How to use Printful With Etsy – Integrate, Sync and Automate

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Printful is a great choice of print on demand supplier for your Etsy shop.

They are huge and offer high quality although a touch on the expensive side for some products.

To get going you need to 

  • Create An Etsy Shop
  • Create and Set Up Your Printful Account
  • Create A store in Printful & connect Printful To Etsy
  • Create a product in Printful like a t-shirt
  • Publish the Product to Etsy
  • Finalise the Etsy listing
Process flow to integrate Printful with Etsy

If you’re looking to sell on Etsy, Printful is a top choice for print-on-demand services

In this blog post, I’ll explain how to use Prinful with Etsy and provide you with detailed steps to complete the above and integrate your Etsy store with Printful to ensure seamless processing and shipping of your orders. 

So, if you’re ready to take your Etsy business to the next level, keep reading to learn all about the ins and outs of using Printful with Etsy.

Printful home page

Set Up Your Printful Account

To get started with using Printful with Etsy, the first step is to create a Printful account. Here’s how you can do it:

Got to Printful.com and click Sign Up 

Printful SignUp

Create an account using your Facebook, Apple or Google account or using an email address

Printful Account Creation

Accept the terms and conditions provided by Printful.

Check your email for a confirmation message from Printful and confirm your account.

Simple really.

Just So You Know: It’s important to note that the email address you used to sign up with Printful doesn’t have to be the same as the one connected to your Etsy store, but for convenience, it’s recommended to use the same email address.

With your Printful account in place, you can now move on to the next steps, such as creating your Etsy store, linking your Etsy store to Printful, and selecting products to sync.

If you already have an Etsy shop, you can skip the next section.

Create An Etsy Store To Sell On Etsy

With your Printful account in place, you can now move on to the next steps, such as linking your Etsy store to Printful and selecting products to sync. If you have an

1. Sign up for an Etsy account

The first step in opening an Etsy store is signing up for an Etsy account. Users can visit the Etsy website and click on the “Register” button to create a new account.

This requires providing an email address and choosing a username and password.

2. Set up the store name

Once the account is set up, the user can proceed to set up the store name. This is an important step as it will be the name that represents the store throughout the platform. Users are advised to choose a unique and memorable name that aligns with their brand or products.

3. Complete the store policies

Next, users are required to complete their store policies. This includes providing information on shipping and returns, as well as outlining any other terms and conditions related to their products or services. It is important to be clear and transparent in order to establish trust with potential buyers.

4. Add store banner and logo

To create a visually appealing storefront, users can add a store banner and logo. These visual elements help to establish the overall look and feel of the store. Users can design and upload their own images or choose from the available templates provided by Etsy.

5. Create product listings

When opening a store you need to create a single listing. For now, this can be anything. Treat it as a dummy listing that you will delete later.

6. Choose payment and shipping options

To sell products on Etsy, users need to set up their payment and shipping options. Etsy offers various payment methods such as PayPal and credit cards, allowing sellers to choose the options that work best for their business.

Sellers should also decide on their shipping methods, pricing, and any applicable international shipping restrictions.

Integrate Your Etsy Store to Printful

Now you have  your store set up (you may have already had that) here is how you connect your Etsy shop to Printful.

Linking your Etsy store to Printful is a crucial step in setting up your print-on-demand business. Here’s how you can do it:

Sign in to your Printful account and click Stores which is found on the lefthand navigation menu.

Click Choose Platform as highlighted below

Choose your platorm

Select Etsy from the vast array of integrations that Printful offers

Choose Etsy

Click Connect To Etsy 

Printful has put together this helpful video

You will be asked to log in to Etsy and once logged in, authorize the connection between your Etsy account and Printful.

After the connection is successful, you’ll see your Etsy store listed under the Stores tab in Printful.

Remember: You must add Printful as a production partner. You need to enter:

And then answer the following questions:

  • Why You Are Working With This Partner? – Select: “I dont have the technical ability or equipment to make it entirely by myself
  • What Is Your Role In The Design Process? – Select:  “I design everything myself
  • What is this partner’s role in the production process? Select “They do everything for me

Selecting Print On Demand Products

Printful Product Catalog

When using Printful with Etsy, selecting the right products to sync is an important step in setting up your store. Here are some key points to consider:

Choose products that align with your brand: Select products that reflect your artistic style and resonate with your target audience. Consider the types of products that your customers are most likely to purchase.

