Thinking of ways to start a sticker business but drowning in all the noise online?
I’ve been there.
When I launched mine at 17, still in high school, I spent hours on Google looking for the cheapest setup, the right gear, and how not to go broke on Day 1. Now, six years later, I’ve tested nearly everything under the sun — and here’s the real list of things you need if you want to actually make money with stickers.
Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over iced coffee, yeah?
1. Printers – Choose Wisely or Regret Later
Everyone wants to know: what printer should I use?
Short answer? Go inkjet if you’re printing in colour. They’re cheaper (especially when using third-party ink) and the colour payoff is 🔥.
Long answer?
We use multiple Canon Pro 100s — even though they’re discontinued. If I had to start today, I’d still go with the Canon Pixma line.
Now, if you’re making foiled stickers (yes, the shiny stuff), you’ll need a laser printer. No debate there. And if you’re keen to dive into foil printing, I’ve got a full Flawless Foiling Course linked in the description that walks you through everything — start to finish.
2. The Magic of Sticker Paper (This Can Make or Break You)
You literally can’t start a sticker business without sticker paper — duh.
But not all sticker paper is created equal.
When I started, I used the cheapest online labels — about £12 for 100 sheets. It worked, but let’s just say the quality was meh.
Now? We use Online Labels Weatherproof Matte Sticker Paper. It’s buttery smooth, holds colour like a dream, and it’s a favourite in the sticker community.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure what works best for your printer, order free samples from Online Labels and Sheet Labels. Try them. Compare. Pick what sticks (pun intended).
3. You’ll Need a Cutter (Not Just Scissors, Please)
Scissors won’t cut it — literally.
You’ll need a sticker cutter. We use the Silhouette Portrait — hands down the most budget-friendly option with great performance.
Sure, there’s a learning curve, but once you nail it, cutting becomes second nature.
We have eight of these bad boys running on our cutting station — and yes, we still get roasted on Instagram for not using a plotter. But here’s the thing: plotters don’t work well if you’re doing foil stickers. We use both inkjet and laser printers, so Silhouette fits better into our chaotic workflow.
4. Don’t Sleep on Packaging
If your stickers arrive wet or bent — guess what? Your business is done before it even starts.
Here’s what we use for safe, pro-level packaging:
- Cellophane Bags – Keeps stickers water-free. We love the ones from Clear Bags with adhesive on the bag, not the flap. Fewer sticker casualties.
- Rigid Mailers – Great for small orders. No bending.
- Bubble Mailers – Lightweight. Cheaper to ship. Perfect for larger orders.
- Custom Foldable Envelopes – These are cute and on-brand, but warning: pricey as hell. We shipped 10,000 from overseas and paid over £1,000 just in shipping.
Start simple. Upgrade later.
5. Business Cards – They Still Work (Trust Me)
A business card might feel old-school, but it’s powerful.
We get ours from Vistaprint. Double-sided, thank-you note on one side, socials on the other.
It helps keep the stickers flat during shipping, too. Function meets marketing. Win-win.
FAQs About How to Start a Sticker Business
Q: Can I start a sticker business with no money?
A: Yes, but prepare to hustle. Start with budget tools, print on demand, or use local print shops to test the waters.
Q: Do I need a cutting machine to start a sticker business?
A: Technically no. But it’ll save you tons of time, and consistency is key if you want to look professional.
Q: Where can I sell my stickers?
A: Etsy, Shopify, your own blog — or even on social media. Make sure your packaging and listings look 🔥.
Q: What’s the best sticker paper for beginners?
A: Try Online Labels’ free samples. Premium matte is a fan-favourite. You’ll know what works after testing.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of fluff out there. But if you want to start a sticker business, this is what you actually need:
- Quality sticker paper
- A good printer
- A reliable cutter
- Solid packaging
- And a way to say thanks — business cards
No need to spend thousands upfront. No need to get fancy. Just start smart, stay consistent, and grow with time.
I’ve been doing this for years — and trust me, there’s room for you too.
If this helped you in any way, share it, save it, or just drop a comment. Let me know what part you’re stuck on, and I’ll help you out.
Until next time — keep printing, keep hustling.
