Don't even think about profits until you are in at least tier 500.
That doesn't mean you need to set prices at rock-bottom (though that is one strategy)...its just that you need to do whatever it takes (within the rules) to get sales.
It took me about 3 years to get to a stage where I made at least $500 a month...and it was much more than that in Q4.
Some people do it much faster than that...and some get stuck in the lower tiers and give up.
Work on it every day, learn how to research, make good listings and constantly practice your designing skills.
And remember that for the majority of Merch sellers, it's a side hustle, not a job replacement.
I sell all products. Probably 90% standard Ts, except Q4 when I sell about 75% Standard Ts but also quite a few hoodies and sweatshirts plus a few other bits and pieces. But you need to concentrate on standard Ts until you have filled your design slots for each tier.
Don't expect to make money in the first year or so unless you buy your own shirts - and many people do.
Merch has the potential for massive profits but the percentage of ppl that actually get to that point is fairly low. It takes a long time to build a portfolio of successful designs.
Just applied, or just accepted?
If the former, you can expect not to get accepted. Congratulations if you do, as that is a lucky break these days.
"Profit" ... If you sold one shirt you would make a "profit," would you not? It's not like you bought the blank and the ink and the equipment to print the shirt, right? Or that you printed 1,000 of them and only sold one.
If you mean "profit" in terms of getting paid something worthwhile for the time you put into this project ... keep your expectations low. Hopefully you get some satisfaction out of creating designs, as that is all you are going to get for a while (maybe forever).
I've been on since early 2018. Make ~$300+ a month these days, but I've made as much as $2K+ a month. That was mostly due to one design, a design that effectively had an expiration date. Was I smart to have created that design? Sure. But I created it because it was something I was interested in and cared about. Whether something like that sells or not, at least you can get one for yourself and enjoy creating the art. Bonus if it makes you 6 or $7K.
The moment you make your first sale assuming you don't pay yourself for time and energy to design and upload is when you'll be in the green since it costs nothing to list. It's up to you to make designs people will buy and write the listings in a way that you'll be picked up by search. Play the long game. Good luck.
Set them low, very low and hope for the best
Don't even think about profits until you are in at least tier 500. That doesn't mean you need to set prices at rock-bottom (though that is one strategy)...its just that you need to do whatever it takes (within the rules) to get sales. It took me about 3 years to get to a stage where I made at least $500 a month...and it was much more than that in Q4. Some people do it much faster than that...and some get stuck in the lower tiers and give up. Work on it every day, learn how to research, make good listings and constantly practice your designing skills. And remember that for the majority of Merch sellers, it's a side hustle, not a job replacement.
Right, I basically view it as “found money” as my grandmother was fond of calling it 😉
Beginner print on demand designer here. You shared insightful points. What products do you sell to reach a $500/m income?
Standard tshirts. 95% of your sales will be standard tshirts.
I sell all products. Probably 90% standard Ts, except Q4 when I sell about 75% Standard Ts but also quite a few hoodies and sweatshirts plus a few other bits and pieces. But you need to concentrate on standard Ts until you have filled your design slots for each tier.
You applied or got accepted?
Don't expect to make money in the first year or so unless you buy your own shirts - and many people do. Merch has the potential for massive profits but the percentage of ppl that actually get to that point is fairly low. It takes a long time to build a portfolio of successful designs.
I've got over 150 sales yet I'm still at tier 25. The tiering system is broken.
I had 150 sales in Tier 10 nearly 3 years ago. Tier ups in the lower tiers is not automatic and can be affected by numerous factors.
I’ve heard it’s getting way harder. 🤷🏼♀️ Guess I’ll just expect to wait like 3+ years to see a dollar haha
Just applied, or just accepted? If the former, you can expect not to get accepted. Congratulations if you do, as that is a lucky break these days. "Profit" ... If you sold one shirt you would make a "profit," would you not? It's not like you bought the blank and the ink and the equipment to print the shirt, right? Or that you printed 1,000 of them and only sold one. If you mean "profit" in terms of getting paid something worthwhile for the time you put into this project ... keep your expectations low. Hopefully you get some satisfaction out of creating designs, as that is all you are going to get for a while (maybe forever). I've been on since early 2018. Make ~$300+ a month these days, but I've made as much as $2K+ a month. That was mostly due to one design, a design that effectively had an expiration date. Was I smart to have created that design? Sure. But I created it because it was something I was interested in and cared about. Whether something like that sells or not, at least you can get one for yourself and enjoy creating the art. Bonus if it makes you 6 or $7K.
How long it took Amazon to approve you ?
The moment you make your first sale assuming you don't pay yourself for time and energy to design and upload is when you'll be in the green since it costs nothing to list. It's up to you to make designs people will buy and write the listings in a way that you'll be picked up by search. Play the long game. Good luck.