Stickers are awesome. You can use them to decorate anything and everything. Put them on your laptop, car, refrigerator, backpack—whatever you want to drive attention to. Personal use aside, learning how to make and sell stickers online can be a lucrative business to start, since there will always be customers for your products.
According to eRank, which tracks trending products on the online marketplace Etsy, “stickers” was one of the most searched keywords on the website. There’s definitely a demand for this product, which is the reason why so many sticker shops have opened in recent years.
In this post, we’ll go over how to design and print stickers, where to sell them, and some ideas for promoting your sticker business.
How to design stickers to sell
Here’s how most sticker makers turn their artwork into high-quality products ready for sale:
1. Use software to make stickers
Most stickers are created using illustration apps or graphic design software. You can also draw your stickers by hand and upload high-resolution scans. Alternatively, you can upload physical artwork to convert your paintings or illustrations into stickers.
When uploading images, the key thing to remember is resolution.
Make sure the files you upload are at least the same size or larger than the sticker dimensions, with a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch) or higher. Save your image as a CMYK file to ensure the colors are accurately reproduced.
If you prefer designing your stickers on a computer, here are some popular sticker-design software options:
Procreate
Procreate is an illustration app that lets you create digital art using an Apple Pencil. You can draw, color, and add texture to your images.
A notable feature of Procreate is its custom brushes, which can mimic different pens, pencils, and other tools. You can also add grain and imperfections to give your stickers a handmade feel.
When you’re done, it’s easy to save your work in high resolution and export it for further editing or printing.
Canva
Canva is ideal for beginners who want to create stickers to sell. You can choose from a variety of templates designed for stickers or begin with a blank canvas. The platform has a vast collection of fonts, images, and shapes to perfect your design.
Canva also provides a sticker printing service, making it easy to produce your stickers.
Pro tip: If you’re designing stickers with unique shapes that don’t fit into a square or circle, make sure to add a clear border. Doing so will help printers identify the edges and make accurate cuts.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is graphic design software designed for those who want to create professional stickers and intricate designs.
With Illustrator, you can create vector art, apply effects, add text, and export your designs in various formats.
If you’re looking for an affordable, entry-level beginner tool, try Adobe Express. It offers pre-made templates and sticker sheets with customizable graphics, colors, and text.
2. Choose a sticker finish
The material you choose for your stickers affects both their look and durability. Select a printing material that matches how your stickers will be used. For example, stickers for outdoor gear need to be tough and weather-resistant, while stickers for notebooks can be printed on regular paper.
The adhesive you select greatly impacts how your stickers are perceived. If stickers peel off too soon, it can lead to negative reviews and damage your business’s reputation.
Finding the right adhesive strength is key to making sure stickers stay put without causing harm. For removable decals, go with a low-tack adhesive. If your stickers are meant for rough surfaces like plastic or metal, choose a high-tack adhesive.
You can read reviews from other sticker makers about your chosen printing material to verify the adhesive quality.
The following are some common sticker finishes and their uses:
Clear
Clear stickers are made from transparent materials like clear vinyl or polyester. This gives them a seamless look when applied to surfaces. They’re often used for window decals, as well as items like water bottles and outdoor gear that need to withstand washing or exposure to the elements.
Matte
Matte paper is another common choice for printing. It’s cheaper and great for showing off fine details since there’s no glare to blur the image.
If you print stickers on matte paper but want them shiny, just add a sheet of self-adhesive laminate. This gives the stickers a glossy look and adds a protective layer.
Vinyl
Vinyl stickers have a smooth, glossy surface. Vinyl is a popular choice for sticker printing due to its strength and resistance to weather.
Unlike paper stickers, vinyl can handle moisture well, making it ideal for items like water bottles, lunchboxes, or outdoor equipment such as bike helmets.
Holographic and prismatic
Holographic stickers are made from material that bends light, creating a rainbow effect.
Prismatic stickers, on the other hand, have a surface that catches light from different angles, making them sparkle.
Mirrored
Mirrored stickers are typically made from metallic or chrome materials. They have a reflective surface that catches the eye. These qualities make them suitable for creative and promotional use.
3. Print your stickers
There are different ways to print stickers. You can use a regular printer and cutting machine to print them at home. There’s also the option to use a professional printing service, but that comes with extra costs. Perhaps the best way is to use a dropshipping or print-on-demand company, which prints your stickers and ships them straight to customers.
Printing stickers at home
For the DIY approach, you’ll need adhesive sticker paper. You can find this paper easily online or at office supply stores. Make sure to select paper that is compatible with your printer type, whether it’s laser or inkjet.
After printing, you can use a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette to precisely cut out your stickers.
Printing at home lets you create custom stickers on demand without keeping a large stock, allowing for greater variety in your store.
The challenge of printing at home is that it might take some practice to get the printing and cutting process just right.
Another option is to have a company print your stickers for you. Services like Sticker Giant, StickerApp, and Sticker Mule are well-known and often recommended. Local printers might also offer quicker turnaround times.
After you submit your design and select the materials and finish, the company handles the printing, cutting, and shipping of the stickers.
This method is great if you have a lot of orders and don’t have the time or equipment to print at home. However, keep in mind you won’t see the final product until it arrives.
You’ll need to pay for sticker batches upfront. The cost per sticker decreases with larger orders, so you’ll have to choose between ordering a big batch for a lower cost per sticker or paying more for a smaller quantity.
If you’re considering a printing company, ask if it offers a sample pack to compare its different sticker types.
