can be challenging. To succeed, focus on offering unique, high-quality products and avoid competing solely on price. Instead, focus on creating a distinctive brand or niche to help differentiate yourself from the competition
Is Selling on Etsy Profitable?
- Yes, but it takes time: Like any online business, Etsy takes time to build momentum. Once you establish a steady flow of sales, it can be profitable. Many sellers report decent profits, but success usually doesn’t happen overnight.
- Profitability varies: Some sellers make a full-time income, while others may only make extra income or run their shops as a hobby. Your success will depend on the products you sell, your pricing strategy, your marketing efforts, and how well you manage customer service.
How Much Can You Earn?
- Small Shops: For a small Etsy shop with a few items and occasional sales, you might make a few hundred dollars per month.
- Full-Time Sellers: Some sellers make Rs.85000-90,000 or more per month, and top sellers can earn tens of thousands of dollars annually.
- Print on Demand Sellers: If you’re using Print on Demand, you can still make a profit, but the margins are thinner. For example, a POD shirt might cost Rs.1000 to produce, and you might sell it for Rs.2000, giving you a Rs.1000 profit, but you must account for Etsy’s fees, taxes, and advertising costs.
Important Etsy Policies for Print on demand Sellers:
- Handmade Policy: Etsy is a marketplace for handmade, vintage, and craft supply items. For POD sellers, Etsy expects that you’re either designing the products yourself or providing personalized/custom options, not just simply reselling third-party products.
- Prohibited Items: Etsy prohibits certain items from being sold, including those that violate copyright or intellectual property rights. Be careful not to use copyrighted images or designs unless you have permission. Checkout Etsy’s seller policies and terms of use and other legal copyrights.
Four Tips for Finding Profitable Things to Sell on Etsy
1. Research Trending Products: Use Etsy’s “Trending Now” section and Google Trends to identify popular items like t-shirts, mugs, and wall art. Look for search terms with low competition to create in-demand products.
2. Validate Product Ideas: Get feedback from your community, friends, or social media followers to refine your product offerings. Consider hosting a presale to gauge interest and gather insights.
3. Evaluate the Competition: Analyze other sellers to identify gaps in the market. Offer unique products or services, such as customizations or niche bundles, to stand out.
4. Choose a Reliable Supplier: Ensure high-quality products by partnering with trusted print-on-demand services like Qikink. This ensures consistency and meets customer expectations.
Best products to sell on Etsy?
When choosing products to sell on Etsy, it’s important to focus on handmade, vintage, or unique items that cater to Etsy’s niche market. Below are some of the most popular and profitable categories:
1. Handmade Jewelry:
Jewelry is always in demand, especially unique and personalized pieces. Custom necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings, along with wedding and engagement jewelry, are top sellers. Eco-friendly or repurposed jewelry is also popular.
2. Personalized Gifts:
Etsy shoppers love personalized items. Custom products, such as engraved cutting boards, monogrammed towels, personalized wall art, or custom pet portraits, are great options.
3. Home Decor:
Unique home decor pieces, not found in big-box stores, are highly sought after on Etsy. This includes wall art, handmade candles, throw pillows, blankets, and wooden or macrame wall hangings or shelves.
4. Wedding and Party Supplies:
Customized wedding and party items are always in demand. Popular products include wedding invitations, bridal accessories, custom cake toppers, and party decorations like balloons and banners.
5. Clothing and Apparel:
Personalized or handmade clothing is a large Etsy category. Items like custom t-shirts, hoodies, embroidered hats, upcycled clothing, and sustainable fashion appeal to many buyers.
6. Printables and Digital Products:
These products are low-cost and can be sold indefinitely. Printables such as planners, calendars, invitations, wall art, and craft templates are popular, as buyers can instantly download them.
7. Vintage Items:
Etsy is known for vintage goods, which must be at least 20 years old. Vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and collectible items like toys or records are highly sought after.
8. Craft Supplies and Tools:
Many Etsy sellers also buy supplies to create their own goods. Items like yarn, fabric, beads, paints, and scrapbooking materials cater to the creative community.
9. Health & Beauty Products:
Natural and handmade beauty products are in high demand. Popular items include handmade soaps, bath bombs, skincare products, and organic skincare or beard care products.
10. Toys and Baby Products:
Parents often look for unique, safe, and high-quality toys and baby products. Handcrafted wooden toys, organic cotton baby clothes, personalized baby gifts, and soft toys are popular.
11. Tech Accessories:
As tech use grows, people seek tech accessories to protect or personalize their devices. Custom phone cases, personalized charging cables, and eco-friendly tech items are top sellers.
