How to sell print-on-demand products on Etsy
Now that you know POD is the best dropshipping alternative if you plan to make money on Etsy, here’s how to set it up with Printful to start selling.
1. Sign up with Printful
Sign up with Printful for free. The Dashboard will guide you through the initial setup so you can start adding your first products.
2. Connect your Etsy account to Printful
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Set up your Etsy store: Set up your Etsy seller’s account with store preferences, billing details, and at least one test listing to launch your sales channel.
- Add Printful as a production partner: In your Etsy Dashboard, go to Settings > Production Partners > Add new production partner. Fill in the details and click Save.
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Authorize Printful: In your Printful Dashboard, go to Stores > Choose platform > Etsy. Click Connect to Etsy. Then, log in to your store and authorize the Etsy integration.
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Sync your store: After authorizing, click Connect store. Printful will import products and automatically handle order fulfillment as your Etsy orders come in.
Once your Etsy store is synced with Printful, you can start selling immediately. To expand your ecommerce business, you can also do the same with other sales channels, for example, integrating a Shopify store.
3. Select products
Below are trending products – simple to design and popular with Etsy shoppers. Start with one or two. After you choose what to sell on Etsy, expand with various products in different categories. This helps you grow your Etsy shop strategically while reaching a broad audience.
Custom t-shirts
Custom t-shirts are a POD staple, working for any niche, from slogans to detailed artwork. Design custom t-shirts for different printing methods or create high-quality embroidered shirts. Update your designs around holidays, seasons, and trends to keep sales steady.
Custom hoodies
Custom hoodies are high-value, cozy, and perfect for colder months or sports-themed designs. Embroidered hoodies often look more premium, allowing you to price higher and protect your profit margins.
Posters and wall art
Custom posters and wall art are excellent for artists and designers. Custom prints, quotes, or maps make excellent home decor items and personalized gifts.
Tote bags
Custom tote bags are functional, eco-friendly, and in demand year-round. The roomy print area is ideal for bold, eye-catching designs that turn everyday carryalls into unique items Etsy buyers love.
4. Create your designs
Strong designs make your POD products sell. Focus on originality, quality, and your target audience. Printful offers 440 products to choose from, but unique designs are what drive sales.
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Know your audience: Identify your niche on Etsy and any gaps where demand is high but competition – low. Align designs and personalization options with what your ideal customers look for.
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Brainstorm ideas: Build mood boards and pull inspiration from your niche. Let customer preferences guide your concepts.
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Start designing: As part of your design process, use tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Printful’s Design Maker to create custom artwork. Keep colors, fonts, and style consistent – this is how you build a recognizable brand, not just a single listing.
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Refine your designs: Test your designs, get feedback, and improve. Double-check that all your files meet Printful’s print requirements for sharp, vibrant results.
5. Calculate your pricing
Price for profit, not guesses. Use this simple formula to price your Etsy products:
Product cost + Shipping + Etsy fees + Your target margin
We recommend a profit margin of at least 20%-40%, then adjust it by demand, niche, and season. Set clear shipping profiles so buyers see the total price upfront.
Review pricing weekly. Raise prices on designs with steady sales and strong reviews. Lower them on slow movers or bundle them to increase cart value.
Your goal: protect profit margins, stay competitive, and scale without surprises.
6. Publish listings
Before going live on Etsy, make sure your listing is complete and optimized:
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Add eye-catching, high-quality product images that showcase your design
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Write keyword-rich titles and descriptions to help buyers find you
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Select accurate tags and categories for better Etsy search visibility
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Disclose Printful as a production partner on the Etsy listing (not just in Shop Manager) to comply with Etsy’s policies
Click Publish to make your product live, and update product details over time for better Etsy SEO and to keep up with trends.
Example:
First, lead with the benefit in ~40 characters. Front-load the main keyword and the style (e.g., Minimalist flower t-shirt – eco cotton). Use all 13 tags and mirror key terms in the description.
Keep product details scannable: fabric, fit, print method, and care.
Use 7-10 photos: lifestyle, close-ups, size chart, and mockups. Make the cover photo eye-catching and clear at thumbnail size.
End the description with a direct call-to-action (e.g., Add to cart for fast shipping).
Finally, update older listings regularly to ride trends, test pricing, and keep your Etsy SEO fresh.
7. Manage sales and fulfillment
After launch, focus on the customers. Set up automated order and shipping messages, add care tips, and publish clear processing times – this keeps your fulfillment process smooth and predictable.
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When customer orders arrive
Printful starts order fulfillment and ships products directly to the buyer. You’ll see real-time updates in your Printful Dashboard and in Etsy’s Orders & Shipping – your fulfillment process, end to end. -
Communicate early
Send a quick thank-you after a customer orders. Share processing and delivery windows, and confirm any personalization to prevent reprints. -
Fix issues fast
Track shipments. If something is late or damaged, reply the same day. Offer a reprint or refund when it’s right. Protect ratings and repeat sales. -
Review performance
Improve titles, tags, and product details on slow movers; double down on winners with new colorways, bundles, or seasonal drops. Adjust pricing and shipping profiles to maintain healthy profit margins.
You’re not holding inventory – use that time and money to launch new designs and sharpen listings. Ask for a review after delivery; a friendly note improves customer satisfaction and repeat sales.