Want to know how to make stickers to sell that customers just can’t resist? From creating vibrant designs to selecting the right materials, this article is your guide to turning these little pieces of art into a consistent cash flow.
Learn how to sell stickers online with Print on Demand and make your mark in the sticker market one eye-catching design at a time.
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Key takeaways
- Find a niche audience to create custom stickers for, like book lovers or vintage car fans.
- Consider kiss-cut (affordable, easy to peel) or die-cut (durable, precise edges) stickers based on your design and intended use.
- Sell individual stickers or sticker sheets in thematic packs to expand your product offering.
- Use POD services like Printify for professional sticker printing. Let us handle fulfillment so you can focus on sticker design and creativity.
- Sell on various platforms, such as your own website, marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, or social media, using Printify’s eCommerce integrations.
Sign up for Printify
To kick off your sticker-selling journey, the first step is finding the right partner. With Printify, creating stickers to sell has never been easier.
Why Printify?
Printing stickers at home can quickly turn into a costly and time-consuming chore.
With a print-on-demand (POD) service like Printify, you can skip the complexities of inventory management, printing equipment, and shipping logistics – we handle all of it.
Here’s what you get:
- No upfront costs. Focus on creating instead of worrying about investing in equipment.
- Global fulfillment. Sell to customers worldwide with our global network of over 80 Print Providers.
- Seamless integrations. Sell your stickers on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and TikTok through easy integrations.
- Pop-Up Store. Launch an online store for free and go from designing to selling stickers in minutes.
Starting a POD business is the easiest way to learn how to design stickers to sell. With our integrated services, you can focus on what truly matters – designing amazing stickers and growing your store.
How to make and sell stickers with Printify
- Sign up. Create a free Printify account.
- Pick a product. Browse over 1,000 customizable items, including various sticker options.
- Apply your design. Use our beginner-friendly Product Creator to upload your artwork and finalize your sticker design.
- Sell your stickers. Connect to an eCommerce platform or marketplace, or launch your own Printify Pop-Up Store.
- Market your business. Promote your sticker business by creating social media content, working with influencers, and bringing your stickers to events or craft fairs.
Check out other print-on-demand marketing tips and discover our merchants’ Success Stories.
Get to know your market
Before you start designing and selling vinyl or paper stickers, get to know the market and your customers. This research will help you know exactly what stickers to sell, how to sell them, and how you can stand out among other sticker sellers.
Choose a niche
Instead of targeting everyone, identify a specific niche, like pet lovers or travel aficionados. Most sticker makers design stickers for a focused audience, improving competitiveness and increasing their chances of success.
Imagine your ideal customer and understand your niche to attract buyers to your sticker business:
- Who are they?
- What are their interests?
- What kind of stickers would they love?
With this information, create well-defined buyer personas to understand your customers and market stickers that’ll drive purchases.
Check out these 15 print-on-demand niches to get your creative gears turning.
Analyze competitor performance
There are tons of sticker shops, so look at a few leading players to get a good sense of the market. Analyze other sticker makers to gain valuable insights into the existing offers within your chosen niche.
Check their products, designs, marketing methods, prices, and other business aspects to inspire your own strategy.
Read customer feedback
Go through sticker business reviews and browse related social media pages and forums to understand what customers want.
Pinpoint market gaps and new product demands, then create unique stickers to meet those needs.
Make it happen today!
Prepare your sticker designs
Once you identify a target audience, start making sticker designs for your online shop. Try these methods based on your skills and design needs:
- Use professional graphics software. Create your custom sticker designs with a digital art program like Adobe Photoshop or free Photoshop alternatives.
- Use Printify’s free Product Creator. Access free graphics, a text editor, an AI image generator, and many other tools that simplify the design process.
- Hire a professional. Find graphic design artists on Fiverr or other freelance platforms to help you create stickers that sell.
Want to generate images with AI? Check out our Midjourney prompts guide to help you craft out-of-this-world stickers.
Choose a sticker type
Picking which sticker types to sell online is crucial. Since most stickers come in various shapes and sizes, pay attention to different cuts, finishes, and sticker materials.
Find the best cut
Sticker businesses generally sell two main types of stickers – kiss-cut and die-cut. Let’s explore the differences between their appearance and function before you start sticker printing.
Kiss-cut stickers
This method gets stickers printed on a sheet of paper and only cuts the top sticker layer to the shape of the design so the backing paper stays intact.
It makes them easy to peel and apply without damaging the sticker, but it has less precise edges.
Kiss-cut stickers are high-quality and work best on smooth surfaces like paper and glass. They can be less durable than die-cuts but are more affordable and easier to produce.
We offer four sticker dimensions:
- 2″ × 2″
- 3″ × 3″
- 4″ × 4″
- 6″ × 6″
If you’re looking for different shapes and bigger sizes, go for kiss-cut vinyl decals, which come in a variety of 3″ × 4″ to 8″ × 10″ sizes.
