Etsy print on demand: how to sell POD shirts on Etsy

Etsy is the easiest place to start print on demand because buyers are already searching there. You design; a POD partner prints and ships each order.

How it works

  1. Open an Etsy shop.
  2. Connect a POD company: Printful, Printify and Gelato all integrate with Etsy.
  3. Create products and push listings to Etsy.
  4. When an order comes in, it’s sent to your POD partner automatically; they print and ship to the customer.

Etsy’s rules

Etsy allows items made with a production partner, but you must create the designs yourself and disclose your production partner in each listing. Don’t use trademarked characters, logos or slogans.

Etsy fees to budget for

Etsy charges a listing fee per item, a transaction fee on the sale and shipping, and payment processing fees, and may charge offsite-ads fees on some sales. Check Etsy’s current fee page and run your numbers in our POD profit calculator.

Tips that move the needle

  • Niche, keyword-rich titles and tags: think like your buyer.
  • Lifestyle mockups and a size chart (use our size calculator guide).
  • Order samples so you can answer questions about fit and feel.
  • Price for free shipping if you can; Etsy favors it in search.

Ready? Start with how to start a print on demand business.

Frequently asked questions

Which print on demand company is best for Etsy?

Printify often has the lowest base costs; Printful offers consistent quality and branding. Compare them in the best print on demand sites.

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