In the video titled “Gaining Momentum in a Slow Month: Print on Demand Challenge Recap” by Alek, the results of a Print on Demand challenge over a three-month period are discussed. The challenge took place in 2023, with a focus on gaining momentum during a slow month. The video covers the process of selecting niches and purchasing graphics that are popular and sell well. The shop started from scratch and went from being suspended to making thousands of dollars in sales. The video series covers various aspects of running the shop, including driving traffic, uploading products, handling cancellations and refunds, pricing strategy, and design tips. Despite slow sales in November, the shop experienced a significant increase and peak in sales during the holiday season in December. The shop has made $7,500 in sales with a profit of $2,854 after three months of work, and consistent growth throughout the year is expected to lead to further success.
Challenge Recap: Gaining Momentum in a Slow Month
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Introduction to the Print on Demand Challenge
In this three-month Print on Demand challenge, the goal was to gain momentum during a typically slow month. The challenge took place in 2023 and focused on running a successful print on demand Etsy shop. The shop started from scratch and faced various obstacles, but ultimately saw significant growth and success. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenge, the strategies employed, and the results achieved.
Objectives of the Challenge
The main objective of the challenge was to generate $100,000 in sales over the course of three months. The challenge aimed to test the viability and profitability of a print on demand business model on the Etsy platform. Additionally, the challenge sought to explore strategies to gain momentum and overcome the challenges associated with slow months.
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Overview of the Three-Month Period
The challenge began with the creation of a new print on demand Etsy shop in November 2022. The shop faced immediate setbacks, including a suspension of the seller account due to billing verification issues. However, the seller was able to resolve the suspension and resume operations. Throughout the three-month period, the focus was on posting custom products for sale and then transitioning to selling original designs. The challenge spanned the months of November, December, and January, with December being the peak sales month.
Key Focus: Gaining Momentum During a Slow Month
The central focus of this challenge was to gain momentum during a slow month. November was typically a challenging month for sales, especially in the print on demand industry. To overcome this obstacle, the strategy involved consistently posting new listings and driving organic traffic through search engine optimization (SEO). By focusing on quantity and variety of listings, the aim was to generate sales without relying on paid advertising. This approach proved effective in driving traffic and sales, especially during the holiday season.
Building the Foundation
Starting from Scratch
The challenge began with the creation of a brand new print on demand Etsy shop. Starting from scratch meant setting up the shop, connecting with a print on demand supplier, and creating attractive listings for products. Despite the initial setbacks, such as the temporary suspension of the shop, the seller was able to overcome these hurdles and proceed with the challenge.
Recovering from Suspension
The suspension of the seller account was a setback in the early stages of the challenge. However, the seller promptly reached out to Etsy’s support team and resolved the issue by providing the necessary information for billing verification. It is important for print on demand sellers to ensure accurate and up-to-date billing information to avoid potential suspensions.
The Print on Demand Business Model
The print on demand business model eliminates the need for inventory management and shipping. With this model, a seller partners with a print on demand supplier who fulfills orders by printing the design on the product and shipping it directly to the customer. This allows the seller to focus on the design and marketing aspects of the business, without the hassle of physical product management.
Initial Focus on Custom Products
To kick off the challenge, the strategy focused on selling custom products through personalization. By leveraging Etsy’s personalization feature, the seller offered products with a template design that could be customized with the buyer’s desired text. This approach allowed for quick and easy listings without the need for original designs. Custom products provided a starting point while the seller worked on creating original designs.
Addressing Challenges
Lost Orders and Shipping Issues
One of the significant challenges faced during the challenge was the issue of lost orders during shipping. Some orders, especially those shipped to the West Coast, were fulfilled by a shipping service that experienced tracking and delivery issues. This resulted in the loss of approximately 30 orders and a significant revenue loss of around $900. The issue also triggered increased scrutiny from Etsy, leading to listing throttling and fund withholding. To mitigate this problem, the seller decided to shift focus from custom products to original designs.
Etsy Monitoring and Increased Scrutiny
As a result of the shipping and order issues, Etsy increased monitoring of the shop’s activities. This monitoring meant that the shop’s listings received less visibility in search results, reducing the potential for organic traffic and sales. To regain Etsy’s trust and improve the shop’s performance, the seller had to work on delivering a positive customer experience and focusing on high-quality products and designs.
Transition to Selling Original Designs
To overcome the challenges faced with custom products and Etsy’s increased scrutiny, the seller made the strategic decision to shift focus from custom products to selling original designs. By creating unique and original artwork, the seller aimed to stand out in the market and appeal to a broader range of customers. This transition allowed for more creative freedom and differentiation in a competitive marketplace.
