Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Printed Products on Etsy & Amazon
Selling custom-printed products on Etsy and Amazon is a great way to make money online. Whether you offer DTF-printed apparel, mugs, posters, or tote bags, these platforms allow you to reach millions of buyers worldwide.
But how do you get started? What are the best-selling print-on-demand products? And how can you make your store stand out?
This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of launching a successful print business on Etsy and Amazon.
1. Why Sell Printed Products on Etsy & Amazon?
✔ High Demand – Custom and personalized products are best-sellers on both platforms.
✔ Passive Income Potential – Use print-on-demand (POD) to sell without holding inventory.
✔ Low Startup Costs – No need for a warehouse or expensive equipment.
✔ Global Reach – Etsy & Amazon allow you to sell worldwide.
✔ Flexibility – Sell part-time or build a full-time business.
📌 Example: A DTF-printed hoodie brand can attract streetwear enthusiasts on Etsy and Amazon by offering custom designs and limited edition prints.
🚀 Pro Tip: Personalized products sell better than generic designs—allow customers to add names, colors, or custom messages.
2. Best-Selling Printed Products on Etsy & Amazon
✔ Top Trending Printed Items:
| Product | Why It Sells Well |
|---|---|
| T-Shirts & Hoodies | Everyday fashion, highly customizable |
| Mugs & Tumblers | Great for gifts and personalized messages |
| Tote Bags & Backpacks | Sustainable, trendy, and reusable |
| Wall Art & Posters | Home decor, motivational & inspirational quotes |
| Phone Cases | Customizable with names, monograms, or artwork |
| Stickers & Decals | Affordable, fun, and easy to ship |
| Notebooks & Journals | Popular among students, professionals, and artists |
📌 Example: A small Etsy shop selling custom wedding mugs can attract brides-to-be, wedding planners, and gift buyers.
🚀 Pro Tip: Look for seasonal trends—design holiday-themed or trending pop-culture items to increase sales.
3. Choosing a Printing Method: DTF, POD, or DIY?
✔ Best Printing Methods for Selling on Etsy & Amazon:
| Method | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DTF Printing (Direct-to-Film) | High-quality, vibrant prints | Clothing, tote bags |
| Print-on-Demand (POD) | No inventory needed, fully automated | Mugs, posters, phone cases |
| Screen Printing | Cost-effective for bulk production | T-shirts, hoodies |
| Sublimation Printing | Best for all-over designs | Mugs, tumblers, leggings |
📌 Example: If you want low startup costs, go with Print-on-Demand (POD), but if you want higher profit margins, use DTF transfers and ship your own products.
🚀 Pro Tip: DTF prints are perfect for Etsy sellers who want higher quality, unique products with vibrant colors.
4. Setting Up Your Store on Etsy & Amazon
1️⃣ How to Create an Etsy Shop
✔ Step-by-Step Guide to Opening an Etsy Store:
- Sign up on Etsy.com and click “Sell on Etsy”.
- Choose a shop name that reflects your brand.
- Add high-quality product images and descriptions.
- Set up pricing, shipping options, and return policies.
- Optimize your SEO with keywords to get discovered.
📌 Example: A minimalist poster shop can name itself “ModernWallPrints” and target home decor lovers.
🚀 Pro Tip: Use high-resolution mockups to showcase your designs professionally.
2️⃣ How to Sell on Amazon Handmade & Merch by Amazon
✔ Selling Printed Products on Amazon:
Option 1: Amazon Handmade (For Handmade Items)
- Apply to Amazon Handmade (approval required).
- List your custom-made printed items.
- Price competitively and optimize for Amazon SEO.
Option 2: Merch by Amazon (For Print-on-Demand)
- Sign up for Merch by Amazon.
- Upload your t-shirt, hoodie, and mug designs.
- Let Amazon print, pack, and ship orders automatically.
📌 Example: A funny graphic t-shirt seller can upload designs to Merch by Amazon and earn passive income without handling shipping.
🚀 Pro Tip: Amazon has higher competition than Etsy—focus on niche designs to stand out.
5. How to Market Your Etsy & Amazon Store
To increase sales, you need a marketing strategy that attracts the right customers.
✔ Best Ways to Market Your Store:
1️⃣ SEO Optimization – Use keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags.
2️⃣ Social Media Marketing – Promote on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.
3️⃣ Influencer Collaborations – Partner with micro-influencers to promote products.
4️⃣ Etsy Ads & Amazon PPC – Run paid promotions for best-selling items.
5️⃣ Email & SMS Marketing – Offer discounts to returning customers.
📌 Example: A custom hoodie seller can run Facebook & Instagram ads targeting college students & streetwear fans.
🚀 Pro Tip: Create bundled offers (e.g., "Buy 2 mugs, get 10% off") to increase average order value.
6. Pricing Your Products for Profit
✔ How to Price Your Products Correctly:
| Cost Factor | Example Calculation |
|---|---|
| Printing Cost | $7 per custom t-shirt |
| Shipping & Packaging | $5 per order |
| Marketplace Fees (Etsy/Amazon) | 15% (Approx. $3 for a $20 sale) |
| Profit Margin | Aim for at least 30%-50% markup |
📌 Example: If your printing + shipping cost = $12, set your selling price at $25-$30 for a profitable margin.
🚀 Pro Tip: Factor in Etsy & Amazon fees when setting prices to avoid losing profit.
Final Thoughts: Start Selling Your Printed Products Today!
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Choose high-demand printed products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters.
✔ Pick the right printing method (DTF, POD, or DIY) based on your business model.
✔ Set up your Etsy or Amazon store with SEO-friendly product listings.
✔ Use social media & paid ads to drive traffic and boost sales.
✔ Price your products for maximum profit without overpricing.
🚀 Ready to start? Launch your Etsy or Amazon print business today and turn your designs into a profitable online store!