How to Sell Stickers on Etsy: Step by Step Guide for 2024!

A lot of sellers make a living on Etsy, and you too can learn how to make money on Etsy. One of the easiest ways is, of course, selling stickers.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to make and sell stickers on Etsy, as well as tips for selling that can help you grow your business.

Why Sell Stickers on Etsy?

There are lots of reasons to sell stickers on Etsy:

There’s a large existing customer base.

While there are a lot of sites like Etsy, Etsy is by far the most popular marketplace for buying and selling handmade crafts.

As I mentioned before, Etsy has 96.3 million active buyers. That’s a lot of potential customers you can get your stickers in front of.

Sure, selling stickers on your own website is a good option, but you have to drive customers to your store. Etsy already gets lots of visitors.

Also, setting up your own storefront is time-consuming and can be difficult. Setting up an Etsy store, on the other hand, is much simpler.

Stickers are one of the best-selling items on Etsy.

There are lots of places to sell stickers, but since Etsy already has a large existing market, it’s a great option. What makes it even better is the fact that stickers are one of the most popular items on there.

According to eRank, a website all about keyword research and SEO specifically for Etsy, the most popular store on the platform is PlannerKate1.

And what does PlannerKate1 sell?

Planner stickers!

So, stickers do sell on Etsy!

You get lots of control over your store

Etsy gives you a lot of control over your store. You get to choose things like how your storefront looks, the images you add to your listings, and even whether you want to offer promotions and discounts to your customers. You can also take advantage of Etsy ads if you want to. It’s all up to you.

How Much Money Can You Make Selling Stickers on Etsy?

With Etsy, the sky is the limit. If your store ranks well on Etsy and your designs are popular, you could make a significant income. You could earn $1,000s selling stickers on Etsy.

Kate Antesberger, who runs PlannerKate1, made $2.5 million on Etsy in 2020 alone!

Of course, she runs the most popular store on Etsy, so you’re unlikely to make that amount—at least not when you’re first starting out anyway!

Now that you know why you should sell stickers on Etsy and how much money you could make, it’s time to get started with actually making and selling your stickers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sell stickers on Etsy…

Step One: Get Some Ideas

The first step is to decide which types of stickers you want to sell. You need to come up with some ideas so that you can get started with selling stickers in your Etsy store.

Consider what types of stickers you want to sell

There are lots of different types of stickers you can sell.

Here are some things to consider:

• Do you want to sell stickers that people can stick on items like laptops or their phone case?
• Do you want to sell planner or journal stickers, which include not only decorative stickers but also more practical ones, like numbers for marking dates in the week, month names, and stickers that say things like “To-Do” or “Shopping?”
• Perhaps you want to do a mix of stickers?

Consider the Style of Stickers You Want to Sell

It’s not just the type of stickers you want to sell that you need to consider, but also the style.

For example, you could make:

• Contemporary-style stickers
• Whimsical-style stickers
• Cute-style stickers
• Vintage-style stickers

There are many different options when it comes to stickers. Obviously, your own tastes will factor into what types of stickers you decide to sell. After all, you are the one creating and selling them, so you may want to design the type and style of stickers that you like.

However, it’s not just your own tastes that you should consider. You should also consider what’s popular.

If you’re looking to make money, it’s not just about what types of stickers you like but also what’s popular right now in the market. If a particular type of sticker, like planner stickers, or style of stickers, like contemporary-style stickers, is popular on Etsy, then you know that these types of stickers are actually selling.

So, consider what types of stickers are popular.

An easy way to do this is to head over to Etsy and see what types of stickers other people have for sale. This will help you see what’s trending right now.

Once you know which types of stickers you’re going to sell, create a list of ideas.

Step Two: Create or Hire Someone to Design Stickers for You

Now that you have decided on the types of stickers you want to sell, it’s time to start creating some designs.

You have three options for designing stickers:

1. Design your own stickers
2. Buy sticker designs
3. Pay someone to design the stickers for you

I will cover all of these options in more detail below so you can decide which one works best for you.

Option One: Design Your Own Stickers

You could design your own stickers. This is the cheapest option, as you won’t have to pay for purchasing sticker designs or hiring someone to design them for you.

