Almost 30 years ago, the first item sold on eBay was a broken laser pointer.
Fast-forward to 2024, and it’s one of the biggest online marketplaces, with roughly 132M active shoppers buying everything from electronics to jewelry.
Today, we’ll review everything you need to know about selling print-on-demand products on eBay.
After reading this step-by-step guide, you’ll know:
If eBay’s the right fit for your business
How to set up your eBay store and get sales
Important details about payments, fees, taxes
Now, let’s dive into the eBay print-on-demand world.
Is eBay right for your print-on-demand business? A short answer.
To know if eBay is the way to go for your online business, several key elements must align with your goals. One of eBay’s biggest advantages is its massive reach. With 132M active customers, it has established itself as a trusted global marketplace. This huge customer base, along with eBay’s buyer protection policies, gives customers confidence when purchasing from unfamiliar sellers.
The platform is also friendly to eBay sellers: it’s easy to set up and start selling, making it accessible for both new and experienced sellers. Enhanced listing features, though available for an extra fee, can increase visibility and earn you more sales. Sellers also benefit from eBay’s protection policies, which help mitigate negative feedback for issues beyond their control.
However, as with any ecommerce marketplace, eBay has its drawbacks. eBay’s fees can accumulate quickly, including listing and final value fees, sales tax, and other eBay charges. Sellers also face pressure to offer free shipping because customers often expect it. Lastly, customization is limited to eBay’s templates, which can be restrictive for some sellers.
Ultimately, you must weigh the advantages and downsides to decide whether eBay is the marketplace for you.
Valuable read: A Beginner’s Guide to eBay Dropshipping
How to sell print-on-demand on eBay: 7 steps
1. Create your eBay seller account
When you sign up for eBay, select the Business account and fill out the details.
Source: eBay
To set up your account, select your business type:
Source: eBay
Then, fill out your Personal details:
Source: eBay
After that, choose how you’ll receive your payouts:
Source: eBay
Finally, review all information and confirm.
2. Choose a print-on-demand (POD) provider
When using the print-on-demand model, your reputation depends on the dropshipping service you use. After all, they’re in charge of production and product quality. So choose wisely.
Look for a POD provider that offers:
Competitive pricing
A wide range of customizable products
High-quality printing
Before committing, test multiple providers by ordering samples, checking their customer support, and evaluating shipping times. Reliable POD companies should have a strong track record and dependable production, and they should offer branding options to help your products stand out.
With over a decade as the industry leader, Printful is one of the most trusted POD companies on the market. It’s known for its extensive product catalog and high-quality services. It offers a wide range of customization techniques, including direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, all-over printing, direct-to-film (DTF) printing, classic embroidery, and unlimited color embroidery.
Source: Printful
Printful also has a direct integration with eBay, which means connecting your store, adding products, and managing orders is effortless.
Source: Printful
Here’s a short video explaining the process:
Valuable read: The 14 Best Print-on-Demand Companies
3. Select products
After you’ve selected your POD partner, it’s time to choose products for your eBay store.
Start by figuring out which items align with your target audience and brand identity. For example, if you’re starting a clothing brand for fitness enthusiasts, go with high-quality products like All-Over Print Leggings, Cropped Sweatshirt, or other sportswear items.
Valuable read: 20 Trending Products to Sell Online This Year
Always order samples to ensure quality. With Printful, all registered users get a monthly sample order (with up to 3 items per order) with a 20% discount.
For instance, if you’re selling custom t-shirts, check the softness of the fabric, durability, and how well your design holds up after washing. This helps you avoid issues with customer satisfaction later on.
Rather than overwhelming your store with too many options, begin with a focused product range. This makes it easier to manage and gather feedback.
Pick the initial products you’ll test. Order samples, see what you think of them yourself, and ask for feedback from the people around you. Use this feedback to refine your selection, improving or replacing items. After that, you’ll also get feedback from your customers. That’s the feedback that matters most.
Here’s how you can encourage feedback:
Post-purchase emails: Send follow-up emails a few days after delivery, asking for feedback or a review. Make it simple by providing a direct link to the review section.
