Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Society6?
- What is Print-On-Demand?
- Selling on Society6
- Buying on Society6
- How to sell your artwork on Society6
- Do artists make money on Society6?
- How much can you earn?
- So, is selling on Society6 worth it in 2024?
- New Membership Tiers on Society6
- Society6 vs. Other POD Platforms
- The Importance of Marketing Your Society6 Shop
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Introduction
In today’s digital age, the world of art has expanded beyond traditional galleries and exhibitions, opening up exciting new avenues for artists to showcase and sell their work. Print-on-demand (POD) services have emerged as a game-changer, offering a convenient and cost-effective way for artists to turn their creative visions into tangible products without the hassle of inventory management and shipping logistics. POD platforms like Society6 have gained significant popularity, providing a user-friendly interface and access to a large audience of potential buyers.
So, how what is society6 and how does it work? let’s dive right in.
What is Society6?
Society6 is a prominent print-on-demand platform that acts as a bridge between artists and customers. It empowers both established and aspiring artists to design and sell their artwork on a diverse range of products, including t-shirts, mugs, home decor items, phone cases, and much more. The company takes care of the entire production, fulfillment, and shipping process, allowing artists to focus on their creative endeavors.
What is Print-On-Demand?
Print-on-demand (POD) websites revolutionize the way artists sell their artwork by eliminating the need for upfront investment in inventory and handling the complexities of shipping and handling. When a customer orders a product featuring your design, the POD platform prints, packages, and ships the item directly to the buyer. This model offers flexibility and scalability, allowing artists to experiment with different designs and products without the risk of financial losses.
Selling on Society6
Society6 is a popular choice for artists seeking to establish an online presence and monetize their creativity. Its wide selection of products, user-friendly interface, and built-in audience make it an attractive option for both beginners and seasoned professionals. However, it’s essential to consider the platform’s features, pros, and cons to determine if it aligns with your specific goals and preferences.
One of the primary advantages of Society6 is its ability to connect artists with a vast pool of potential buyers who are actively seeking unique and artistic products. The platform’s marketplace attracts a diverse customer base interested in various art styles and themes, providing ample opportunities to showcase your creativity and find your target audience.
As a POD service, Society6 takes care of the logistical aspects of selling, allowing artists to focus on creating and promoting their artwork. This means you don’t have to worry about printing, packing, or shipping your products, which can be particularly beneficial for artists who are new to selling online or who lack the resources to manage these tasks independently.
Moreover, Society6 simplifies the product creation process by automatically applying your artwork to multiple products based on the pixel dimensions of your uploaded design. This feature saves time and effort, allowing you to quickly expand your product offerings without having to manually adjust and optimize your artwork for each individual item.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the drawbacks of Society6 as well. One significant limitation is the inability to directly communicate with customers. While this eliminates the need to handle customer service inquiries and returns, it also prevents artists from building personal relationships with their buyers and fostering a loyal following.
Another concern for artists is the lack of comprehensive shop insights and analytics. Society6 currently provides limited data, primarily focusing on earnings and best-selling items. The absence of detailed information on traffic sources, customer demographics, and search terms can hinder artists’ ability to understand their audience, optimize their shop, and effectively target their marketing efforts.
Additionally, artists have reported issues with slow servers, particularly when uploading high-resolution artwork. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially for those who frequently update their shops or have a large number of designs.
Buying on Society6
To fully grasp the potential of Society6, it’s helpful to experience the platform from the customer’s perspective. This allows you to understand the buying process, evaluate the product quality, and gain insights into the customer experience. Society6 boasts a global network of vendors, ensuring that products are manufactured and shipped from locations closer to buyers, which can help expedite delivery times and reduce shipping costs.
Customer reviews offer valuable feedback on the platform’s strengths and weaknesses. While Society6 has a diverse range of unique and artist-created products and a convenient online shopping experience, its reviews are mixed. Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with shipping costs, material quality, and the absence of direct communication with artists. Addressing these concerns can help artists improve their product descriptions, set realistic expectations, and enhance the overall customer experience.
How to sell your artwork on Society6
Getting started on Society6 is straightforward and requires a few essential elements:
- A valid email address
- A PayPal account
- High-quality designs ready to be uploaded
Setting up an account is rather simple:
1. Create an account & add your profile info type
Choose a unique and memorable username for your shop URL. Be cautious when entering your username, as it cannot be changed later. Double-check for typos and ensure it accurately reflects your brand or artistic identity.
