Any creators actually selling T-Shirts? Or Making sales outside paper?

[snuffsy]

Howdy everyone.
I'm relatively new to zazzle (just since September of last year) and I've been reading the forums religiously. Getting loads of great info (thanks!), but am starting to come to the realization that zazzle is only for invitations and paper. I'm in a very VERY specific niche too, so not surprised I've only made pennies.

A few of you (again, thanks!) have suggested as much, that there's only really money to be made in a very narrow set of products that Zazzle offers.

I really don't want to get into designing invitations and napkins though. Nothing wrong with that, I just don't think I could get motivated to do that.

My question is, are any of you making any sales in apparel? Or any other non-paper products?

I tried to diversify into wrapping paper and made a few sales, but it was draining. The joy I got in designing t-shirts was in designing something I'd wear myself and designing clothes for my kids. But I can't even rank on the site despite all your excellent advice. I've spent months on tagging, changing tagging, writing ginormous 1000 character product descriptions, doing cover photos etc. Yet I can't get a look in over 10 year old products with clip art created by long abandoned accounts.

There's a bunch of editors picks on products that are 100 years old and I can't seem to get any visibility to even test if my products are worth while. I'd love to diversify into other products but don't want to be something I'd never buy myself (a space birthday invitation or a an abstract skull pickleball set for example). My "trending design" icons are hits that are coming from me, I'm certain of that.

I want to give it one more shot but don't want to be disheartened again. I made more money in a week by entering a competition on threadless than I did in 4 months at Zazzle. I understand the audience for my stuff isn't here but am really curious if anyone has been able to make anything other than wedding invitations work?

I'm not an idiot (or maybe I am!), so I know what I have is probably not a good fit for zazzle. I just thought I'd be able to get some visibility so I could know for sure. I just don't know how new creators are expected to compete on site against designs from when zazzle first launched. Seems zazzle has a chicken and egg problem for new creators.

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Not looking for your secret niches, just some encouragement that zazzle isn't just a paper mill.

Thank'n you.

S

[SimplyDesigned]

I have sold in 2022: coffee mugs, paper weights, frisbees, magnets, tote bags, license plate covers, keychains, wallets, buttons, kitchen towels, cake pops, mouse pads, aprons and baby blankets! Granted 99% of the sales are a single thing and not bulk I'll take it lol if you haven't branched out into any of those items yet give it a try 🙂 I was shocked when someone bought a frisbee of mine.

[ElizabethR]

Okay, my sister and I started in 2010.  We have sold maybe one wedding invitation, maybe a few t-shirts, and a few cards. We did sell 60 4th of July invitations with matching stamps. We did our most product creation out first year. I created 3,000 products in my one store and my sister created 5,000 in her store. We used Quick Create and put each of our designs on every product. Our first sale took three months and it was three silver travel mugs with a gingerbread man, woman, and a house.  We sold two more some time later to someone in the same town. For the most part that design is down. 

In the first year, I had around $300 in sales.  My sister had around $600. I don't know who might remember but in 2012, my sister got upset about not being able to work on Zazzle as much as she wanted so she tore my store down. Those, who had promoted her products, were justifiably upset.

Three months later, she started putting her designs back. However, we decided to quit having two stores with  a large mishmash of products. Most of our combined designs went in the basic stores that we set up under my name. My original store is still not completely cleared. I also have a store for the young and young at heart, an eclectic store, a fabric and craft store, a seasonal store, and a holiday store. These stores are our busiest especially the holiday store. I am now at $1,200.  My sister's stores have more upscale designs. She has a boutique, a business store, a home decor store, a new souvenir-style store, a urbanscape store, and a gallery. We have cut down the products for all designs including eliminating electronic products. 

Our total sales don't sound great for all that time. However, what you should know is that our available time to work on Zazzle was reduced from 2012 to 2016. Then, from 2016 to the last half of last year (2022), our stores were virtually abandoned. Zazzle is still secondary to our more successful freelance writing.  With Zazzle, we have spent more time promoting than creating. We use Twitter, Pinterest, and are starting a blog.

