How To Make Stickers To Sell: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

You don’t need to be an artist to make stickers to sell online. With the right tools and a reliable outlet to sell them, anyone can start their own sticker business. 

“Stickers are a way to express who you are and introduce yourself to the world of what you’re interested in, and your culture as well,” says Remi Silva, cofounder at Blank Tag, on an episode of Shopify Masters. 

Whether customers want to customize their water bottles, personalize their phone cases, or easily identify their suitcases at baggage claim, custom stickers provide an affordable way to transform everyday objects. 

This guide covers how to make stickers to sell online, from file specifications and material selection to pricing formulas and platform strategies.

Ready to start your business? Create your website today or learn more about Shopify’s tools for selling online and in person.

Can you make money selling stickers?

Yes, selling stickers is still an affordable business idea. With a global sticker market valued at $4.88 billion in 2025 and an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.81%, the sticker industry remains a reliable option.

This market expansion isn’t the only reason selling stickers online could be profitable for you. Stickers are affordable to print and ship, take up little to no space (depending on your manufacturing method), and can be designed by pretty much anyone using the right software. 

If you already have your own website, adding stickers to your product lineup requires little overhead cost. 

Sticker business profitability 

Sticker businesses can have high percentage margins, but the actual dollar profit per order is often small. That means your profitability will depend on how you structure your product listings and manage costs. Here are a few ways to increase your take-home profit:

• Sell bundles or sticker packs. When you factor in printing, packaging, and handling costs, selling single stickers can quickly eat into your margins. Offering mix-and-match bundles (like “choose any four”) or themed packs increases your average order value (AOV) and makes each order more profitable.
• Pass shipping costs to the customer (below a threshold). Mailing stickers is inexpensive, but the cost adds up across many orders. Consider offering free shipping only once customers reach a minimum spend.
• Raise order value with limited editions or premium finishes. Specialty options like holographic vinyl, weatherproof or dishwasher-safe coatings, or limited-run designs can justify higher prices.
• Add low-cost upsells at checkout. Offer small add-ons like mini stickers or mystery extras right before purchase. These are inexpensive to produce, but can meaningfully increase average cart totals.

How to make stickers

1. Design your stickers
2. Use design software to create stickers
3. Choose a sticker material and finish
4. Print your stickers
5. Cut your stickers

Before you start designing your stickers, it’s important to consider how you’ll produce them. Your printing method affects not only your file setup and materials, but also your costs, margins, and how fast you can fulfill orders once you start selling. 

There are three main options for making stickers:

• Print at home. Best for beginners testing designs in small batches.
• Work with a professional printer. Ideal for larger runs or when you want consistent, high-quality results.
• Use a print-on-demand service.Print on demand (POD) is great if you want to sell online without handling inventory or shipping yourself.

Once you’ve chosen your production model, you’re ready to start creating high-quality, sellable products:

1. Design your stickers

Designing stickers is more than arranging images and text. Your job is to know your audience well enough to understand what images and designs will resonate and sell. For instance, designs for kids might be playful and colorful, while something for business use might need a sleeker, more professional look.

Most stickers are made using illustration apps or graphic design software. This helps in laying out images and text, and ensuring that your designs are cut-friendly for machines like Cricut or similar devices.

Since stickers generally come in small sizes, keep your design elements visually simple. A clear and straightforward design means your message or image will be understood quickly and easily.

Choose fonts that are legible and that contrast well with the background. Opt for high-contrast colors to help your stickers stand out and grab attention, even from a distance (think bumper stickers). Remember, colors evoke different emotions and reactions, so think about the psychological impact your color choices might have.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape of your stickers and your sticker type. Moving away from the standard rectangles and circles can make your creation more eye-catching and memorable. If you go with a unique sticker shape, a clear border is essential. This helps printers detect the edges of your design and make complex cuts successfully.

For common sticker sizes, here are some starting dimensions:

• Small stickers (two inches by two inches or three inches by three inches). Great for logos and simple graphics. Keep text minimal so it stays legible.
• Medium stickers (four inches by four inches to five inches by five inches). Enough room for slogans or short taglines alongside a graphic.
• Large stickers (six inches by six inches and up). Best for detailed illustrations or designs meant to be seen from a distance.