2. Set up and verify your PayPal
Society6 exclusively uses PayPal for artist payouts. Ensure you have a PayPal account set up and linked to your Society6 profile. During the verification process, you may be charged a small fee, which is typically refunded later.
3. Uploading your artwork
Society6 emphasizes high-quality artwork to maintain the integrity of its products. Upload your designs in the highest resolution possible, adhering to the platform’s file size limitations. Be aware that uploading large files may take time, depending on your internet connection and device.
4. Enter the artwork details and tags
Provide a clear and descriptive title for your artwork, along with relevant tags and a detailed description. These elements help potential buyers discover your work through searches and browsing.
5. Activate your products
Browse through the extensive catalog of products offered by Society6 and select the items you want to feature your artwork on. You can easily toggle products ON or OFF to control your shop’s offerings. The platform’s auto-application feature will automatically apply your design to compatible products based on your artwork’s pixel dimensions.
6. Edit your products
Customize the appearance of your artwork on each product by accessing the product edit page. Here, you can adjust the image scaling, placement, and overall presentation to ensure it complements the specific product. Don’t forget to save your changes before leaving the edit page.
7. Edit your prices
While Society6 sets fixed prices for most products, artists can adjust markups for art prints, framed prints, and canvas prints. This allows for greater control over profit margins and pricing strategies for specific items.
8. Publish and promote your artwork
Once you’ve finalized your designs, products, and pricing, hit the publish button to make your artwork available for purchase. After publishing, focus on actively promoting your shop to drive traffic and generate sales. Leverage social media, create a dedicated website or blog, and explore Society6’s affiliate program to expand your reach and attract potential buyers.
Do artists make money on Society6?
Society6 provides a platform for artists to earn passive income from their artwork. However, it’s important to note that the earning potential on Society6, as with any POD platform, is directly influenced by the visibility and sales of your products. The more traffic you drive to your shop and the more effectively you market your designs, the higher your earning potential will be.
Society6 processes artist payouts on a monthly basis. However, earnings go through a 30-day “clearance period” before they are eligible for payout. This means it can take up to two months from the time of a sale to receive your earnings.
How much can you earn?
Society6 typically offers artists a 10% commission on the retail price of most products sold. The exception to this is art prints and canvas prints, where artists earn a fixed profit based on their markup. While this commission rate may seem low compared to selling artwork independently, it’s essential to remember that Society6 handles the production, fulfillment, and customer service aspects of each sale, eliminating costs and effort for the artist.
To earn a substantial income on Society6, you need to generate a significant volume of sales. This requires a well-defined marketing strategy and consistent effort to promote your shop and drive traffic. Consider exploring various marketing channels, such as social media, blogging, advertising, and collaborations, to reach a wider audience and maximize your earning potential.
So, is selling on society6 worth it in 2024?
Determining whether selling on Society6 is worthwhile in 2024 depends on your individual goals and expectations as an artist. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to dip your toes into the world of print-on-demand and earn some passive income, Society6 can be a great starting point. Its user-friendly interface, wide product selection, and built-in audience make it an accessible option for artists of all levels.
However, it’s essential to approach the platform with realistic expectations and understand that earning a substantial income requires dedication, effort, and a solid marketing strategy. While Society6 offers a convenient way to sell your artwork on various products, it’s crucial to consider the platform’s limitations, such as the fixed commission rate on most products, the absence of detailed shop analytics, and the inability to directly communicate with customers.
New Membership Tiers on Society6
In recent years, Society6 implemented a tiered membership system, offering a free plan and two paid options: Basic and Pro. This move has been met with mixed reactions from the artist community, with some appreciating the added features and flexibility of the paid plans, while others have expressed concerns about the limitations of the free tier and the impact on artists who rely on the platform for income.
The free plan on Society6 allows artists to upload a limited number of designs (10) and provides a fixed commission rate of 10% on all sales. While this may be sufficient for artists who are just starting out or those who don’t have a large volume of designs, it can be restrictive for those who want to expand their product offerings or earn a higher commission rate.
The Basic and Pro plans offer more design slots, customizable pricing options, access to trend reports and analytics, and exclusive discounts. These features can be beneficial for artists who are serious about growing their Society6 business and maximizing their earning potential. However, it’s important to weigh the costs of these plans against the potential benefits to determine if they align with your budget and overall business strategy.
