Creating and selling bumper stickers from home is a simple venture requiring minimal equipment. Design your graphics either manually or digitally, then print them onto printable vinyl sticker paper using a standard home printer.
Steps
Designing Your Graphics
Gather design inspiration to attract potential buyers. Explore local businesses, organizations, and teams in your area. Discuss potential logo or slogan ideas with them for your bumper stickers.
Create your hand-drawn bumper sticker design on paper. Sketch out your design on a piece of white paper, ensuring it's bold, clear, and exactly as you envision. Opt for vibrant colors and legible lettering.
Scan your hand-drawn image onto your computer. Utilize a scanner to transfer your hand-drawn design to your computer. After scanning, you can make minor adjustments to color and contrast to prepare it for printing.
Utilize computer software if you prefer not to hand draw your design. There are numerous copyright-free images available online. Choose from various software options to create your graphic, such as Microsoft Word templates or Google Drawings.
Ensure your graphic features high contrast and vibrant colors. These elements are crucial for bumper stickers as they enhance readability. Avoid using colors that easily blend together.
Select an easily readable font and utilize a large text size. For text-based bumper stickers, opt for clear fonts like Times New Roman, Helvetica, Arial, or Calibri. Use the largest text size that fits on your bumper sticker, aiming for 48pt as a starting point.
Replicate the stickers across the page. Determine the size of your bumper stickers and how many can fit on one page. Minimize the blank space between stickers to avoid wastage.
Printing Your Stickers
Procure printable vinyl sticker paper compatible with your printer. Check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the paper suits either inkjet or laser printers.
Conduct a test print on plain paper to assess your bumper stickers' appearance. Review color, size, and alignment before committing to printing on sticker paper.
Insert the sticker paper into the printer as directed. Ensure the coated side faces the print direction according to printer specifications.
Print the bumper stickers on the printable vinyl paper. Click the print button on your computer software to initiate printing. Start with a single sheet to assess your design's appearance on the sticker paper.
Allow the stickers to air dry for 20 minutes before handling or peeling. Place the sheet faceup on a flat surface to facilitate proper ink drying.
Waterproofing and Cutting the Stickers
Apply a fixative spray to waterproof the stickers. Spray a coat of fixative spray over the image side of the stickers in a well-ventilated area.
Precisely trim the sheet to create individual bumper stickers. Use scissors or a specialized craft cutting tool like a paper guillotine to separate the bumper stickers.
Print several copies of the bumper stickers once they're ready for sale. Once satisfied with the graphic design, alignment, and printing outcome, print multiple copies. As you continue, the process will become more efficient.
Marketing the Bumper Stickers
Determine the appropriate price for your bumper stickers. Find a balance between affordability for buyers and making a profit. Total your expenses, divide by the number of units produced, and add a small profit margin.
Select the platform for selling your bumper stickers. Options include creating your own website, using online selling platforms, selling at local markets, or approaching gift shops in your area.
Promote the availability of your bumper stickers. Utilize various methods such as creating a website, social media pages, community signs, and word of mouth. Collaborate with local businesses and sports teams for mutual benefit.
Helpful Advice
Important Notes
- Applying fixatif spray to your bumper stickers is crucial; otherwise, they may not withstand outdoor conditions and could fade or wash away easily.
Materials Required
- White paper
- Scanner
- Computer
- Printable vinyl sticker paper
- Inkjet or laser printer
- Fixatif spray
- Scissors or paper guillotine