Being the cheapest option isn’t the only benefit of designing your own stickers.

Having your own designs can set your business apart. After all, if you purchase designs, other people might have also purchased the same designs, meaning that your stickers won’t look particularly original when they go up for sale.

There are A LOT of sellers on Etsy, so anything you can do to make yourself stand out is a good idea.

When you design your own stickers, you’ll have unique stickers that no one else will have. This is a great way to set yourself apart from the outset.

Now, designing your own stickers requires artistic skill. So, if you’re like me and not particularly good at art, then you might consider other options.

If you do decide to design your own stickers, here’s how you can do it.

How to Design Your Own Stickers

To design your own stickers, you’ll need design software. There are many options available.

You can use advanced programs like Adobe Illustrator. However, unless you’re already familiar with the program, it can be complicated and time-consuming to learn. There are plenty of guides online that can help you get started.

Adobe Illustrator isn’t free and can cost more than $200.

Another option is Adobe Photoshop, which, like Illustrator, can be expensive.

If you want to use Adobe programs but prefer not to spend hundreds of dollars upfront, consider subscribing to Adobe Creative Cloud instead.

With Adobe Creative Cloud, you pay a monthly subscription fee to access either individual Adobe programs or all of them, depending on your membership option. You get the latest version of Adobe’s programs for a set monthly fee and can cancel your subscription at any time.

Although these design programs are great, you don’t need fancy software to be successful selling stickers on Etsy.

In fact, there are several free design programs available that can help you create stunning stickers without any cost!

Here are some free design programs you can use:

• Adobe Express
• Canva
• VistaCreate

Consider Getting a Drawing Tablet Too

In addition to design software, using a drawing tablet can enhance your design process. Drawing tablets allow you to draw your sticker designs directly and work well with design programs. Wacom tablets are a popular choice.

Option Two: Buy Sticker Designs

The second option is to purchase readymade sticker designs. This is ideal if you lack the design skills or simply don’t have the time to create your own stickers.

Here are some places where you can purchase readymade sticker designs:

• Design Bundles
• Etsy
• Creative Market

While purchasing sticker designs is convenient, keep in mind that these designs are not unique to your shop. Since there are many sellers on Etsy, making sure your stickers stand out is crucial. Some companies offer custom designs, but these can be more expensive.

When starting out and needing a large number of designs quickly, buying designs can be a practical choice.

Option Three: Pay Someone to Design Stickers for You

Another option is to hire someone to design your stickers for you. This approach combines the benefits of creating unique designs yourself with the convenience of having someone else handle the design work.

You can provide the designer with your ideas and preferences, and they will create custom stickers tailored to your specifications.

You can hire designers on:

• Upwork
• PeoplePerHour

Step Three: Make the Stickers

Once you have your sticker designs, you’ll need to make them.

There are a few different types of stickers you can produce:

• Clear
• Glossy
• Holographic
• Matte
• Vinyl

Additionally, there are different types of sticker cuts, including:

• Kiss cut: Kiss cut stickers are cut through the top layer of the sticker, but not the backing paper. This allows the sticker to be easily peeled away from the backing, leaving the backing and border intact. Kiss cuts are ideal for creating sheets with multiple sticker designs.
• Die cut: Die cut stickers are cut to match the exact shape of the design. For instance, if your sticker is shaped like a triangle, it will be cut to that exact shape. For more intricate designs, such as flowers or leaves, the cut will conform to the design’s outline.

Now, you need to print and cut your stickers. You have two main options:

1. Print stickers and cut them at home
2. Outsource the printing

I’ll cover both options in detail below.

How to Print Stickers at Home

If you’re just starting out with selling stickers on Etsy and your budget is tight, printing stickers yourself can be a cost-effective option. It’s the cheapest way to get started.

This method involves printing the stickers at home and cutting them yourself.

While there is an initial cost for purchasing the right equipment and supplies, once you have these, you’ll be able to print and cut as many stickers as you need right from home.

Your only recurring costs will be the paper and ink used for printing.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your stickers:

Printer and Ink

To make stickers, you’ll need a printer and printer ink. You can find both at reasonable prices on Amazon. Both laser and inkjet printers work well for this purpose. However, laser printers typically print faster and can handle more sheets before running out of ink. Additionally, laser printers often provide better quality prints compared to inkjet printers.