Society6 vs. Other POD Platforms
Society6 is just one of many print-on-demand platforms available to artists. Each platform has its own unique features, pros, and cons, so it’s essential to compare and contrast different options to find the best fit for your individual needs and goals. Here’s a brief overview of how Society6 stacks up against some of its competitors:
Redbubble:
- Very similar to Society6 in terms of products and features
- Doesn’t require PayPal verification, offering more payment options
- Offers a higher base commission rate of 20%, but also has a tiered membership system with varying commission rates.
Printful:
- Doesn’t have its own marketplace, but integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce, giving you more control over your branding and customer interactions.
- Offers both free and paid plans, with paid plans providing additional features and lower production costs.
Etsy:
- A popular and high-traffic marketplace, but also highly competitive, requiring a more proactive approach to marketing and standing out from the crowd.
- Not solely focused on print-on-demand products, offering a wider range of handmade and vintage items.
- Charges listing fees and transaction fees, which can eat into your profits.
Zazzle:
- Known for its wide range of customizable products, including a diverse selection of apparel, home decor, and stationery.
- Offers a base commission rate of 15%, with the option to earn higher commissions through volume-based pricing tiers.
- Can have a higher tax rate for artists depending on their location.
The Importance of Marketing Your Society6 Shop
Regardless of which print-on-demand platform you choose, marketing is crucial for success. Simply uploading your designs and waiting for sales to roll in is unlikely to yield significant results. You need to actively promote your shop, drive traffic to your listings, and engage with potential buyers.
Here are some effective marketing strategies for your Society6 shop:
- Social Media Marketing: Leverage platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your artwork, engage with your followers, and direct them to your Society6 shop. Use relevant hashtags, create eye-catching visuals, and run targeted ads to reach a wider audience.
- Content Marketing: Start a blog or create a website to share your artistic journey, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, and showcase your Society6 products in context. Provide valuable content related to your art style, niche, or target audience to attract organic traffic and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list and send out regular newsletters to your subscribers, highlighting your new designs, sales, and promotions. Offer exclusive discounts and content to encourage signups and foster a loyal following.
- Society6 Affiliate Program: Become a Society6 affiliate and earn commissions by referring buyers to other artists’ work. Include affiliate links on your website, blog, or social media channels to generate passive income and promote the platform’s diverse range of products.
- Collaborations: Partner with other artists, influencers, or brands to cross-promote each other’s work and reach new audiences. Collaborations can be mutually beneficial, expanding your reach and bringing fresh perspectives to your content.
FAQ Section
1. How do I get paid on Society6?
Society6 pays artists through PayPal on a monthly basis. However, earnings are subject to a 30-day “clearance period” to account for potential returns or payment processing.
2. What kind of art sells best on Society6?
Popular art styles and themes on Society6 vary, but generally, designs that are visually appealing, trendy, and versatile tend to perform well. Abstract art, minimalist designs, nature-inspired artwork, typography, and illustrations are all popular choices, often finding success on home decor, apparel, and everyday accessories.
3. Can I sell copyrighted characters or fan art on Society6?
No, Society6 strictly prohibits the use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Selling fan art or designs featuring copyrighted characters is a violation of their terms of service and can result in account suspension or legal action.
4. How long does it take to get verified on Society6?
The verification process on Society6 typically involves linking your PayPal account, and it can take a few business days to complete.
5. Can I use Society6 if I don’t have PayPal?
At this time, Society6 requires a PayPal account for artist payouts. If you don’t have a PayPal account or live in a country that doesn’t support PayPal, you may need to consider alternative POD platforms that offer different payment options.
6. Is Society6 better than Etsy for selling art?
Both Society6 and Etsy have their pros and cons, and the best platform for you depends on your specific goals, preferences, and product offerings. Society6 focuses solely on print-on-demand products, making it a simpler setup process with no listing fees. Etsy, on the other hand, is a broader marketplace with a larger customer base and more opportunities for direct customer interaction, but also with higher competition and associated fees.
Conclusion
Society6 offers a valuable opportunity for artists to explore the world of print-on-demand and earn passive income from their creativity. It’s a user-friendly platform with a vast audience of potential buyers and a wide range of products to choose from. However, it’s essential to approach the platform with realistic expectations, understand the importance of marketing, and continuously evaluate your progress to ensure it aligns with your overall artistic goals. By embracing effective marketing strategies, diversifying your product offerings, and engaging with your audience, you can increase your chances of success on Society6 and turn your artistic passion into a thriving online business.