2. Use design software to create stickers

• Procreate
• Adobe Illustrator
• Canva

Once your designs are ready, the next step is preparing them for printing. If you’ve drawn your stickers by hand, you can upload high-resolution scans. Or, you can upload scans of physical artwork to make stickers from your paintings or illustrations.

The most important thing to keep in mind when uploading images is resolution. Uploaded assets should be the same size or larger than sticker dimensions, and a minimum of 300 pixels per inch (ppi).

File prep checklist for print-ready stickers

Before sending your design to a printer or uploading it to a POD app, there are seven attributes you’ll want to check. Here’s a handy checklist: 

• Color profile. Use CMYK (not RGB) for accurate print colors.
• Resolution. Minimum 300 ppi at the final sticker size.
• File format. PDF, AI, EPS, or high-res PNG (check your printer’s requirements).
• Bleed. Add at least a 0.125-inch (three millimeter) bleed on all sides so artwork prints to the edge without white gaps.
• Safe zone. Keep important text and images at least 0.125 inches (three millimeters) inside the cut line to avoid trimming errors.
• Cut line. Include a visible outline (stroke) if you want custom shapes or die cuts.
• Backgrounds. For clear stickers, use a transparent background file (usually PNG).

Here are some popular sticker-design software options:

Procreate 

Procreate is an illustration program for iOS tablets. Using the Apple Pencil, you can draw, color, and add texture to digital images.

One of Procreate’s most popular features is the ability to upload custom brushes that mimic the look of specific pens, pencils, and other drawing tools. You can also add grain and blemishes to give your stickers a handmade feel.

Once you’re done, it’s simple to save your art in a high-resolution file format and export it for further editing or printing.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is professional graphic design software. You can create premium stickers and intricate designs using its extensive tools and features.

With Illustrator, you can create vector-based artwork, add text, apply effects, and export your designs in different formats.

For a free, entry-level sticker-making tool, try Adobe Express. It has pre-made sticker sheets and templates with editable text, colors, and graphics.

Canva

Canva is a good option for sticker beginners. Users can choose from a range of customizable templates tailored for making stickers, or start from a blank page. There’s an extensive library of fonts, images, and shapes to create your design.

Canva also offers a sticker printing service, making it easy to get your stickers made.

3. Choose a sticker material and finish

Your choice of sticker material will affect how your creations look and feel. The printing material you use should also match the intended use of your stickers.

For example, stickers designed for car bumpers need a tough, weather-resistant finish, while notebook stickers are usually printed using affordable paper stock.

It’s important to find the right balance in stickability to ensure stickers stay put without causing damage. Use high-tack adhesive when stickers are intended for rough surfaces like wood or plastic, and low-tack adhesive for removable decals.

Your choice of adhesive will play a big role in the quality of your stickers. Negative reviews about stickers quickly peeling off can harm your business’s reputation. Always be sure to read reviews of printing material from sticker manufacturers to ensure adhesive quality.

Here are some of the most common types of sticker paper, finishes, and their use cases. It’s a good idea to experiment with different finishes before committing:

Vinyl

Vinyl is one of the most popular printing materials for stickers, thanks to its durability and weather resistance. Vinyl stickers can have a glossy or matte finish, and are plastic-based. 

Compared to paper stickers, vinyl can withstand increased exposure to moisture, making it suitable for stickers on water bottles, lunchboxes, phone cases, or outdoor items.

Trends toward greener stickers are growing, with 30% of customers preferring biodegradable vinyl. If you’re looking to produce more eco-friendly stickers, brands like Juke Box Print offer Greenguard-certified sticker options. 

Matte 

Another popular printing option is matte paper. Unlike vinyl, matte sticker paper is paper-based. Along with lower costs, matte finishes are known for their ability to showcase fine details. The lack of glare and reflection allows better clarity.

If you’re printing stickers on matte paper but want a glossy finish, you can apply a sheet of self-adhering laminate to the matte sticker. This creates shine and provides an extra layer of protection.

Holographic and prismatic

Holographic stickers are made from a material that refracts light to create a shifting rainbow-like effect.

Similarly, prismatic stickers have a multifaceted surface that reflects light in various directions to produce sparkles.

