Podcast Episode 184: Etsy Print on Demand Summer Success Tips -with Jay De Souza

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/TTgrViLjdcg

About Jay:

I got into Print on Demand with nearly a decade of freelancing as a Graphic Designer. I also managed Graphics Department at Canada’s largest publishing company. After the 2008 financial crisis brought layoffs, I found myself a middle-management role at a major Canadian Bank. The bank job was the epitome of stress and after 5 years there, I found myself self-medicating to cope mentally.

Seeking a better work-life balance and an escape from a super toxic corporate environment, I transitioned to online sales, which opened the door to remote work and travel opportunities - one of which was speaking at the first Printify Amplified POD summit in 2023. It was a grind in the beginning, but now, I live on a small island (with no cars!) in Belize, enjoying a life free from long Canadian winters with my partner in crime, Stacey and our dog, Tonka.

I started on Etsy in 2013 and hit my first 6 figure year back 2015. I’ve recently hit a milestone of 120,000 T-shirts sold on Amazon, and I have a POD Facebook group with over 20k members. My YT channel just hit 40k subs, and I run a my Inner Circle POD Coaching Membership with a major focus on design and mindset. It’s an amazing community of like-minded people who are as eager to help as they are to learn. We celebrate our wins and share our fumbles too so we can all grow together.

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I’m thrilled to welcome Jay D'Souza, a seasoned expert in print-on-demand and a successful entrepreneur. We dive deep into the topic of summer planning for print-on-demand sellers, addressing the common misconception that summer is a slow season for sales on Etsy.

Jay shares his inspiring journey, starting from his early days as a graphic designer to becoming a successful print-on-demand seller with over $2.5 million in sales. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and the ability to weather business lulls without succumbing to panic or the urge to pivot unnecessarily. We discuss how summer doesn't have to mean a slump in sales; instead, it can be an opportunity for growth, creativity, and preparation for the busy seasons ahead.

Throughout our conversation, Jay provides actionable insights on how to leverage the summer months to reassess your designs, improve your skills, and develop new products. He encourages listeners to focus on evergreen themes and to embrace the cyclical nature of sales, reminding us that every business experiences ups and downs.

We also delve into the significance of design in the print-on-demand space. Jay shares valuable tips on typography, readability, and emotional connection in design, stressing that a great design can make all the difference in attracting customers. He highlights the importance of understanding your audience and creating designs that resonate with them.

As we wrap up the episode, I encourage listeners to take action, embrace their entrepreneurial journey, and not be afraid of making mistakes. Jay's insights and experiences serve as a powerful reminder that success in business is a marathon, not a sprint, and that with the right mindset and dedication, anyone can thrive in the world of Etsy and print-on-demand.

Join us for this enlightening conversation filled with practical advice, inspiration, and a reminder that there’s always room for growth and innovation, no matter the season!

EPISODE DETAILS 

This week I’m joined by Jay De Souza, a Print on Demand YouTuber who has skyrocketed to over $2.5 million in sales. We discuss how POD sellers can make the most of the summer season and the cyclical nature of ecommerce. Jay is also sharing his expert tips for becoming a standout designer in the POD world.

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

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

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FIND JAY:

➡️ Special Access to Jay’s Design Membership (45% off): https://jayswayinnercircle.com/invitation?code=9D3B7A

➡️Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jayswayprintondemand

➡️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayswayworks

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Learn from Lizzie:

NEED ONE-ON-ONE HELP?

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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/184            

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

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*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