How to Sell on Zazzle

Zazzle.com is a great way for artists to market their work, after getting an account one simply uploads their artwork from the computer onto their zazzle account and you can begin designing products such as shoes, shirts, ties, and skateboards!

Its a great way to make a little extra cash and I have heard tell some people are actually able to make a living off of their zazzle shops! I'm not there yet, but I am working on it!

Some things to keep in mind while creating your products to sell on Zazzle is to be original, people buying online rather than in stores hope to find products that are unique, that you probably won't find anywhere else. Don't just use clipart or copy off of other designs you have seen!

Also always use alot of keywords when typing your descriptions in order for your products to be seen more on search engines. Make sure the keywords are relevant to your product though. Publicize your zazzle page as much as possible by networking and posting new product updates on your social network pages like facebook, myspace, and twitter. If people don't know you have a shop on zazzle then they can't buy stuff from it, so let everyone you know in on it! If you have your own webpage, be sure to list your zazzle store in your links there as well.

Make sure your Zazzle shop is organized and easy to navigate, use the category folders to separate different types of designs and products, if people can't find what they are looking for they will be less inclined to buy your products. Put your design on as many products as possible as long as the design makes sense and looks good on that product, you never know what people will buy, and sometimes its the product you least expect that you will sell.

Another way to advertise is to buy a few of your own shirts or products and make sure you put your web address for your shop on your products, then wear them. Carry them around, use them, and be your own walking advertisement!

What is Zazzle
Zazzle.com is an online retailer that allows users to create their own merchandise, or buy merchandise that was created by other zazzle members. Zazzle is the leading customized products marketplace for consumer enthusiasts to share and celebrate their interests by creating apparel, posters, cards, stamps and more. They combine on-demand manufacturing, a robust community, unmatched personalization tools to empower you to create your own products. In addition, you can choose to become a contributor by sharing your unique creations in Zazzle’s public galleries. Within these galleries, you can browse, comment and connect with others who share your interests. Contributors also earn royalties every time their creations are purchased by others. For anyone who wishes to create, wear, display, sell or celebrate their interests, Zazzle provides a compelling interactive marketplace to a worldwide audience.

Why Zazzle
The main reason why is that their services are completely free. They have the largest customizable product selection, they allow you to set your store royalty pricing, and they allow you to receive your payments through check or paypal.

Zazzle Tips

Be Creative and Original
Zazzle offers more than 32 million products. If you want to stand out you have to be creative. Stray away from clipart and other images already on the internet. The marketplace is flooded with clipart created products. Be sure to create your own images.

Be Organized
Create categories in the products section of your account settings before you create your products. When you are in the process of creating your products it will ask what category you would like them in your store. Categorizing your products makes it easier for your customers to find the ones they want. You can also select an image for your categories, as a preview of what products are in that section.


Image Resolution
It is recommended that you create your images with at least 200 pixels per inch or more. This ensures that the image can be printed to the actual size of the product, which is often 10 inches or more and is not printed blurry. Each product has its own specifications. To see a list of Zazzle's image guidelines click the link here - Image Guidelines.


Creating Products
To create a product on Zazzle first sign into your account. Hit the create button at the top of the page under the Zazzle logo. Choose which category of products you would like to create and then choose the product. A pop up page will show asking you to add an image or text. Add your image or text to the product and hit ok. You will now see a product with your image or text on it. Feel free to move your image to ensure the correct placement on the shirt. The default placement is center of the product. You want to ensure that your image or text fits the product well and is not cut off or missing anything. Once you are done creating hit the Post For Sale button that is in red text under the settings on the right side of the page. Add your title, description, and keywords. Select the category that best fits the product and the category where you would like your product to be on your store. Set your royalty and decide whether you want people to be able to customize your product or not. Then hit the post it button. If everything was done correctly you will see a page saying your product posted. It takes several minutes to several hours for your product to show up within your store, as Zazzle needs to ensure that everything was done correctly and fits its guidelines before it shows up on your stores page.


Design fits the product
One of the biggest mistakes new people make on Zazzle is their images do not fit the products. They are either too small or too big. Often times the image is not set right on the product and the image is cut off.  Be sure to read the Image Guidelines and to use the positioning tools when creating your products on the Zazzle page to ensure that your image fits the product correctly.

Promote your designs

Facebook, Twitter, and your own website are great places to start promoting your Zazzle store. Be sure to describe your store well and that you do not bombard your friends with promoting it. One or two links a day is plenty. Another great way to advertise your store is to order some of your own products to show to your friends and family. Often word of mouth is still the best and most effective form of advertising.


Acceptable Content Guidelines
It is very important that your designs adhere to the Zazzle guidelines. Stealing others artwork or infringing on copyrights is illegal and can get you in a lot of trouble and your products pulled from the marketplace. Below is the list of content guidelines provided by Zazzle.

To ensure that Zazzle continues to be enjoyed by everyone, we have a few rules that we ask for everyone to abide by. The following content is not permitted at Zazzle:
  • No text or images that infringe on any intellectual property rights including, but not limited to copyrights, trademarks and rights of privacy/publicity
  • No text or images of obscenity, pornography or nudity that is not artistic in nature
  • No text or images that encourage or glorify drug use/abuse
  • No excessive violence
  • No content that is libelous or defamatory
  • No content that can reasonably be viewed as harassing, threatening, or otherwise harmful
  • No hate speech
  • No content that can reasonably be viewed as discriminatory based upon race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability
  • No content that violates or encourages anyone else to violate any law
Any products that are deemed unacceptable by the rules above, or deemed offensive or in bad taste at the sole judgment of Zazzle will have the products cancelled and removed from the Marketplace with or without notice.