Mirrored

Mirrored stickers have a reflective surface, usually made from a metallic or chrome material. They’re attention-grabbing and unique, making them popular for creative and promotional purposes.

Clear 

Clear stickers are made from a transparent material, such as clear vinyl or polyester, providing a seamless appearance when applied to surfaces. They’re commonly used for window decals and items that require washing or exposure to the elements, such as water bottles and outdoor equipment.

4. Print your stickers

Once your designs are ready, it’s time to bring them to life. Most sticker makers choose between printing at home, using a professional printer, or working with a print-on-demand (POD) service.

How to print stickers at home

Printing at home gives you full creative control. You can offer more designs in your store, without having to keep a large inventory. But running your sticker business from home does require some trial and error to get the printing and cutting process right.

To print physical stickers at home, all you’ll need is adhesive paper. You can find this paper at craft stores, office supply stores, or online retailers. Make sure the paper you choose is compatible with your printer, whether it’s inkjet or laser.

After printing, use a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette to cut around the stickers and create the final product.

Professional sticker printing

Another option is to pay a company to print your stickers for you. Online services like StickerApp, Sticker Mule, and Sticker Giant are popular and generally well reviewed. You can also use local printers that may provide faster service.

After you’ve uploaded your design and selected materials and finish, the company takes care of printing, cutting, and mailing the stickers to you. This option is especially useful if you have a high volume of orders and don’t have the time or equipment to print them at home. 

Keep in mind that you won’t see the final product until it arrives. You’ll also pay for batches of stickers upfront. The cost per sticker decreases as you order more, so you’ll have to decide whether to order a large quantity at a lower cost per sticker, or pay more for a smaller quantity.

Many printing companies offer sample packs, which can help you compare finishes and adhesive types before committing to a large order.

Print-on-demand (POD) stickers

If you’d rather not manage inventory or shipping, a print-on-demand service lets you upload your designs and automatically fulfill orders as they come in. Shopify apps like Printful or Printify handle everything, from printing and cutting to sending orders directly to your customer, under your brand name. One of the biggest benefits of a POD model is that you won’t have to hold inventory and invest in products before they sell. 

If you choose this option, make sure to order a sample so you can review the finished product before offering it to your customers.

How the POD workflow works

1. Upload your design. Create a high-res file following your POD provider’s specs (usually 300 ppi, CMYK, with bleed). 
2. Sync with your store. Use a Shopify POD app like Printful, Printify, or Gooten to connect your designs to product listings.
3. The customer places an order. The order automatically routes to the POD provider.
4. Printing and fulfillment. The provider prints, cuts, and ships the sticker to your customer under your brand.
5. You get paid. You keep the difference between your retail price and the POD base cost.

Easy Shopify integration

• Install a POD app from the Shopify App Store.
• Choose “stickers” from the provider’s product catalog.
• Upload your design files and preview mockups.
• Set your retail price, product description, and shipping options.
• Publish directly to your Shopify storefront.

Within minutes, you can list new sticker designs without touching inventory or packaging.

Keep an eye on margins

POD services simplify fulfillment, but reduce control over materials and pricing. Your profit depends on pricing smartly. Here’s a quick formula you can use:

Retail price – POD base cost – Shopify transaction fees = Your profit margin

For example:

• POD base cost per sticker: $2.50
• Retail price you set: $6.00
• Shopify + payment fees: 50¢
• Profit margin = $3.00 (50%) per sticker

5. Cut your stickers

When it comes to cutting stickers, there are two main methods: die cut and kiss cut.

Die cut 

A die-cutting machine uses a blade to cut stickers according to a programmed pathway, set using software. These machines can cut precise shapes out of paper and other materials, cutting both the sticker and its backing.

Die cutting allows stickers to be cut exactly to the shape of your design, whether it’s a simple circle or square, or the delicate leaves of an illustrated plant.

Two of the most popular die-cutting machines for sticker production are the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo.

Use die cutting if you’re making:

• Standalone stickers sold individually or in small packs
• Custom shapes where the outline itself adds impact
• Designs intended as giveaways, event swag, or brand merch, since they look polished and professional

Kiss cut

Kiss cutting is a technique where the cut is made through the top sticker layer, but not the paper backing. When the kiss cut stickers are removed, the backing and border remain intact. This method is often used to create sticker sheets containing multiple designs.