Die-cut stickers
These durable vinyl stickers are fully cut into the shape of your sticker designs. It gives them precise edges but makes them harder to peel.
Die-cut stickers are high-quality and durable. They work great on both smooth and textured surfaces, like wood tables and water bottles.
These stickers cost more than kiss-cut stickers because they require a more intricate printing and cutting process.
We offer standard die-cut stickers in five sizes:
- 2″ × 2″
- 3″ × 3″
- 4″ × 4″
- 5″ × 5″
- 6″ × 6″.
Pick the right finish
Matte finish
Defined by a smooth surface with minimal light reflection, matte stickers are usually made from vinyl sticker paper. It typically has a UV-protective laminate coating and a waterproof adhesive.
Check out our round vinyl stickers and bumper stickers for durable indoor and outdoor use.
Round vinyl stickers are available in five sizes ranging from 2″ × 2″ to 6″ × 6″, while bumper stickers come in three sizes – 7.5″ × 3.75″ to 15″ × 3.75″.
Gloss finish
This sticker finish has a sleek and shiny surface that reflects light. Stickers with a gloss finish are usually water-resistant, using self-adhesive vinyl paper.
Printify lets you add vibrant designs to outdoor stickers easily with a die-cut, round, or square transparent background.
We offer five sizes, starting at 2″ × 2″ and going up to 6″ × 6″.
Woven finish
Want to shake up your product offering? Try reusable adhesive decorations designed to stick to walls.
Check out our wall decals made from 100% woven polyester. They come in six sizes, from 18″ × 12″ to 24″ × 36″.
These wall stickers are a great addition to wallpaper and painted walls, and are the perfect complementary product for your custom stickers.
Holographic finish
Holographic or prismatic stickers use sticker paper with a captivating 3D rainbow effect that changes color when you look at them from different angles.
Our die-cut prismatic holographic stickers are made from premium printable vinyl to last over five years in all weather conditions.
They’re available in five sizes, ranging from 2″ × 2″ to 6″ × 6″.
Sticker sheets
These custom vinyl stickers are printed on a single sheet, letting you create thematic design packs for any occasion or niche.
It’s the perfect way to upsell your custom stickers or create limited-editions that customers won’t want to miss. For instance, planner stickers are usually sold in sheets and are super popular for those who like to stay organized.
Our vinyl sticker sheets are available with white, holographic, or transparent coating in two sizes – 6″ × 4″ and 11″ × 8.5″.
Easily add 5-sheet or 10-sheet sticker packs to your online store with Printify.
Make it happen today!
Sell your stickers
Choose where to sell stickers based on your business goals and target customers.
Sell online
Publish your physical stickers on established eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, or marketplaces like Etsy and eBay.
Leverage Printify’s seamless integrations and automated fulfillment to start selling quickly.
Printify Pop-Up Store
Don’t want the hassle of connecting to a separate platform? Open a Printify Pop-Up Store and sell directly through a unique shop link. It’s a great option if you want to avoid setup fees and complex storefronts.
Social media sales
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are excellent for direct selling. TikTok Shop is especially lucrative – and with the Printify integration, you’ll reach a broad audience for maximum engagement and sales easily.
In-person sales
Selling stickers at local events, craft fairs, or pop-up shops is a great way to connect with customers directly.
Use Printify’s bulk order option to stock up on a minimum of 20 stickers from the same Print Provider and save up to 30% on shipping – perfect for cushioning profits and meeting demand.
Tips for choosing a platform
- Etsy or eBay. Perfect for new small business owners entering the market.
- Your own website. Have full creative freedom and control over branding.
- TikTok Shop. For businesses targeting a highly engaged demographic.
Regardless of your choice, Printify makes learning how to make your own stickers to sell seamless. With our tools, you can streamline every step, from production to order fulfillment, so your customers receive top-quality stickers, fast.
Market your sticker store
Knowing how to sell stickers online successfully means understanding how marketing plays an important role.
Craft a strong brand
Before you sell stickers online, think of your brand as the personality of your sticker business.
From your logo to your messaging, consistency is key to making your brand memorable. Highlight your creativity and values to stand out in a competitive market.
Examples: Use a cohesive color palette in your social media posts and create packaging that reflects your brand identity. Think beyond stickers to create a unique style.
Leverage SEO and keywords
Optimizing your product listings with the right keywords helps your stickers reach the right audience. Use relevant terms to improve visibility on search engines and platforms like Etsy and Amazon.
Examples: Include keywords like “die-cut stickers” or “custom holographic decals” in your product titles and descriptions to rank higher in search results.
Build an online presence
Your online presence can make or break your sticker business. Build a professional brand that highlights your passion and creativity to build trust with the audience.
Create a website or use social media platforms to showcase your designs and share your story.
