Tees In A Pod: zazzle

Showing posts with label zazzle. Show all posts

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Pitfalls of PODs

When considering the pitfalls of using a Print-On-Demand service provider, it's important to identify the perspective we're approaching the question from. The first kind of customer is the shopper looking to self-create a product for themselves or as gifts. To these customers, POD services are flawless and offer an opportunity to create unique items at affordable prices. The second kind of customer is the designer/artist/photographer who sets up shop with a POD in order to deliver their creativity to the world. This is where we start to see the "Pitfalls of the POD", particularly when compared to the online t-shirt competition who are doing it all independent of POD services.

MYTH OR NOT...?

1. Quality of t-shirt printing isn't as good as screen-printed t-shirts
In some cases yes, and in others no.
I've bought a number of t-shirts in my 30 odd years and from my exposure to tee printing, this myth is debatable. POD printing on light apparel is on par to that seen on light shirts by screen printers; and in some cases I've received a tee bought online advertised as "screen printed" and I've been more than disappointed with the printing quality. It's true that POD printing on dark t-shirts is still being developed and there are some pitfalls to the process used; one being that in most cases you can not print colours directly onto dark apparel tees. That said, some POD services do offer some unique printing options. Skreened treats colours such as their Galaxy Blue (a nice rich, dark colour) and red as light apparel (Cafepress, for instance, do not), allowing for a nice black design printed directly onto the fabric with a great result. Some other PODs offer specialty types of printing processes with Spreadshirt and ShirtCity delivering flock (felt-like) treatments and more on tees.

2. Tee profits made using a POD aren't as good as when you're independent
On first glance, it would be easy to say that this is true. However...
If you consider the result of a sale which has reaped both a royalty (mark-up) and a referral payment (which is possible through PODs such as Zazzle - 15% referral; and Skreened - 10% referral), then factor in the time you've saved by having that POD service provider pack and ship the order, plus any added extras (ie, envelopes), then a final per tee profit may not be far away from what some independent online t-shirt businesses earn from a sale. You also do not have the risk of upfront costs nor will you ever need to write-off stock as a loss. That said, there is most definitely more selling at a lower profit margin seen when using a POD than matching profits to an independent sale. It is also difficult to match some of the competitive prices online whilst still making a profit.

3. T-Shirt print areas aren't as good as that available through screen printing
True. Print areas are restricted to POD specifications. However...
Not all t-shirt artwork/concepts require the same unlimited print area as screen printing and there are many shoppers who are not looking for a FULL t-shirt graphic. If you fit in that category, then this won't restrict the level of sales you can see online. You can also argue that POD print areas are actually very good with various options available to shopkeepers. For instance, if your design style is linear (panoramic in shape) then Zazzle's 14" width comes close to a maximum screen-print area anyway (without going over the seam that is); or if you can identify areas of your design that can be separated into 12.8" x 12.8" print areas you can use Spreadshirt's option to combine two artwork files to fill most of the t-shirt. Some PODs will also offer printing on the reverse side and/or printing on sleeves, giving designers the flexibility to build graphics all over the tee. However, you'll never be able to achieve a wrap-around tee print using a POD service.

4. The POD has the last say with YOUR customers
TRUE.... For the majority of POD services.
Consider the phrases "to have the last say" and "you're only as good as your last job" - there is something to those statements. All the effort shopkeepers put into making an online sale is devalued once the customer receives their order in envelopes branded by the POD, accompanied by promotional material for that particular service provider. This is the biggest pitfall I see when using a POD, for in the final moments of a sale (or even a giveaway) your customers will always read or see something relating the POD and not to your store. There are exceptions, with Spreadshirt providing unmarked packaging plus shopkeeper invoices when you pay for their premium service. Printfection is another POD who will ship items to your customers in unmarked packaging.

Above: Examples of POD packaging & extras.
Photos from http://pointclickapparel.info/. Visit the website to view other examples.

I believe the issue is a continuation of from where the POD came - humble beginnings, where companies such as Cafepress started with just one tee, two mugs and a mousepad (not unlike a print-on-demand store set up in a mall). There was a necessity to promote themselves and they did it well. As those frontier PODs expanded and the landscape changed, they simply continued to operate as before; leaving us with the problems shopkeepers find themselves with today. How does one get a POD to change when they're hand isn't being forced to do so (we need a POD union! The IBPU - International Brotherhood of Pod Users!). It will be interesting to see what other PODs will offer in regards to this aspect of their service, and as a Facebook fan of ours, Rick London, stated when we shared the post How to Market your Brand - 9 Marketing Tips and Ideas, "the first POD on the planet to truly co-brand will become the next Bill Gates (and I mean it). Artists/creators are becoming more savvy; understand the importance of follow up with customers, etc and it is simply impossible with any POD".