Use kiss cutting for:

• Sticker sheets that include several designs on one backing
• Bundling themed sets (e.g., seasonal icons, product line illustrations)
• Stickers with fragile or fine details, since the backing provides extra protection until the sticker is removed

How to sell stickers online

1. Select a platform to sell stickers
2. Price your stickers
3. Market your stickers
4. Ship your stickers

Once your stickers are printed and cut, you’re ready to start selling. In order to sell stickers online, you’ll need to select a platform, price your stickers, photograph them, write listing descriptions, market them, and ship them out to your customers. 

When you’re ready to set up shop, there are a few ways to sell your stickers. You can build an online store to sell stickers directly to customers. Or you can use a marketplace where customers shop for stickers, like Etsy or Redbubble.

Whichever sales channel you choose, you’ll also need to price your stickers and market them. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Select a platform to sell stickers

You can sell stickers using an online store or by creating an account with a marketplace. Or, combine both––open an online shop with Shopify and start an Etsy store––to reach the widest audience. Here are some popular sales platforms that make it easy to start selling online:

Shopify 

If you want to create a brand to promote your stickers and have the opportunity to expand your product line, the best choice is to start an online store.

Shopify makes it easy to choose a business name, create a professional-looking website, secure a domain name, and serve customers with a safe and secure checkout.

You can also link your store to sales and marketing channels. For example, you can connect your store to Facebook and Instagram, allowing you to show ads to potential customers and let them shop directly from their favorite app.

Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace for crafters and resellers. It’s one of the most popular places to sell stickers online.

When you sign up for Etsy, you get a basic storefront where you can list your stickers and reach an existing audience of shoppers who already love creative goods. Good Etsy SEO hygiene is key to success on the platform. The more optimized your listings are, the more likely they are to show up in search results. 

However, Etsy has stiff competition and fees. There’s a 20¢ fee for each new product listing, and a 6.5% commission fee on sales. When you’re selling stickers that may cost only a few dollars, those fees can cut into your profits.

Etsy also has few customization options, which can make it challenging for your storefront to stand out, so you’ll need to be strategic to make an impact on conversion.

Many sticker creators use Shopify and Etsy to sell their stickers across locations and get the benefits of both platforms. Whether you’re using Etsy or Shopify, you’ll need to optimize your product descriptions and product photography so that people searching for stickers can find you.

Sticker marketplaces

Websites like Redbubble and Society6 handle the printing and shipping of stickers whenever a customer places an order. It’s a hassle-free way to sell sticker designs without much admin work.

The downside is that you have limited control over the production process. This may make sense if you’re creating stickers to sell as a side hustle, but the potential for profit is also lower. Because the website takes care of production and shipping, you receive only a fraction of the sale price, which means your profit per sticker may be cents rather than dollars.

POD marketplaces can be a good way to test your stickers to see if they generate interest. When you’re ready to start a full business, you can build your own website.

Many sticker creators use multiple sales channels to reach as many customers as possible. With Shopify, you can connect your online store to marketplaces to sell across channels from one place.

2. Price your stickers

Pricing your products is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It affects how profitable your business is and how customers perceive your brand. It’s a good idea to look at other sticker shops to compare their prices with your own and get a general idea of competitor pricing.

Remember to factor in all business costs, including the cost of materials, labor, and packaging to ensure a strong profit margin. Shopify’s profit margin calculator can help you make an informed decision.

Also, consider your experience and artistic talent. If you’re new to selling stickers, you might want to sell them at a discount while your reputation grows. Established creators with strong brands or unique art styles can command higher prices and healthier margins.

3. Market your stickers

Once your shop is live, focus on marketing to grow visibility and encourage repeat sales. Effective promotion helps your stickers get noticed by your target audience, and turns casual browsers into loyal customers.

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok likely will be your first port of call for showcasing your sticker designs.

