Setting up an online shop for selling your art prints is surprisingly easy! Don’t be daunted by the prospect of fees, payments, and shipping. The good news is that there are several very easy ways to set up an online shop with very little hassle- it’s all done for you. Beyond Print’s on demand printing service is the perfect way to fulfil your customer’s orders without having to even lift a finger. Perfect.
Step 1: Choose Your Sales Channel
There are two main ways you can sell your art prints online: setting up your own website, or using a marketplace website such as Etsy or Ebay.
Both options come with their pros and cons. For example, building your own website gives your brand its own URL, instantly providing credibility and trustworthiness. It also allows you complete control over your website design and features, showcasing your brand to the world.
Some people find setting up a website daunting, especially if they don’t have any experience in coding or website design. Setting up your own website can also be extensive work, particularly if you choose to do most of the hard work yourself. It’s not impossible, but it can take a long time to build and maintain your website.
There are plenty of website building options out there, such as Shopify, which takes the hard work out of owning a website. But of course, these come with a monthly cost.
For this reason, using an online marketplace website can be a tempting alternative. Setting up a store couldn’t be easier- and all the payments are taken care of for you.
Both options are great ways to start out for a new business. Two popular providers, Shopify and Etsy, are discussed below- read on to choose the platform which is right for you.
Shopify
If you decide that you would like to set up your own personal website, you may choose to use a website builder such as Shopify.
Shopify allows you to easily construct your own website using their custom-made templates and designs. It also provides integrated payment methods- ideal for newbies. Shopify also provides support and guidance about setting up your website.
However, website builders are often subscription based, and may charge a monthly fee of around £30-£50 a month.
Long term, as sales grow, this actually becomes a more cost-effective option as the fees are not calculated per item.
Marketplace websites
Setting up a store on a marketplace channel such as Etsy, or Ebay couldn’t be easier. A few clicks can set up an online store, displaying your products. You decide the price, and let the orders roll in!
These well-known platforms drive millions of consumers every day and are well trusted worldwide. This is by far the easiest way for a new start-up to launch their first products at comparably low fees. It’s also a great way to test new products without a huge financial commitment. Etsy allows you to list an item for just $0.20, and transaction fees are only charged once an order is made.
Signing up with Etsy also unlocks powerful business tools and guides to make the most of your online business.
Now the negatives: Etsy charges fees per item sold. The fees are low (about 3-5% of the sale price) but it does add up over time as your business grows. Often a subscription-based website provider becomes more cost effective once a business is well established.
On a marketplace website, there is also huge competition between businesses. Your brand must be unique enough to stand-out from the crowd. The competition can be tough, so make sure you are prepared to showcase your prints to the highest standard!
Both options are ideal for start-up companies and small businesses. It’s down to your personal choice to choose the method that is right for you.
Step 2: Connect to Beyond Print’s Print on Demand Service
Once you have chosen your sales channel, you can connect your Shopify or Etsy store to BeyondPrint’s printing service with a few simple clicks via their online portal. Once an order comes in, BeyondPrint will take care of the rest- from printing, framing, and delivery.
You don’t have to do a thing! Printing on demand also avoids costly storage costs for stock. Another bonus.
Once your BeyondPrint Service is integrated within your chosen store, BeyondPrint will automatically receive the online orders and process them for you, notifying you when your item has been dispatched. Payment is taken automatically from the card associated with your account.
Additional Extras- the personal touch
For example, include sticker logos, certificates of authentication, or thank you notes, to let your customers know it’s from you. You can even design and produce these yourself.
Final Tips and Tricks
As you can see, creating an online shop for your art prints couldn’t be easier. Beyond Print’s seamless integration with both Etsy and Shopify means you really don’t need to do a thing- just sit back and enjoy the orders (and profits!) rolling in. There are a few things you can do when setting up your shop however, so keep reading for a few hints and tips.
One way to increase your customer satisfaction is offering ‘free delivery’. By including the cost of the shipping in your product, it’s been proven to give higher customer satisfaction. After all, nobody likes paying for delivery.
Another tip for building trust is including photos and details about your business. Customers love to see who they’re buying from, as it provides your business with credibility and trustworthiness. Why not include a little bio about yourself, and tell your customers about how you create your art? Or what inspired you to produce your designs?
One of the most important things to get right is photographing your artwork. The competition is high on marketplace platforms, so make sure that your artwork stands out from the crowd with beautiful photography and stunning colours. The photograph is the first thing that your clients see, so make sure that you’ve showcased your artwork in the best light possible.
So why not give it a go? Set up your online store today in a few simple clicks – it really is easy.