My suggestion is to join the forum Twitter list, Tweet your products, and create Pinterest boards promoting your designs. I am not sure just limiting yourself to what you like is a good idea. Don't create something you don't like or don't want to be known for, but how about expanding to creating designs for family, friends, and a acquaintances.

Short answer you can make money on Zazzle selling products beyond those you mentioned but you need to reach out and let people know about your store and products and give it more than four months.

[snuffsy]

Thanks @ElizabethR That was helpful. What a journey you have had!

[Polenth · Accepted solution]

I know nothing about weddings and invitations. So I'll tell you about things I know a bit about.

I'd suggest you shake yourself out of the idea that you can only make things you'd wear and only make things that are your passion. There's a middle space between going into an area you truly can't stand (weddings) and only doing your life's work. I don't really dream of being known for making basic spot patterns, but it's relaxing enough and they sell, so I'd rather be doing that than wedding invitations.

You also need to be prepared for all jobs having dull parts. It's clear from your store that you make a design, put it on a couple of t-shirts, then get bored and make another new design. Put one design on at least twenty different products, make a collection with them all, and then move to the next design. If it sells, you go back and put that design on twenty more products. Sometimes work will feel like work.

Zazzle doesn't use the descriptions in search, so I keep those short. It's really all about the tags, which weren't good on the products I checked. You repeat words a lot (most repeats can be cut), keep repeating the product type (cut these completely) and miss out very obvious words (add these). Sometimes these words are ones you've included elsewhere, so you know them. Like a retro cyberpunk skull, worn by a person with skull tattoos, is tagged for software engineers... no mention of punks in the keywords. You can combine words to squish them all in, like "punk software engineer" and "retro cyberpunk skull". Find as many different words as you can to describe the concepts and themes. Double check that the main words are also in there, like "dog" and "bow" and "ribbon" for a dog skull wearing a bow.

In short, your tags are your description to Zazzle, so if it's not in the tags, it doesn't exist.

[snuffsy]

Thanks @Polenth 
Looks like I have some more work to do on the tagging side of things so. Appreciate such a detailed response.

[MarilynR]

My sister and I looked at your stores and you do have creative twists on the skull designs. The children's art is also a great idea. You could make template products so customers could add their own child's artwork. Some products don't show white, so I guessing if a child's drawing is on white paper that only the drawing will show.

You need followers on your social media sites. Add your sites to these lists.

https://community.zazzle.com/t5/promoting/what-s-your-instagram/m-p/7411 

https://community.zazzle.com/t5/promoting/what-s-your-pinterest/m-p/605

https://community.zazzle.com/t5/promoting/what-s-your-twitter/m-p/7396

We use hashtags in our tweets and in our board descriptions on Pinterest in hopes that it will make our tweets, even past tweets, and our Pinterest boards show up in searches. Editing Pinterest boards so you can add a description gives you another chance to promote your products.

On your about section, you said any product not sold in 30 days will be removed. That is not enough time. Zazzle gives products 15 months before they hide them for optimization or removal.

Somewhere I thought I saw you say that you started a blog "if you are interested." That is somewhat self-depracating and should be removed. Instead, tell the audience, who are look at your art, the exciting things you will be discussing. Some of your readers will be those into your designs. Some will be gift buyers trying to understand the draw of skull art. Share some history of your niche, information about famous artists in your niche, and information about yourself. End with a call-to-action, such as posting a comment, sharing your blog with others, or joining your e-mail list.

[KeegansCreation]

I recently sold glass coasters. That could work with your art. I also sold file folders and car magnets which might not work so well but still worth a shot.

I went to your store and notices a category missing that I think would be a good fit for your style: electronics. Phone cases of course but also chargers and mouse pads.

Although Zazzle pitches itself at pastel colored event planning, there is still a sizeable niche for darker designs. There are some designers here who specialize in that and do well (I do more public domain vintage that I turn into patterns, not your thing) and even weddings (goth weddings are a thing, apparently). It is worth your time to branch into electronics, home decor, accessories and office supplies. Darkness does have a place here. It won't be part of Zazzle's ad campaigns other than Halloween, but it does sell and in the most unexpected places.

[WHS_Designs]

I've only sold a handful of t-shirts over the past 7 years I've been here.

