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Insights on Print-on-Demand Strategies

Sep 13, 2024

TDSM Podcast Interview with Stephen Chin

Introduction

  • Guest: Stephen Chin, CEO and founder of Hello Custom
  • Topic: Latest updates in the print-on-demand (POD) space
  • Focus: Strategies for success, positioning in the industry

Stephen Chin's Background

  • Started on Etsy in 2020
  • Grew print shops to over $3 million in revenue, 220,000 products sold
  • Specializes in personalized products
  • Developed Hello Custom for automating personalization and fulfillment

Print-on-Demand Industry Updates

  • Amazon Integration:
    • Printify launched Amazon integration
    • Hello Custom launching Amazon integration shortly
  • Market Shift:
    • Amazon seen as the next big opportunity for POD
    • Etsy remains great for first-time entrepreneurs

Selling on Amazon vs. Etsy

  • Amazon's Advantages:
    • Larger marketplace than Etsy
    • More opportunities for sales
  • Starting a POD Shop on Amazon:
    • Create a seller account
    • Use professional plan ($39.99/month) for full features
    • Similar strategies to Etsy (market research, SEO)
  • Listing Workflow:
    • Amazon creates listings for each variation
    • Optimize listings before publishing

Personalization as a Competitive Edge

  • Challenges:
    • Competing against FBA and Amazon Merch
    • Need for a unique selling proposition
  • Amazon Custom Program:
    • Offers robust personalization options
    • Differentiates from other sellers

Best Practices for Transitioning to Amazon

  • Copying Products from Etsy:
    • Start with bestsellers
    • Pace product uploads to avoid system throttle
  • Optimization Tips:
    • Ensure main images have a white background
    • Use personalization to justify higher pricing

Market Opportunities

  • Products with Gaps:
    • Example: Personalized Christmas ornaments
    • Potential for Q4 sales on Amazon

Hello Custom and Printify Integration

  • Timeline:
    • Printify’s integration is live
    • Hello Custom integration launching soon
  • Lifetime Offer:
    • Hello Custom available for $67 lifetime
    • Useful for both Amazon and Etsy POD sellers

Conclusion

  • Takeaways:
    • Personalized products are key to POD success on Amazon
    • Starting with Amazon could be beneficial for new POD sellers
    • Utilize Hello Custom for streamlined operations

Recommendations

  • Resources:
    • Follow Stephen Chin for more insights and tutorials
    • Consider using Hello Custom to enhance POD business efficiency

This notes serve as a comprehensive overview of the podcast discussion on the evolving landscape of print on demand, focusing on strategies for leveraging new opportunities on platforms like Amazon.

Full transcript