Laser printers tend to be more expensive, so if your budget is tight, an inkjet printer may be a more suitable option.

Inkjet printers are cheaper to buy, and you may already have one.

Printer ink can be relatively expensive, so it’s important to factor this cost into your sticker pricing.

Sticker Paper

You will also need sticker paper.

There are a few different types available, so it’s important to choose paper that is compatible with your printer.

You can purchase sticker paper specifically designed for use with inkjet printers, laser printers, or paper that works with both types of printers.

It’s a good idea to run a few test prints using different settings and types of paper to see what works best for your needs.

Here are the types of paper you can get:

• Matte Sticker Paper: This is available on Amazon at a reasonable price and offers good quality.
• Glossy Sticker Paper: This shinier paper can also be found on Amazon at an affordable price.
• Holographic Paper: Ideal for a bold look, though it is less versatile compared to matte or glossy paper.
• Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper: This more durable paper is perfect for stickers intended for items like water bottles and phone cases, which endure more wear and tear. It costs a bit more to produce vinyl stickers, but you can charge more for them due to their durability. Amazon is a good place to find affordable vinyl sticker paper, and Prime members enjoy free shipping.

Cutting Tools

You will also need tools to cut your stickers once they are printed out.

You have a couple of options:

Cutting Machines

Using a cutting machine is one option, and there are several available on the market.

The two main brands are:

• Cricut
• Silhouette

These machines can cut precise shapes out of paper and other materials.

With these machines, you can print out your stickers and use the machine to cut them for you. Simply place the printed sheet in the cutting machine, like the Cricut or Silhouette, and it will cut around the stickers to create the final product.

These machines produce professional-looking stickers once you’re familiar with their use, but calibrating them can take time.

If you’re looking to sell stickers on Etsy, using a cutting machine is a great idea because it delivers high-quality results.

However, these machines can be quite expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, consider the next option instead.

A Cutting Mat and Craft Knife

Cutting machines can be costly, especially when you’re just starting out or working with a limited budget. If you don’t have the funds for a cutting machine, a cutting mat and craft knife are a great alternative.

You can also use a pair of scissors, although a craft knife tends to be more precise.

It’s important to note that there is a learning curve to cutting out stickers neatly. Take your time with the process; if you make a mistake, it’s difficult to fix. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at it.

How to Outsource Sticker Making

While printing and cutting stickers yourself is the most cost-effective option, it requires considerable effort. If you’re short on time or find the DIY route too labor-intensive, outsourcing might be a better option.

You can hire a company to handle the printing, cutting, and mailing of your stickers. These companies provide high-quality stickers in various finishes.

Companies That Print Stickers for You

There are many sticker printing companies available, which is great news!

Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Sticker Mule

Sticker Mule is a well-known sticker printing company. You can order stickers online with a four-day turnaround and free shipping.

Sticker Mule turns your designs and illustrations into custom stickers.

They offer a variety of sticker types, including:

• Bumper stickers
• Circle stickers
• Clear stickers
• Die-cut stickers
• Front adhesive stickers
• Holographic stickers
• Kiss-cut stickers
• Oval stickers
• Rectangle stickers
• Rounded corner stickers
• Square stickers
• Static clings
• Sticker sheets
• Transfer stickers
• Vinyl lettering

Sticker Mule allows you to print custom stickers in any shape or size on vinyl. The company’s stickers feature a laminate that protects them from wind, rain, and sunlight. However, Sticker Mule is on the more expensive side.

Prices vary depending on the type and quantity of stickers you order.

Here are some examples:

• For 10, 4″ x 6″ sticker sheets, it costs $33.
• For 50, 3″ x 3″ kiss-cut stickers, it costs $72.
• For 50, 3″ x 3″ die-cut stickers, it costs $72.

2. Sticker Ninja

Another option is Sticker Ninja. This popular company offers a variety of sticker types, including:

• Die-cut stickers
• Kiss-cut stickers
• Sticker sheets
• Bumper stickers
• Sticker business cards

Available finishes include glossy and matte.

The company’s stickers are durable, UV protected, waterproof, and resistant to rubbing off.

