When I started selling art prints I had very few options. There was the local markets, art fairs, my own website and then came eBay. Not long ago, Etsy emerged as a popular choice for many. Etsy is a marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods, and it has become a go-to destination for artists looking to sell their work. But do art prints sell well on Etsy?
The short answer is yes, art prints do sell well on Etsy . However, like any business venture, success is not guaranteed. You have to put the work in when it comes to detailed descriptions to ensure your art prints can be found and you have to work hard at customer service and after sales service. It is not a list and forget business.
One of the most popular items on Etsy is art prints, and many artists wonder if they can make a living selling their prints on the platform.
Artists who want to succeed on Etsy must be willing to put in the time and effort to promote their work, create high-quality prints, and engage with their audience.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of selling art prints on Etsy and provide tips for artists looking to make a name for themselves on the platform.
Why Sell Art Prints on Etsy?
Selling art prints on Etsy is a great way for artists to reach a global audience and sell their work. It provides artists with an opportunity to connect with people who appreciate art and are willing to invest in it.
Here are some reasons why selling art prints on Etsy is a good idea
Lots of buyers on the platform
Firstly, Etsy is a popular platform that attracts millions of visitors every month. According to Startup Bonsai, there are “40 million buyers worldwide and 2.1 million sellers”.
This means that there is a large audience of potential customers who are looking for unique and creative artwork. By selling art prints on Etsy, artists can tap into this audience and reach people who are interested in buying art.
Low risk sales platform
Secondly, Etsy offers a low-risk and low-cost way for artists to sell their work. Unlike traditional galleries or art fairs, Etsy does not require artists to pay high fees or invest a lot of money upfront.
Instead, artists can set up a shop on Etsy for free and only pay a small transaction fee when they make a sale.
It provides flexibility
Thirdly, Etsy provides artists with a lot of flexibility and control over their sales. Artists can set their own prices, choose which prints to sell, and decide how to promote their work.
This means that artists can experiment with different strategies and find the best way to sell their prints on Etsy.
Helps with brand exposure
Lastly, selling art prints on Etsy can be a great way for artists to build their brand and gain exposure. By creating a shop on Etsy, artists can showcase their work and connect with potential customers from all over the world.
This can help artists to establish themselves as serious artists and build a loyal following of fans and collectors.
Factors that Affect Art Print Sales on Etsy
Art prints do sell well on Etsy, but the success of selling them depends on several factors. Here are some key factors that can affect art print sales on Etsy:
Quality of the Print
The quality of the print is a crucial factor that can determine whether or not a customer will purchase the print. Customers want to receive high-quality prints that are true to the original artwork.
As a seller, it is very important to use high-quality paper and ink to produce prints that are vibrant and long-lasting.
Additionally, it is important to accurately represent the colors in the listing photos to avoid disappointing customers.
Pricing
Pricing is another important factor that can affect art print sales on Etsy. Customers are willing to pay more for prints that are unique, high-quality, and well-packaged.
As a seller, it is important to price prints competitively, taking into account the cost of materials, time spent creating the artwork, and other expenses.
It is also important to offer different sizes and options to cater to different budgets and needs.
Marketing
Marketing is a key factor that can help increase art print sales on Etsy. As a seller, it is important to create engaging and informative listing descriptions that accurately describe the artwork and its inspiration.
It is also important to use high-quality photos that showcase the artwork in the best possible way.
Additionally, sellers can use social media platforms and other marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to their Etsy shop.
Competition
Competition is a factor that can affect art print sales on Etsy. There are many talented artists and sellers on Etsy, which means that customers have many options to choose from.
As a seller, it is important to differentiate yourself by offering unique and high-quality artwork, providing excellent customer service, and creating a strong brand identity.
Sellers can also use keywords and tags to make their listings more visible in search results.
Tips for Selling Art Prints on Etsy
When it comes to selling art prints on Etsy, there are a few things that can help you stand out and increase your sales. Here are some tips:
Create a Cohesive Collection
When creating your art prints, it’s important to have a cohesive collection. This means that your prints should have a similar style, color palette, and theme.
This will make your shop look more professional and attract customers who are interested in your specific style.
Optimize Your Listings
Optimizing your listings means that you are making sure that your titles, descriptions, and tags are accurate and relevant.
Use keywords that describe your prints and make sure that your descriptions are detailed and informative.
This will help your prints show up in search results and attract customers who are interested in your style of art.
Offer Customization Options
Offering customization options can make your prints more appealing to customers. This can include offering different sizes, colors, or even personalized text.
This will make your prints more unique and allow customers to have a more personal connection with your art.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Providing excellent customer service is important for any business, including selling art prints on Etsy.
Respond to customer inquiries and orders in a timely manner, and make sure that your prints are packaged and shipped securely.
This will help build trust with your customers and encourage them to leave positive reviews, which can lead to more sales.
What are some of the risks and issues with selling art prints on etsy?
While selling art prints on Etsy can be a great way to share your creative work with a wider audience and potentially earn income, there are some risks and issues to be aware of:
Copyright and intellectual property concerns
Ensure that the artwork you’re selling is original and doesn’t infringe on anyone else’s copyrights. If you are using elements from other artists or copyrighted materials, make sure you have the appropriate permissions or licenses to do so.
Failing to do so may result in legal action or account suspension.
Competition
Etsy is a popular platform for artists, which means there is a significant amount of competition. Standing out from the crowd can be challenging, and you may need to invest time and effort in marketing, product photography, and creating unique listings.
Fees and expenses
Etsy charges fees for listing items, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. You’ll also need to account for the cost of printing, shipping materials, and potentially shipping costs, depending on your pricing strategy.
Shipping and handling
Shipping art prints requires proper packaging to avoid damage, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Also, international shipping may come with added complexities, such as customs, taxes, and higher shipping costs.
Returns and customer satisfaction
Handling returns and addressing customer concerns can be challenging, particularly with art prints that may be damaged in transit or not meet customer expectations.
Maintaining inventory
If you offer a variety of print sizes, paper types, or other customizations, you may need to maintain an inventory of supplies, which can be both costly and take up storage space.
Balancing time and effort
Managing an Etsy shop requires time and effort, particularly in terms of creating new work, maintaining listings, fulfilling orders, and managing customer inquiries. Balancing these tasks with your other creative endeavors can be challenging.
Platform changes and policies
Etsy may update its policies, features, or fees, which could impact your shop and sales. It’s important to stay informed and adapt as needed.
Dependence on a single platform
Relying solely on Etsy as a sales channel can be risky, as your success is dependent on the platform. Diversifying your sales channels and considering other online or offline platforms can help mitigate this risk.
Protecting your art
When selling digital prints, there’s a risk of unauthorized copying and distribution of your artwork. Implementing watermarks and offering lower-resolution images for previews can help, but it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with digital distribution.
Do art prints sell well on etsy – Wrap up!
Based on the research and insights gathered, it is clear that art prints sell quite well on Etsy. Many artists have found success in selling their prints on the platform and have been able to reach a wider audience than they would have otherwise.
It is very important for artists to brand themselves correctly, optimize their store, and engage with their target audience to increase their chances of success.
While it may not be the most problem-free platform out there, Etsy provides a great opportunity for artists to showcase their work and connect with potential buyers.
By following best practices and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, artists can increase their chances of success on the platform.
Overall, if an artist is looking to sell their art prints online, Etsy is definitely a platform worth considering. With the right approach and mindset, artists can turn their passion into a profitable business.
