"Should I Start Selling My Stickers on Etsy?" 9 Questions to Ask Yourself First

You've been making stickers you love. Maybe you've designed an entire collection of planner stickers, created adorable characters, or perfected your print and cut technique.

Now you're wondering: Should I start selling my stickers on Etsy?

It's a big question. While selling stickers can be rewarding, it also takes time, planning, and a little business know-how. This post will help you decide if you're ready to turn your sticker-making hobby into a shop by walking you through nine important questions you should ask yourself first.

1. Do I enjoy making stickers consistently?

Selling stickers means you'll be creating regularly. It's about showing up again and again to design, print, cut, and package. That might mean fresh designs for every season, remaking your best-sellers when they sell our, or adjusting older designs based on customer feedback.

It's worth asking yourself: Would I still enjoy sticker-making if I needed to recreate this same design 50 times?

If you thrive on routine creativity and don't mind repetition in the name of happy customers, you're in a good place.

But if you find yourself losing steam after only a handful of sheets, you may want to focus on making for yourself a bit longer before adding the pressure of sales.

2. Do I have designs that other people might want?

It's one thing to love your own designs. It's another to consider if others would love them too. And it's another thing to ask if those people would love them enough to buy them.

Have friends, family members, or social media followers asked where they can get your stickers? Have they even asked you explicitly if they can buy them?

Look at your collection. Do you have a clear style, a range of themes, or a niche you enjoy? If your designs solve a specific problem (like functional planner stickers) or hit an emotional note (like adorable pet portraits), you've got a stronger chance of connecting with paying customers.

3. Am I ready to learn Etsy's basics?

Managing an Etsy shop means learning the platform. Before you even open, you'll need to learn how to:

• Write product titles that get found in search
• Choose keywords your buyers are actually searching for
• Take bright, clear photos that show your stickers' size and detail
• Understand Etsy's different fees so you're not surprised when your first payout is...lower than expected

If the idea of learning these things excites you (or at least doesn't overwhelm you), that's a good sign.

If you're hoping to skip the learning step entirely, selling on Etsy might end up being a frustrating experience.

4. Do I have time to manage orders?

Even a small Etsy shop needs consistent attention. Orders don't always come in when it's convenient for your existing schedule.

You'll need time for:

• Printing and cutting stickers without rushing (or else you risk damaging the quality)
• Packaging neatly so they arrive safely and create a delightful opening experience for the customer
• Dropping orders off at the post office or organizing for a pickup

It's worth imagining how this would fit into your current weekly schedule. If you can comfortably set aside a few dedicated blocks of time each week, you'll handle orders much more easily and with less stress.

5. Am I comfortable pricing my stickers for profit?

Many sticker makers undercharge at first because they feel unsure about pricing. Often, they'll add up the cost of paper and ink, then forget about everything else: Machine wear, packaging, Etsy fees, shipping materials, and most importantly, their time.

If your sheet costs $1.50 to make, selling it for $2 might cover your materials but leave you with pennies for hours of work.

Remember: Customers aren't just buying a product. They're buying your creativity, your quality, and your customer service.

If the thought of charging appropriately for your work makes you uneasy, it's worth exploring your money mindset before you start.

6. Do I have the right tools for the job?

While you don't need the fanciest equipment out there, having reliable tools is key to consistently producing quality stickers. For most sticker sellers, this means:

A reliable printer with good color accuracy

It can be an inkjet or laser printer. I personally love my Canon Pixma.

A cutting machine for clean, repeatable cuts

I recommend a Cricut (Explore, Maker, or Xtra) or Silhouette (Portrait or Cameo).

Sticker paper suited to your designs

You'll need a steady stock of your preferred paper. I suggest matte paper for a soft look, glossy paper for bold colors, or waterproof for durability.

If your current tools sometimes act up (paper jams or inconsistent cuts), it's worth factoring in whether you're ready to upgrade before opening your shop.

7. Am I willing to handle customer service?

Customer messages could be as simple as "When will my order arrive?". Or they might involve refund requests, complaints about lost mail, or custom design inquiries. Some customers will be absolutely lovely. Others...not so much.

Ask yourself: Will I stay polite and professional, even if a customer is upset? Even if they're in the wrong?

If you can answer yes, you'll successfully build trust and loyalty with your customer base.

If the thought of dealing with people directly makes your stomach knot, it doesn't mean you can't sell. But you may want to have clear policies and pre-written responses ready.

8. Am I prepared to market my stickers?

Many new sellers hope Etsy will send buyers their way instantly. The platform does bring in some traffic, but competition is high, so you'll need to put in marketing efforts on your side:

• Share your designs on Instagram or TikTok
• Create Pinterest pins to link to your shop
• Let friends and family know your shop is open for business
• Network with fellow crafters and/or join craft communities

If you shy away from showing your work publicly, you might struggle to get momentum. But if you're willing to take small, consistent steps to be 'loud' and proud about your shop in front of more and more people, you'll set yourself apart from the hundreds of quiet shops.

9. Do I understand my "why"?

Selling stickers is rarely "easy money." It can be joyful and rewarding, but also time-consuming and sometimes unpredictable. Knowing your "why" can keep you going when you hit busy seasons or lose motivation to keep going.

Are you looking for:

• A side income?
• The joy of sharing your art?
• Connection with fellow creatives?
• The start of a long-term brand?

All of these reasons are valid for wanting to open an Etsy shop. Just make sure yours is strong and meaningful to you, so you'll have a purpose to anchor you.

What Your Answers Mean

If you said "yes" to most of these questions, you might be more ready thank you think.

Starting an Etsy shop can be an exciting next step for a sticker maker. You'll get to share your designs with the world, connect with customers who love your style, and even earn extra income doing something you enjoy.

If you said "no" to several questions, that's okay too!

It might mean you're in a learning or preparation stage. And that's valuable time to hone your skills, grow your design collection, and figure out your best systems before you officially dive in.

Remember: Saying "not yet" doesn't mean "never".

Ready to Open Your Etsy Sticker Shop?

The next step is making sure you start strong, without wasting time figuring everything out the hard way. 

That's exactly why I created Sticker Shop 101, a step-by-step course for sticker makers who want to start selling confidently on Etsy.

Inside, you'll learn:

• How to set up your shop for success from day one
• Listing and keyword tips to get found in Etsy search
• Pricing strategies so you actually make a profit
• Time-saving production and packaging systems
• How to stand out in a crowded market with your own style

Whether you want a small side hustle or a growing business, Sticker Shop 101 will give you the tools, systems, and confidence to make it happen.

Click here to join Sticker Shop 101 and start your Etsy sticker shop today!