Consider profitability: Take into account the production and shipping costs associated with each product to ensure that you can maintain a reasonable profit margin.

Take advantage of Printful’s product range: Printful offers a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. Explore their catalog and choose products that complement your artwork.

Think about your design requirements: Consider the size and format of your designs when selecting products. Some products may have specific design dimensions or placement options.

Offer variety: Consider offering a variety of products to cater to different customer preferences. For example, you could offer apparel, mugs, and phone cases featuring your artwork.

Keep an eye on trends: Stay updated with current trends and popular items on Etsy to identify products that are in high demand.

Test and iterate: Start with a few products and monitor their performance. Based on sales and customer feedback, make adjustments and add or remove products as needed.

Remember, the key is to choose products that you are passionate about and that align with your brand and target market. By selecting the right products, you can enhance your chances of success with Printful and Etsy.

Create Products

Designing and customizing your products is an exciting part of using Printful with Etsy. With Printful’s intuitive design tools, you can easily create unique and personalized products to showcase your artwork or designs. Here’s how you can design and customize your products:

Select a product: Choose from a wide range of products available on Printful, such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more. Select the product that you want to customize.

Add your design: Upload your artwork, logo, or design to Printful’s design tool. You can customize the size, position, and color of your design to make it look exactly how you envision it.

Preview your design: Use Printful’s preview feature to see how your design will look on the chosen product. Make any necessary adjustments until you are satisfied with the final look.

Add additional elements: If desired, you can add text, clip art, or other design elements to enhance your product. Use the Design tab in Printful’s design tool to explore different options and create a truly unique design.

Choose your mockups – or create your own (don’t worry you can add more later)

Enter Product Details – You can enter the product details, description, title, and tags OR you can do this on Etsy, which is where I prefer to do it.

Set Pricing – Set the price of your product. Remember that Shipping is charged on top of this price

Submit To Store: Once you are happy publish it to your Etsy store. 

Printful sets items to draft so you need to go into your Etsy store and finalize the listing and then publish it.  Read on for more info.

Finalise The Product On Etsy

You’ve published your Prinful Product to Etsy. Now it’s time to finish it off.

Fill in the required details such as title, description, tags, and pricing for the product listing on Etsy.

Add any additional images, mockups, or infographics 

Top Tip

Use infographics for size charts and pass on crucial information to your customers.

You can also go back to Printful and download more mockups of your product so you can add them to your Etsy shop.

Check that all the attributes are set correctly and your shipping and item pricing are as you want them.

You can preview how the product will appear on Etsy before publishing it.

Click on the “Publish” button to make the product listing live on your Etsy store.

Your item is now live.

Automating order fulfillment

Automating order fulfillment is one of the key benefits of using Printful with Etsy. Here’s how it works:

Once your Etsy store is integrated with Printful, all orders placed on Etsy are automatically synced with your Printful account.

When a customer buys your product, an order is received, Printful is notified and begins fulfilling the order.

Printful then automatically processes the order, prints the design on the chosen product, packages it, and ships it directly to the customer.

You don’t have to manually input order details or coordinate with a separate fulfillment center. Printful handles all of that for you.

You can track the progress of each order through your Printful dashboard, which provides real-time updates on fulfillment and shipping.

Automating order fulfillment through Printful and Etsy not only saves you time and effort but also ensures a seamless and efficient process for your customers.

With Printful’s reliable fulfillment services, you can focus on creating and promoting your designs, while leaving the logistics to the experts.

Top Tip

If you are nervous about orders automatically syncing correctly, don’t be Printfuls integration is solid. However, you can set orders to require your manual approval before Printful fulfills them. This enables you to check the details before the order enters the production process.

Tracking and shipping orders

Once you have integrated your Etsy store with Printful, you can easily track and ship orders using the platform. Here’s how it works:

  1. Order tracking: Printful provides real-time order updates, so you can easily track the status of each order. When an order is placed on Etsy, Printful automatically starts processing it and provides you with the necessary information to track its progress. You can view the order status, shipping carrier, and tracking number directly on the Printful dashboard.
  2. Printing and fulfillment: Once an order is received, Printful takes care of the printing and fulfillment process. They have production facilities located around the world, ensuring fast and reliable shipping to your customers.
  3. Shipping options: Printful offers a variety of shipping options to choose from, including international shipping. You can select the preferred shipping method based on your customer’s location and delivery timeframe.
  4. Shipping notifications: Once an order is shipped, Printful automatically notifies your customers via email. The email includes the shipping carrier, tracking number, and estimated delivery date. This helps keep your customers informed and reduces inquiries about order status.
  5. Returns and exchanges: If a customer requests a return or exchange, Printful handles the process on your behalf. They provide a return address and assist with any necessary exchanges or refunds.