As a user of POD services, I feel that a compromise would be a great step forward and a gesture that would show shopkeepers that they are valued. It's clear that databases/back-end systems are constantly becoming more sophisticated, so why can't the POD set their system to identify: a) a "marketplace" sale which then gets processed as per usual in all the branding glory the POD wishes to use; and b) a shop and/or referred sale which then gets processed as a shop sale which is shipped to the customer in unmarked packaging with an invoice that notes the name of the store/brand (at a minimum). I'd have no issue with the POD including a notation that "the t-shirt was printed and processed by POD Company Name on behalf of Shopkeeper Name". That would be a real partnership, which is exactly what this should be viewed as. In all my time in the graphic design industry working with printers on reports, brochures, banners etcetera, I've never seen a printer send out the finished product with a marketing brochure about their services. In fact, as a client of the printer you can often send your own labels for shipping boxes, for without YOUR client customer needing what you have to offer, you wouldn't need the printer (who would find themselves with one less paying job).

There are some tricks you can try to reduce the impact of the branding problem. Right now GritFX have printed up some postcards (branded on the reverse with our details and sans any POD reference) which we then pack and ship as giveaways. You could do the same with buttons which can be printed in bulk at a reasonable price. When running a tee giveaway you can have the tee printed and shipped to yourself and then re-ship it. However, when thinking about this you'll have to judge if the added expense (and time) is worth the effect and possible result. Using the POD "gift message" options are also another way to reach out to your winning fan and re-iterate your brand and name - and if you have your own domain, make sure you add your URL at the bottom of the message. These may help with your marketing and can reduce the problem, however it doesn't eliminate it and when I look to the 10 or so giveaways I've run since GritFX was established in 2008, we've had more than one fan drop the POD service provider's name when thanking "us" or mentioning their win online... and I don't blame them! If I too wasn't familiar with the POD/Shopkeeper relationship, I'd probably thank them also.

On that note, I'd like to close out this post with a diagram that shows just how problematic this can be (using the running of a tee giveaway as a scenario). The POD receives their profit AND they receive a thankyou!!! Say what!!? You're trippin'!! No. It happens...

Pitfall of POD - they have the last say with YOUR customer!

Related post: "Which POD Get's Your Nod"

Created By: Amanda Vare "Manz", GritFX, Movies, TV, and Pop Culture Tshirts

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Screen Printing At Zazzle? Say What!

In the past, Zazzle has offered customers several ways to create unique, customizable "work of arts"on apparel. Until recently, this could only be done via digital or embroidery printing. Most of what Zazzle offered was geared towards the individual customer and not towards those customers who want to purchase a larger amount of items, especially for groups or teams. Zazzle is now offering the option to customers who are wishing to purchase a large order of t-shirts and other apparel, using Screen Printing... that's right, I said Screen Printing!

Zazzle has created this video to help understand why this latest addition of Screen Printing, is easy to use and affordable....

A few questions need some answering though... "How does this work for Zazzle customers?" and "How does this affect Zazzle shop keepers? Lets dive into how Screen Printing can be used by customers and then talk about how Zazzle store owners can use it as well...

Note: Zazzle shop keepers: In knowing how Screen Printing can be used by customers also helps in knowing how to promote it within your Zazzle store.

Zazzle Screen Printing For Customers
The first question you might be asking yourself is, "There must be a set-up fee, right?" There are

absolutely no set-up fee costs, and on top of that, screen printed shirts start at $9.99, but can go as low as $2.98/shirt after bulk discounts. As a Zazzle customer, one great way to buy t-shirts, hoodies, etc. for your "bowling team" or "baseball team" or any other team, group, and/or event, is now through Zazzle's Screen Printing option. Zazzle gives you, "the customer" several ways in how to create shirts using Screen Printing!

3 Easy Steps For Zazzle Customer's: Screen Printing

1. Choose A Shirt. The first step, is to choose which shirt or shirts you wish to use from a wide selection. Here, is where you choose the color, style, and type of shirt(s) you wish to place your design or text on. You are not limited to just choosing one type of shirt either. In this step, you can choose to have both Men's and Women's shirts included in your order. Also, if you are not sure which sizes to choose for the group, team, and/or event, Zazzle can even select the sizes for you! Once you've chosen which shirt(s) you want, enter in the quantity you need.(The minimum order of shirts allowed is 12). However, the more shirts you choose to purchase at one time, the larger the discount you may receive via Zazzle's "Volume Discount".

Example:

(Note: Depending on which shirt(s) you choose and the amount of shirts you choose; may increase or decrease the price.)