Here are some simple social media marketing strategies to consider:

• Post eye-catching content that references your products.
• Engage with your followers through likes and replies.
• Run paid ads to increase your account’s visibility.
• Partner with popular influencers who have an audience that aligns with your target market.
• Organize giveaways and encourage participants to tag their friends for a chance to win.
• Team up with other artists and businesses to create joint sticker packs and promote each other’s products.

To boost your average order value, try bundling stickers by theme—for example, grouping related designs into seasonal packs or hobby-based collections.

✨Tip: Consider renting booth space at local markets to sell your stickers and connect with customers in person. 

4. Ship your stickers 

One of the best things about selling stickers is the ease of shipping. For an average order, all you’ll need is a stamp—which also keeps costs low for customers.

To ensure your stickers arrive in good condition, use rigid mailers or envelopes with sturdy cardstock inside. Some sellers add a Do Not Bend sticker on the envelope for added protection.

Sticker shops are known for creating fun packaging that makes receiving your order feel like getting a heartfelt gift. It’s common to include a short, handwritten thank you card or a branded sticker with each order.

Some sellers also get creative with packaging, using materials like branded tissue paper. But when you’re shipping stickers remember to keep your overhead costs in check. There’s no point in beautiful packaging that eats up your profits.

Finding sticker inspiration

Figuring out what your stickers should look like can be one of the most exciting—and challenging—parts of starting your business. With countless possibilities, your first task is to narrow down a brand and style, so that your designs have a recognizable identity and personality.

With so many sticker creators, finding a unique idea is a must. Find your sticker style by diving into:

• Hobbies and interests. Use your knowledge of sports, animals, or music to create detailed designs that will satisfy fans.
• Artistic styles. Explore minimalistic, hand-drawn, or retro stickers to find inspiration for your own designs.
• Niches. Identify niche markets that are passionate about their cause, like gamers, gardeners, or dog owners.
• DIY and craft culture. Craft stickers that your customers can use to adorn notebooks, scrapbooks, daily planners, and cards. 

For Ilona Lin, founder of sticker and stationery brand Milkteanco, sticker inspiration came from her cat, Milkie. 

Initially, she created a cute cartoon version of him to apply to stickers and other small items. Later, she remixed her design into a range of decals and branded products. Ilona’s creative storytelling and consistent visual identity helped her build a loyal audience of fans who love her whimsical style.

Christine Lee, owner of Created by Christine, took inspiration from her day job as a first-grade teacher, and counts many educators among her customers.

“Positivity is a big thing about me, and it’s my center of gravity in my classroom. So I’m always pulling out positive quotes,” she says.

How do they sell their stickers?

Both Christine and Ilona started by selling their stickers on Etsy before growing their sales by launching their own Shopify sticker stores.

Each creator takes a different approach to making custom vinyl stickers. Ilona tried outsourcing production to a printer and supplier, but didn’t like having less control over quality. Christine started her business by printing at home, but now uses a variety of third-party printers to print large quantities of stickers.

“In the beginning, when I received an order, I could just make it,” Christine says. “The business grew over time, and it was getting a little bit hard to manage all that, so I slowly made the transition.”

Ilona packages all her orders with custom wrapping and extra stickers. This makes her deliveries memorable and special, but she also orders supplies in bulk to keep costs down. She keeps a budget sheet to make sure she’s not overspending.

To find inspiration and understand your competitors, be sure to browse as many competitor websites as possible and note what stands out. Use those insights to refine your own ideas—but be careful never to copy someone else’s work.

Sticker business trends

Like every ecommerce market, the sticker business is impacted by trends. Some of the current trends to help you stay ahead of the curve are:

• The personalized stickers market is forecasted to grow from $4.84 billion in 2025 to $8.45 billion by 2035.
• “Stickers” made the list of the top 10 most searched keywords on Etsy in November 2025.
• Environmental concerns impact nearly 30% of consumer preference against non-biodegradable vinyl. Eco-friendly vinyl now represents nearly 30% of offerings.

Stickers can help you celebrate a passion, tell your story, or promote your business. Whatever your stickers look like, try to develop a distinctive visual style that makes your brand instantly recognizable. 

When you’re ready to turn your creativity into a business, you can open an online store to bring your sticker brand to life. From design and product listings to checkout and shipping, Shopify gives you everything you need to sell online or in person in one place.