Here’s a table comparing the tracking and shipping features of Printful, Gooten, and Teelaunch:

ItemPrintfulGootenTeelaunch
Order TrackingReal-time order updatesOrder updates and trackingOrder updates and tracking
Production Time3-7 business days2-5 business days4-7 business days
ShippingInternational optionsLimited international optionsInternational options
ReturnsHassle-free returnsReturns handled on a case-by-case basisReturns handled on a case-by-case basis

What is Printful?

Printful is a popular print on demand company that allows artists, creators, and entrepreneurs to sell their artwork, designs, and products on various items like apparel, mugs, and gifts.

It offers seamless integration with Etsy, making it a go-to platform for many individuals looking to start or expand their online business. With Printful, you can create a Printful account and link it to your Etsy store, enabling automatic processing and fulfillment of all Etsy orders. Here are some key points to understand about Printful:

  • It offers a wide range of products for customization, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and more.
  • The company integrates with various e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making it easy for businesses to sell their custom products online.
  • Printful offers a mockup generator tool that allows users to visualize and customize their designs before printing.
  • Printful offers worldwide shipping, allowing businesses to reach customers globally.
  • The company ensures high-quality printing with a variety of printing techniques, including direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, embroidery, and sublimation.
  • Printful’s products are sourced from multiple locations, ensuring fast and efficient shipping to customers.
  • It provides white label packaging, allowing businesses to brand their products with their own logo and design.
  • Printful has a user-friendly dashboard that provides real-time order and fulfillment tracking, inventory management, and reporting.
  • The company has a dedicated customer support team available to assist users with any questions or issues they may have.
  • Printful offers a range of educational resources, including tutorials, webinars, and blog articles, to help businesses optimize their printing and marketing strategies
  • Unique warehousing offering so that other products can be shipped with your print on demand items.

Why use Printful with Etsy?

Reasons To Choose Printful

Using Printful with Etsy offers several benefits for artists and small business owners looking to sell their products online:

  1. Easy integration: Printful seamlessly integrates with Etsy, allowing you to sync your Printful products with your Etsy store. This eliminates the need for manual order processing and fulfillment.
  2. Quality products: Printful offers a wide range of high-quality, customizable products, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. You can easily create unique designs and print them on-demand.
  3. Automatic order fulfillment: When a customer places an order on your Etsy store, Printful automatically receives the order details and begins processing and shipping the product. Printful print and ships the order which saves you time and ensures a smooth fulfillment process.
  4. No inventory management: With Printful, you don’t need to worry about stocking and managing inventory. Printful handles all production and shipping, leaving you more time to focus on your art and business.
  5. Wide shipping reach: Printful has fulfillment centers located worldwide, allowing for efficient shipping to customers around the globe. This enables you to expand your customer base and reach international markets.

By leveraging the power of Printful and Etsy together, you can create a successful online business, showcase your art, and provide customers with high-quality, customized products. Take advantage of this powerful integration to grow your brand and increase your sales.

Why not use Printful and WooCommerce as well as Etsy? Two stores are better than one.

Printful Alternatives: Comparison with Gooten and Teelaunch

When considering print-on-demand options for your Etsy store, it’s important to compare Printful with other platforms like Gooten and Teelaunch. Each of these platforms has its own strengths and features to consider:

Printful:

  • offers a wide range of products including apparel, accessories, and home goods
  • provides integrated fulfillment and shipping services
  • has a user-friendly interface and excellent customer support
  • allows for easy product customization and design options

Gooten:

  • offers a variety of unique and niche products
  • has competitive pricing and high-quality printing
  • provides integration with multiple e-commerce platforms
  • offers worldwide shipping options

Teelaunch:

  • specializes in apparel and accessories
  • offers a fast turnaround time for order fulfillment
  • provides high-quality printing and embroidery services
  • has a simple and intuitive user interface

