Print on demand: How to create an Etsy shop and what to sell in it
Automate your Etsy order fulfilment with Prodigi
Launching your own Etsy print on demand shop is more doable than you might think. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can go from making a mental business plan to making your first sale surprisingly quickly.
Print on demand makes it even simpler — no stock, no minimums, no setup costs, no stress. You create the designs, and we’ll handle the rest.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create an Etsy shop step by step — from setting up your account to publishing your first listings. We’ll also share some of the best custom products to sell, with ideas to help you find your niche and start making sales.
- How to create an Etsy shop
- What to sell in your Etsy shop
- Frequently asked questions
- Ready to launch your Etsy shop?
- Summary
How to create an Etsy shop
Etsy makes it easy to get started. In fact, you can set up your shop in as little as 10 minutes. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Create an Etsy account
Head to Etsy, click ‘Get started’ and follow the steps to create your seller account. You can sign up with an email address or connect an existing Google or Facebook account, which can make sharing your shop across platforms easier later on.
2. Choose your shop preferences
Select your shop language, country and currency. These choices will determine how your listings appear to buyers and how Etsy communicates with you. Choose the country where you’re based, the currency you want to sell in and the language you’ll use to write your listings.
3. Give your shop a name
Your shop name can be up to 20 characters and will form part of your Etsy URL (e.g. yourshopname.etsy.com). Make it simple, relevant and original — you can always change it later if needed. Double-check that it’s not already taken on Etsy or trademarked elsewhere.
4. Write a bio
A short paragraph is enough. Share your story, your creative focus and what makes your products different. Let people know why they should buy from you, and keep it in your own voice. This isn’t a corporate mission statement — it’s your chance to connect with your customers.
5. List your products
Once your Etsy print on demand shop’s set up, it’s time to start listing products — that’s where we come in.
With Prodigi, you first create your listings directly on Etsy — adding your product details, 3D mockups and pricing. After that, you can connect your Etsy store to Prodigi and configure your print on demand products for automatic fulfilment.
When an order comes in, we take care of the printing, packing and shipping — so you don’t have to lift a finger.
6. Set your shipping options
Even though Prodigi takes care of fulfilment, you still need to configure your Etsy shipping settings. You can offer free shipping, set flat rates or use Etsy’s calculated shipping based on destination and product weight.
We recommend reviewing what similar shops charge — staying competitive matters, but so does staying profitable.
7. Set up your payment & billing details
Etsy supports a range of payment methods through Etsy Payments, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Etsy gift cards. Etsy sellers are required to use Etsy Payments, so you’ll need to add your bank details to receive payouts, and a card to cover any seller fees.
Here’s a breakdown of the main fees:
- Listing fee: $0.20 / £0.15 per item — this applies whether or not the item sells. Each listing stays live for four months or until sold.
- Transaction fee: 6.5% — charged on the total sale price, including shipping and gift wrapping.
- Payment processing fee: 3% + $0.25 / 4% + £0.20 per transaction — this applies to all orders processed through Etsy Payments.
8. Draft your shop policies
Clear policies help build trust. Include details like:
- Estimated processing and shipping times
- Whether you accept returns or exchanges
- How customers can contact you if something goes wrong
You can update these at any time, but it’s worth setting the tone up front.
9. Open your shop
That’s it — you’re good to go! Hit ‘Open your shop’ to cut the virtual ribbon on your Etsy print on demand shop.
What to sell in your Etsy shop
Not sure what to offer? One of the best things about print on demand is how versatile it is. You can create a whole range of products with just your designs — no inventory or upfront cost required.
Here are some of the most popular custom products you can sell on Etsy:
Etsy wall art
Wall art is a consistent best-seller on Etsy. Think minimalist line drawings, custom portraits or colourful quote art. With Prodigi, you can sell your designs as high-quality Giclée prints in a range of sizes — shipped straight to your customer’s door.
Etsy notebooks
Notebooks are one of the most versatile products you can sell on Etsy. They appeal to stationery lovers, students, creatives and anyone who likes putting pen to paper. From gratitude journals and colouring books to fully custom personalised notebooks, your designs can turn a simple notebook into something personal and purposeful.
Read our spiral notebook or paperback notebook guides for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your artwork for printing.
Etsy cards
Cards aren’t just for holidays. People look for unique, funny or heartfelt greeting cards all year round — for birthdays, anniversaries or just to say thank you. Upload your design, and we’ll print it on premium card stock with a matching envelope.
Etsy stickers
Stickers are low-cost, fun to collect and great for personalising laptops, notebooks, water bottles and more. Our custom stickers are kiss cut on white vinyl for a vibrant finish. Choose from matte or gloss finishes, and offer individual designs or full sticker sheets.
Read our sticker setup guide for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your artwork for printing.
Etsy mugs
Mugs are a go-to Etsy gift — practical, personal and easy to customise. With Prodigi, you can create personalised mugs in various sizes and styles, including colour-accented options. Plus, they’re also dishwasher and microwave safe.
Etsy blankets
Made from 100% cotton and woven using up to 195 coloured threads, these premium custom blankets have a high perceived value and artisanal feel — perfect for gifting or offering something truly standout in your shop.
Read our woven blanket setup guide for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your artwork for printing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to set up an Etsy shop?
Getting your Etsy shop online is surprisingly quick. In many cases, it only takes around 10 minutes to go from signing up to opening your store. However, while the setup is fast, turning your shop into a consistent income stream is a longer-term process that involves product testing, marketing and ongoing optimisation.
Do I need inventory to sell on Etsy with print on demand?
No — with print on demand services like Prodigi, you don’t need to hold any stock. Products are printed, packed and shipped automatically when you make a sale.
Can I sell internationally through Etsy?
Yes, Etsy supports global selling, and Prodigi offers worldwide fulfilment, so regardless of where your customers live, we’ll handle the shipping.
What should I include in my Etsy shop policies?
Clearly outline your processing times, shipping details, returns policy and how buyers can contact you. Transparent policies help build customer trust.
What are the fees for selling on Etsy?
Etsy charges a $0.20 / £0.15 listing fee, a 6.5% transaction fee and a payment processing fee (typically around 3% + $0.25 / 4% + £0.20, depending on location).
How do I connect Prodigi to my Etsy store?
After creating your listings on Etsy, simply connect your store via the Prodigi dashboard and configure your products. Your print on demand orders will then sync automatically for fulfilment.
Ready to launch your Etsy shop?
Starting an Etsy print on demand shop is easier than ever — especially with our Etsy dropshipping integration doing the heavy lifting for you. Whether you're starting small or aiming to scale, Prodigi provides everything you need to create, sell and fulfil custom products — with no stock to manage or upfront investment needed.
Summary
With zero inventory, no upfront costs and global fulfilment, launching an Etsy print on demand shop is one of the fastest, lowest-risk ways to start selling online.
Ready to create an Etsy shop? Sign up for your free Prodigi account and get 50% off your first sample order.
