How to Sell Prints Internationally with Print on Demand (POD)

To sell prints internationally is to open up a world of opportunities for your art business. It allows you to reach a broader audience and increase your sales potential. However, it can also be daunting due to the complexities involved. Fortunately, Print on Demand (POD) services have simplified this process, making it easier for artists to share their work with the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of how to sell internationally, the costs involved, and how POD can be a game-changer for artists.

Why do artists want to sell internationally?

Selling prints internationally allows artists to tap into new markets and reach a global audience. This can significantly boost an artist’s visibility and sales. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to connect with diverse cultures and art lovers who appreciate different styles and perspectives. By selling internationally, artists can also diversify their income streams, reducing reliance on local sales and increasing financial stability.

How does the process of selling internationally look like?

Selling art internationally involves several steps. First, you need to decide on the platforms you’ll use to sell your prints. This could be through your own website, online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon, or specialized art platforms like Olasty.

Next, you need to consider the logistics. This includes printing, packaging, and shipping your artwork to different countries. You would have to maintain good quality across your products, this involves finding the right materials as well as packaging. You’ll also need to navigate customs regulations and ensure your prints are delivered safely and on time.

Marketing is another crucial aspect when wanting to sell prints internationally. Promoting your art to an international audience requires a strategic approach. This might involve social media marketing, SEO, and engaging with art communities around the world.

Finally, customer service is essential. You must be prepared to handle inquiries, process orders, and address any issues that arise during shipping. Providing excellent customer service can help build a loyal international customer base which converts to recurring clients.

The costs that come with selling prints internationally

Shipping certainly is one of the most significant expenses. International shipping rates can be high, and you’ll need to factor in packaging materials to protect your prints during transit. Artists are usually constrained by how expensive it gets when shipping large artworks.

Another big factor to the cost of shipping is the weight. Your artwork has to be protected, as gathered by many artists speaking on online forums, shipping framed art actually -almost- doubles the weight of the artwork, so does the price!. Additionally, the foam to protect the frame and the multiple layers of clipboard could actually add some more weight resulting in an expensive shipping cost.

Customs duties and taxes can also add to the costs making it harder to sell at reasonable prices.
In fact, different countries have different regulations, and you may need to pay import duties or VAT. It is essential to research these costs beforehand to avoid surprises. Use this calculator to have an idea on how much it might cost for the countries you are shipping to.

Fortunately , artists don’t have to worry about all of that, especially as they are just getting started. Print on demand could be a good place to start from as it saves artists the trouble of managing an inventory.

What is print on demand (POD)?

Print on Demand (POD) is a service that allows artists to create art and sell them in many forms without maintaining an inventory. With POD, your artwork is manufactured only when an order is placed. This eliminates the need for upfront investment in large print runs and reduces the risk of unsold inventory.

POD companies handle the printing, packaging, and shipping of your prints. They often integrate with your online store or marketplace, making the process seamless for both you and your customers. This allows you to focus on creating art while the POD service takes care of the logistics regardless of where your customers are located. At Olasty we integrate with Prodigy and we have a guide post on how to create orders on Prodigy.

How does print on demand solve the problem of selling overseas?

Print on Demand makes it simple to sell art internationally. Since POD companies have facilities around the globe, they can print and ship your artwork from the location closest to your customer. This reduces shipping costs and delivery times, making it more attractive for international buyers.

POD also handles customs and import duties, ensuring your prints reach your customers without additional hassles. This allows you to offer a smooth purchasing experience to your international customers.

By using POD, you can also test different markets without significant financial risk. You can offer your prints to a global audience without worrying about producing and storing large quantities of inventory.

What are some of the great benefits of selling using POD?

One of the main benefits of POD is the reduced financial risk. Since prints are only produced when an order is placed, you don’t need to invest in large print runs or storage space. This makes it accessible for artists at any stage of their career.

Additionally, POD also offers convenience. The service handles printing, packaging, and shipping, freeing up your time to focus on creating art. This can significantly reduce the workload associated with managing an online store.

Another benefit is the ability to offer a wide range of products. Many POD services allow you to print your artwork on various items, such as posters, canvases, apparel, and home decor. This can help you reach different customer segments and increase your sales potential.

POD services often integrate with popular online platforms, making it easy to set up your store and start selling. This streamlines the process and helps you reach a global audience quickly.

While POD offers many advantages, it also has some drawbacks.

What are some of the drawbacks to using POD?

One of the main challenges is the lower profit margins. Since POD companies handle the production and logistics, they take a cut of each sale. This can reduce your overall earnings compared to selling directly.

More importantly, quality control can also be an issue. Since you’re not handling the production, you rely on the POD service to maintain high standards. It’s essential to choose a reputable POD provider to ensure your prints meet your expectations. Unfortunately products quality vary between providers, so prior sample orders is advised to ensure the quality meets your customers expectations. If you sell your artwork on clothes, Topstitch is a well-known provider with high quality products.

Shipping times can vary depending on the location of the POD facility and your customer’s address. While POD reduces shipping costs and times compared to shipping from your own location, there can still be delays that affect customer satisfaction. You should look for providers with whom you would be confident your products will arrive in time and in their best form.

Lastly, customization options may be limited with POD services. While you can offer a variety of products, there might be restrictions on the types of materials or sizes available. This can limit your ability to offer unique or specialized prints. A good work around though is to offer different customizations to your products using different POD providers. You can do that by combining the best offered customizations of the same product by different providers.

How can I utilize POD to grow my sales numbers?

Offering a diverse range of products can boost sales. By providing prints on different mediums and items, you can cater to various customer preferences and increase your revenue streams.

Collaborating with influencers and participating in online art communities can help expand your reach. Engaging with your audience through regular updates, promotions, and exclusive offers can also drive sales and build a loyal customer base.

Using analytics and customer feedback to understand what works best for your audience can help you refine your offerings and marketing strategies. This data-driven approach can lead to more effective campaigns and higher sales. You can have Google Analytics setup on your store to gather those insights.

How does Olasty make this process easier for artists?

Olasty is a platform designed to simplify the process of selling art internationally. By setting your product fulfillment option as POD you can focus on creating and marketing your art and not worry about the rest.

Our dashboard offers tools to help you manage things like your online store and track orders. We aim to simplify the financial aspects of selling internationally. The platform handles payments, including currency conversion, making it easier for you to manage your earnings.

By using Olasty, artists can streamline the process of selling prints internationally, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on what they do best – creating art.

Last words

Selling art internationally can be a rewarding endeavor, offering artists the opportunity to reach a global audience and increase their sales. While the process can be complex, Print on Demand services provide a practical solution. By handling the production and logistics, POD allows artists to focus on creativity and marketing.

Whether you’re an established artist or just starting, exploring the potential of international sales with POD can open new doors and help you share your art with the world.