2. Add a design.

Zazzle provides customers the ability to place their very own text/design on their chosen shirt(s), through the "Start From Scratch" option. When doing this, you will be presented with an "image conversion dialog." This provides you with 4 basic controls: Number of Colors, Image Filter, Transparency, and Blending. These controls allow you to change your uploaded design to meet the requirements for Screen Printing. Designs must only have a maximum of 8 colors. The more colors you select from the available 8 for your design , the more expensive your final design will be.

However, there is another option. For those customers who may not feel comfortable in designing or who have little to no designing skills, they can choose a pre-designed template from a large amount of categories, and begin creating with the "Start With A Template" option. When creating how you want the design/text to be placed on the chosen shirt(s), Zazzle still offers customers the ability to "customize and personalize" before buying, as they have done in the past, using Zazzle's "design tool".

3. Place the Order. After you've finished creating the design, the next and final step is to place the order. Here, Zazzle provides customers the cost of what you have created combined with the total of the t-shirts. Zazzle also offers those customers who need their screened printed shirts in a hurry, free factory rush on express shipping orders. Order your shirts by 3pm PT today, and Zazzle will have them ready to ship in 3-5 business days.
Note: Zazzle Return Policy remains the same.

It's literally that easy, but if for any reason you are stuck on a step, or need more information, Zazzle does offer customers the option to either contact Customer Support via phone or to view additional Screen Printing information. Plus, Zazzle Shop Keepers are always helpful, so remember to use the Zazzle Forums as well.

Zazzle Screen Printing For Shop Keepers:
To understand how Screen Printing can be used by Shop Keepers, first we must understand how to use the "Zazzle Seller Incentive Program."

The Zazzle Seller Incentive Program includes:

Zazzle Referrals
Zazzle Volume Bonus

Zazzle Referrals
Zazzle shop keepers can use their "Referral ID" that is associated with their Zazzle account to earn extra cash (Find your ID by going into your Zazzle account and clicking on the "Associates" tab). By placing this ID with any Zazzle product or store URL, you earn 15% from each sale that is made within 45 days of a customer clicking on that referral link. (It can be your products or another Zazzle shop keeper's products).

TIP: One easy and useful way to create referral links, is by following the steps given by the Referral Link Builder.

Zazzle Volume Bonus
There are two ways to make extra money with the "Zazzle Volume Bonus" and there is no cost to participate. (Check your volume bonus in your Zazzle account under the "Earnings" Tab and click on "Volume Bonus" located on the left-hand side.)

Standard Volume Bonus - Starts when you make $100 or more from sales within your store. There are several levels and at each level you earn a percentage. Ex- Level 1: If you make $100-$999.99 you earn an extra 7%, and with each level, the percentage gets higher. The percentage is calculated from the base price (before the mark-up). To also help with this is, the "Third Party Volume Bonus" - This refers to, when a third-party drives sales to your products. Again, the more sales you make, the larger the volume bonus you will receive!

Associate Volume Bonus - Is when you become a part of the "Zazzle Associate Program" and you use the "Zazzle Star." By adding an "asterisk" at the end of your Zazzle store's URL; this now makes the url a referral url. (Ex- http://www.zazzle.com/storesname*). In doing this, you receive not only the normal royalty from a sale, but an extra 15% for the referral.

Tip: You don't even need to have a Zazzle store to earn using the "Associate Volume Bonus!" Just open up a Zazzle account and use the "Zazzle Star" when sharing URL's of other Zazzle stores to earn extra cash.

In other words, in order for Zazzle shop keepers to participate in the new Screen Printing option, is by referring people to buy from it. As of right now, Zazzle does not offer shop keepers a way to create Screen Printing shirts to sell in their store, but who knows what the future may bring. So start referring and earning some extra cash!!

Using the "Seller Incentive Program," Shop Keepers Can Earn Extra Cash From The Screen Printing Option:
By using referral links to the Zazzle Screen Printing option, shop keepers earn extra money. For the more customers buy, the more they save, but the more you earn via the "Volume Bonus." Here are some tips on how to promote using the "Seller Incentive Program" for the Screen Printing option, which will earn you extra cash:

Refer customers to the wide variety of Screen Printing templates by adding a link to your Zazzle storefront. Use the "Zazzle Star" when promoting your store's url and when customers purchase from the Screen Printing templates link, you will earn an extra 15%.

Use your "Associate ID" when linking to a specific product from the Screen Printing templates.

After creating a referral link, advise customers of this new addition to Zazzle by sharing the link on a variety social networks.

Write a blog post about Zazzle Screen Printing and include the referral links in the post.

Screen Printing Option For Non-Zazzler's:
For those not using Zazzle to sell apparel - using the newly available screen printing to create your shirts, can save your business time and money. Of course, this does depend on what you are paying now for your shirts at your current screen printer, but it is definitely worth doing a comparison. It also wouldn't hurt to order some shirts to see if the quality is what you and your customers are use too.