The cost of stickers varies depending on the type, size, and quantity you order.

Here are some examples:

• For 25, 4″ x 6″ glossy sticker sheets, the cost is $50.31.
• For 50, 4″ x 4″ matte circle die-cut stickers, the cost is $59.50.
• For 50, 4″ x 4″ matte circle kiss-cut stickers, the cost is $59.50.

3. StickerGiant

StickerGiant offers a wide range of stickers and labels, including:

• Die-cut stickers
• Kiss-cut stickers
• Glossy white labels
• Matte labels
• Clear stickers
• Paper labels
• Clear labels

Shipping is free, which is a great benefit.

As with most sticker companies, prices vary based on the type, size, and quantity of stickers ordered.

Here are some examples:

• For 125, 4″ x 4″ matte die-cut custom-shape stickers, the cost is $122.71.
• For 125, 1″ x 1″ glossy circle kiss-cut stickers, the cost is $95.15.
• For 125, 2″ x 1″ clear rectangle stickers, the cost is $99.19.

While StickerGiant does have larger order minimums (125 stickers), the price per sticker tends to be slightly cheaper compared to other companies.

Printing Stickers at Home vs. Outsourcing Sticker Making

There are pros and cons to both printing stickers at home and outsourcing the sticker-making process.

Pros of Printing Stickers at Home

Printing stickers at home can be beneficial for several reasons:

• It’s cheaper than having a sticker company do it for you.
• You have complete control over the entire process.
• You don’t need to keep inventory. You can print stickers as orders come in.

Cons of Printing Stickers at Home

There are a few downsides to printing stickers at home:

• If your Etsy store becomes very successful and you start receiving many orders, printing and cutting stickers yourself may become impractical. It could be challenging to fulfill all orders on your own.
• It can take time to learn how to calibrate a cutting machine for precise cuts or to cut stickers neatly with a craft knife.

Pros of Outsourcing

Here’s why you might want to consider outsourcing the sticker-making process:

• Outsourcing saves you time, as you won’t need to handle the printing and cutting yourself. This can be a significant time saver.
• You don’t have to worry about cutting the stickers neatly or calibrating a cutting machine to achieve a professional-looking product.

Cons of Outsourcing

The main downside to outsourcing sticker printing is the cost.

The fees charged by these companies for printing and cutting your stickers can significantly impact your profits. While you can raise your sticker prices to cover these costs, customers are always looking for good value.

For example, if you sell a sticker set for $20 because you used a service like Sticker Mule and need to cover the cost, but a competitor on Etsy is selling a similar set for $10 because they handle printing and cutting themselves, customers are likely to choose the cheaper option.

Professionally printed stickers may look better, allowing you to charge higher rates, but only up to a point. There is a limit to how much customers are willing to pay.

It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of printing and cutting stickers yourself versus outsourcing the process.

Step Four: Start Selling Your Stickers

Before you start selling on Etsy, you need to create an Etsy store if you don’t have one already.

How to Set Up Your Etsy Store

Before creating your shop, you need to sign in or create an Etsy account. You will use this account to manage your shop and to purchase items from other Etsy makers if you choose to.

After creating your account, you can add your profile picture and bio to introduce yourself to the Etsy community.

Here’s how you can create your Etsy shop:

1. Visit etsy.com/sell and select “Get Started.”
2. Select your shop language, country, and currency, then click “Save and Continue.”
3. Choose your shop name, then click “Save and Continue.”

You will need to complete the first step of opening your shop on a desktop web browser. After your shop is open, you can manage it using the Sell on Etsy app.

How to List Stickers in Your Etsy Store

Once your store is set up, you can start listing items for sale. Note that to receive payments on Etsy, you will need to connect your bank account to your Etsy shop.

Here’s how to do it:

1. On Etsy.com, click on “Shop Manager.” If you’re using the Sell on Etsy app, tap “More.”
2. Click “Listings.” If you are a new seller, click “Your Shop.”
3. Click “Add a listing.” On the Sell on Etsy app, tap the “+” icon.

You can then create your listing by adding photos and videos, choosing a thumbnail image, describing your listing, setting up shipping, and more. Etsy provides a helpful guide for listing items for sale, which you can check out here.

