How To Start And Scale Up Your Online Stickers Business

Key Takeaways

• Use tools like Cricut, services like Sticker Mule, or dropship via Shopify, Etsy, or Redbubble to conduct stickers online business. 
• You can research sticker types, pick a theme, and use design platforms for sticker design. 
• Set prices based on materials and labor, and consider shipping and marketplace factors for success.

In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of online sticker sales. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a creative enthusiast, selling stickers online offers a versatile and potentially profitable venture. We’ll explore various methods of sticker production, the best platforms to sell your designs, and essential tips for success in this thriving digital marketplace.

How to make stickers for online business?

Selling stickers online has clear benefits in comparison with selling stickers from traditional shops:

• Lower costs: No need for rent, extensive inventory, or many staff.
• Greater reach: Digital marketing can attract a broad audience.

Making stickers can be a simple DIY task or professionally crafted. Print-on-demand services let you start easily, with some offering sticker batches for just $1. Here are top tools to make your online sticker business smooth:

Cricut: Print Stickers directly at Home

Cricut is a go-to tool for sticker-making:

• It has a blade that crafts detailed designs from various materials like paper.
• Essential for stickers is adhesive paper, available at office stores and online platforms like Amazon.com.
• Ensure your paper is Cricut-compatible.

Using Cricut is straightforward since:

• It’s priced starting from around $300.
• Print your design on adhesive paper to make a sticker, then use Cricut to cut it out.
• Finish or laminate your sticker as desired.

Cricut comes with various helpful functions like:

• Calibration software: Follow the steps after selecting your blade and loading a blank sheet.
• Precision might need a few test cuts. It’s a process perfect for beginners, even if some trial and error is involved.

StickerApp or StickerMule: Print Stickers Online

Using an online sticker printer service like Sticker Mule or StickerApp offers ease:

• No need to buy or manage your own printer.
• Just upload your designs; they handle printing, cutting, and delivery.

Cost considerations:

• Sticker Mule offers custom stickers from around $60 for a small batch.
• For a cost-effective option, StickerApp starts at $26 for custom designs.
• Other platforms provide budget-friendly, non-custom stickers.

Why choose an online printer?

• Ideal for large orders, saving on home printing costs, or if you’re short on time.
• Top services provide high-quality finishes and ready-design templates for custom stickers.

Dropshipping: Stickers Printed on Demand (POD)

Using print-on-demand (POD) dropshipping simplifies online business:

• Just upload your design to apps like Printful or Printify on Shopify.
• These platforms handle printing, cutting, and shipping to customers.

Benefits and considerations:

• Dropshipping reduces operational work for you.
• But there’s less control over the final product.
• To check quality, ordering a sticker sample before selling is wise.

Choosing a Shopify dropshipping store:

• Pick providers offering solid support and diverse options.
• They should guide you from product design to order delivery with timely updates, ensuring a hassle-free dropshipping journey.

Where to sell stickers online?

When you’re ready to turn your sticker-selling venture into a professional online business, you can choose the right eCommerce platform to launch your store. You can opt for established platforms like Shopify and Etsy or even explore the potential of leveraging a dropshipping marketplace such as Redbubble. Here are some best places to sell stickers online:

Shopify

Creating your own eCommerce website with Shopify gives you complete control over every aspect of your business. You have the autonomy to customize the design, select your domain name, craft marketing strategies, and efficiently manage sales and promotions. This approach allows you to build your brand from the ground up and dictate how your customers interact with your business.

The process is seamless and swift if you operate on Etsy and are considering transitioning to Shopify. You can effortlessly migrate your products, sales data, and customer database to Shopify. Additionally, Shopify offers flexible pricing options, allowing you to choose between monthly or yearly plans. Selling on a robust platform like Shopify can expand your business’s reach and enable you to reap the rewards more quickly than on other platforms.

Etsy

Pros:

• Dedicated Audience: Etsy’s users actively seek craft products and handmade items, making your stickers easily noticeable.
• Visibility: With well-made product listings, your stickers can quickly attract attention since many users are already searching for them.

Cons:

• Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee for each product and a 5% sales commission. There are also extra transaction fees for basic accounts.
• Limited Customization: Etsy shops have fewer customization options. To stand out:

For better usage of Etsy for online sticker business, you should consider the following points:

• Use detailed descriptions with relevant keywords.
• Provide high-quality images.
• Ensure a smooth checkout and shipping process.

RedBubble

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Simply upload your designs, and Redbubble handles production and shipping.
• Minimal Responsibility: Once a sale is made, your main concern is the manufacturing cost.

Cons:

• Limited Control: You have less influence over production and delivery, challenging differentiation.
• Reduced Profits: Redbubble takes a cut for its services, impacting your earnings.
• Competition: Knowing that such platforms are a great starting point to test and evaluate your sticker designs’ appeal is essential.

To maximize your success in selling stickers online, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Develop a Unique Brand Identity: Create a compelling brand identity that distinguishes your store from the competition. Use captivating visuals and memorable taglines to attract attention and build your sticker business.

2. Leverage Social Media: Harness the power of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to expand your reach and garner more attention for your business.