Various Aspects of Running the Shop
Driving Traffic to the Shop
One of the essential aspects of running a successful print on demand Etsy shop is driving traffic to the shop. In this challenge, the focus was on utilizing organic traffic through search engine optimization (SEO). By optimizing listings with relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions, the seller aimed to improve the shop’s visibility in Etsy’s search results. This approach proved effective in generating traffic and sales without relying on paid advertising.
Uploading Products and Managing Inventory
Managing inventory is a crucial aspect of running a print on demand shop. In this challenge, the seller employed a variation strategy to maximize the number of listings without excessive costs. By uploading multiple variations of designs on various products, the seller was able to create a diverse inventory with minimal investment. This approach allowed for a broader customer base and increased opportunities for sales.
Handling Cancellations and Refunds
In any e-commerce business, handling cancellations and refunds is an inevitable part of the process. In this challenge, the seller encountered refund issues due to lost orders and shipping problems. Managing cancellations and refunds promptly and professionally is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and customer satisfaction. Clear communication with customers and a streamlined refund process helped in resolving these issues efficiently.
Strategic Pricing for Maximum Profit
Pricing strategy plays a significant role in determining the profitability of a print on demand shop. In this challenge, the focus was on setting prices strategically to maximize profit margins. By considering factors such as production costs, competitor analysis, and market demand, the seller was able to find a balance between competitive pricing and profitability.
Design Tips to Stand Out
Differentiating from the competition is essential in the print on demand industry. To stand out, the seller employed design tips and techniques to create compelling and unique artwork. Design elements such as color schemes, typography, and overall aesthetic played a role in attracting customers and generating sales. The focus was on creating visually appealing designs that resonated with the target audience.
Sales Performance: Slow Month vs. Peak Season
November: A Challenging Month
November typically poses challenges for sales in the print on demand industry, and this challenge was no exception. Despite consistent efforts in uploading listings and driving organic traffic, the sales in November were relatively slow. The shop saw a few orders throughout the month, but the overall revenue was relatively low. The focus during this month was on laying the foundation and establishing the shop’s presence.
December: Significant Increase in Sales
December proved to be the peak sales month during the challenge. The holiday season and increased online shopping resulted in a significant increase in sales. The shop experienced a surge in visits and orders, with some days reaching as high as 18 orders. Organic traffic played a crucial role in these sales, with no paid advertising utilized. The revenue generated during December was substantially higher, reflecting the positive impact of the strategy employed.
The Role of Organic Traffic
Organic traffic played a significant role in the sales performance throughout the challenge. By focusing on optimizing listings for SEO and consistently posting new listings, the shop attracted visitors through organic search results. This approach proved to be more profitable than relying on paid advertising, as organic traffic generated more sales and revenue.
Consistent New Listings for Sales Growth
Consistently posting new listings played a crucial role in driving sales growth throughout the challenge. By regularly adding new products to the shop, the seller increased the shop’s visibility in Etsy’s search results and attracted a larger customer base. This strategy allowed for a steady increase in sales and revenue, with the peak month of December reflecting the positive impact of consistent listing uploads.
Achievements and Results
Sales Performance after Three Months
After three months of running the print on demand Etsy shop, the sales performance was commendable. Despite the challenges faced, the shop generated $7,500 in sales during the three-month period. This accomplishment showcased the viability and profitability of the print on demand business model on the Etsy platform.
Profit Analysis: $2,854 in Profit
The profit analysis for the three-month period showed a profit of $2,854. This profit was achieved by putting in an average of one hour of work per day. The focus on strategic pricing, cost management, and efficient operations contributed to a healthy profit margin.
Hourly Work Commitment
Throughout the challenge, the seller committed an average of one hour of work per day to the shop. This included tasks such as uploading listings, managing orders, handling customer inquiries, and refining designs. The ability to achieve significant sales and profit with a relatively low hourly work commitment showcased the scalability and potential of the print on demand business model.
The Importance of Consistent Growth
Consistent growth was identified as a key factor in achieving success in the print on demand industry. By consistently uploading new listings, improving design techniques, and refining operations, the shop saw significant growth in sales and revenue. The challenge underscored the importance of continuous improvement and continuous growth to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Conclusion
The three-month Print on Demand challenge aimed to gain momentum in a slow month and achieve $100,000 in sales. Despite facing obstacles such as suspension, lost orders, and increased scrutiny, the shop successfully generated $7,500 in sales and a profit of $2,854. The strategies employed, including focusing on custom products, transitioning to original designs, and driving organic traffic, contributed to the shop’s success. The challenge highlighted the importance of consistent growth, effective management of challenges, and strategic decision-making for long-term success in the print on demand industry.