Examples: Post behind-the-scenes clips of your design process on Instagram Reels or create TikTok videos showing the versatility of your stickers.
Collaborate with influencers
Partnering with niche influencers is a powerful way to market your products when selling stickers online. Influencers can introduce your brand to new audiences and provide valuable feedback on your designs.
Example: Collaborate with an influencer who’s known for journaling or crafting. Send them free samples and encourage them to share their honest thoughts.
Engage with the community
Building relationships with your audience is essential for long-term success. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage user-generated content to create a sense of connection and loyalty.
Examples: Host sticker giveaways on Facebook groups or create a hashtag for customers to share photos of their stickers in action.
Sell where your customers are
Identify where your audience spends their time and sell custom sticker designs on those platforms.
Examples: Use TikTok Shop to sell directly via livestreams and set up an Etsy shop to reach a community that loves handcrafted items.
Make it happen today!
Cool sticker design ideas for your sticker business
Still need a little spark of creativity to get started? We’ll help you turn a blank adhesive sticker paper into a pretty and profitable addition for your store.
Check out these sticker design ideas for inspiration. From animals and food to tropical patterns and more, leverage our Product Creator and let your imagination take the lead.
Vintage stickers
Capture the nostalgia of times long past with retro cars, classic typewriters, vintage cameras, and a diner-style milkshake or two.
Enhance the vibe with a matte or holographic sticker finish.
Artwork stickers
Print stickers to celebrate artistic expression with enchanting pieces that transport viewers into a completely different world.
Reinterpret your favorite artwork or make something entirely new.
Social activism stickers
Stickers are great for showcasing powerful slogans and meaningful visuals. It’s a subtle but impactful way to raise awareness about various political and social causes.
From Pride Month to the climate crisis, highlight what matters to you and start printing stickers to spread the word.
Personalized stickers
Get your stickers noticed and resonate with your shoppers on a personal level.
From custom names in different fonts and colors to more niche designs, sticker personalization can help you successfully sell stickers online.
AI art stickers
Use our AI Image Generator to print unique sticker designs your customers won’t find anywhere else.
Choose a style, describe your idea, and select any of the generated images to add to your stickers.
Check out our blog for the best sticker design ideas, suggestions, and expert tips on making stickers and starting your own sticker shop.
Selling stickers FAQ
To print stickers at home, you’ll need a sticker printer, a cutting machine, and adhesive paper. Some tasks, like cutting stickers, can be challenging and time-consuming, so you may want to outsource these steps to a sticker printing service.
If sticker making at home isn’t your thing, use a POD service like Printify to start your own sticker business without the hassle of production and order fulfillment.
Simply select a sticker type, upload and adjust your design, and start selling custom stickers in a few clicks. Once a customer orders, we’ll produce stickers and ship it for you.
Selling stickers can be highly profitable with the right strategy. The die-cut vinyl sticker market alone is estimated to reach $191.1 million by 2028, offering plenty of sales opportunities.
However, if you decide to print stickers yourself, operational costs are high since you’ll need to buy a printing and cutting machine along with other equipment.
Using a POD service like Printify is more profitable since you don’t need to invest upfront. Plus, you get to choose your own pricing margins – win-win.
We recommend a minimum profit margin of 30-40% on each sticker or sticker sheet, but make adjustments as you see fit.
For example, if you’re selling stickers on Etsy rather than a standalone WooCommerce website, you might target a higher margin to account for various Etsy fees.
Follow our tips to find the best pricing strategy for your store and learn how to price stickers for a profit.
Use Printify’s Product Creator to easily make stickers and product mockups. Access free graphics, design tools, and an AI Image Generator, and go from designing to selling in minutes. Alternatively, use graphics software like Adobe Photoshop.
Stay updated on the latest design trends, gather feedback from your target audience, and continuously improve your stickers to meet your customers’ evolving preferences.
Successful sticker sellers focus on designs that resonate with specific audiences or trends. Popular categories include aesthetic designs, motivational quotes, cute animals, and themed sticker packs, such as for planners or journaling kits.
For example, Wish Upon Magic specializes in whimsical and magical designs that cater to niche interests. When selling stickers online, consider targeting a particular theme or aesthetic that aligns with your audience’s preferences to enhance sales.
The best way to make stickers to sell is by leveraging POD platforms like Printify. This lets you create custom designs without upfront costs for printing equipment.
Use our free Product Creator to craft unique designs and let us produce and ship stickers worldwide, giving you more time to focus on marketing and customer engagement. This streamlined approach provides efficiency and scalability when making stickers to sell.
How to make and sell stickers with POD: Conclusion
With these insights into different sticker types and the advantages of POD, you’re now ready to create your own stickers and sell them both offline and online.
Gather sticker inspiration from other sticker shops and reach customers through popular eCommerce marketplaces, social media, or your own website. Unleash your creativity with Printify – we make designing, selling, and shipping stickers easy.