I've fared better with some paper products -- confetti, plates, napkins, address labels, drink labels, favor boxes, and stickers, but I would hardly call these my bread and butter. Bulk sales of invitations are rare for me, and card and postcard sales tend to be singles.

I do better with non-paper products -- ornaments, banners, coolers, paperweights, drinkware, coasters, and watches, to name a few.

[snuffsy]

Wow, that's quite helpful. Knowing that it isn't an invitation store and that sales can be made outside invitations has given me a boost. Thank you.

[Barbara]

I don't know who's selling tees here, but I'm not one of them.

I tried invitations and hated it. Instead, I got into a music theory niche where clocks, posters, magnets, and a bit of other miscellany sell. Because you're focused on a specific niche, you should probably do as suggested: spread that niche by choosing products where it suits. Think about it: If someone is shopping for a new phone case, and one of your tee designs might float their boat, they'd never see it, not unless you put it on a case.

Spread your wings a bit, work on those tags, and stop listing the things you can't do, instead finding the things that you can do and might even enjoy.

Lots of luck!

Colorwash's Home

[snuffsy]

Thanks @Barbara 
You're right. I'll keep plugging away and branch out.

[chefcateringbiz]

You might have a niche, but it's an overly popular niche in the big pond. A search for just "skulls" brings up a half million results. However, if you search for goth or skulls wedding and birthday, the results are actually quite low, I was surprised to find. I wouldn't toss those ideas away quite yet, it would seem there's money to be made, and if you get in while the numbers are low, you have a serious shot at being at the top of the search list in those categories. You don't have to go full blast on weddings or events. You could just limit your range to 5 products or something, and let the customers deal with transferring your designs to other products. One template for an invitation, for example, and just change the design and maybe the fonts. Something to think about, anyway.

[snuffsy]

I had so little interest, I hadn't actually looked at the market. Thanks for checking and thanks for the advice. I'll give it a try.

[TRW]

I've sold quite a few tshirts since I started here in 2007. TBH it has been awhile though. It does seem there's a much stronger market for party goods of all kinds (which I also do not excel at).

[JLynnW]

In just under the 3 years, I have had no t-shirt sales, but have had other apparel: leggings, neckties, flip flops and scarves. As far as I can tell, most every product can sell or it wouldn't be offered. These are not big sellers, as I am not, but these have sold and it always amazes me: car mats, shower curtains, pickleball paddles, beach and kitchen towels, clocks and the one and only cake pan that I have designed. Bottle and can coolers, paperweights and coasters are my biggest selling non-paper product.

Don't give up and don't limit your potential. The possibilities are there for you.

[snuffsy]

Thanks @JLynnW 
Some of those I wouldn't mind working on (clocks for example). I did try some other clothing but I deleted them as I couldn't get any visibility. I guess I still have to figure that out.

[almdrs]

I've sold some t-shirts recently.

[Caprice]

Some may disagree - but I do believe those in the paper/party/wedding space do much better on Z than designers who are not in that space.  

[Barbara]

@Caprice, I like to think about all those empty spaces the invitation people leave for us. I'm always amazed when I think of the number of clocks I've sold.

Colorwash's Home

[CreativeLeahG]

I sell a number of non paper items, it's just a case of doing whatever you feel drawn to and that fits with your niche or interest.

[Baylee]

Hi @snuffsy Seems you have lots of great advice here already but I couldn't resist adding my two cents worth..lol. 

You're designs have huge potential and I hope you will broaden your product selection to include some of the items others have mentioned. In addition to those, have you thought about creating things for Halloween or Day of the Dead? Your skull designs would look great on treats...oreo cookies, Hershey's chocolates and even tote bags and favor bags. Another idea would be business cards for tattoo artists. (I probably shouldn't be telling you this because you'll be competing with one of my business cards .. lol.) The designs you have in your calendars would look great on notebooks, tote bags, posters, just to name a few. And what about skateboards for your skull designs? The main point is, you can still keep designing only artwork you enjoy .... but add your designs to a greater variety of products. Give your imagination free reign. 

