How to Sell Mugs on Etsy for Serious Profit (step-by-step tutorial)

Today I go over an Etsy step-by-step shop beginner personalization mug design tutorial using Kittl for highly profitable print on demand Printify mugs that are inspired by mugs found on Etsy. I go over SEO, full design creation tutorial, research and more for a full A to Z listing creation tutorial on Etsy.
Get Kittl here: kittl.pxf.io/WDZVPG
The research software I used EverBee: www.everbee.io/?via=heather
Use code HEATHERXSTUDIO for 30 days free Printify Premium: try.printify.com/ou8hgmkzax8e
FREE COURSES & CONTENT👇
Want to get started with Etsy & POD? Get my FREE crash course below to get started today: studio.heatherxstudio.com/ets...
Want a friendly print on demand community? Join the PODfriends Facebook group below:
/ 219409480404668
// SOFTWARE/TOOLS I USE
Get unlimited access with the Everbee Growth plan for two months for the price of one ($14.99 per month), renewing at $29.99/month (after the second month): everbee-39706770.hubspotpageb...
Everbee free trial: www.everbee.io/?via=heather
Kittl(Use code HEATHERYT for 25% off first month of pro plan): kittl.pxf.io/WDZVPG
Printify: try.printify.com/ou8hgmkzax8e
Get Printify Bootcamp 70% off using code HEATHER: bootcamp.printify.com/
Get the Creative Fabrica free trial here: www.creativefabrica.com/promo...
Canva: bit.ly/33DETOo
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Above are affiliate links, by signing up under my affiliate links you support me as a creator that I am very grateful of those who support me on this channel 🙏
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// CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
2:24 Research Phase: Finding Market Demand
6:40 Profit Estimation Breakdown
_________________________________
// FILMING EQUIPMENT
DSLR Camera: amzn.to/3MfKknH
VLOG Camera: amzn.to/3EvF0u3
Tripod: amzn.to/3uXpbZV
Mic: amzn.to/3xKGJu9
// MY CONTENT
Print on Demand Academy 3.0~ my signature print on demand program goes over how to start, grow & scale an Etsy business to 5 figures & beyond: studio.heatherxstudio.com/pod...
My Etsy Content Blueprint & Seasonal Niche Calendar: studio.heatherxstudio.com/off...
The Niche Playbook: studio.heatherxstudio.com/off...
// SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: itsheatherstudio
TikTok: itsheatherstudio
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Any shops or listings in this video are shown for educational purposes and by no means are we suggesting to copy any other sellers on the Etsy platform. All listings and estimated income of Etsy sellers is only estimated and by no means reflection of the actual sellers income.

[@michelledalzell7187]

I ran across one of your videos the other day and I believe you just changed my life. I'm extremely excited for this new adventure. I will be watching all your videos to help me along the way. Thank you for doing what you do to help others be successful. I plan on being one of them. ✌

[@itsheatherstudio]

So happy you found my channel and thanks for this kind comment thats a reminder of why I started my KZbin! Wishing you and everyone the best 2024❤

[@eunicemason9890]

Love you Heather! Fellow X-Ray Tech here. I'm so proud of you. Wish you all the best this year. Love, Eunice 😁🤗

[@itsheatherstudio]

Aww I love seeing fellow radiology people here!! Wishing you all the best this year too and thanks for watching!❤️

[@EconomicWarfare]

This is such a cool design. I love Kittl.

[@user-gy8nu5ch4u]

Love this video, Heather. Thank you so much! I hope you have a great weekend.

[@itsheatherstudio]

Thanks for watching!❤

[@encouragemepodcast]

I'm a beginner, and I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you. Very helpful!

[@jessicameisner8487]

Very nice mug design and tutorial. Useful for me

[@user-rg6xf2mw1e]

Thank you for the information.

[@KeithEverett]

Another great video, thanks Heather.. always super useful..

