Contents
- What Are The Types of Printers for Etsy Sellers?
- Best Printer for Etsy Business: Accordings to Specific Needs and Budgets
- Tips for Choosing right printer for your Etsy business
When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re an Etsy seller, the right printer can be a game-changer for your business. The best printer for your Etsy business may not be the same for the next person. It depends on what you are selling, the volume in which you sell and even your budget is.
From crisp art prints to custom vinyl stickers, having the ideal printer can elevate the quality of your products and improve your workflow when it comes to good ol’ admin. In this article, I explore the best printers tailored to different needs and budgets for Etsy sellers. Even if you are a new seller, who has just started their Etsy shop – a printer is one of the first things you will need.
What Are The Types of Printers for Etsy Sellers?
Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to understand the different types of printers available and how they cater to various needs:
Laser Printers for Etsy Sellers
Laser printers are known for their speed and efficiency. They use toner instead of ink, which is great for high-volume printing. If you’re dealing with large quantities of text-based documents or simple graphics, a laser printer might be your best bet. If you are aiming to product high quality art prints, or photo-quality graphics, then Laser printers should be avoided.
Inkjet Printers for Etsy Sellers
Inkjet printers are versatile and great for a variety of printing needs. They work by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper. Inkjets are particularly favored for their high-quality color output, making them ideal for printing detailed graphics, photo quality prints and vibrant images.
Sublimation Printers for Etsy Sellers
Sublimation printers are the go-to for printing on fabrics and ceramics. These printers are unique because they use heat to transfer dye onto materials, perfect for custom apparel, mugs, and other personalized items.
Thermal Printers for Etsy Sellers
Thermal printers are specialized for printing labels and stickers. They use heat to transfer ink onto the material, making them a great choice for businesses that need to print shipping labels frequently. They typcially only print in greyscale so are generally unsuitable for any product printing. If you do a lot of shipping through Etsy, then chances are you will need a thermal printer in addition to another printer for product printing.
Cricut Machines
Cricut machines are a unique category, offering precision cutting and crafting capabilities. These machines don’t print in the traditional sense but use a small blade to cut a wide array of materials like paper, vinyl, fabric, and cardstock. Cricut machines are favored for their versatility in crafting and DIY projects, allowing for intricate designs and customizations. They’re ideal for Etsy sellers who create personalized stickers, custom apparel, or unique home decor items, providing endless possibilities to bring creative ideas to life.
Best Printer for Etsy Business: Accordings to Specific Needs and Budgets
The best printer for you business will depend on your needs. In this section, I will discuss all the best printers for different business models and requirements.
| PRINTER | PRINTER TYPE | USED FOR | EXAMPLE PRODUCTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer | Thermal | Printing Labels | All Shipped Products |
| Epson Expression Home XP-4205 | Inkjet | Budget Printer – General Etsy Business Needs | Not Suitable for Product Printing |
| Brother HL-L2300D | Laser | Budget Printer – General Needs – Black and White only | Not Suitable for Product Printing |
| Canon PIXMA Pro 100 | Inkjet | Premium Quality Art Prints, Photographic Quality Prints | Wall Art, Stock Photography, Art Prints, Invitations, Cards |
| Canon PIXMA Pro 200 | Inkjet | Premium Quality Art Prints, Photographic Quality Prints | Wall Art, Stock Photography, Art Prints, Invitations, Cards |
| Epson WorkForce WF-7210 | Inkjet | Sticker Printer, T-shirts, All Rounder | Stickers, T-shirts, Invitations, Cards, Stationary |
| Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG500 | Sublimation | Apparel Business | T-shirts, Mugs, Sublimation Printing |
| Brother Sublimation Printer | Sublimation | Apparel Business, Wide Format | T-shirts, Mugs, Sublimation Printing |
| Brother HL-L32 70CDW | Laser | General Business Needs, Color | Work Documents, Printables |
| Cricut Explore 3 | Cricut | Sticker or Apparel Business | Vinyl Stickers, Decals, Cards, T-Shirts |
| Epson WorkForce WF-7710 | Inkjet | All rounder – Sellers with a Bigger Budget | Wall Art Prints, T-shirts, Stickers, Business Needs |
Best Label Printer For Etsy
Efficient and professional shipping is just as crucial as the quality of the products you create. A key component of this process is having the a working label printer. It streamlines your shipping workflow, saves time, and ensures that your packages are neatly and accurately labeled, reflecting the professionalism of your brand. It will also help you to comply with Etsy’s postage label requirements.
The MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer on Amazon offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for Etsy sellers. It’s incredibly user-friendly, boasting a one-minute setup time and compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS through the MUNBYN Printer Extension on the Chrome Store. This printer is designed to work seamlessly with various applications including Etsy, allowing for the creation of customized labels.
The Best Label Printer For Etsy Sellers. Has all the functionality you will need to print and post shipping labels. Fully compliant with Etsy's shipping label policies.
Best Budget Printers for Etsy Sellers
Not every Etsy seller requires a top-of-the-line printer, especially if your printing needs revolve around documents, receipts, and general office tasks. For those whose business doesn’t demand high-end printing capabilities for intricate designs or high-resolution art prints, there are budget-friendly printers that perfectly fit the bill. These printers offer the essential features needed for efficient document handling, ensuring you can manage your shop’s paperwork seamlessly without overspending.
Budget Inkjet Printer for Etsy Sellers
My first suggestion would be the Epson Expression Home XP-4205, an extremely affordable colorer inkjet printer. It boasts a range of connectivity options, such as WiFi, Ethernet, and USB, ensuring easy integration into any home office setup. For its price, it delivers quality prints.
However, it’s important to note that this printer has a relatively high print cost per page, making it more suitable for low-volume printing tasks rather than extensive, frequent use.
Budget Laser Printer for Etsy Sellers
The Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer is a robust choice for Etsy sellers looking for efficiency and economy in a black and white printer. Its has the ability to print up to 27 pages per minute and is well-suited for moderate to high-volume printing needs. In the long run, Laser printers end up costing a lot less than inkjet printers (due to the price of ink).
Although it lacks WiFi capability, the printer connects via a High-Speed USB 2.0 interface, ensuring reliable and straightforward office integrations.
Its cheaper long-term operational cost, coupled with Brother’s reputation as the #1 Retail Brand in laser printer unit sales in the U.S., makes it a trustworthy and economical choice for Etsy sellers.
Best Printer for Art Prints on Etsy
For Etsy sellers specializing in art prints, wall art, and similar products, choosing a printer is a pivotal decision. Art prints demand high-quality output, which often means a higher initial investment in a suitable printer. However, this investment can be cost-effective in the long run, especially when compared to the ongoing costs and less controllable quality of print-on-demand services.
Owning the right printer allows you to manage and guarantee the quality of each print, ensuring that what your customers receive aligns with your artistic vision and standards. This control over the production process is invaluable, particularly for more established sellers who have a reputation for quality to uphold.
The Canon PIXMA Pro 100 Wireless Inkjet Printer is a top-tier choice for Etsy sellers specializing in art prints. Almost anywhere you look, you will see this recommended. And that is for a reason. It produces top of the line printing, and is one of the leading home printers available.
The only downfall to the Canon PIXMA is the cost. But if you are someone who takes their business seriously, then any cost should be seen as a future opportunity to improve your business. If the price is too far out of your range then it may be worth considering the Canon PIXMA Pro 200. The quality is slightly slower, but for any art print seller on Etsy – this should also do the trick.
Best Printer for Etsy Sticker Shop
For Etsy shop owners who specialize in creating and selling stickers, you will need a printer that can handle various materials, deliver vibrant colors, and offer precise and sharp output. Since stickers often involve intricate designs and require durability, especially for vinyl or waterproof varieties. The printer you choose needs to meet these specific requirements.
My first recommendation would be the Epson WorkForce WF-7210. It is an inkjet printer that excels at printing stickers, but will also be able to handle all the other printing needed for your Etsy shop. It is commonly mentioned in the Etsy forums and praised for its ability to print high quality vinyl stickers. Keep in mind you will also have to buy high quality sticker paper and other accessories for your sticker shop.
Best Sublimation Printer for Etsy Business
Sublimation printers are a game-changer for Etsy sellers looking to produce vibrant, long-lasting prints on a variety of materials. These printers work by turning dye into a gas that bonds with polymers, resulting in high-quality, fade-resistant images. Perfect for custom apparel, home decor, and personalized accessories, sublimation printers are a must-have for any Etsy business that values quality and versatility in their product offerings.
Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG500 is the ultimate choice for Etsy sellers seeking top-tier sublimation printing. Ideal for creating high-quality, vibrant prints, it’s compatible with CreativeStudio Online Designer and suited for modern operating systems. The printer also comes with a 2-year warranty, lifetime support, and premium onboarding, ensuring a smooth start.
For those on a budget, the Brother Sublimation Printer offers an affordable yet reliable option. Its standout feature is the compatibility with the Artspira app, providing access to a vast range of designs and photo images. This printer is excellent for various DIY projects, allowing you to effortlessly design, print, and heat press your creations. It printings fast and upholds Brother’s reputation for quality. Although it requires a separate purchase of a heat press, this printer is an excellent investment for Etsy sellers looking to explore sublimation printing without a hefty initial outlay.
Best Cricut Machines for Etsy Sellers
For Etsy sellers looking to add a creative edge to their products, a Cricut machine is an essential tool. It’s important to note that a Cricut isn’t your typical printer. Instead, it’s a precision cutting machine that can handle a variety of materials, perfect for crafting bespoke items like custom decals, fabric designs, or intricate paper artworks.
Its hard to go past the Cricut Explore 3. I have it. I love it. I Use it almost every day. And out of eveything in my business, this has probably paid for itself the most times over. This machine is a powerhouse of versatility, capable of cutting over 100 different types of materials, including vinyl, cardstock, and even some fabrics. One of the standout features of the Explore 3 is its compatibility with Smart Materials, allowing for super long cuts up to 12 feet without a mat. This feature is particularly beneficial for creating larger projects or batch productions.
The Cricut Explore 3 also boasts impressive cutting speed, being up to two times faster than its predecessors when working with Smart Materials. This efficiency is a significant advantage for Etsy sellers who need to manage high volumes or work under tight deadlines. Additionally, its user-friendly interface and integration with Cricut’s Design Space software make it accessible even for beginners, while still offering advanced features for more experienced users.
Best Printer for an already-successful Etsy Business
Scenario: You’ve already got a successful Etsy business. You need an all round printer that will not only print you business documents, but is also capable of doing almost everything mentioned above – including high quality art prints, vinyl printing, faxing and scanning. Heck, you even want to be able to control it with your voice through Alexa: What printer should you buy?
My answer is, and has been for years: Epson WorkForce WF-7710. Its versatile, high quality and lasts YEARS. Not many people have a dream printer. But I do! And it’s this one (don’t judge). It’s going to cost you – but trust me. Over time it will become your best friend. I certainty cant live without it!
Tips for Choosing right printer for your Etsy business
When wrapping up your search for the perfect printer to complement your Etsy shop, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. Your printer isn’t just a tool; it’s an integral part of your creative process and customer experience. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- Assess Business Functions: Evaluate all aspects of your business where a printer is needed, from producing your own products to administrative tasks.
- Quality Matters: Determine the minimum quality necessary for your products. If high-quality prints are essential, make sure your printer can provide that level of detail.
- Long-Term Thinking: Invest in a printer that will last. It’s better to buy a reliable machine now than to replace it soon after because it can’t keep up with your business growth.
And here are a few additional tips:
- Consider Future Needs: Will your business expand to different materials or products? Ensure your printer can handle what you plan to offer.
- Ink/Toner Efficiency: Look into the cost and lifespan of ink or toner. A printer that uses ink efficiently can save you money over time.
- Support and Warranty: Consider the support and warranty options. A good warranty and responsive customer service can prevent headaches down the line.
- Check Reviews and Recommendations: What are other Etsy sellers using? Often, the community will have insights into the best printers for specific products.
- Space and Setup: Make sure you have the space for the printer you choose and that it’s compatible with your current setup and software.
In your search for the right printer, don’t just focus on the immediate cost. Investing in a quality printer that meets your business’s needs can enhance your productivity and product quality, leading to greater customer satisfaction and fewer expenses in the future.
Most Etsy sellers regret not allocating enough budget for a quality printer that could have prevented the need for an early upgrade. Therefore, spend wisely at the outset to secure a printer that will be a pillar of your Etsy business for years to come.