How to Buy and Sell Custom Products: From Stickers to Apparel

Nancy Espinosa
Sep 19, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 3

In today’s world of personalization, custom products are more than just a trend—they’re a business opportunity. Whether it’s custom stickers, custom decals, labels, magnets, buttons, packaging, apparel, or even acrylics, people love items that reflect their personality or brand. With the rise of print-on-demand platforms, small businesses, creators, and even hobbyists can design, produce, and sell customized goods with supplier that offer free online proofs, super fast turnaround, and often free shipping.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your creative ideas into sellable products, this guide will show you step by step how to buy and sell custom products successfully. From sourcing and design to pricing and marketing, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Identify Your Market and Niche

Before you jump into creating custom products, think about who your target audience is. Do you want to sell quirky custom stickers for laptops and water bottles, motivational magnets for office workers, or branded apparel for small businesses?

Finding your niche ensures that your products appeal to the right buyers. For example:

Stickers and custom decals are popular with students, artists, and small businesses.
Apparel like t-shirts and hoodies works well for fan clubs, sports teams, or corporate branding.
Packaging and labels are in high demand by small e-commerce brands looking to stand out.

Knowing your market will help you design products people actually want—and are willing to pay for.

2. Choose the Right Custom Products to Sell

Not every product will be a good fit for your audience. Select items based on demand, cost, and ease of shipping. Some popular and profitable custom options include:

Custom stickers and labels – affordable and lightweight.
Magnets and buttons – perfect for giveaways or branding.
Custom decals – great for cars, storefronts, and laptops.
Apparel – t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.
Acrylics – trendy for keychains, jewelry, and decorative items.
Packaging – boxes, bags, and mailers that elevate brand image.

Offering a mix of low-cost items (like stickers) and higher-value products (like apparel) gives you flexibility in pricing and profit margins.

3. Design with Purpose and Creativity

The design is what makes your custom products stand out. Whether you’re creating custom decals or a line of apparel, your design should align with your brand identity and resonate with your audience.

Tips for designing:

Use bold colors and easy-to-read fonts for labels and packaging.
Keep designs simple for custom stickers—complex details may get lost at small sizes.
For apparel, consider timeless designs that work across multiple seasons.
Always request free online proofs to ensure the final product matches your vision.

If you’re not a designer, platforms like Canva or hiring a freelance graphic designer can help bring your ideas to life.

4. Partner with the Right Printing Supplier

Your supplier can make or break your business. Look for a company that offers:

Free shipping to reduce costs.
Free online proofs so you can confirm the design before printing.
Super fast turnaround to meet customer expectations.
A wide selection of products, from magnets to apparel.

Choosing a reliable supplier means you can focus on marketing and sales without worrying about delays or poor-quality products.

5. Price Your Products Strategically

Pricing is key to profitability. You want to cover costs, stay competitive, and still make a profit. Here’s a breakdown:

Calculate your base cost (product + shipping).
Add in packaging and marketing expenses.
Research competitors’ prices for similar custom stickers, labels, or apparel.
Use psychological pricing—selling at $9.99 instead of $10 feels more attractive.

Keep in mind that customers are often willing to pay more for perks like free shipping or eco-friendly packaging.

6. Build an Online Storefront

To sell your products, you need a strong online presence. Options include:

E-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce.
Marketplaces that already attract audiences looking for custom goods.
Social media shops on Instagram or Facebook.

Make your product listings shine with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and keywords like custom stickers, magnets, and apparel. Highlight features like free online proofs or super fast turnaround to set yourself apart.

7. Market Your Products Creatively

Great products won’t sell without visibility. Use marketing strategies like:

Social media content: Share videos of your stickers being applied or your apparel styled in different outfits.
Influencer collaborations: Send free custom decals, buttons, or magnets to influencers for exposure.
Email marketing: Keep your customers updated on new designs, promotions, and sales.
Bundling products: Sell together for small businesses.

The more creative your marketing, the more your products will stand out in a competitive market.

8. Deliver Exceptional Customer Experience

A smooth buying experience ensures repeat customers. Consider:

Offering free shipping on orders above a certain amount.
Providing super fast turnaround times to meet urgent needs.
Using branded packaging that makes unboxing exciting.
Including small freebies like extra custom stickers or buttons as a surprise.

Customers love brands that go the extra mile, and happy buyers often become loyal advocates.

9. Scale Your Business with Data and Feedback

Once you start selling, track what works and what doesn’t. Pay attention to:

Which products sell best (stickers vs. apparel).
Customer feedback on design, quality, and delivery.
Seasonal trends (e.g., more labels and packaging during holidays).

Use this data to expand your offerings. For example, if your custom magnets are selling well, consider adding acrylic keychains to your lineup. Scaling strategically helps you grow without wasting resources.

Conclusion

Buying and selling custom products—from custom stickers and labels to apparel, magnets, and acrylics—is both exciting and profitable when done right. By identifying your niche, choosing the right products, designing with creativity, and partnering with reliable suppliers that offer free online proofs, free shipping, and super fast turnaround, you set your business up for success.

With the right marketing and customer experience, your custom creations can go from passion projects to thriving business ventures. So, whether you’re dreaming of selling personalized buttons, branded packaging, or stylish apparel, now is the perfect time to get started.