[@itsheatherstudio]

Hey Keith, happy it helped and thanks for watching! ❤

[@mj48187]

Thanks Heather, it helped a lot. I am a new seller since one month, so it was very helpful! :)

[@user-sx8vr4eg4m]

So helpful. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@itsheatherstudio]

Thanks for watching! ❤

[@ThatsWhatSheSaidJenna]

I stumbled across another one of your videos earlier today and it truly resonated with me. So I hit "Subscribe" (which I never do)Thank you for sharing your knowledge and hard work with us. It is greatly appreciated. With that being said, ;) I'm off to peruse the rest of your videos. Thank you, again.

[@hospitalitychronicles]

Your book stack is growing!! Thanks for the info!

[@itsheatherstudio]

Yes, indeed it is! Thanks for watching!❤️

[@KatySimpsonLive]

Lovely design Heather! I’m impressed with your Kittl skills. I don’t find Kittl very easy

[@itsheatherstudio]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching! ❤

[@PassiveSideHustleIdeas]

This was a good video :)

[@teresaz7152]

That was great info. I'm just starting out❤

[@itsheatherstudio]

Happy to share and thanks for watching!❤

[@AngryAngelPhotography]

I love your videos. I am super new to all this. You and a few other creatures have been a huge help. I havnt sold any thing. But i feel im on the verge so im not gonna let my self give up. Im needing advice when it comes to making using mock ups for mugs. some of the mock ups are on a strange angle and using canva or kittl i cant seem to find a way to curve an image like i can text. in such a way to make it look more realistic.. I could go in to photoshop and do it like that and make a new one but i feel like thats gonna just add more work that i probably dont need to be doing. im sure there is a way to do it in one of those apps i just cant find it any where...

[@NautilusL2]

oo i like your minnie mouse nails! very good video thank you!

[@jupru220]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. As I watched and listened, you kept reminding me of the actress, Melody Patterson from the TV series, F Troop. Thank you again. Your information is very helpful. Sorry about your microphone.

[@robstr0805]

hi heather. great video, thank you! in the NEW PRINTIFY: where can i find the "print file requirements"?

[@erindoyle73]

First time watching one of your videos. So much great information. Did I see you publish a personalized mug from Printify to Etsy? I thought you had to start an Etsy for any personalized item??? Then it will end up in the "other" drop down on Printify and then you would manually add the new art to it. Thanks for all you do.

[@dennisborg7751]

I really enjoy your videos, you have great information. Thank you so much! One thing I would ask, though, is to drop the "s" from the word "software" ... the plural form of "software" is "software" .. there is no 's' at the end.

[@shamblesman]

Great video

[@itsheatherstudio]

Thanks for watching!❤

[@nw8204]

Always great info Heather, thank you! I have three bestsellers now but they aren't bringing in these numbers 😂 guess I'll just keep trucking along! 🎉🎉❤

[@ImogenShade]

That’s great! And thanks for spreading the hope sauce, us newbs needs it!

[@itsheatherstudio]

Woohoo to 3 bestsellers! It sounds like you're growing and thanks for watching!❤

[@keithgreen8529]

Hey Heather, HELP !!! Thank you for your teachings, they are great, I have been selling for a while with a few different Items, with NO POD sales. What am I doing wrong ?

[@robynlatorre7044]

Couldn't have come at a better time for me lol...i started in October have 17 sales, I'm a general store and my views went from 150 to 250 a day to 3 to 25 😳 i was thinking WTF is happening but hearing it's the slow quarter is giving me motivation to produce and not focus on the views

[@itsheatherstudio]

Yes!! Q1 is slow season for most depending on your niches you're in. This is my 3rd season and I've really gotten into looking into the 'bright side' of having less customer service and more time to build up the shop. Happy this found you at the right time and thanks for watching! ❤

[@nicholascarrington3799]

Hi Heather great video as always a quick question if you were to do the same design on the different style of mugs would it be better to put them on separate listings or make them options on one listing i hope that makes sense Many thanks😁

[@itsheatherstudio]

I would do both! I'd make one listing with ceramic, accent and insulated together. The second would be just an accent mug or ceramic for the main thumbnail. I like using this method as an A/B split test to see what listing may get more sales. Hopefully this helps and thanks for watching! ❤

[@gomeysghosts2211]

How do you know what size to use for the design on the mug?