Here’s a table comparing some key features:

PrintfulGootenTeelaunch
Product RangeWide range of productsUnique and niche productsApparel and accessories
FulfillmentIntegrated fulfillment and shippingProduct fulfillment outsourcingFast turnaround time
PricingCompetitive pricingCompetitive pricingCompetitive pricing
Shipping OptionsWorldwide shippingWorldwide shippingWorldwide shipping
CustomizationEasy product customization and design optionsLimited customization optionsLimited customization options

While all three platforms have their own benefits, Printful stands out for its extensive product range, seamless integration, and excellent customer support. However, it’s important to research and compare these platforms based on your specific needs and preferences to make the best choice for your Etsy store.

Benefits of using Printful with Etsy

Using Printful with Etsy offers several benefits for artists and sellers:

  1. Automation and Efficiency: Printful integrates seamlessly with Etsy, automatically processing and fulfilling orders as they come in. This eliminates the need for manual order management, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
  2. Wide Range of Products: Printful offers a diverse catalog of products, including apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. Sellers can easily create and customize their products using Printful’s design tools, providing a wide range of options for their customers.
  3. Dropshipping: With Printful’s dropshipping services, sellers can focus on their creative work while Printful takes care of printing, packing, and shipping orders directly to customers. This eliminates the need for inventory management and upfront investment.
  4. Quality and Variety: Printful is known for its high-quality printing and product standards. The company uses top-notch printing techniques and partners with trusted manufacturers to ensure that the final products meet customers’ expectations.
  5. Integration with Other E-commerce Platforms: In addition to Etsy, Printful can integrate with other popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. This allows sellers to expand their reach and sell their products across multiple platforms.
  6. Excellent Customer Support: Printful provides dedicated customer support to assist sellers throughout their journey. They offer tutorials, guides, and a responsive support team to help resolve any issues or questions that may arise.

Overall, using Printful with Etsy can streamline the selling process, increase product variety, and provide a reliable and efficient solution for artists and sellers.

Tips for Success

To ensure success when using Printful with Etsy, here are some helpful tips:

Choose popular and niche products: Research the Etsy marketplace to identify trending and popular products in your niche. Offering unique and high-quality products will attract more customers.

Create attractive product listings: Use high-quality product images, engaging product descriptions, and relevant keywords to optimize your Etsy product listings. This will help your products stand out and improve their discoverability.

Design unique and eye-catching artwork: Use Printful’s design tools to create original and appealing designs for your products. Consider creating designs that align with current trends or cater to specific customer preferences.

Offer competitive pricing: Check the pricing of similar products on Etsy to ensure that your pricing is competitive. Consider factors such as your cost of production, shipping fees, and desired profit margins.

Stay updated with Printful and Etsy policies: Familiarize yourself with the policies and guidelines of both Printful and Etsy to ensure compliance and smooth operations. Regularly check for updates and stay informed about any changes that may affect your business.

Promote your products: Utilize social media platforms and other marketing channels to promote your Printful products on Etsy. Engage with your target audience, collaborate with influencers, and leverage Etsy’s built-in marketing tools to maximize your product exposure.

By following these tips, you can optimize your Printful and Etsy integration and increase your chances of success in selling your custom-designed products online.

Conclusion

Printful and Etsy have really made the process of using Printful with Etsy simple. That’s one of the reasons I recommend beginners use Printful.

If you already have an Etsy store, it’s even easier, just sign up to Printful, connect your store, and start publishing print on demand products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple Etsy accounts with Printful?

Yes, you can use multiple Etsy accounts with Printful. Printful allows you to connect and sync multiple Etsy stores to your Printful account, making it easy to manage and fulfill orders from different stores in one place. Here’s how you can use multiple Etsy accounts with Printful:

  1. Sign in to your Printful account and go to the Stores page.
  2. Click on the “Connect Store” button and select “Etsy” from the list of platforms.
  3. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection between your Printful account and your first Etsy store.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each additional Etsy store you want to connect to Printful.

Once you have connected multiple Etsy stores to Printful, you can easily switch between them within your Printful dashboard. This allows you to manage and fulfill orders for each store separately, keeping everything organized and streamlined.

Using multiple Etsy accounts with Printful can be beneficial for sellers who operate different stores for different products or target different customer segments. It offers flexibility and convenience in managing multiple businesses on the Etsy