Dropshipping stickers
The third way to print stickers is through a dropshipping service. Upload your design to a Shopify app like Printify or Printful, and they’ll handle everything—from printing and cutting to shipping orders directly to your customers.
While dropshipping saves you time and effort, it also limits your control over the production process. If you go this route, be sure to order a sample to check the quality before selling it to your customers.
4. Cut your own stickers
There are two main methods for cutting stickers: kiss cut and die cut.
Kiss cut
Kiss cutting is a technique where only the top sticker layer is cut, leaving the backing paper untouched. When you peel off the sticker, the border and backing stay intact. This method is great for creating sticker sheets with multiple designs.
Die cut
Die cutting uses a machine with a blade that follows a programmed path to cut both the sticker and its backing into precise shapes. Whether it’s a simple circle, a square, or a detailed design like the leaves of a plant, die cutting allows the sticker to match the exact shape of your artwork.
How to sell stickers online
When you’re ready to start selling stickers online, you have a few options. You can create your own online store or sell through a dropshipping site like Redbubble.
No matter which platform you pick, you’ll need to set prices for your stickers and promote them. Here are the steps to get started:
Platforms to sell stickers
You can sell your stickers online by setting up your own store or by registering with a well-established marketplace.
Shopify
If you’re looking to build a brand to promote your stickers and want the flexibility to expand your product line later, consider launching your own sticker shop.
With Shopify, you can easily secure a domain name, design a polished storefront, and take advantage of its industry-leading checkout system.
You can also link your store to sales and marketing channels. For example, connect your store to Facebook and Instagram, where you can run ads directly in customer feeds and let them shop from their favorite social platforms.
Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace popular with crafters and resellers. Many sticker sellers use Etsy to list their products and enjoy the benefits of its established customer base.
You can use Etsy with Shopify to expand your audience and enjoy the benefits of both platforms. Remember to optimize your product descriptions and photos so customers can find your stickers through search results, either on Etsy or Google.
Etsy charges a 20¢ fee per listing and takes a 6.5% commission on sales. You’ll want to account for these fees when setting prices to ensure you make a profit.
Dropshipping marketplaces
Platforms like Society6 and Redbubble oversee the printing and shipping of stickers. You can connect to their website to automate the logistics of your orders.
The drawback of this approach is the limited control over the production process. This option can work if you’re selling stickers as a side project, but it often results in lower profit margins.
Dropshipping marketplaces are useful for testing the appeal of your designs. When you’re ready to grow your business, you can create your own website.
Pricing stickers
Creators often find it difficult to price their art, but it’s necessary to set a profitable price for your stickers.
Stickers sold online usually range from $4 to $9, though more complex or larger designs can sell for more. It’s helpful to check out other sticker shops to see what they charge and compare those prices with yours to get a sense of the competition.
Make sure to account for the cost of materials, labor, and packaging to maintain a healthy profit margin.
Consider your experience and skill level as well. If you’re new to selling stickers, you might start with lower prices until you build up your reputation.
Promoting stickers
To get your stickers noticed by your audience, you need to promote them well.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook will likely be your main avenues for showcasing your designs.
Here are a few social media strategies to consider:
- Collaborate with influencers who have access to your target audience.
- Run paid ads to increase your account’s reach.
- Share visually appealing content that features your products.
- Interact with your followers by responding to their comments and liking their posts.
- Partner with other artists and businesses to create joint sticker sets and support each other’s promotions.
- Host giveaways and encourage participants to tag friends for a chance to win.
Shipping stickers
One of the best parts of selling stickers is how easy they are to ship. For most orders, you can use a basic stamp and pass on any savings to customers.
To protect your stickers during shipping, rigid mailers or envelopes with sturdy cardstock work best. You can also add a Do Not Bend sticker on the envelope for additional safety.
Some sticker sellers get creative with packaging, using materials like custom tissue paper. But be sure to watch your costs. Fancy packaging that cuts into your profits isn’t worth it.
Finding sticker inspiration
Deciding what your stickers should look like can be tough. With so many options, your first step is to choose a brand and style that gives your designs a clear identity and personality.
You can find your style by exploring:
- Artistic styles. Look at retro and hand drawn designs to spark ideas for your own stickers.
- Hobbies and interests. Use your knowledge of sports, animals, or music to create detailed designs that fans will love.
- Niches. Explore niche markets with a strong passion, such as gamers, gardeners, or dog owners.
Cash in on your creations
Starting a sticker shop is an affordable and simple way to venture into entrepreneurship. From logos to cute cartoons to funny quotes, there are many types of stickers you can make for both satisfaction and profit. Start designing your stickers and watch them turn into a successful business. With creativity and persistence, your stickers can become a favorite among customers.
Making and selling stickers FAQ
How do I produce stickers at home?
To make stickers at home, insert your designs into a color printer and then print them onto sticker paper. Once done, cut out the individual shapes either by hand or using a cutting machine like a Silhouette or Cricut.
How do I make vinyl stickers?
You can easily make your own vinyl stickers by printing your designs onto vinyl sticker paper. Self-adhesive vinyl paper for making stickers at home can be bought online, at office supply stores, or at craft stores. Or, you can get custom vinyl stickers made through a printing service.
How do I print stickers?
To print stickers, you’ll need to buy sticker paper, either online or at a craft store. Make sure the sticker paper you select works with your printer type, whether laser or inkjet. You can also use a service like Sticker Mule or GotPrint to get your stickers printed.
What are common sticker design challenges?
Sticker makers often face challenges like creating unique and attractive designs, making stickers that connect with their target audience, and ensuring the materials used are high quality.