Selling your art online? Let me tell you why Society6 might just be the worst – or maybe the best – decision you’ll ever make. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered whether this platform is really worth your time. So, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the tea on what it’s really like to sell your work on Society6.
Society6 vs. Other Marketplaces: How Does It Compare?
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Look, I’m not here to sugarcoat anything. Choosing the right platform is a big deal! It’s not just about throwing your art out there and hoping for the best. You’ve got to think about whether you’re going to make any money, how easy it is to use, and what kind of products you can sell. Society6 has been around for a while, but how does it really stack up against others like Opuna, Redbubble, or Etsy?
Opuna – The Marketplace for AI products
If you’re serious about making money from your art, let me tell you – Opuna is where it’s at. Unlike Society6, which seems to take a big chunk out of every sale, Opuna only charges a minimal 6% fee for processing payments. That means you get to keep almost all of your hard-earned profits! Plus, Opuna is super easy to get started with, and you have full control over your work and your earnings. Once you try Opuna, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else.
| Marketplace | Commission Fee |
| Opuna | 6% |
| Society6 | 10% (base rate) + additional fees for artists depending on the product) |
| Redbubble | 20% (average margin; artist can set their margin higher) |
| Etsy | 6.5% + payment processing fee (varies by country) |
Society6
Okay, okay, so Society6 isn’t all bad. I get it – sometimes you just want to focus on creating art without worrying about all the business stuff. Society6 handles all the boring details like production and shipping, so you don’t have to. And hey, their products are pretty top-notch. If you’re the type of artist who just wants to see your work on everything from wall art to phone cases, without any hassle, Society6 can be a good option. But don’t expect to get rich – those commissions can really eat into your profits.
Redbubble
Redbubble is another one you might be considering. It’s similar to Society6 but with a bit more flexibility. You can actually set your own prices, which means more cash in your pocket if you know what you’re doing. Redbubble’s community is also super diverse, so you might find your niche audience there faster than on Society6. But if you’re all about the polished, curated look, Society6 might still have the edge.
Etsy
Now, Etsy is a whole different beast. It’s not just for print-on-demand stuff like Society6 and Redbubble. On Etsy, you can sell pretty much anything – handmade items, digital downloads, you name it. But let me warn you, running an Etsy shop is not for the faint of heart. You’ll have to manage everything yourself, from listings to shipping. If you’re up for the challenge, though, Etsy can be a goldmine.
Key Features of Society6
Society6 does have its perks, I’ll give it that. Their product range is massive, which is awesome if you want to see your art on all kinds of items. They’ve also got a pretty dedicated community of buyers, which means you might get lucky and have your work featured in one of their collections. That can bring in some serious eyeballs without you having to lift a finger. Plus, setting up a shop is a breeze. But here’s the kicker – those commission rates can really cut into what you take home. And if you’re someone who likes to control every aspect of your business, Society6 might feel a bit limiting.
Pros and Cons of Society6
Pros:
- Established Audience: Society6 is popular, and there’s a good chance people will see your work.
- Quality Products: Your designs will look fantastic on everything they offer.
- Stress-Free: No need to worry about production or shipping – Society6 handles it all.
Cons:
- Low Profits: Those commissions are killer. You’ll be making way less than on other platforms like Opuna.
- Limited Control: You can’t set your own prices for most items, which can be frustrating.
Who Should Use Society6?
If you’re looking for a platform where you can just upload your designs and let someone else handle the rest, then sure, Society6 could work for you. It’s great if you’re not in it for the money and just want to see your art out in the world. But if you’re serious about making a living – or even just some decent side cash – there are better options out there, like Opuna.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, only you know what’s right for you. If you’re all about ease of use and don’t mind earning a little less, Society6 is a solid choice. But if you want more control, higher profits, and a better overall experience, I’d say give Opuna or even Redbubble a shot. Whatever you decide, just make sure it aligns with your goals as an artist.