[@nataliewilliams1953]

Do you have to edit each personalisation per order?

[@mylumencraft]

Hi Heather, great videos. I have about 60 products created on Printify but I dont want to ho live until I have a Printify Premium account. I was hoping to use your discount code for 30 free days but whether I click the link or try to enter a coupon code manually, neither seem to work. Is there something I'm missing? Thanks.

[@jsummitt8234]

I had to rewind to see your mug. I thought it said Farmhouse Fresh and got super excited for your knowing that brand. 🙁 They have amazing skincare and are in my town. RIP MIC

[@itsheatherstudio]

Haha yes! Thanks for watching and the condolences to my mic!🙏

[@sedwards914se]

Hi Heather just wanted to tell you how very detailed and easy to follow your videos are! I actually opened up my own store using your tips however, you did not tell us ALL the steps in the verification process included your banking information being accessed and Etsy will attempt to remove $400.00! Luckily for me my bank denied such a fraudulent verification method. Sadly for me I am out of work currently and my funds are frozen.... so for now I don't think the POD biz is for me unless I figure out another way to get in... I was actually proud of the store because I had 50 views in 2 days without being posted on any social media!

[@itsheatherstudio]

Hey there, Etsy will never remove $400 upon signup(unless you spend $400 in ads or listing fees) and this sounds like a potential fraud or scam message you may have received. Are there any links you clicked such as a 'fake Etsy' account emailing or messaging you on your first few days? There are known scammers showing as 'Etsy' but are not actually the company. I would contact Etsy and send screenshots to verify because i have not heard of this before.

[@sedwards914se]

Thanks Heather for your response, the security team did get involved and the matter was resolved this experience so horrible however I still want to open my POD store just trying to decide which platform to use... Etsy, Shopify, or whomever! I'm bummed because your videos made it so simple to create and open@@itsheatherstudio

[@KatySimpsonLive]

That’s hilarious about your Yeti 😂 Sorry that the Yeti has had better days though!

[@itsheatherstudio]

Thanks for watching and the condolences to my mic!🙏

[@deepatel924]

How much return people get

[@pattyschulz8892]

Interested in how you go about fulfilling the order? How does printify "know" to not send the name used for the listing?? Thanks 😊

[@PaesanoPride]

Printify has a good channel that explains all of that plus a lot of other things too.

[@adaninurs]

Is kittl free? I usually use canva but kittle looks cool

[@rach1124]

Could I put in 5000 x 5000 even if I’m using Gelato?

[@MrAmmarTV]

by the way you have an amazing skin

[@tammyhodges4447]

That was informative, thank you. Question: when customers type in their names for the customization, will that be processed automatically by the POD or do you recreate the image with their personalization and then submit the order? If you update the image, how do you stop the order from being submitted until you send their personalized image? Thanks

[@pabirorotyi]

That's the problem none of them want to address.🤦🏽‍♀️

[@tammyhodges4447]

@@pabirorotyi I know, I don't understand why they don't answer the question. I contacted 2 of the POD's I use and they showed me how to deal with that end. Basically, you have auto fulfillment turned off on Shopify and the POD ends. When the order comes through, you duplicate the order - make sure to keep the original, but have it in draft for GP. On the dup, you upload the personalized file and then send THAT order through (which is the duplicate order). The original order stays in draft mode. I'm not certain, so I wouldn't recommend this, but you may be able to delete the original. After it's been shipped, I don't think it would matter if it was deleted. Hope this helps;-)

[@pabirorotyi]

@@tammyhodges4447 Thanks, it really does make a difference :)

[@DominicAnna_]

Hi Heather! Thanks for sharing your experience! I can’t find the name of your store anywhere 👀 do you still run your POD Etsy business ?

[@itsheatherstudio]

Hey there! Sharing my shop on KZbin is what cause my shop to be shut down due to people copying my shop and stealing my IP that I do not share any shops anymore. I now choose to remain anonymous but still have active shops so I can 'practice what I preach' so-to-speak. Here is the video more on what happened and my new shop I began that remains anonymous: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIjWZmOEZ7SYobM

[@khpr0hd739]

Why does the code for free printify doesnt work?

