Today I am so excited to talk to you about selling sublimation crafts! Have you considered starting a craft business with sublimation crafts you don’t want to miss these tips! Cori George and I recently chatted with Courtney Brickner from The Crafty Brick to share our best tips for selling sublimation crafts. Trust me, you don’t want to miss these.
This is Episode 6 of Crafting for Profit Live. If you’ve missed any of our earlier episodes you can catch up now! We’ve covered a variety of topics already including how to start your craft business the right way, the best way to sell at craft fairs, and adopting a business mindset!
You can watch our full conversation below or keep reading to jump right into our tips for selling sublimation crafts!
Best Tips for Selling Sublimation Crafts
Read our best tips below then apply them to your craft business!
Tip #1 Make Sure You Have the Right Tools to Get Started
What do I need to get started selling sublimation crafts? To get started with sublimation you are going to need a few supplies for every project you make and those include:
- Sublimation Ink
- Sublimation Paper
- Heat Source
- Protective Paper
- Heat-resistant Tape
- Sublimation Blanks
- Something to Clean Your Blank
Sublimation Ink
You may have noticed that I did not list a sublimation printer. While I do recommend a sublimation printer to get started you do not need one. There are a variety of different products on the market now that allow you to try sublimation without a printer.
Infusible Ink, sublimation pens and markers, sublimation paint, sublimation stamp pads. The list is really impressive compared to where it was when I first started. So, you need a sublimation ink of some sort and that can come from a printer or any of the items I listed above.
Sublimation Paper
The type of sublimation ink you are using will determine the type of sublimation paper you need. You can use sublimation paper or even regular copy paper depending on your ink choice.
Heat Source
The heat source you need will be determined by the blank you’re using. You can use a heat press, EasyPress, mug press, tumbler press, convection oven, hat press, and more. Your heat source does need to have a consistent temperature and it needs to go up to at least 400 degrees to really work with sublimation ink.
Protective Paper
Next, you will need protective paper. This paper will protect your heat source, heat-resistant mats, and even the backside of your project from sublimation ink. You can use specific protective paper, butcher paper, and for some projects even a shrink wrap is required.
Heat-resistant Tape
Heat-resistant tape is special tape that can withstand the high heat required for sublimation projects. You do not want your sublimation print to move during the pressing process as this can cause ghosting and ruin your project. Use heat-resistant tape to hold your design in place every time for the best sublimation results.
Sublimation Blanks
When I first started with sublimation, blanks were very limited. Now, the sky is the limit. You can find a sublimation blank for almost any project you can dream up.
For sublimation to work you need a blank that is either white or light in color and you need it to have a poly coating or be a polyester fabric. Sublimation ink bonds to those polyester and polycrylic fibers to become part of the actual blank creating a permanent finish that won’t wash away.
Lint Roller or Rubbing Alcohol
Lint, dust, hair, and other debris are enemies to perfect sublimation projects. You should always clean your sublimation blank surface before applying your print.
I like to use a lint roller for most projects including shirts and things like mugs and tumblers. If your hard surface blank feels like it needs more than a lint roller use a lint-free cloth and some rubbing alcohol to get it clean. Make sure you allow it to dry completely before applying your sublimation print.
Tip #2 Purchase Quality Blanks
We are regularly asked where we go to find quality sublimation blanks for selling and let me tell you, I have tested more than my fair share of sublimation blanks. Over the years I have found some places that typically have blanks that I know will work.
Heat Transfer Warehouse
I have worked with Heat Transfer Warehouse for years. I know they test the products they sell and that if they say they work for sublimation they will work.
Amazon
Amazon can be a great resource for sublimation blanks but you really need to do your research. Read reviews, read a lot of reviews. Make sure people are getting consistent results. I really like when people share a photo or video of how a blank worked for them.
There are some specific brands I’ve found on Amazon that work well blank after blank so I always look to them first when looking for a blank. Keep a list when you find someone you like. I recommend starting with PYD Life and HTVront and see if they possibly have the blank you’re looking for.
