🖨️ How Print-on-Demand (POD) Profit Math Works on Etsy
In POD, Etsy charges its 6.5% transaction fee + 3% + $0.25 payment fee on the entire customer total (including shipping), while your print provider bills your credit card for the blank + shipping.
Net Profit = (Retail + Buyer Shipping) − Etsy Fees (9.5% + $0.45) − POD Blank − POD Shipping
📋 2026 Popular POD Blank Costs (Free vs. Printify Premium)
| Bestseller Blank | Printify Free | Printify Premium (−20%) | Savings / Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bella+Canvas 3001 Tee | $10.40 | $7.99 | +$2.41 |
| Comfort Colors 1717 Tee | $13.15 | $10.12 | +$3.03 |
| Gildan 18000 Crewneck Sweatshirt | $16.80 | $12.95 | +$3.85 |
💡 When Should You Upgrade to Printify Premium ($29/mo)?
✅ As soon as your shop hits 12 to 15 orders per month! Saving $2.40 per shirt on 13 orders = $31.20/month in savings, making Printify Premium 100% free plus extra profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to offer Free Shipping on Etsy POD?
Charging $4.75 separate shipping lets your listing appear at $24.99 instead of $29.74 in search results, often boosting click-through rate (CTR).
Does Etsy charge 6.5% on the shipping I charge the customer?
Yes. Etsy applies both the 6.5% transaction fee and 3% payment fee to the shipping price paid by the buyer.