Offer incentives: Reward customers for their feedback with discounts, store credits, or free shipping on their next purchase. This motivates them to leave a review.
Social media engagement: Encourage customers to share their experiences on social media by tagging your brand or using a specific hashtag. You can feature their posts on your store’s social media accounts.
As you expand, consider seasonal trends or niche items that align with your audience’s interests (e.g., offering eco-friendly custom hoodies if sustainability matters). With Printful, you can browse the product catalog by various categories like sportswear, back-to-school, fast delivery, and more.
Source: Printful
Gradually diversify your range based on data and customer feedback to grow sustainably without overwhelming your business or customers.
4. Create designs
There are many ways to go about designing products. With Printful, you get access to the Design Maker. It’s completely free and has a ton of free design resources:
712 fonts
20400+ clipart (300+ clipart collections)
3100+ quick designs (ready-made designs)
550+ background graphics + 175 colors
Valuable read: 11 Things You Didn’t Know Printful’s Design Maker Could Do
Now, you may also choose tools like Canva or Photoshop, depending on how tech-savvy you are.
Canva is a free, beginner-friendly online image editing tool. It doesn’t require technical knowledge and is easy and intuitive to use with its drag-and-drop editor. One of the best parts of Canva is the countless templates and elements you can choose from to get you started with designing.
Source: Canva
Photoshop is one of the most popular options for image editing. It requires some previous knowledge, and there’s quite a steep learning curve if you’re unfamiliar with it. So, we don’t recommend it if this is your first time trying it out.
Source: Photoshop
When creating designs, consider your target audience and how your products appeal to them. Start by researching what your potential customers like—colors, styles, and trends that resonate with them. You can do this by looking at your competitors, identifying what they lack, and filling in the gaps in your niche.
Make sure your designs reflect your brand identity so customers can easily recognize and connect with your brand. For a first-time business owner, it’s important to test different ideas and gather feedback to see what works best.
Now, regardless of where you create your designs, you must ensure they’re print-friendly. In other words, optimize the print files for printing by following your POD provider’s guidelines. Ignoring these guidelines risks poor-quality products and negative customer feedback.
For example, platforms like Printful offer detailed product-specific requirements to ensure your designs meet print quality standards. To find guidelines for a specific product, go to the product catalog and click File guidelines.
Source: Printful
From there, you’ll see product-specific disclaimers, must-follow guidelines, and tips for best results.
Source: Printful
Once your products are customized, it’s time to add them to your store.
5. List your customized products
Now that your designs are ready, it’s time to add products to your store. Here’s what to keep in mind when creating eBay listings:
Product titles: Create clear, keyword-rich titles that accurately describe the product. To enhance search visibility, you must include specific keywords.
Descriptions: Write detailed product descriptions that highlight the product’s key features, benefits, and unique aspects. You should also include information about the materials, sizing, and customization options (if applicable).
Pricing: Set competitive prices by researching similar products on eBay. To ensure you turn a profit, factor in production costs, shipping fees, and eBay’s fees.
Photos: Add high-quality photos that show the product from various angles. Follow eBay’s photo guidelines, such as using a white background and including multiple images to give buyers a clear view of the product.
Shipping details: Set up shipping options, including shipping methods, costs, and delivery times.
Category and item specifics: To increase the chances of the product being found in eBay’s search results, select the appropriate category and fill in item specifics.
Policies: Include return and exchange policies, as well as clear terms of service to build trust with potential buyers.
As you’re working on your listings, you must also consider that you’re competing for the shopper’s attention with other sellers. So, you must optimize your listings.
6. Optimize your listings for eBay’s search results
eBay, like any other marketplace, has its own search engine that you must understand in order to have your listing noticed.
Source: eBay
Here’s how to optimize for eBay’s search engine:
Keyword research: Identify and use relevant keywords that potential buyers might use when searching for products. You can use tools like eBay’s search suggestions, keyword research tools, or competitor analysis to find high-traffic keywords.