What do you think about Zazzle's Screen Printing Option?
On the Tees In A Pod Facebook Page, Twitter, etc. I reached out by asking questions, basically wanting to know what YOU think about the new Screen Printing option at Zazzle. Here are some of the responses I received:

Q: How many of you have tried the new "Screen Printing" option available through Zazzle.com? Or Know someone who has? Would you use the new Screen Printing option ? Share your thoughts!

Tobin J. from CrockTees said,
"... Haven't looked into it but very curious."

Brad K. from T-shirt Review Blog said,
"... the ability to have on-demand screen printing levels the playing field a bit. It takes away a barrier to entry for a lot of start-up brands that want to be taken seriously, but can't afford a massive first order from a screen printer... Quality is king though. If it's not a professional print and they cut corners on ink and technique, they'll perpetuate the idea that POD providers offer second-rate shirts... If they get it right, I think it could be huge and the other POD services will follow suit. "

Kelly from Saucewear said:
"probably not. I priced out 20 shirts, and it was about $100 more than I would pay."

Richard R. from Ratso's said:
"It sounds like a good idea but I have not tried it."

Erin R. from 4u2bunique said:
"Any improvements to anything is a good idea.."

Jamie C. from Pandora Apparel said:
"would definitely be interested in investigating. the problem is shipping from the states!... (to Ireland...)"

Helena P. from Helena Pion Photography and Design said:
"I have no idea, I haven't tried it. But I am thinking it'll work better for huge quantities of t-shirts."

As you can see their definitely is some interest in seeing how the Screen Printing will be used by customers, shop keepers, and by Zazzle itself. We definitely want to know what you think... Have your say too!

Q:What do YOU think of the New Screen printing at Zazzle? Will you buy some shirts using this new option, refer people to it, etc? Does this blog post help you to decide or change your mind? Share your thoughts as well, by leaving us a comment!

Written By: Amanda Ryan, Creature Creations, Personalized Photo Gifts

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

5 Secret Tips When Using Zazzle

There are many Print On Demand (POD) companies offered online for artists to sell their artwork on products for little to no cost and one of the more popular companies artists are turning to is, Zazzle.com . This article will explore secret tips to getting the most out of using Zazzle, but first lets start off with the basics...

What Is Zazzle?
Zazzle offers many designers, photographers, painters, and other artists a wide variety of products to showcase their work and to sell within their very own online store. Zazzle shop keepers are responsible for creating the designs that will appear on Zazzle's merchandise, while Zazzle itself, will take care of the shipment of such products, customer service, and the actual making of the product (such as magnets, keychains, t-shirts, etc.) within a 24 hour time frame. They also provide customers the option of customizing their products before they buy which allows the customer infinite opportunities in creating one-of-a-kind gift(s).

Letting The Secrets Out...
Psssst.... are you a Zazzle store owner? Are you always looking for ways to get the most out of using Zazzle, your online store, and in making some extra cash? Lets start letting the secret tips out... Some of you may already know, use, and love these tips; while others may be discovering a whole new way of using Zazzle. Most of these tips (not all) can be found some where within Zazzle.com, but not always easily... here is the list we found most informative and helpful when using Zazzle to make more money.

Did you know: Zazzle has a Referral Program? It is a great incentive to help promote your work and the work of other Zazzle shop keepers, while earning extra cash. Zazzle also offers a Volume Bonus, which means, Zazzle will give you a bonus based on a percentage of what you sell! So here is Secret Tip 1: By copying and pasting this URL: http://www.robgreenleaf.com/RFID.html into a new browser, you can then bookmark it and every time you come across a Zazzle item you want to refer, this will automatically create the referral link for you!

Did you know: Zazzle has it's own University? Well, kind of... Secret Tip 2: Zazzle offers a place online called, Zazzle University that provides many different tutorials, examples, and links to help better understand how to use Zazzle to your advantage.

Did you know: Zazzle Offers Product Guidelines? This tip may be one of the tips you already use, especially if you have been using Zazzle for some time now, but for those new to Zazzle, we felt it was important to include. Secret Tip 3: Download the Zazzle Product Image Guideline Files to use in the software of your choice like, PhotoShop, etc. when creating your artistic designs so that they correctly fit on each product you want to sell within your Zazzle store. Be sure to read more about Understanding the Image Guidelines Zazzle provides before you download them.

Did you know: One of the most important parts of your products achieving high search engine rankings is the "Title Tag" you use when creating a product? Secret Tip #4: Be sure to use a relative, descriptive "Title" whenever you are creating a product. Also, don't forget to fill out the "Description" box and "Tags" for your products, for these too are highly important in getting your products found. Stay away from flooding your product information with useless keywords for customers want to land on the page/product they are searching for. At first, thinking that using popular keywords that don't match your product may help in getting your product found, it will not help in getting the product bought, which is the main goal.