[@muttmatchl.a.8963]

Ya know, I've been thinking.... someone like you, with Etsy, Shopify experience, offer to collaborate with people (like me) with zero experience but great ideas for POD items. I dunno, maybe it's just me but I think collaborations are a win/win. 🤷

[@numbers4415]

is it possible for you to review my store and see what is wrong with it???

[@Adventureboundcruisetravel]

Yiu keep saying 'vertically' when you mean 'horizontally'. Think 'horizon'... I was advised that we are past the period when one wants to have product for Mother's Day/Father's Day/Graduation/Nurse & Teacher Appreciation listed as it takes eTSY 60-90 days to organize your listings in the database.

[@asifalam509]

❤

[@myinformationoverload]

FYI the Everbee link you provided Heather shows that it has malware.

[@user-ub2mp2nj6b]

I am following step by step. I am unable to edit the mug size in Kittl to the 2550 on the free plan. I used the link for kittl, from this lesson. Am I doing something wrong, or do I have to buy the premium plan to be able to edit the size? Let me know? Thanks

[@ImogenShade]

You need the paid membership for custom dimensions.☹️

[@heenagupta5723]

❤❤

[@bethlongstreet]

Do you suggest publishing from printify always? I have been creating as a draft on printify then creating the listing in etsy

[@robynlatorre7044]

Me too

[@itsheatherstudio]

I always publish to Etsy due to that it speeds up the process and fills in the shipping, category, uploads mockups, etc. Given, there are areas that aren't auto-filled in but those I can add later in bulk. If you are doing group listings, bundles or personalization, sometimes it's easier to just manually create. I just like the pre-filling that Printify does if I publish to draft but this is completely user preference at the end of the day. Thanks for watching!❤

[@user-bw8oq6ic8m]

Is it possible to get that grunge / distressed look using canva?

[@ImogenShade]

You can & YT has videos that show you how! I haven’t used the grunge overlays I’m more of a gradient girl! Best of luck!🍀

[@KatySimpsonLive]

How do you keep the grunge layer whilst enabling the image background to be transparent?

[@ImogenShade]

Clipping mask!

[@KatySimpsonLive]

ooh thanks, I'll try to find out more about that@@ImogenShade

[@danvenables4935]

Hi Heather, thanks for your videos I'm just starting out a POD mug store. But I don't understand the lack of Printify POD providers for mugs, being such common products. For the top 2 11oz mugs on Printify, there's only 3 print providers, and only one has excellent reviews (SPOKE Custom Products). I think I'll be using them to start out, but I'd also like to sell mugs in UK too being where I'm from and some of my ideas would work better here, but I only see one option of a print provider called WPaPS with only 6.5stars. Why is there such a lack of POD mug providers? EDIT: I have just found a different mug called ORCA coatings and the UK company Harrier has good reviews (9.5), so think I'll be using them for UK. Still the lack of providers is alarming, as it means few backups if one of them goes out of action. Any advice on this? Thanks

[@itsheatherstudio]

Hey there! Mugs, glass and anything that can be 'breakable' require a different packaging and print machine at times that not every provider owns. For packaging, mugs require an additional special box or foam layer and can have more shipping issues. I think these can be the cause of many print providers to not be able to offer everything. This is just my personal speculation as what I'd think is why(because I've had the same questions) and I don't know personally why. I know that print providers are always looking to expand their catalogs and there is just a lot of investments that go into a provider offering other products. Hopefully this helps a bit and thanks for watching and sharing your findings! ❤

[@danvenables4935]

Thanks, so I guess you haven't found the lack of print providers causes issues? Would you reccomend I just use a UK provider to sell in the UK to start as it's my home location? Or can I use US providers too. Lastly, I'm having issues creating mockups for my mugs. I've seen reccomendations to use placeit and have found some mug mockups, but don't know how to use them and upload my designs onto them. Can you help or link to a video of yours about this? Many thanks@@itsheatherstudio

[@ImogenShade]

“Ungrateful kids mugs”! That’s what I thought you said, my volume is on low. 💀

[@itsheatherstudio]

Hahaha!! That'd be a great category on Etsy, maybe you're onto something.😅

[@adamromanowski4681]

You recommend putting all that in your title? I get so many mixed messages from people on what to put in the title. Some say fill it, some say the beginning in the most important part….it’s ver confusing….