I normally focus on your nemesis (wedding stationery) but I do add many other products when I think the design works well on something else. My income from Zazzle is fairly substantial now and I've accomplished that by gradually creating a good selection over time. Just today for example, I've sold a doormat, paper plates, file folders, a tablecloth, stickers, a wall clock, throw pillows, wine charms, mugs along with my standard wedding invites and business cards.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with in the future and hope you have fun doing it!

[mydesignstudio]

Hi,

I have not found any value in long descriptions. Customers make quick buys from tiny screens, they want immediate knowledge and easy visuals. I had 26,000 customers swing through my Z store in November. My goal is 10 sales a day. For me it's tags and collections. The first 6 in a collection should be your best sellers. The commonality of my best sellers is simplicity of sale. I see it, I want it, I bought it, I moved on, kind of thing. I design things that sell, not necessary things I would buy. The good thing about tags is that if they don't work you can change them. The people I've mentored have found this exercise helpful: In a gift shop a blind man walks in and ask for assistance to buy a birthday gift for his teen nephew.  Now use 10 tags to make the sale. Your customer walked out with a spring in his step knowing he bought the perfect birthday gift. What did he buy? Your tags made the sale. Exclude all words that Zazzle already included in their description of the product. For instance tags were: soccer, birthday gift, teen, boy, coffee, sports fan, custom, name

I hope this helps.

Happy trails,

Jan:)

[snuffsy]

Wow. That's incredibly useful. Hadn't thought about collections. Can't have best sellers if there's no sales 🙂

Seems the common thread here is tags. I'll focus on that. Thank you so so much.

[Wildart]

don't lose heart.  keep working on presenting your best image and tags.

[1234Shine]

Do you do your own promotions to bring traffic to your listings?  If yes, what are those?

[Barbara]

@mydesignstudio  - I've never seen a search engine entry for anyone's Zazzle product, but I've always assumed our descriptions are what's used in their description. To that end, I've tried over time to make my descriptions short, to the point, and hopefully attractive to anyone browsing out there in the wild.

(Has anyone seen any of our products when out searching?)

Colorwash's Home

[Fiorenzo]

You're wasting great opportunities if you limit yourself to shirts with your goth/skull/dark designs. They look great (browsed your store) and fit on a ton of products sold here on Z, especially in home decor. Starting with pillows and blankets and ending with clocks, jewelry boxes, phone cases, mugs, shot glasses, you name it. I'm into fantasy, goth, and horror myself and in my younger years I had my whole apartment decorated adequately. You have great potential, and as soon as you get over the painful starting period consisting of small amount of views, limited assortment, and pitiful sales, you'll get the success you deserve. What you have to keep in mind on Zazzle is that it works like Google's search engine - you have to promote our products and store(s), and you have to get visits and sales to climb up the marketplace. The more you sell and get views, the more you will sell. That being said, I make most of my sales with décor. Also, don't get fooled by the wedding and invitation market here, most sales are generated by the top sellers who are an eternity on Zazzle and rule the top ranks on the marketplace. The competition is immense and as a newcomer, you will go under, unless you have a unique style and/or bring your own customers. Don't despair, and good luck!

[Wildart]

stamps, towels, tiles, fabric, and yes wrapping paper. the one item I don't seem to sell much are mugs. Wrapping paper is a real boon for me, as well as the paper wrap,cards. etc . stamps are my regular and steady sellers.

[1234Shine]

Hi, I have some questions regarding the wrapping papers:

1. What is the percentage breakdown (roughly) of your sales quantity between the single rolls and 3-sheet sets?

2. Among your 3-sheet sales, what is the breakdown between 3 sheets with 3 different designs and 3 sheets all with the same design?

3. Do you sell more with the text/photo templates or without?

4. Do you set the default as Matte or Glossy finish?

By the way, you said "paper wrap" in your reply, were you referring to the tissue paper or something else?

[Wildart]

 some occaision specific tissue sold,no actual sets of paper sold, only the rolls of wrap. niches designs,patterns I don't believe in photo templates, they are not something I want to use in a wrap, or in anything much ,. some have appropriate text suiting the occaision. I stay with default paper type. 🙂

[NigelSutherland]

Shirts do okay for me. Not my biggest selling item but I've just checked and I've sold 115 shirts in total, mostly since 2020. For me functional and specifically niche sells better than pretty.