Etsy Fees

It’s important to note that Etsy does have some fees.

Here’s What to Expect:

Listing Fees

When you list an item for sale, you’re charged a listing fee of $0.20 for each item listed on Etsy.com or Etsy’s mobile apps.

If you list multiple quantities of the same item, the initial listing fee is $0.20. The listing will be automatically renewed at $0.20 after each item sells.

Transaction Fees

Etsy charges a transaction fee of 6.5% of the displayed price for each listing, plus the amount you charge for delivery and gift wrapping.

Offsite Ads Fee

Etsy promotes your products across the internet through offsite ads. If you make a sale from one of these ads, you will pay a 15% offsite ads fee.

Taxes

As a business owner, you are responsible for collecting and paying any taxes associated with using Etsy’s services and making sales.

Etsy will issue 1099-K forms to certain sellers to comply with IRS and state requirements. You can opt in to receive your 1099-K form electronically at any time. Learn more about taxes on your Etsy income here.

Shipping Fees

In most cases, the customer pays for shipping, which can be added on top of your sticker prices. Alternatively, you can offer free shipping.

It’s up to you whether to cover shipping fees or pass them on to the customer.

Keep in Mind

Paying for shipping fees will cut into your profits. It’s often recommended that the buyer covers the shipping costs.

Step Five: Ship Your Stickers

Once your stickers sell, you’ll need to handle packing and shipping.

One advantage of selling stickers is that they are light and fairly compact, making shipping relatively easy and cost-effective.

Larger items can be more costly and challenging to ship.

Usually, all you’ll need to ship your stickers is a stamp, which keeps costs low for customers. Of course, ensure that your stickers are well-packaged to prevent any damage during transit.

Shipping Options on Etsy

You have the option to either have the customer pay for shipping or to offer free shipping.

You can also sign up for Etsy’s free shipping guarantee. This option provides priority placement in US shoppers’ search results on Etsy.

The free shipping guarantee informs shoppers in the United States that they will not incur additional shipping costs on orders of $35 or more that ship within or to the US. Learn more about the free shipping guarantee on Etsy here.

Purchasing USPS Shipping Labels on Etsy

You can purchase USPS Shipping Labels directly on Etsy. According to Etsy, you can save up to 30% compared to USPS retail rates at the post office or other online services. Learn more about purchasing USPS Shipping Labels on Etsy here.

Shipping Profiles

Etsy allows you to create shipping profiles, which lets you apply the same shipping settings to multiple listings. This can save you time when adding products to your shop.

Etsy advises considering how to be competitive and attract buyers when setting shipping rates. According to Etsy, high shipping prices can deter customers, and shoppers are 20% more likely to complete their purchase when the item ships for free. However, many sellers recommend against offering free shipping, so you may want to explore opinions and strategies in this Reddit thread if you’re unsure.

How to Ship Stickers

To ensure your stickers arrive in good condition, use rigid mailers that won’t bend or envelopes with rigid cardstock inside. It’s also a good idea to place a “Do Not Bend” sticker on the envelope to further protect your items.

Additional Considerations for Packing and Shipping

It’s not just the practical aspects of packing and shipping that you should consider. Adding a short, handwritten thank you card or a branded sticker with each order can help build customer loyalty for your sticker brand.

Some sellers go the extra mile by making their sticker packaging look beautiful. However, this can significantly impact your profits.

As long as your stickers arrive in good condition, customers are unlikely to care about the packaging. While attractive packaging can enhance your brand image, it often cuts into profits too much to be worthwhile.

Tips for Growing Your Sticker Business on Etsy

Now that you know how to make and sell stickers on Etsy, you might be wondering, “How can I grow my business?”

Etsy is a popular marketplace with many buyers, but it also has a high number of sellers. This means your stickers are competing with listings from millions of other sellers.

To stand out and drive sales, here are some tips for success on Etsy:

Here are some strategies to consider:

Improve Titles and Tags

When someone searches for an item on Etsy, Etsy’s search algorithm looks for the most relevant matches. To optimize your listings for Etsy search, ensure that your title and tags are relevant so they appear in a shopper’s search results.

