Podcast Episode 167: POD or DTF Etsy Shop: What’s the better fit for you? --with Dori Schmidt

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/lwyIbzED-PE  

About Dori:

Dori is a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a knack for turning creativity into thriving businesses. With a background in interior design, architecture, and graphic design she discovered her entrepreneurial spirit early on— With her first entrepreneurial endeavor beginning in the hallways of her middle school flipping lollipops for a profit. She's been addicted to business and the entrepreneurial life ever since!

In 2007, life threw a curveball when the housing market crash led to a layoff from her interior design job. But instead of backing down, Dori leaned into resilience and creativity, launching a baby clothing company on Etsy. That decision sparked yet another love affair with entrepreneurship and she never looked back!

Today, Dori runs multiple successful online businesses, including a print-on-demand and press-on-demand enterprise that blends creativity and profitability. As an Etsy and Ecommerce expert and coach, she now helps aspiring sellers turn their ideas into income by sharing actionable strategies for standing out in competitive markets.

Whether it’s helping others embrace their potential or scaling their own ventures, Dori is all about combining passion and strategy to create a life of freedom, creativity, and impact.

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this exciting episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I'm thrilled to welcome the vibrant and multi-passionate entrepreneur, Dori, to the show. We dive into a fresh and engaging conversation about DTF, or Direct to Film printing, a topic we’ve never explored before. If you're an Etsy seller or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable insights that you won't want to miss!

Dori shares her entrepreneurial journey, which began in her middle school days when she flipped lollipops for profit. After facing a layoff during the housing market crash in 2007, she pivoted and launched a baby clothing company on Etsy, igniting her passion for entrepreneurship. Today, she runs multiple successful online businesses, including a print-on-demand and DTF enterprise, and helps aspiring sellers turn their ideas into income.

We discuss the advantages of DTF over traditional print-on-demand methods, highlighting the significantly higher profit margins, quality control, and creative freedom it offers. Dori explains how DTF allows her to maintain a hands-on approach to her products, ensuring that every item meets her high standards. She also emphasizes the speed of production, revealing how she can fulfill orders in a matter of minutes.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the practical aspects of getting started with DTF, including the equipment needed, such as a heat press, and the process of creating and selling DTF products on Etsy. Dori provides tips on sourcing DTF prints and managing inventory, making it clear that this method is accessible even for those just starting out.

As we wrap up, I share an exciting announcement about an upcoming live Etsy SEO workshop, designed to help new shop owners and those looking to improve their visibility on the platform. Dory and I also discuss the potential of new platforms like Michael's Maker Place, where sellers can explore additional opportunities for growth.

Join us for this lively and informative episode, where we not only share our experiences and insights but also encourage you to embrace your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're looking to launch, grow, or pivot your Etsy shop, this conversation is sure to inspire you to take action and pursue your dreams!

EPISODE DETAILS:

Wanna sell tshirts, sweatshirts, or hats on Etsy--- but not sure if you should make them yourself or try Print on Demand? This week we’re unpacking the pros and cons of both with Dori (@yourEtsybestie) who sells her products on Etsy with POD and handmade DTF.

**“How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy” is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com 

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

🌟LIVE Etsy SEO Workshop (early bird pricing until 2/14/25): https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/VRBvPQKH 

The Live workshop will be on Thurs, Feb 27 from 7:00-8:30 CST. It will be recorded for attendees but will not be available for sale after 2/27.

I'll teach you how the Etsy algorithm works, how to find great keywords, write your SEO so your listings get seen, where it matters most-- and all my other SEO tips and tricks! 

We'll also have 30 minutes for Q&A and shop audits! 

🌟AI Coloring Pages workshop: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-coloring-pages-workshop 

➡️Dori’s Course and Resources: https://www.youretsybestie.com/a/2148050683/oZparoYR

➡️Find Dori on Insta/TikTok: @YourEtsyBestie

➡️Tools Dori Mentioned:

Heat Presses:

Better Sub: https://amzn.to/413aunZ

Fancier Studios: https://amzn.to/40OJbww

Hat Press: https://amzn.to/4hpQJwP

Sponge Fleece by B&C: https://amzn.to/4jK0nvM

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Learn from Lizzie:

➡️NEW Beginner Course: Six Figure Secrets to Getting Starting on Etsy: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets  

Use code SAVE50 to save $50 

➡️Trendspotting Membership: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw  

Use code KEEP20 to save $20 on your first month 

Get weekly emails with current trends + 5 product opportunities (POD/Digital) 

➡️ AI PNG and Tumbler Wrap Workshop: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-png-workshop  

Save $50 with code SAVE50 

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FIND LIZZIE:

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF WEBSITE: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/167  

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

The Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy beginner course

Use code SAVE50 to save $50

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets

AND

Lizzie’s Weekly Trendspotting and Product Opportunity membership:

Are you a print on demand OR digital product Etsy seller who’s tight on time or still learning all of the Etsy secrets? Let me give you a leg up with my weekly trends and opportunities report!

Get your first month for just $17 with code KEEP20

⭐Register for weekly trend reports and product opportunities emailed straight to your inbox: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw

*Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can see my affiliate disclosure here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/affiliate-disclosure