Did you know: You can keep track of who, what, and where your store is being mentioned online? When a blog, another online store, twitter, etc. mentions your Zazzle store's name... you can get alerted via email to go and check out what is being said about your store. This can also help in knowing of any bad news that might be floating around and help you quickly correct any issues. Secret Tip #5: All you have to do is set up Google Alerts by entering in your Zazzle store name, email address, and then wait for the emails to roll in.

There you have it... the Top 5 Secret Tips to know and use when wanting to get the most out of your online store with Zazzle. Feel free to let us know if you found this article useful... Any of these tips new to you? Are you using these tips already? Share with us by adding a comment below or on our Facebook Fan Page!

Amanda Ryan, Creature Creations, Personalized Photo Gifts

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

POLL: Which Items Do You Sell The Most On Zazzle?

Tees In A Pod was inspired by one of our fans on our Facebook Page, Scott, who asked the question: "What items would you say seem to sell best on Zazzle?" Now we want to find out from you! Tell us, from the list provided in the poll below, which item you find your store selling most of! We'd love to know!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Which POD Gets Your Nod

POD = Print On Demand = designs are printed onto t-shirts and merchandise as orders are processed. When discussing t-shirts, many refer to this process as "direct to garment" - meaning the process is void of the manufacture of screen(s) that are used when screen printing a t-shirt. POD is a service provided by a growing number of online companies, each of whom stock their warehouses with product lines ready to go on the press. They operate as the retailer on the designer's behalf, managing all the printing, processing all payments (and returns) and all deliveries. The largest POD will also have postage deals making shipping cheaper than you could probably afford as an independent.

Many designers are choosing the POD route as you do not need the capital as you do when screen printing (and being independent) - reducing the risk and possible loss of monies outlaid for tees that don't end up selling. Tees In A Pod will often cover the differences between using POD services versus screen printing and opting for independence, and we hope you read those posts and listen to the relating podcasts. For now, I want to try and help provide some comparison information about PODs.

Before you make a decision as to which POD (or PODs) you wish to use, it is important to understand what each one offers and how they meet your design and business needs. This post will look at 6 of the top POD suppliers (they're those that I see most shopkeepers using) and how they compare when we look at various aspects of the service(s) they provide.

T-SHIRT PRINT AREAS
The following is a guide to help you compare the print areas available for t-shirts.

Note: The table uses an American Apparel Men's (Unisex) SMALL t-shirt. The t-shirt dimensions are: 18" (inches) across the chest and 28" in length. Should a customer purchase a 2x or 3x size, designs would not cover the same proportion of the tee. Please use this as a guide and consult the additional notes and corresponding service providers website for further information.

POD: Print-On-Demand Print areas for t-shirts

Zazzle

Zazzle offers 2 maximum print area options - 14" wide x 12" deep OR 12" wide x 14" deep.

When setting up your design on t-shirts, you can select which option you want to use. Smaller t-shirts such as the Women's Petite will have a smaller print area.

Skreened

Skreened has a maximum print area of 11" wide x 17" deep.

Cafepress

Cafepress generally prints to a print area of 10" wide x 10" deep.

They scale that for plus size tees to 12" x 12"; and they'll scale down for smaller cut tees such as their Women's Raglan.

Printfection

Printfection has a maximum print area of 13.5" wide x 16.5" deep.

Redbubble

Redbubble has a maximum print area of 12" wide x 16" deep.

Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt has a ton of information about print areas on their website! The maximum "printable area" given for a Men's AA tee is specified as 13.4" wide x 25.8" deep. Please consult their site for all print area information.

The asterix (*) in table 1, indicates the maximum digital print area, plus the maximum sheet sizes for Spreadshirt's specialty printing (see below). The maximum size is 11.8" x 11.8". However, you can combine two artwork files and fill more of Spreadshirt's "printable area" - ie, have your graphic as one artwork file - and the text that sits below this as another artwork file.

Please note: The above information pertains to t-shirt fronts. Some POD suppliers will also offer printing on the reverse side (backs), with some offering left/right printing for sleeves.

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T-SHIRT PRINTING METHODS

When considering printing your designs through a POD provider, there are a few printing method points you should be aware of.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

1. Direct to garment colour printing: on white tees your design will appear relatively uneffected by the t-shirt/garment colour.

2. Direct to garment colour printing on coloured t-shirts: the garment colour will effect the final colour of the print. PODs factor this in and display the item very close to what your final t-shirt will look like.

3. Direct to garment clour printing on dark t-shirts: (black; navy blue; brown and even red - where the garments fabric is heavier) a white underlay print in first placed on the t-shirt. The coloured print is then printed over the top of this. Final quality will be dependent on the accuracy of alignment. If alignment is off, your finished t-shirt will have the ghost effect seen in the above table. That said, direct to garment presses are getting better and this is becoming less of a problem.

