Print on demand offers so many opportunities for artists who want to make money from their work. Etsy, Redbubble, Merch by Amazon, TeePublic – there are a LOT of options to choose from. Do you have to pick one? Or can you upload to multiple print on demand sites?
Uploading your designs to multiple print on demand platforms can give you the chance to build your presence and customer reach to multiple avenues. Make sure to follow the rules and specifications of each platform you use.
Personally, once I’ve created a design, I’d establish a routine where I open each platform in a different tab of my web browser and I systematically upload my design to each one of them in turn.
Quick and easy!
Once I learned each platform inside and out, it didn’t take long for me to customize each listing to the unique needs of each platform.
When I was done, my one design would reach customers on multiple platforms, giving me the best chance to make sales.
For me, uploading my designs to multiple print on demand platforms has opened up new revenue streams for me. That said, there are things you should know about this method before getting started.
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Read Each Print on Demand Platform’s Terms and Conditions
At the time of this writing, the most popular print on demand providers don’t require exclusivity, giving sellers a chance to upload their designs to multiple platforms. That could always change though. Stay informed of each platform’s terms and conditions so you always know if their rules about exclusivity ever change.
At the time of this writing, the major PoD platforms allow sellers to upload their designs to other platforms. Hooray!
That could always change though, and you’ll want to be aware if it does.
Whenever you start uploading to a print on demand platform, you need to treat it like a real business.
Understand the platform’s rules and take them seriously.
A big part of this involves reading and following each platform’s terms and conditions on a regular basis. Not just when you’re first starting out, but regularly.
When a PoD platform changes their terms and conditions, pay attention to what changed and adjust your practices accordingly, if needed.
Look out for any changes relating to exclusivity rules to make sure you’re still allowed to upload to multiple platforms.
Be Efficient and Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin
When you upload your designs to multiple print on demand platforms, you run the risk of spreading yourself too thin. Be efficient about how you upload your designs and make sure you’re giving each platform the time and attention it needs to grow and become profitable for you.
Juggling multiple stores can open up a lot of selling potential. On the other hand, it can also lead to distraction and an inability for any of the stores to get the care and attention they need to succeed.
When you decide to open multiple print on demand stores, it’s really important to develop your own management system that’s streamlined and efficient.
For me, that meant uploading the same design to all of my print on demand platforms at once. That might work for you too, or you may need something different.
Whatever works for you, make sure you establish something. Without a system, juggling multiple print on demand platforms can feel overwhelming and scattered.
Make sure you still have enough time to devote to creating beautiful designs that customers will love.
Make sure you still have enough time to create awesome and realistic product mockups that will draw your customers in, like the ones from Placeit. If you want greta mockups, PlaceIt is worth checking out.
Make sure you still have enough time to optimize each of your listings for the unique needs of each platform.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with so many PoD platforms that you end up spending all of your time uploading, while neglecting the other important aspects of running a successful online store.
Understand Each Print on Demand Platform’s Unique Characteristics
Even though you can upload the same design to multiple different print on demand platforms, this doesn’t mean that all of the print on demand platforms function in the same way. Understand all of the unique characteristics of each platform so that you can adjust your listings accordingly.
I’ve uploaded the same design to TeePublic and to Redbubble. It’s the same design, but the platforms are very different. They don’t even have all of the same products!
This means, to have the best chance of success, I need to optimize my TeePublic product listing to accommodate TeePublic’s unique needs and my Redbubble product listing to accommodate Redbubble’s unique needs.
All for the same design.
Everytime you open a new PoD store on a new platform, take the time to learn the platform.
Understand the unique customers that are attracted to that platform; study your competition and how saturated your niche is on that platform; learn the SEO requirements and listing optimization techniques that will give your listings the best chance of being discovered on that platform.
Even though you may be using the same designs you’ve used before on other platforms, have a beginner’s mind and treat each PoD platform as a brand new learning opportunity.
Don’t assume that every PoD platform is the same. They all have unique characteristics that sellers need to adjust to in order to have the best chance of success.
If you’re looking for a place to get started with learning a new PoD platform, I’d suggest turning to Skillshare. They have a ton of classes that can give you insight into what you need to know to be successful on different platforms.
Grab a discount to Skillshare to check out their classes.
While it’s a great opportunity to upload your designs to multiple print on demand platforms, It’s important to do your due diligence with every store you create. Make sure you understand the platform’s rules and unique characteristics.
Diana has been an artist for over 27 years and has training in drawing, painting, digital drawing and graphic design. Diana’s latest obsession is digitally drawing with Procreate and Procreate Dreams. Diana has experience selling her art across a number of platforms and loves helping other artists learn how to make money from their art as well.