[@adamromanowski4681]

Couldn’t you have just cropped the sunset instead of adding a box?

[@user-rh8sc3hk2v]

How do you make 10K sales on one listing?

[@paulahawthorne7807]

Did i see you posted this camp mug on your etsy for 49 dollars? No offence i just don't see people paying that for a mug.But then again i do not use POD . It is getting harder and harder to find just etsy tutorials and helps..LOL

[@healthnaturalhomeremedies.5023]

Thanks for the tutorial, very simple. What happens if a couple orders the product, is it printify that will input the couple,s name? Looking forward to hearing from you.

[@ImogenShade]

That’s something you get to do manually or pay a third party like Hello Custom to do it for you. I think she has a video that walks you through the steps (there’s a lot), “How to create personalized Etsy listings”, but each time a customer buys it & enters their names you will edit the names in your design & go back to printify to upload each time you get a sale. Best of luck!🍀

[@NotMolly-jf2rh]

Not interested in revenue numbers. I want profit ratios.

[@Qthekat1984]

It's roughly 50% of your revenue minus any ad spend. 😁

[@itsheatherstudio]

If you watch the video in full you’ll see the thumbnail is referring to profit😊

[@hannahjoy4857]

​@@Qthekat1984 It really depends on the seller. The KZbinrs I watch seem to range from 20-30% profit.

[@paxtream100]

Are you disabled or something??

[@AN-ge2wm]

Is it normal for sales to just STOP overnight? Does Etsy algorithm change or cycle? For months I've had $300-$500+ days. I felt like I was finally "making it" in this space. Week before last, amazing sales--best ever. Then, last Wednesday it just stopped. Sales are next to nothing--I'm lucky to sell $40 a day. Views are normal but barely favorites or sales. No trademark issues, etc/deactivated listings, etc. I always do day-long daily sales so didn't change any of that. Good reviews coming in for past orders. SO CONFUSED. I also have a broad range of successful niches and they all stopped (so it's not like it was just wedding and maybe wedding season slowed or competition increased overnight in one niche--it's many different niches--all my good sellers just stopped selling).

[@itsheatherstudio]

If you noticed a drop in sales after December then this is very normal, January and February can be very slow. I've noticed right before tax filing my sales come to a halt and my first Q1 on Etsy I joined several FB groups because I had the same issues and found it was just that time of the year that sales would halt. It could be the niches you are in(such as if your in V-day niches this is when sales would stop completely) and products or just that it's almost February. I would just keep going as normal, maybe look into other ways of pulling in traffic such as social media or email marketing during this time and building your shop's listings. Not sure if this offers much help but sending you positive vibes and best of wishes that things pick up soon for your shop! ❤

[@AN-ge2wm]

@@itsheatherstudio thank you so much for your reply Heather! I really appreciate it ♥️ it’s so scary, even after followed by amazing weeks. I feel my hope just slip. But you helped me feel better about it. I know it’s a slow time, but the sudden halt scared me. But it does make sense that this can happen based on the time of year. I haven’t been this successful for a full year so by next year I’ll probably understand patterns better. I really appreciate your response. I’ll keep hustling and making more listings as normal. Thanks ♥️

[@jharper74]

Heather? Didn't you break a mic previously in the same way? if so, shame on you. 😊

[@thehandsofstone]

I just want proof this actually works and that amount can actually be made.

[@cyndanyia]

It’s not magic, it depends on your products and how well you market yourself, it takes time and hard work to build a business….

[@ProfessorProtean]

condolences to the MIC 🫡✅

[@itsheatherstudio]

Hahaha!! 😂 This comment gave me a good laugh. Thanks for watching!❤️