SPECIALTY PRINT METHODS...

The following are available through Spreadshirt.

4. Flex Print: Slightly shiny surface and smooth to the touch. 3 colors/design.

5. Special Flex Print: Smooth and glistening surface. 1 color/design.

6. Flock Print: Velvety feel; soft fuzzy feel. 3 colours/design.

A computer-controlled cutting plotter cuts text and graphics (without colour transitions - ie, solids only) out of special foils. These are then merged with the garment under constant heat and very high pressure. The maximum size is 11.8" x 11.8". However, you can combine two artwork files and fill more of Spreadshirt's large "printable area". Without a Spreadshirt Premium Store, cost is a consideration and the Spreadshirt customer service providers are more than willing to talk to you about your specialty print needs.

All artwork needs to be supplied to Spreashirt as vector artwork and elements can not fall below 0.06" with spaces no less than 0.04"... What exactly does that mean? Imagine an hourglass figure element in your design - the most slender part in the middle cannot be slimmer than 0.06"; and if you then knock a piece out of that, the space can not be less than 0.04".

Note: Image examples within the table are taken from the Spreadshirt website. If you'd like a comparison POD offering these specialty prints, visit ShirtCity.com.

The final point that may be of consequence to your decision making...

Skreened currently only print on light apparel t-shirts. I personally love their service, however this is something to be aware of.

I recommend you browse the t-shirt ranges each offers before you make any decisions. Your ultimate decision may be to use two or more POD providers - which you have the right to do as you provide the POD provider with a non-exclusive license and can therefore place the same design on various PODs.

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MAKING MONEY - Costs to Join; Setting Royalties; and Affiliate Programs

The all important dollar sign... what's it going to cost you and how you can make money!

1. The Costs to Join & What you get when you join:

Zazzle: FREE to join.

When you sign up, the username you set will be your shop URL: http://www.zazzle.com/username

As a member of Zazzle, you have control over customisation: you can upload store banners; fully customise your home page; customise navigations; set up categories and so on.

Note: You can also host products on your own domain using RSS feeds and/or the various share options that the Zazzle system offers.

Skreened: FREE to join.

When you sign up, the username you set will be your profile page. You can then set up as many stores as you want under this username. Each store will have a URL: http://www.skreened.com/storename - on the sidebar area it will say who owns the store. This link takes customers to your profile page.

Skreened currently isn't offering store customisation, however you can set up a decent profile page. The Skreened team have advised that they are working towards offering store front customisation. I shall keep you all posted!

Cafepress: 2 Options -

1. Basic Store is FREE; and

2. Premium Store costs $4.99/month if you pay yearly - $6.95/month if you pay monthly - with other payment options available.

Free Store: Minimal customisation - upload a logo or banner only. Product restrictions - display one of each item only from the Cafepress product range. Suitable for those with limited (or single) designs to sell. You can open as many basic stores as you need.

Premium Store: Full customisation - if you can imagine it, you can do it. You're also paying to have an unlimited selection of products and multi-level pages. However there is a limit of 500 sections. If you set up 6 categories on your shop home page, that's 6 sections. Then add each design category as a section, and so on. You'll need to take some time to consider this and how your shop may grow. Otherwise you may find that you max that number out within a year of using the service. (see the testimony by Mongo in the comments area - thanks for the reminder Mongo!)

Each time you "Open a New Shop" you'll have the option to set your store URL: http://www.cafepress.com/storeURL

Note: As a Cafepress premium shopkeeper, you also have the option to host your products on your own domain as a Cafepress powered store. (For an example, see Soge Shirts.)

Printfection: FREE to join

As a member of Printfection, you have control over customisation: you can choose a theme from their library of templates; upload store banners; set store footers; set background image; customise CSS and so on.

Once you have an account set up, you can open as many stores as you wish and when doing so, you set the store URL: http://www.printfection.com/storename

Note: You can also host your store on your own domain.

Redbubble: FREE to join.

Redbubble is currently not offering store customisation, however you can set up a decent profile page. The URL for this will be: http://www.redbubble.com/people/username

Note: As a Redbubble shopkeeper, you also have the option to host your products on a Redbubble powered store. (For an example, see Muscular Teeth.)

Spreadshirt: FREE to join, with the option to upgrade to a premium store.

When you sign up with Spreadshirt can set a shop URL for each shop you wish to open. (See the comments area for more information left by Temple - a Spreadshirt representative.)

The FREE service allows you to customise your store: upload a banner, customise colours, add a background image and more. You can load an unlimited number of digital print designs, and you have 3 free vector uploads included. Once you sell 10 products using those vector designs, you then receive an additional 5 vector uploads for free.