12. Pet Products:
Pet lovers spend on high-quality, unique pet products. Personalized pet collars, custom pet beds, and organic pet treats are popular, along with pet portraits.
Additional Tips for Success: Focus on quality over quantity. Etsy buyers value craftsmanship and originality. Offering personalized or custom products can boost sales. Stay current with trends like eco-friendly products, sustainable fashion, and wellness items to meet growing consumer demand.
Print on demand jewelry in Etsy:
Selling Print on Demand (POD) jewelry on Etsy is a great way to offer unique, customizable pieces without upfront inventory costs. While Print on demand is typically associated with apparel, it also works well for jewelry, especially if you focus on personalized or niche designs. Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a POD Jewelry Provider:
To sell POD jewelry, you’ll need a reliable provider. Make sure to review the product quality, shipping times and customisation features offered by each provider before choosing one and ensure they align with your business goals inorder to provide a better positive experience to the customers.
2. Design Your Jewelry
Customization is a major selling point for POD jewelry. Create designs that can be personalized with names, initials, dates, or symbols. Offer options like custom text, engraving, or different metal finishes (gold, silver, rose gold). Use mockup generators offered by providers to visualize and showcase your designs before listing them on Etsy.
3. Set Up Your Etsy Shop
Create a shop on Etsy that reflects your jewelry’s style. Use a shop name and branding that align with your products. For each listing, include high-quality images, clear descriptions, and use relevant keywords (e.g., “personalized necklace,” “engraved jewelry”) for Etsy SEO.
4. Pricing Your Jewelry
Factor in production costs from your POD provider, including shipping and customization fees. Set a competitive price while ensuring a reasonable profit margin, as jewelry often has higher markups, especially for custom pieces.
5. Marketing Your Jewelry on Etsy
Optimize your listings for Etsy SEO by using targeted keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags. Consider using Etsy Ads to increase visibility. Promote your jewelry on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, which are great for showcasing jewelry designs. Share high-quality images, videos, and behind-the-scenes content. Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in the fashion or jewelry niche to drive traffic to your shop.
6. Customer Service and Fulfillment
Your POD provider will handle order production and shipping. Ensure customers receive tracking information, and check the quality of products through your POD provider. Even though order fulfillment is handled by the POD provider, you’re still responsible for customer service, ensuring a positive experience.
7. Ensure Product Quality
Before selling, order samples from your POD provider to check the product quality, including materials, engraving, and packaging. This will help prevent customer complaints and returns. Positive customer reviews are key to your success. If issues arise, address them promptly to avoid negative feedback.
How to make prints to sell on Etsy?
Step 1: Choose Your Print Style
First, decide on the type of prints you want to create. Popular options include:
- Art Prints: Original paintings, drawings, or digital art.
- Photography Prints: Landscapes, portraits, or creative photos.
- Quotes and Typography Prints: Inspirational or personalized text designs.
- Illustrations: Hand-drawn or digital illustrations.
- Printable Wall Art: Digital downloads for customers to print at home.
Step 2: Create Your Designs
Your design process depends on your skills and available tools:
- Traditional Art: Draw or paint your artwork, then scan or photograph it at a high resolution (300 DPI or more).
- Digital Art: Use software like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva to create digital designs.
- Photography: If you’re into photography, upload high-quality images ready for print.
- Typography: Design inspirational quotes or custom text using tools like Canva or Photoshop.
Step 3: Prepare Your Files for Printing
Prepare your designs for high-quality printing:
- File Format: Save your designs in JPEG, PNG, or PDF formats.
- Resolution: Ensure your files are at least 300 DPI for crisp prints.
- Dimensions: Use common print sizes (e.g., 8×10″, 16×20″) for easier customer printing.
- File Setup: For digital downloads, optimize your files for home printing, ensuring the color profile and crop marks are set correctly.
Step 4: Create Mockups
Mockups help customers visualize how your artwork will look in their space. Use tools like:
- Placeit: Create realistic mockups for wall art.
- Smartmockups: Generate mockups for various products, including prints.
- Canva: Upload your design to stock images of framed prints or room setups.
Step 5: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
- Create Your Etsy Shop: Sign up for an Etsy account and choose a shop name that reflects your style.
- Create Listings: Upload your artwork or digital files, set competitive prices, and write clear descriptions, including design details and available sizes.
- Shipping: If selling physical prints, decide whether you’ll handle printing and shipping yourself or use a print-on-demand service.
Step 6: Market Your Prints
Once your shop is live, promote your prints:
- Etsy Ads: Run paid ads to increase visibility.
