The Best Platforms and Steps to Sell Your Product Design
Selling your product design can be a rewarding endeavor, but it's important to know the best platforms and steps to take in order to reach a broad audience and generate sales. Whether you have a unique handcrafted design or a product ready for market, there are several options available to you. In this article, we'll explore the most popular platforms and the crucial steps you should follow to get your design from your studio to the shelves of eager buyers.
Popular Platforms for Selling Product Design
Here are some of the top platforms for selling your product design:
Etsy
Keyword: unique handcrafted designs
Etsy is a marketplace where you can showcase and sell your unique, handcrafted goods. It's perfect for artisans and designers who enjoy creating one-of-a-kind pieces. With Etsy, you can reach a wide audience of customers who are looking for unique and artisanal products.
eBay
Keyword: diverse product types
eBay is an online marketplace where you can sell almost anything. With its diverse range of product types, this platform is ideal for sellers who want to reach a broad audience. Whether you're selling handmade items, custom clothing, or other unique products, eBay can help you find buyers.
Amazon Handmade
Keyword: custom and handmade items
Amazon Handmade is a platform where you can sell custom and handmade items directly to customers. It's a great option for artisanal designers who want to sell their unique creations on Amazon. With Amazon Handmade, you can showcase your designs and reach a wide audience of potential customers.
Redbubble
Keyword: print-on-demand designs
Redbubble is a platform where you can sell print-on-demand designs on a variety of products, such as apparel, home goods, and accessories. It's perfect for designers who want to create and sell their designs without the hassle of production and shipping. With Redbubble, you can focus on designing and let the platform handle the rest.
Society6
Keyword: art on various products
Society6 is a platform where artists can sell their designs on a variety of products, including furniture, home decor, and clothing. It's perfect for artists who want to showcase their work and reach a broad audience of potential customers. With Society6, you can focus on creating your designs and let the platform handle the rest.
Zazzle
Keyword: customizable products with your designs
Zazzle is an online marketplace where you can sell customizable products with your designs. It's perfect for designers who want to create and sell their designs on a variety of products, such as apparel, home goods, and accessories. With Zazzle, you can focus on designing and let the platform handle the rest.
Fiverr
Keyword: offer design services
Fiverr is a platform where you can offer your design services to clients. Whether you're a graphic designer, web developer, or copywriter, Fiverr can help you find clients and earn money for your services. With Fiverr, you can showcase your skills and reach a broad audience of potential clients.
Steps to Consider Before Selling Your Product Design
Before you start selling your product design, there are a few crucial steps you should consider:
Evaluation of the Product
Ask yourself if your product is ready for market. Is it just an idea or a physical product that has been made and tested? Selling a physical product may require industrial design expertise and even engineering. Manufacturing a product in quantity typically requires an investment in tooling, and selling it often requires an investment in marketing. Where to get the necessary funds is another question to consider.
Exploring Licensing Opportunities
Instead of selling your product yourself, you could sell or license the idea to a manufacturer who produces similar products. If your product can be patented, it might be worth it. Conduct basic research to determine the patentability of your idea. However, it's not always worthwhile to file a patent, especially if the costs are high, particularly for multiple countries.
Gathering Feedback
Before relying on yourself for an objective evaluation, show your idea to friends, colleagues, and anyone who might have valuable suggestions or comments. Inventors can be overly optimistic about their own ideas, so an outside perspective is often beneficial. If you are concerned about protecting your idea, have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
Considering Patents
If you choose to protect your idea with a patent, consider filing a provisional patent application. This can be a less expensive option to explore. However, keep in mind that patent protection can be complex and costly.
Conclusion
Selling your product design is a multifaceted process that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By exploring the best platforms available and following crucial steps, you can successfully market and sell your designs. Whether you choose to sell your product yourself or explore licensing opportunities, the key is to do your research and make informed decisions. Remember, reaching the market with a successful product design takes time, but with the right approach, you can turn your vision into a reality.