3. Optimize Your Website: Ensure your website is optimized for search engines (SEO), mobile viewing, and speed to make it easy for customers to find and purchase your products.

4. Create Custom Stickers: Design custom stickers that differentiate your products. Customers can personalize their stickers by adding text, graphics, and images.

5. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers to promote your products through their channels. This collaboration helps establish credibility and attracts more customers.

6. Offer Promotions and Discounts: Provide special promotions and discounts to incentivize customers to purchase from your store.

7. Provide Free Shipping: Consider offering free or reduced shipping fees to attract more customers, boost sales, and foster customer loyalty.

Types of trending stickers to create 

Stickers hold enduring appeal due to their utility, finding use in various applications ranging from labeling and signage to promotional materials. Custom stickers convey messages, promote products or events, and enhance the aesthetics of items or spaces. They are a preferred choice for personalization, lending a distinct touch to various items. Let’s delve deeper into popular sticker types you can effortlessly sell online:

• Vinyl decals: These rank among the most sought-after stickers, serving purposes from adorning cars to personalizing laptops. The designs are directly printed onto vinyl sheets and cut into the desired shape.
• Die-cut stickers: These stickers are precision-cut into specific shapes or designs, ideal for adding uniqueness to products and packaging.
• Static cling stickers: These non-adhesive stickers adhere to surfaces through static electricity and are commonly used on windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.
• Peel & stick labels: Using pressure-sensitive adhesive material, these adhesive stickers are excellent for product labeling and packaging.
• Magnets: Ideal for showcasing photos, artwork, and graphics on refrigerators and other metallic surfaces.
• Bumper stickers: These sizable adhesive decals are crafted for placement on the rear of automobiles and other vehicles. They enjoy popularity for conveying messages, displaying logos, and featuring diverse graphics.
• Decorative stickers: These stickers are primarily crafted for decoration and offer a broad spectrum of possibilities, from small and minimalist designs to larger and intricate ones. Available in various shapes and sizes, they serve purposes such as crafting art, embellishing gifts, and more.

Tips for designing and customizing stickers for online sales

Running a sticker business might not have crossed your mind as one of the most cost-effective or lucrative online ventures. However, stickers are consistently in demand due to their flexible applications. Whether you’re an artist, already engaged in drawing, or perhaps even running your sticker store, breaking into the online sticker market can be a viable option. If you’re new to this, fear not! Numerous avenues exist for designing and customizing stickers to kick-start your online sticker enterprise.

Research Different Types of Stickers

Choose Your Sticker Type:

• Options range from animals, cartoons, sports, holidays, to inspirational themes.
• Pick a theme you’re passionate about or that’s popular online.

Select Your Materials:

• Decide between vinyl, paper, or other materials.
• Factor in material and labor costs for pricing.

Production Choices:

• You can make the stickers yourself or outsource the process.
• Handmade stickers have their own niche following.

Fix the theme and begin the design process 

After choosing a theme, start designing. Think about what stickers your audience might like. With your ideas ready, use simple online tools or graphic design programs to create your stickers. Crafting online sticker designs can be easy with the right tools at hand.

Moreover, various online tools and services are designed to simplify the sticker design process. These platforms often offer extensive templates and features that empower you to personalize and customize your designs. Here are a few noteworthy examples:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Procreate
• Adobe Illustrator
• Design Wizard
• Sticker Maker
• Canva
• Mediamodifier
• StickerMule
• StickerYou
• Sticker Robot
• Sticker Studio

Take inspiration from success stories like Christine, the proprietor of a Shopify sticker store specializing in stickers bearing inspirational quotes, aiming to spread positivity through her unique sticker creations. Christine utilizes Apple’s Procreate to design her stickers, but you can use various design tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDraw, Inkscape, and more, to craft your artwork.

To stand out, think creatively when developing custom designs. From abstract artistry to whimsical quotes, the creative possibilities are boundless. Strive to produce stickers that captivate attention and offer a one-of-a-kind appeal.

Stickers pricing & shipping to global marketplace

Setting the right sticker price for your online business is essential. Here is the appropriate way to help you deal with sticker pricing & shipping:

1. Starting Point: Common stickers typically cost between $2 to $6. However, unique or more extensive designs can fetch higher prices. For instance, Steekly, selling custom MacBook stickers on Shopify, starts at $7.99 per sticker.

2. Research: Before deciding on your price, check out competitors. See their sticker prices and compare them with your designs.

3. Cost Calculation:

• Factor in the costs of materials, packaging, and your time.
• Your skills and experience add value, so don’t undersell yourself.
• Initially, it’s wise to ensure your prices align with the market.

4. Shipping Considerations:

• Costs can vary based on destination and package weight.
• Remember to account for potential taxes or customs fees for international shipping. Being aware helps you find the most cost-effective shipping method.

5. Packaging Tips: Safeguard your stickers during transit. Use sturdy boxes and ample padding to reach customers in perfect condition.

FAQs

Bottom line

You can build a successful online sticker business from scratch with research, creativity, and dedication. Find the right platform and market your stickers effectively. Scaling up doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Use the right strategies and creativity to make a profitable and enjoyable business.