The premium service costs $10 for a month - $55 for 6 months - or $100 for 12 months. With this outlay of monies, you purchase the ability to remove the Spreadshirt mini banner - your store will be completely Spreadshirt ad-free. You can provide your store in 2 languages, add your logo to invoices, upload up to 20 vector designs per day, and more.

Note: As a Spreadshirt shopkeeper, you also have the option to host your products on your own domain. (For an example, see Crock Tees.)

2. Your Profits (Royalties/Commissions):

Note: T-shirt shopkeepers typically profit between $3 - $10 per t-shirt depending on how they want to price their t-shirts.

Zazzle: Set a standard store mark-up percentage, or set a per item mark-up percentage. You decide how much of a mark-up you want on top of the base prices set by Zazzle.

The prices of items listed in your store - http://www.zazzle.com/username - match those that Zazzle displays and sells through the Zazzle marketplace.

Skreened: Set product mark-up. You decide how much of a mark-up you want on top of the base prices set by Skreened.

The prices of items listed in your store - http://www.skreened.com/storename - match those that Skreened displays and sells through the Skreened marketplace.

Cafepress: Set a standard store mark-up percentage, or set a per item mark-up percentage. You decide how much of a mark-up you want on top of the base prices set by Cafepress.

The prices of items listed in your store - http://www.cafepress.com/username - WILL NOT always match those that Cafepress displays and sells through the Cafepress marketplace.

The shopkeeper agreement with Cafepress stipulates that when products are sold through the Cafepress marketplace, shopkeepers receive 10% of the sale price.

An example of what you may experience as a Cafepress shopkeeper...

You've designed, and set-up, a 10-pack of mini buttons.

Scenario 1: You're selling them in your store at a price of $14.99 = $7 profit to you the designer;

Scenario 2: Displayed and sold in the marketplace at a price of $20 = $2 profit to the designer.

In other words, the customer pays $5 more, while the designer receives $5 less.

Note: As a shopkeeper, you do have the option to "opt out of the marketplace". However, the catch is that you may not sell as many products if you do this.

Printfection: Set product mark-up. You decide how much of a mark-up you want on top of the base prices set by Printfection.

The prices of items found via your profile - http://www.printfection.com/storename - match those that Printfection displays and sells through the Printfection Shopping Page.

Redbubble: Set product mark-up. You decide how much of a mark-up you want on top of the base prices set by Redbubble.

The prices of items found via your profile - http://www.redbubble.com/people/username -match those that Redbubble displays and sells through the Redbubble HomePage.

Spreadshirt: Selling through Spreadshirt earns the shopkeeper a 20% design commission.

You can add your designs to the marketplace and earn design commissions through that avenue. If you set up a Spreadshirt "Classic shop" (under the premium service), the base price of products are provided to you at a reduced cost, and therefore will not match the Spreadshirt marketplace. If you sell your products using the "Designer shop" (where customers can use your designs to make their own creations) the product prices will match those in the Spreadshirt marketplace.

(See the comments area for more information left by Temple - a Spreadshirt representative.)

3. Affiliate Programs:

Zazzle: Anyone who joins Zazzle can act as an affiliate. Each member is given an Associate ID number that can be attached to a shop and/or product links, earning a referral of 15% of the sale price. Zazzle offers various methods for linking and earning referral sales and is one of the easiest systems to use.

As a Zazzle shopkeeper and affiliate, you can link to your own products earning the mark-up royalty PLUS the 15% referral.

Skreened: When you join Skreened you can act as an affiliate linking to your own or others' products. All one is required to do is add their partner (or "username") details to the end of each. An example URL looks like: http://skreened.com/?partner=username - earning a referral of 10% of the sale price.

As a Skreened shopkeeper and affiliate, you can link to your own products earning the mark-up royalty PLUS the 10% referral.

Cafepress: The affiliate program for Cafepress is run through Commission Junction. Once you join, you can link to whatever you want - Cafepress Home Page; Portals; Individual Design Pages; and Individual Products. Each referral earns the affiliate 15% of the sale price.

As a Cafepress shopkeeper and affiliate, you cannot link to your own products! It is a breach of the agreement to link to your own products and therefore you cannot earn the mark-up royalty PLUS the 15% referral.

Printfection: As of the date of this post, searches yield no results for any affiliate programs linked to Printfection.

Redbubble: The affiliate program for Redbubble is run through Share A Sale. Each referral earns the affiliate 10% of the sale price.

Spreadshirt: The affiliate program for Spreadshirt is run through Commission Junction and Share A Sale. Each referral earns the affiliate 20% of the sale price.

You can add Spreadshirt banners and text links to your domain and drive traffic to Spreadshirt. However you cannot link to your own shop and/or products. (See the comments area for more information left by Temple - a Spreadshirt representative.)