Title optimization: Strategically used keywords in the product title play a significant role in the success of your listings. This means incorporating popular search terms while avoiding keyword stuffing.
Item specifics and categories: You must fully utilize eBay’s item specifics fields. Fill out all product specifications accurately to improve search placement.
SEO-friendly descriptions: Your product descriptions have to inform and also include relevant keywords naturally. A well-written, keyword-optimized description can boost search rankings within eBay and even in external search engines like Google.
Promotions and listing upgrades: Using eBay’s promotional tools, such as promoted listings, markdown sales, or the “Best Offer” feature, can enhance your product visibility.
Regularly updating listings: This can include tweaking titles, updating keywords, and refining descriptions based on performance data.
And now, only 1 step left!
7. Launch and market your eBay store
To launch and market your eBay store effectively, focus on maximizing free resources and strategies to build visibility and engagement.
Create brand identity visuals: Use free tools like Canva to create a professional logo and banner that reflect your brand identity. Organize your products into clear categories to make it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for.
Source: Canva
Fine-tune your store details: Ensure your eBay store looks professional by updating your About section with a compelling story about your brand. This personal touch helps build a connection with your audience.
The Woof Soul on eBay. Source: eBay
Use your network: Reach out to friends, family, and your social network to spread the word about your store. Ask them to share your store link on their social media platforms to extend your reach for free.
Run a launch giveaway: Host a small giveaway on your social media pages or within your network to generate buzz. Encourage participants to follow your store and share the giveaway with others to increase your visibility.
Optimize for mobile: Many buyers shop via mobile, so make sure your eBay business is mobile-friendly by making your descriptions easy to read.
Is selling print-on-demand on eBay profitable?
Yes, selling print-on-demand on eBay can be profitable if done correctly. You must consider factors like choosing high-demand products, setting competitive product prices, and minimizing selling costs. Additionally, choosing a trustworthy print-on-demand provider and strategically marketing your products will also affect your profitability on eBay.
Final thoughts
With the right approach, eBay selling can become a full-time business with minimal upfront costs. Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking of all the steps—focus on the one right in front of you.
If you have any questions or want more guidance on selling on eBay, consult Printful’s Blog, which has a whole section dedicated to selling on eBay.
Source: Printful
Valuable read: 17 Critical Print-on-Demand Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Frequently asked questions
How to sell print-on-demand on eBay: a step-by-step guide for selecting products, creating listings, and marketing your store.
Amazon’s Impact on Global Supply Chains and Logistics
Amazon, the global e-commerce behemoth, has transformed not only the way consumers shop but also the intricacies of global supply chains and logistics. Since its inception in 1994, Amazon has grown from a small online bookstore to a trillion-dollar enterprise that has disrupted industries across the globe. Its influence extends far beyond retail, profoundly impacting supply chains, logistics, and even the environment. This article explores Amazon’s multifaceted impact on global supply chains and logistics, examining how the company has reshaped these industries and what this means for the future.
The Evolution of Amazon’s Supply Chain
Amazon’s supply chain is one of the most sophisticated in the world, characterized by its efficiency, speed, and scale. The company has invested heavily in technology and infrastructure to build a supply chain that can deliver millions of products to customers in a matter of hours or days. This rapid delivery is made possible by a vast network of fulfillment centers, sophisticated inventory management systems, and a logistics arm that rivals traditional carriers like FedEx and UPS.
One of the key innovations Amazon has introduced is its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service. FBA allows third-party sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, with Amazon handling the picking, packing, and shipping of these products. This service has not only made it easier for small businesses to reach a global audience but has also significantly increased the volume of goods flowing through Amazon’s supply chain. As a result, Amazon has become a central hub in the global supply chain, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and customers across the world.
Disruption of Traditional Logistics
Amazon’s influence on logistics is equally profound. The company’s relentless focus on speed and efficiency has forced traditional logistics providers to rethink their strategies. In many cases, Amazon has bypassed traditional logistics networks entirely by building its own. Amazon Logistics, the company’s delivery arm, has grown rapidly in recent years, with a fleet of planes, trucks, and delivery vans that allow the company to control every aspect of the delivery process.
