How to Launch a Profitable Sticker Business on Etsy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Coming up with the idea
3. Equipment and supplies
4. Starting the business in 2020
5. Choosing a sticker company
6. Graphic design background
7. Selling a product
8. Printer and designing stickers
9. Using the Silhouette Cameo cutter
10. Selling on Etsy
11. Testing market demand
12. First sale on Etsy
13. Sales numbers in the first five months

Introduction

In this article, I will share my journey of starting a sticker business on Etsy. I will discuss how I came up with the idea, the equipment and supplies I use, and the earnings I have made so far. Starting a business can be intimidating, but I want to inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. So, let's dive in and explore the world of sticker business!

Coming up with the idea

Ever since my university days, I had big ideas of starting my own business. The desire to create the next Facebook or develop a popular game like Flappy Bird was always at the back of my mind. However, after graduation, I got a job and fell into a routine, convincing myself that starting a business was not realistic. It wasn't until 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic and increased time at home, that I realized I could find the time to pursue my dreams.

Equipment and supplies

When I decided to start a business, I kept an open mind regarding potential ideas. I jotted down every business idea that came to my mind, and over time, it grew into a comprehensive list. Eventually, I settled on starting a sticker company. With a background in graphic design, it felt like a natural choice for me.

To begin a sticker company, the primary piece of equipment you need is a printer. I personally use Illustrator and Photoshop for designing my stickers, but there are free alternatives like Canva available as well. The cost of materials for stickers is relatively low, making it an affordable option for starting a business.

Starting the business in 2020

In 2020, I took the leap and officially started my sticker business. It was a nerve-wracking but exciting time. With the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, I felt compelled to create my own path and explore the world of entrepreneurship.

Choosing a sticker company

As someone with a graphic design background, I wanted to sell a physical product that incorporated my skills. While I had previously tried to offer branding and logo design services, I found that it consumed too much time and was not feasible alongside my full-time job. Stickers, on the other hand, seemed like an ideal choice. They are easily shipped, and the materials required are cost-effective.

Graphic design background

Although I never pursued formal education in graphic design, it had always been a passion of mine. During my early days, I spent countless hours designing websites, often featuring themes like Pokemon. This experience equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to bring my sticker designs to life.

Selling a product

One of the biggest advantages of selling a product, as opposed to services, is the ability to reach a wider audience. While offering services demanded constant client acquisition efforts, product sales could potentially tap into existing marketplaces. This realization motivated me further to venture into the world of sticker business.

Printer and designing stickers

To start a sticker company, all you really need is a printer. I purchased an affordable printer from Amazon, which cost around $80. It amazed me how little investment was required to kickstart my business. As for designing the stickers, I primarily use Illustrator and Photoshop. Both software programs provide me with the flexibility and creative control I need.

Using the Silhouette Cameo cutter

As my sticker business grew, I realized the need for a vinyl cutter to streamline the production process. Cutting out each sticker by hand was time-consuming and inefficient. After conducting some research, I chose the Silhouette Cameo 4 as my vinyl cutter of choice. Its compatibility with Illustrator, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration made it a valuable addition to my equipment lineup.

Selling on Etsy

When it came to selling my stickers, I wanted to reach potential customers as quickly as possible. After evaluating various platforms, I decided to join Etsy. Etsy provides a ready-made marketplace where people actively search for products. This eliminated the need to spend excessive time and effort on customer acquisition, allowing me to focus on creating and selling my stickers.

Testing market demand

To gauge if there was a market for my stickers, I aimed to get my products out into the world as fast as possible. I didn't want to invest months into designing and creating a range of stickers, only to discover that there was no demand. This quick testing approach proved to be valuable in validating my business idea and minimizing wasted time and resources.

First sale on Etsy

When I listed my first sticker on Etsy, I didn't have high expectations. I had read online that it could take months to get the first sale. However, to my surprise, I received my first sale just a few days after listing the product. It was a thrilling moment to realize that someone out there desired something I had created. Finally, I had tangible proof of the potential success of my sticker business.

Sales numbers in the first five months

Now let's examine the sales numbers I achieved in the first five months on Etsy. Please note that these numbers are based on my personal experience, and results may vary for different individuals.

• August 2020 (partial month): $56.37 (including sales from friends and family)
• September 2020: $446.79
• October 2020: $588.08
• November 2020: $496.06
• December 2020: $741.18
• January 2021 (ongoing): $705.16 (estimated)

These numbers show a consistent increase in sales over time, with December being the highest-earning month so far. It is important to note that I run this business alongside my full-time job, making these earnings even more significant. Selling stickers on Etsy has provided me with an extra income stream and the potential to grow further.

Conclusion

Starting a sticker business on Etsy has been an exhilarating journey for me. It has allowed me to combine my passion for graphic design with entrepreneurship. If you are considering starting your own business, particularly in the realm of creative endeavors, I highly recommend exploring Etsy as a platform. Remember, you don't need anyone's permission or extensive business knowledge to pursue your dreams. Just take that first step, test your ideas, and see where it leads you!

Highlights

• Starting a sticker business on Etsy can be a viable and rewarding venture.
• With a background in graphic design, selling physical products like stickers is an excellent use of your skills.
• Minimal equipment is required to begin a sticker business, with a printer being the key component.
• Using platforms like Etsy provides access to a ready-made customer base and eliminates the need for intensive customer acquisition efforts.
• Testing market demand early on can save time and resources in the long run.
• Sales numbers can vary, but with consistent effort and quality products, it is possible to generate a significant income.

FAQs

Q: Can I start a sticker business if I don't have a background in graphic design? A: While a graphic design background can be advantageous, it is not a prerequisite for starting a sticker business. There are various design tools and resources available online that can help you create visually appealing stickers, even without formal training.

Q: Do I need to invest in expensive equipment to start a sticker business? A: Not necessarily. The primary equipment you need is a printer, which can be purchased at different price points. Additionally, there are free design software options like Canva that can get you started without significant upfront costs.

Q: Is selling on Etsy the only option for starting a sticker business? A: No, Etsy is just one platform among several available for selling your stickers. While Etsy is a popular choice due to its built-in customer base, you can explore other options such as creating your own website or selling on other online marketplaces.

Q: How long does it take to make consistent sales and income from a sticker business? A: The timeline for achieving consistent sales and income can vary depending on various factors, including the quality of your products, marketing efforts, and competition. It is important to focus on creating high-quality stickers, building your brand, and optimizing your marketing strategies to increase your chances of success.