Heat Press Nation and Craft Express
When it comes to unique sublimation blanks my go-to used to be Conde but sadly they are closing their doors and now I’m looking for new places to find those fun unique blanks. I’ve had some luck with Heat Press Nation and Craft Express so check them out if you’re looking for something unique.
Artesprix
If you like to try new blanks, I really like Artesprix. They have a blank of the month that is typically something fun and unique and you can often try it out before everyone is making them!
Tip #3 Make Your Items Stand Out in a Crowded Market
We’ve talked before about adding customization options for people who may want something specific for them. You also want to make sure that you have mastered the items you’re selling so your customers know that every time they order from you they’re getting a beautiful finished product.
Another way to stand out in a crowded market is to let your customers get to know you. You can include a card in each package with a photo that includes your story, even a handwritten note can go a long way.
Another way to stand out is to use social media to let your customers see your face and get to know your personality and more of your story. Take your customers behind the scenes with you. Let them see you package up an order or make a project. That’s a great way to engage your customers and stand out.
I know we hear it a lot but letting people know that you’re real and make mistakes sometimes can really help people connect with you.
It can be hard to show that side but it can help your customers who are buying from you see the process and understand how the project is being made and why it has specific washing/handling instructions.
Tip #4 Find the Best Things to Sell
When it comes to selling sublimation crafts, finding the best thing to sell can be tricky. It can feel like everyone is selling the same thing so we have a couple of tips to help you find the best things to sell.
Talk to Your Customers
A great way to find things to sell is to talk to your customers and see what they’re looking for. Repeat customers are your best feedback.
Visit Stores Virtually and In Person and See What’s Selling
Courtney recommends hitting up your favorite stores and see what you’re drawn to and what seems to be selling. Can you take those items and customize or personalize them? Personalized items are always a hit and when you can take something that is already popular and personalize it those often do well.
Tip #5 Always Respond to Your Customers
If you’re going to be on a platform like Instagram or Facebook or your email is available to your customers, you need to make sure that you’re responding to every email or message. Make sure you’re ready to answer questions and be available to your customers.
You may need to hire this portion out at some point but don’t neglect your customers. Customer service goes a long way to building trust and repeat buyers.
Tip #6 Make Sure Your Products are Shipped Timely and Protected
Shipping is definitely not the glamorous part of selling sublimation crafts but it’s a very important part. Make sure you’re shipping your items in the timeframe you said you would and that you are protecting the items so they arrive looking as good as they did when they left your hands.
Remember, you’re running a business. It makes sense to protect yourself by adding that shipping insurance to your shipping fees and purchasing it so that if a package is ever lost you aren’t out the cost of your supplies and you can prove to your customer that it was shipped when you said it would be.
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Tip #7 Be Prepared for Holidays
If you’re going to sell sublimation crafts that are holiday-specific make sure you’re ready well before the holiday so you can get the products into your customers hands in plenty of time.
Check with your shipping company for when the last day is to mail something and guarantee it will be to your customer before the holiday and communicate that information to your customers ahead of time.
Try to spread out the holiday items you’re offering. While it’s great to get a boost around Christmas time, it’s even more fun to spread that boost out throughout the year. Don’t forget holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as a lot of people are shopping for gifts for those holidays too!
Tip #8 Don’t Get Discouraged
You’re going to waste blanks, you’re going to mess up, you’re going to try something and it’s going to not sell, you’re going to have a package lost in shipping. All of these things happen and they happen to a lot of people so keep going, it’s not the end of the world. Call a friend and vent and then jump back in.
In a perfect world, we could share all our best tips for selling sublimation crafts so you don’t have to go through the same growing pains we did but unfortunately, that isn’t how the business world works and that’s okay.
You’ve got this!
I really hope you’ve found this information on selling sublimation crafts helpful. If you did, make sure you subscribe to get notified when we have new episodes! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.