This vertical integration has enabled Amazon to offer services like same-day and two-hour delivery in many urban areas, setting a new standard for speed in the industry. Traditional logistics providers have struggled to keep up, leading to increased competition and innovation in the sector. For example, companies like FedEx and UPS have had to invest in new technology and infrastructure to remain competitive, while others have formed partnerships with Amazon to leverage its vast logistics network.
Amazon’s logistics network has also expanded globally, with the company establishing regional hubs and fulfillment centers in key markets around the world. This global expansion has allowed Amazon to offer faster and more reliable delivery services in regions where traditional logistics infrastructure is underdeveloped. In many cases, Amazon has played a role in building out this infrastructure, partnering with local logistics providers or investing in its own facilities.
Impact on Global Supply Chains
Amazon’s impact on global supply chains extends beyond logistics. The company’s demand for speed and efficiency has rippled through the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to suppliers to retailers. This has led to significant changes in how companies operate, with many adopting new technologies and strategies to keep up with Amazon’s pace.
One of the most significant changes is the increased reliance on automation and technology in supply chain management. Amazon has been at the forefront of this trend, investing heavily in robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize its supply chain operations. For example, the company’s use of robotics in its fulfillment centers has reduced the time it takes to pick and pack orders, while its AI-driven demand forecasting tools help ensure that the right products are always in stock.
This emphasis on technology has influenced other companies to follow suit, leading to a wave of digital transformation across the industry. Manufacturers and suppliers are increasingly using data analytics and AI to optimize their operations, while retailers are adopting new technologies like blockchain to improve transparency and traceability in their supply chains.
Another significant impact of Amazon on global supply chains is the shift towards a more customer-centric model. Amazon’s focus on the customer has forced companies to rethink their supply chain strategies, with many now prioritizing speed, convenience, and flexibility over cost. This has led to the adoption of new fulfillment models, such as just-in-time inventory and dropshipping, which allow companies to respond more quickly to changes in customer demand.
The globalization of Amazon’s supply chain has also had broader implications for international trade. By connecting sellers and buyers from different parts of the world, Amazon has made it easier for companies to access global markets. However, this has also led to increased competition, with companies now competing on a global scale. This has put pressure on manufacturers and suppliers to lower costs and improve efficiency, leading to changes in how goods are produced and distributed around the world.
Environmental and Social Implications
While Amazon’s impact on supply chains and logistics has been largely positive in terms of efficiency and convenience, it has also raised concerns about the environmental and social implications of its operations. The company’s emphasis on fast delivery and the constant movement of goods around the world has contributed to increased carbon emissions and environmental degradation. In response to these concerns, Amazon has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and has invested in initiatives like electric delivery vehicles and renewable energy projects.
However, critics argue that these efforts are not enough, and that Amazon’s business model is fundamentally unsustainable. The constant pressure to deliver goods faster and cheaper has led to concerns about the working conditions in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and the treatment of delivery drivers. Reports of long hours, high injury rates, and low wages have sparked protests and calls for better labor practices across the company’s global operations.
The Future of Supply Chains and Logistics
As Amazon continues to grow and evolve, its impact on global supply chains and logistics is likely to deepen. The company’s investments in technology and infrastructure will continue to set new standards for speed and efficiency, forcing other companies to innovate and adapt. At the same time, the environmental and social challenges associated with Amazon’s operations will require the company to rethink its approach to sustainability and labor practices.
In the future, we can expect to see more companies adopting Amazon-like supply chain strategies, with an emphasis on speed, technology, and customer-centricity. However, these changes will also require a greater focus on sustainability and ethical practices, as consumers and regulators increasingly demand more responsible business operations.
Conclusion
Amazon’s impact on global supply chains and logistics is undeniable. The company has reshaped the industry in its image, setting new standards for speed, efficiency, and customer service. While these changes have brought many benefits, they have also raised important questions about sustainability and labor practices. As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon will continue to play a central role in the future of global supply chains and logistics, driving innovation and change across the industry.
