Did you know over 40% of independent creators who try print-on-demand make their first sale in the first month? This quick success is why starting to sell print-on-demand is a great way to earn extra income with little risk.
I’ll show you why print-on-demand is a simple way to start an online store. You don’t need inventory, upfront costs, or storage space. I started small, tested designs, and grew into a steady side income. This taught me business skills and boosted my confidence.
Big Cartel is a platform designed for artists and makers. It’s easy to start selling print-on-demand here. You can sell custom designs on apparel, accessories, and home goods without worrying about production or shipping. Try Big Cartel and use the referral code INSIDEYOURHUSTLE to set up shop with the fully featured Platinum plan for $1 for your first month.
This guide is for U.S.-based creators and professionals. We’ll explore how to sell custom products online and grow a print-on-demand business. I’ll explain how Big Cartel works with POD services, what products are best, and how to set up your store. This will help you move from a hobby to a profitable business.
Key Takeaways
- Print-on-demand lets you sell without inventory or large upfront costs.
- Big Cartel is creator-friendly and quick to set up for POD stores.
- You can sell apparel, accessories, and home goods with minimal risk.
- This approach is ideal for testing designs and finding a niche fast.
- Integrations with POD providers handle fulfillment and shipping for you.
Start Selling Print-On-Demand On This Platform!
I first wanted to sell merch in a simple, affordable way. Big Cartel gave me that chance. It’s a platform that lets your art shine and is easy to use.
Why Big Cartel Is a Great Print-on-Demand Platform
Big Cartel is perfect for creators who focus on branding. It has an easy-to-use dashboard and mobile-friendly themes. You also control pricing and customer messages.
The pricing is great for small starts and slow growth. I started cheap and upgraded as I grew. This is a big plus for anyone looking to make money.
Types of Print-on-Demand Products You Can Sell
You can sell custom products like apparel, accessories, and home goods. T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts are basics. Tote bags, hats, and phone cases are impulse buys. Mugs, posters, and canvases are for wall art and practical items.
Start with 2–6 products to see what sells. This keeps costs low and helps you find best-sellers.
How Big Cartel Integrates with Print-on-Demand Services
Integrations are through apps, connectors, or workflows. Printful and Printify connect easily with Big Cartel. This makes syncing mockups and variants simple.
Here’s how it works: create mockups, sync products, and let orders go to the POD partner. Always test orders first for quality and production times.
When setting prices, remember base costs, Big Cartel fees, and payment processing. Clear margins help you make money without guessing. Big Cartel is great for scaling your business with low costs and full control.
Set Up Your Big Cartel Store to Sell Custom Products Online
Setting up my Big Cartel store was like opening a small studio. I started with the free plan to test and learn. Choose a plan that matches your needs and grow as needed.
Then, pick a theme that shows off your designs well. I chose colors and fonts that matched my artwork. This made my shop feel like a part of my brand.
When listing products, use high-quality images and clear descriptions. For apparel, use PNG or vector files with transparent backgrounds. Explain the fabric, sizing, and care of each item.
Set up variants and SKUs carefully. Make sure sizes, colors, and prices match between systems. I synced my SKUs with my print-on-demand service and tested orders to avoid errors.
Connect your provider using Big Cartel’s native integration or a third-party connector. Ensure integration covers inventory, shipping, and production times. Show expected delivery times to customers.
Set up payment processing with Stripe or PayPal. I tested orders to check print quality and delivery. This helped avoid complaints.
Before launching, plan your announcement. Share behind-the-scenes content to attract early buyers. Price items considering all costs and your profit margin.
Monitor your analytics to see what works. Use this data to improve designs and marketing. Keep customer service friendly to build loyalty.
My tips include focusing on a niche and keeping your brand voice consistent. Test designs with small ads and document how to handle issues. These steps helped me grow my store.
Conclusion
I started with a simple idea: turn my designs into products without holding inventory. Using print-on-demand sales and Big Cartel made it possible. This way, I could test what customers wanted and learn without big risks.
Profit with print-on-demand is about design quality, smart pricing, and marketing. I ran small tests, saw which items sold well, and adjusted my listings and ads.
If you want to sell custom merchandise online, start by launching a few SKUs and ordering test prints. Track your costs closely. Treat it like a business: measure margins, set realistic goals, and invest in targeted promotion. With time, consistent testing, and data-driven decisions can turn your side hustle into passive income.
Start with curiosity and patience. Connect a reliable POD partner, focus on customer experience, and use feedback to improve. With steady effort and the right process, selling print-on-demand becomes a clear path to growth.
FAQ
What is print-on-demand (POD) and why is it a good way to start selling online?
Why choose Big Cartel as a print-on-demand platform?
What types of print-on-demand products can I sell on Big Cartel?
How do Big Cartel and POD providers integrate? Do I need coding skills?
Which POD providers work well with Big Cartel?
How should I price products to ensure profit while staying competitive?
What are the most important setup steps for a Big Cartel POD store?
How do I prepare design files and mockups for POD products?
How can I test product quality and fulfillment before selling to customers?
What marketing tactics work best for a new Big Cartel POD shop?
How do I handle shipping times, returns, and customer service when using POD?
Can I build a brand and scale a business using Big Cartel + POD?
What common mistakes should I avoid when starting a POD store on Big Cartel?
Do I need a separate domain or email for my Big Cartel store?
How long does it take to get a POD store ready to sell on Big Cartel?