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PRODUCT RANGES

The final factor that may help you decide which POD to give your nod, is the products that each offer. Ask yourself what you want to sell, for example - t-shirts only, and/or merchandise, or large-sized photographic prints. Your answers will help you navigate towards the POD right for you. The following gives a glimpse - visit the providers' website for further information.

POD Product Lines - Using Cafepress as an example

Zazzle: t-shirts (light apparel, dark apparel; kids wear); magnets; buttons; stickers; business cards and other stationery; posters; framed prints; calendars; postcards; mugs; bags; aprons; skateboards; shoes and more.

Skreened: light t-shirts and tote bags.

Cafepress: t-shirts (light apparel, dark apparel; kids wear); hoodies; magnets; buttons; stickers; posters; calendars; postcards; mugs, bags, mousepads; aprons; clocks and more.

Printfection: t-shirts (light apparel, dark apparel; kids wear); drinkwear; bags, aprons, mousepads and more.

Redbubble: t-shirts (light & dark apparel); and Art - canvas prints, framed prints, and greeting cards.

Spreadshirt: t-shirts (light apparel, dark apparel; kids wear), hoodies and more.

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Want more to take a look at? Here you go:

ShirtCity - already mentioned for an alternate flock/flex printer.

SonicShack - t-shirts; hats and banners.

Comboutique

ArtsNow - t-shirts, caps, mugs and more.

E-Shirt - t-shirts.

Wordans - t-shirts, hoodies, bags and more.

ShirtMagic - t-shirts, hats & caps and more.

T-Shirt Monster - t-shirts.

Online Shirt Stores - t-shirts.

PrintMojo - t-shirts, mugs, pens, water bottles, and more.

Special thanks to Vic (aka tat2ts) for his contribution to this POD link list.

Over to you the reader... if you think I missed something important that should be pointed out, please share this with us in the comments area.

Created By: Amanda Vare "Manz", GritFX, Movies, TV, and Pop Culture Tshirts

Amanda offers customized shop banners, website design and construction, as well as a range of other web and graphics-based services at very reasonable prices. For further information, you can contact Amanda directly at:amanda@gritfx.com

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Why You Need Your Own Domain!

When setting up an online shop, many people wonder if they should use a print on demand site, like Cafepress or Zazzle or if they should get their own domain name. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of staying on your store domain, versus transferring your store domain over to your very own website. In other words, we will look at whether to stay on a third party site like Zazzle versus transferring your site over to your very own domain such as billsfunnytshirts.com.

The number one drawback to getting your own domain, is the cost of registering the name and paying for the hosting. Although there is a cost to owning your own domain, doing it this way can be a very profitable investment. Research which registration and hosting service is the least expensive and do a comparison to find the one that bests suits what you are looking to spend. An example of such services is hostgator.com. When starting an online shop, it is best to map out your goals for your shop. If your goal is to make some extra cash from a hobby through your online store, then maybe you should keep your domain on a third party site. If you want to make a decent amount of money and are passionate about setting up an online shop, you need to get your own domain whether using a print on demand site or a screenprinter. Another choice, is to use one of the free blogging services such as Blogger or Wordpress to create a store to eliminate the cost but still having the benefit of good solid search engine optimization and the ability to build links.

The best reason for getting your own domain is that you can play by your own rules and are not limited by the regulations of third party sites. Having your own domain is also viewed by the search engines as much more favorable and will boost your search engine rankings within Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Over time, if your domain has been established for two years and your domain is not expiring any time soon, you will get a further boosting in the search engines for being a trusted site. The longer your site has been around and the longer it will be owned by you, the better it is in the search engines eyes.

Another reason you want your online shop to be on your own domain is to build links. If you build links to your Cafepress and Zazzle shops, you will get a boost in the rankings, but Cafepress and Zazzle will still have the final ownership of that site. By building links to your own domain you are in complete control. You can choose a strong keyword in the title of your domain for a keyword that you want to be found for when customers are using searching online. For example, if you want to rank for "graphic tshirts" you might want a domain like billsgraphictees.com or something to that affect. You also get to control how your site is built when you own your own domain. You can make your layout of the site look nicer for customers, as well as control all the titles and keywords on your pages. Building lots of pages, if you have a store with a lot of items, is a great idea to help build an online presence and get you more noticed by the search engines. You can add your own blog to your site to keep your customers informed of any news that you have, as well as offer great content for the search engines. Basically, when you own your own domain you make the rules for what you want to do with your store. When you are using a third party domain you can't add a blog, press release, or an article that mentions your wonderful site. If you want flexibility and to be noticed, owning your own domain is the way to go.

Timothy Fox, Soge shirts, funny t shirts