- Social Media: Share your artwork on Instagram, Pinterest, and other platforms.
- SEO: Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags to help customers find your prints.
Step 7: Digital Downloads (Optional)
If you want to sell digital prints:
- Offer immediate downloads for customers.
- Ensure the files are correctly sized for easy printing (e.g., 8×10″ or 16×20″).
- Use Etsy’s Digital Downloads feature to automatically send the files to customers after purchase.
Step 8: Customer Service and Quality Control
- Customer Communication: Be responsive and offer excellent service.
- Resolve Issues Quickly: Address customer complaints professionally.
- Quality Control: If handling physical prints yourself, ensure high-quality prints and packaging.
Tips for Success
- Consistency: Maintain a cohesive style for your shop.
- Multiple Sizes: Offer your prints in different sizes to appeal to a broader audience.
- Limited Editions: Create limited edition prints to encourage exclusivity and higher demand.
Etsy print on demand partners
Etsy partners with several Print on Demand (POD) providers that allow you to create and sell custom products directly from your Etsy shop. These partners handle all aspects of production, fulfillment, and shipping, making it easy for you to sell without worrying about inventory or shipping logistics. Here’s a list of popular Etsy POD partners:
1. Qikink
Overview:
Qikink is a leading Print-on-Demand platform that provides a wide selection of customizable products, including apparel, accessories, and lifestyle items. Known for its user-friendly interface and high-quality production, Qikink is a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to create unique products with a focus on customer satisfaction.
Key Features:
- Easy Integration: Integrates with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce for smooth order fulfillment.
- Customization Options: Offers various branding options such as custom packing slips and branded labels for a professional touch.
- Worldwide Shipping: Ships globally, ensuring your products reach customers no matter where they are.
- High-Quality Products: Known for providing high-quality products, ensuring durability and satisfaction for customers.
Products:
- T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, posters, phone cases, hats, tote bags, and other trendy items.
2. Printful
Overview:
One of the largest and most popular POD platforms, Printful offers a wide range of customizable products, including apparel, accessories, home décor, and more.
Key Features:
- Integrates seamlessly with Etsy for automated order fulfillment.
- Custom branding options like branded packing slips and labels.
- Offers a variety of high-quality products with Worldwide shipping options.
Products:
T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, posters, phone cases, hats, tote bags, and more
3. Printify
Overview:
Printify is a well-known POD service with a large network of print providers worldwide. They offer a vast selection of products and competitive pricing.
Key Features:
- Offers a wide range of print providers globally, giving you more options for production and shipping.
- Integrates with Etsy to automate the order process.
- Multiple branding and packaging options.
- Bulk order discounts and cost-effective pricing.
Products:
- Apparel, home décor, phone cases, mugs, jewelry, and more.
Note: “Compare the product prices across different Print on demand providers. Keep in mind that some providers may offer bulk discounts or better pricing for certain products.”
Conclusion
In 2025, starting a Print on Demand (POD) business on Etsy presents an exciting opportunity for creators, entrepreneurs, and artists to turn their designs into profitable products with minimal upfront investment. By partnering with a reliable POD provider like or Qikink, Printful, and Printify, you can focus on creating unique, eye-catching products while leaving the printing, inventory management, and shipping to the experts.
To succeed in the competitive world of Etsy Print on demand, it’s essential to continuously innovate with your designs, optimize your shop with effective SEO, and engage with your customers through excellent service. By leveraging Etsy’s vast marketplace, combined with the convenience and scalability of Print on demand, you can build a sustainable and profitable business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How profitable is selling prints on Etsy?
Selling prints on Etsy can be profitable, with profit margins typically ranging from $10 to $30 per sale, depending on production costs, pricing, and fees. Success depends on factors like niche, product quality, marketing, and sales volume. With effective promotion and a unique offering, some sellers can earn significant income, while others may earn more modest profits.
Best print on demand platforms for etsy
The best print-on-demand providers for Etsy are Qikink, Printful, and Printify. These platforms offer seamless order processing, a wide range of customizable products, and good fulfillment options.
Is etsy available in india?
Yes, Etsy is available in India. As of November 2023, new sellers in India are unable to open shops on Etsy. However existing Etsy shops in India can buy and sell as usual.
What is the most sold item on Etsy?
The most sold items on Etsy often come from popular categories like handmade items, jewelry, personalized goods, and wall art. In 2024, most Etsy sellers saw a surge in digital products like printable posters and canvases, party invitations, and customizable planners due to their convenience and affordability.
