Choosing Between Redbubble, Society6, and Other Platforms: A Comprehensive Guide

When determining whether to use Redbubble, Society6, or another platform to sell your artwork, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each. Redbubble, known for its vast community of artists and robust exposure, may come with a hefty fee. Society6 stands out with high-quality products and a nice interface, despite some website layout issues. Other platforms, like Saatchi Art, offer a fresh approach with more favorable margins.

Redbubble: A Platform with a Strong Community but Higher Fees

Redbubble prides itself on its active artist community and offers significant exposure for your products, attracting many views. However, the platform takes a 45% cut, which can significantly reduce your profit margins. Over the past five years, Redbubble has been more successful in selling stickers and apparel than prints. While the exposure can be substantial, the financial impact of the platform's fees may limit the profitability of your sales.

Society6: High-Quality Art Prints and Home Decor

Society6 excels in selling art prints and home decor products. In the same five-year period, you would find that Society6 sells a higher volume of art prints and a variety of other home decor items like cushions and curtains. However, the platform has a layout issue that might affect user experience. While the speciality in art prints and home decor is a strong point, the website's design could be improved for better usability.

Balancing Multiple Platforms for Better Sales

The beauty of print-on-demand (PoD) platforms is their versatility. You can sell on multiple platforms simultaneously, which is strongly recommended. Different platforms excel in different product categories, and each has its own audience. By distributing your products across several platforms, you can tap into a wider range of potential customers and maximize your sales. It's important to explore different options to find which ones work best for your specific artwork and target market.

Evaluating Profit Margins

The amount of profit you make depends on the products you sell. Selling directly from your own website through a printing partner like Printful can be more profitable than using platforms like Redbubble or Society6. Redbubble generally offers higher profit margins, with Society6 being a close second. However, if you're selling framed prints, Redbubble's fees can make it less attractive. For example, a 16”x16” framed print costs a base price of $110.48, and to achieve a 20% profit, a customer would need to pay more than $130 for your art. That's a significant amount for someone unfamiliar with your work.

Deciding Based on Business Goals

The decision to leave platforms like Redbubble and Society6 and open your own online store comes down to your business goals. If you're an artist looking for another way to monetize your work without the technical skills or time to manage a store, these platforms can be incredibly valuable. However, if you're looking to grow a brand and enjoy greater creative freedom and control over your business, creating and maintaining your own online store is the way to go. This option allows you greater flexibility and provides you with the resources to build a unique brand identity.

Conclusion

Both Redbubble and Society6 have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and goals. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the platform that will help you achieve your artistic and financial objectives.