Every listing has a title, which appears above the listing image on the listing page, in your shop, and in the search results. Your title is important as it allows you to briefly describe your item.

Tags are also crucial. A tag is a word or short phrase that describes your item. Etsy matches listing tags with shoppers’ searches to find relevant results. For example, a tag like “planner stickers” is effective.

Some tips for optimizing titles and tags include:

• Use all 13 available tags for each of your listings.
• Exact phrase matches are stronger than individual word matches. For example, “wedding stickers” is a better tag than “wedding” and “stickers” separately.
• Etsy’s algorithm considers listings with a word or phrase in both the title and tags as more relevant. So, if a word or phrase in a buyer’s search appears in both the title and tags of your listing, the algorithm will see it as more relevant.
• Words at the beginning of titles are considered more important than those at the end.

Add Relevant Attributes to Your Listing

To help buyers find your stickers in the search results, make sure to add relevant attributes to your listing.

You can add attributes about your items in the Listing Details section. This includes information such as color, size, or occasion.

Start by choosing the type of item you are listing and its categories. You will then see options to add attributes based on the selected category. Specificity helps Etsy’s search algorithm identify your products more accurately.

Use the most relevant attributes available to you and choose as many accurate ones as each item has. Keep in mind that shoppers search by different attributes, such as color, size, or occasion.

Ensure You Upload Quality Listings

Etsy emphasizes that listing quality is important.

The company states, “Etsy’s search algorithm also considers how well individual items tend to perform in search based on how likely customers are to interact with a listing or buy a product. We call this ‘listing quality.’”

Listing quality is influenced by factors such as:

• The product thumbnail photo.
• Clear titles.
• How shoppers interact with a listing. If a shopper clicks, favorites, or purchases an item after seeing it in search results, these actions contribute to the listing’s quality score. Initially, your listings will have a neutral quality score, which doesn’t impact placement.

Here are some tips for improving listing quality:

• Ensure your listings have clear, high-quality photographs.
• Use easy-to-read titles that clearly describe your product.
• Encourage shopper interaction by experimenting with different tags, updating product photos, and engaging on social media.

Maintain a Good Customer Rating

Another crucial tip is to maintain a good customer rating.

As mentioned, Etsy’s search algorithm prioritizes relevant matches. Customer and market experience are key factors in determining which items appear in search results and their display order.

Etsy states, “We want buyers to have a great experience when they purchase from a seller on Etsy. Because of this, we consider a shop’s record of customer service and whether it’s in good standing according to Etsy’s policies.”

So, optimizing the customer experience is crucial.

Here are some tips for doing so:

• Complete your shipping profiles to accurately show processing times to your buyers. Ensure you fulfill orders promptly to keep buyers informed about when they can expect their items.
• Fully complete your About section to provide shoppers with more information about your shop and your story.
• Fill out your shop policies using the provided template to give buyers clear and helpful information about your shop’s practices.
• Respond to past buyers and resolve any open cases as quickly as possible. Being responsive and addressing complaints effectively is key to good customer service.
• Aim to earn as many 5-star reviews as possible by delivering exceptional customer service and going above and beyond for your customers.

Consider Etsy Ads

Etsy offers the option to use Etsy Ads to promote your listings within Etsy search. These ad spaces are reserved separately from the regular search results. By setting up Etsy Ads, you can have your listings compete for these prominent ad spaces. Note that Etsy Ads require payment to set up. You can learn more about setting up and managing Etsy Ads here.

Whether or not Etsy Ads are worth it is up to you. From my research, some sellers have seen great success with Etsy Ads, while others believe they’re not worth the investment. I recommend checking out this Reddit thread and this Reddit thread for a range of opinions on the effectiveness of Etsy Ads.

Advertise Your Etsy Store on Social Media

To maximize your income, it’s crucial to drive customers to your store and increase sales. One effective way to do this is by being active on social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.

Social media offers a free way to promote your brand and connect with potential buyers. It can be a valuable tool for marketing, especially if you’re working with a tight budget.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve been curious about how to sell stickers on Etsy, follow this step-by-step guide and keep our tips for success in mind. Selling stickers on Etsy can be a fantastic side hustle and a rewarding venture!

Good luck with your sticker business, and happy selling!