Can I sell internationally from my Big Cartel POD store?
What legal or tax considerations should I know about when selling POD products?
How can I improve conversion rates on my Big Cartel POD store?
How do I decide which products to expand into after initial sales?
FAQ
What is print-on-demand (POD) and why is it a good way to start selling online?
Print-on-demand means products are made and shipped after someone buys them. It’s great because you don’t need to store products or worry about costs upfront. This way, you can test your designs and find your niche without spending a lot of money.
It’s perfect for people who want to make money on the side or even quit their jobs. You can sell your artwork and ideas without spending a lot on overhead.
Why choose Big Cartel as a print-on-demand platform?
Big Cartel is easy to use and focuses on creators. It has themes that show off your images well and has simple pricing. You can also have your own website, not just a marketplace.
This makes Big Cartel great for artists and small brands. You can show off your designs, control prices, and grow your business.
What types of print-on-demand products can I sell on Big Cartel?
You can sell lots of things on Big Cartel. This includes clothes like t-shirts and hoodies, accessories like tote bags and phone cases, and even home decor like mugs and posters. You can also sell seasonal items like stickers and enamel pins.
Start with a few products to see what sells well. Then, you can add more to your store.
How do Big Cartel and POD providers integrate? Do I need coding skills?
Integrating Big Cartel with POD providers is easy. You can use apps, connectors, or workflows without coding. Just follow the instructions to connect your store and start selling.
When you get an order, the POD provider will make and ship the product. Make sure to test everything first to make sure it works right.
Which POD providers work well with Big Cartel?
Printful, Printify, and Gooten are popular choices for Big Cartel. They offer different products and ways to print them. Look at their costs, quality, and shipping options to choose the best one for you.
How should I price products to ensure profit while staying competitive?
When pricing your products, think about the cost of making them, shipping, and any fees. You also need to make a profit. Use this to set prices that are fair but still make money.
Consider offering discounts or special deals to attract more customers. This can help you sell more and make more money.
What are the most important setup steps for a Big Cartel POD store?
First, create a Big Cartel account and choose a plan. Pick a theme that shows off your designs well. Then, prepare your designs and make product listings with all the details.
Connect your POD provider and set up shipping and production times. Make sure you can take payments and test everything before you start selling.
How do I prepare design files and mockups for POD products?
Make sure your designs are high-resolution and in the right format for your POD provider. Use their tools to create mockups that show how your designs will look on products. Include details like sizing and care instructions to help customers.
How can I test product quality and fulfillment before selling to customers?
Order a few test products to check the quality and how they’re packaged. This will help you make sure everything is right before you start selling. You can also use this time to make any needed changes.
What marketing tactics work best for a new Big Cartel POD shop?
Start by sharing your designs on social media and telling your friends and family. Use videos and behind-the-scenes content to show how you make your products. You can also use small ads to find out if people are interested.
Make sure your product titles and descriptions are easy to find online. Focus on a specific group of customers to start, as they are more likely to buy from you.
How do I handle shipping times, returns, and customer service when using POD?
Tell your customers how long it will take to get their order and how you handle returns. Make sure to follow the rules of your POD provider. If there are any problems, try to solve them quickly and fairly.
Can I build a brand and scale a business using Big Cartel + POD?
Yes, you can. Big Cartel lets you control how your brand looks and feels. Start small and use what you learn to grow. With good designs and reliable POD providers, you can make your business bigger.
What common mistakes should I avoid when starting a POD store on Big Cartel?
Don’t start with too many products or skip testing. Make sure your product details and shipping times are clear. Focus on a specific group of customers to start, as they are more likely to buy from you.
Start small and focus on quality. Document how you do things so you can keep doing them well as you grow.
Do I need a separate domain or email for my Big Cartel store?
Having your own domain and email makes your store look more professional. It helps build trust with your customers. Big Cartel lets you use your own domain, and a simple email address can help you look more official.
How long does it take to get a POD store ready to sell on Big Cartel?
It can take a few days to a week to get started. You need to set up your account, choose a theme, make product listings, connect your POD provider, and test everything. Allow extra time for any changes you might need to make.
Can I sell internationally from my Big Cartel POD store?
Yes, many POD providers ship internationally. But, shipping costs and times can vary a lot. Make sure to tell your customers how long it will take and what it will cost. You might want to start by selling only in your own country to make things easier.
What legal or tax considerations should I know about when selling POD products?
You need to follow local laws and collect sales tax when required. In the U.S., the rules for sales tax depend on where you are and how much business you do there. Big Cartel can help with tax settings, but you should also talk to a tax advisor.
Also, make sure you only sell designs you own or have permission to sell. Don’t use trademarks without permission.
How can I improve conversion rates on my Big Cartel POD store?
Use high-quality images and clear descriptions to show off your products. Make sure your store works well on phones and tablets. Use trust signals like policies and reviews to build confidence with customers.
Offer sizing charts and multiple images to help customers make informed choices. Consider offering special deals or bundles to attract more customers.
How do I decide which products to expand into after initial sales?
Look at your sales data to decide what to add next. If certain products are selling well, consider adding similar ones. Add products that fit with your niche and what your customers want to buy.
Grow slowly and carefully. Each new product can add complexity to your business. Try Big Cartel and use the referral code INSIDEYOURHUSTLE to set up shop with the fully featured Platinum plan for the first month for only $1.
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