The world of customization is booming, and if you’re already creating mugs, t-shirts, tumblers, or home décor using sublimation or DTF printing, you're sitting on a business opportunity with serious potential. But creating beautiful products is only half the journey. The real challenge? Getting them in front of the right customers and turning your craft into a profitable business.
Whether you're just getting started or looking for ways to grow your sublimation brand, this guide will walk you through the most effective ways to sell your products online in Canada. From setting up your own online store to tapping into Canadian marketplaces that support handmade and custom goods, we’ll break down everything you need to know.
Let’s explore where to sell, how to scale, and what tools can help you turn your printing passion into profit.
What kind of products can you sell with sublimation and DTF?
Sublimation and DTF printing open the door to a wide variety of personalized products that customers love. Whether you're focused on gifts, apparel, or promotional items, there’s a market out there waiting for your creations. The key is to align your product offering with what customers are actually searching for.
Here are some popular product categories you can sell:
- Drinkware: Mugs, tumblers, water bottles, and travel mugs are some of the best-selling items in the sublimation world. They’re great for personal gifts, corporate branding, and seasonal promotions.
- Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, baby onesies, and performance wear printed with DTF offer high-quality, full-color designs on all kinds of fabrics. Perfect for custom fashion, sports teams, or local brands.
- Home & Office Decor: Items like photo panels, mousepads, keychains, pillowcases, and coasters are ideal for gifts and small home businesses.
- Pet Accessories: Sublimated pet tags, bandanas, and bowls are part of a growing niche that pet lovers can’t get enough of.
- Bundles & Gift Sets: Combining multiple items in themed sets (like "teacher gifts" or "bridesmaid packages") can boost perceived value and sales.
No matter what you choose, make sure to offer high-quality blanks, vibrant prints, and consistent branding. If you’re looking for premium supplies to make your products stand out, check out our full range of sublimation blanks and DTF supplies available in Canada.
Why sell your sublimation products online in Canada?
Canada offers a unique opportunity for makers, creatives, and small business owners in the sublimation and DTF space. With a strong shift toward supporting local businesses, handmade goods, and personalized items, Canadian consumers are more open than ever to buying directly from creators like you.
Here’s why selling online in Canada makes sense:
- E-commerce is growing fast: More Canadians are shopping online than ever before, with millions turning to the internet for unique, custom-made products.
- Support for local and handmade: Platforms and consumers alike are prioritizing Canadian-made products. Whether it’s for faster shipping or to support small businesses, local pride is on your side.
- Lower overhead: Selling online lets you start and grow your business from home without the high costs of renting a storefront.
- Access to national and global customers: With platforms like Amazon or Etsy, you can reach buyers across Canada and beyond.
- Freedom to build your brand: Creating your own store gives you full control over your product presentation, pricing, and marketing strategy.
Selling online also allows you to scale gradually, test new products, and grow at your own pace , all while reaching a wider audience than you ever could in a local market.
Where to sell your sublimation and DTF products in Canada
If you're ready to turn your custom creations into a real business, selling online is the best way to get started, and grow. Whether you're looking for a huge marketplace or a niche Canadian platform that supports local artisans, there’s a space for your sublimation and DTF products. Here are some of the best platforms to consider:
1. Amazon Handmade (amazon.ca)
Amazon Handmade is a dedicated section for artisans selling handcrafted items. It offers massive traffic and the trust of the Amazon brand — perfect for those who can manage larger order volumes.
Pros:
- Huge audience reach
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) available
- Trusted payment and delivery systems
Cons:
- Requires approval to join
- 15% commission on each sale
- Less control over branding
2. Etsy.ca
A global favorite for personalized, handmade, and vintage products. Etsy is perfect for showcasing your creativity with a personal touch.
Pros:
- Built-in audience for custom items
- Simple store setup
- SEO tools included
Cons:
- Competitive and fee-based (listing and transaction)
- Limited design customization
3. Shopify
If you want full control over your brand and customer experience, Shopify lets you build your own online store with full flexibility and integration with other sales channels.
Pros:
- Custom branding
- Scalable with apps and marketing tools
- Own your customer data
Cons:
- Monthly fees
- Requires you to drive your own traffic
4. CraftedCanadian.ca
A curated marketplace dedicated to Canadian makers. If you create products with a local, artisanal feel, this platform helps you connect with shoppers looking to buy Canadian.
Pros:
- Supports local small businesses
- Canadian-only sellers
- Focused, values-based audience
Cons:
- Niche market
- Smaller traffic than Amazon or Etsy
5. MavenFair.ca
MavenFair is a Canadian online marketplace focused exclusively on handmade goods. It promotes buying from Canadian artisans and has a warm, community-driven feel.
Pros:
- Canadian-focused and handmade only
- Seller support and marketing help
- Smaller seller pool = less competition
Cons:
- Smaller reach
- Monthly vendor plans may apply
6. iCraftGifts.com
ICraftGifts is another Canada-based platform for handmade products. It offers international exposure but keeps a strong connection with Canadian creators.
Pros:
- Handmade-focused
- International visibility
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Listing fees and subscription options
- Less customization
7. Marketspot.ca
A curated Canadian marketplace for original handmade products. Vendors are approved before listing, and the site emphasizes authenticity and quality.
Pros:
- Unique, high-quality platform
- Community of serious artisans
- National exposure
Cons:
- Application required
- Smaller, boutique-style platform
Each of these platforms serves a different purpose. For beginners, Etsy or CraftedCanadian can be great starting points. For those looking to scale, Shopify gives you full control. And for sellers focused on values and community, MavenFair and Marketspot provide a meaningful connection with local buyers.
Tips to sell more and grow your sublimation business
Creating great products is essential — but building a thriving sublimation business requires more than just good design. To grow sustainably, you need smart strategies that boost visibility, build trust, and convert browsers into buyers.
Here are actionable tips to help you scale your sublimation or DTF printing business in Canada:
1. Take high-quality photos
Your product photos are your storefront. Use natural lighting or a lightbox, show multiple angles, and include lifestyle shots that help customers imagine the product in their hands or homes. Quality visuals build trust and drive conversions.
2. Write clear, SEO-friendly product descriptions
Use descriptive titles with keywords like “custom printed mug,” “DTF printed hoodie,” or “sublimated pet tag.” Write short, benefit-focused descriptions and include size, material, care instructions, and shipping details.
Tip: Use Google’s free Keyword Planner to find relevant terms people are actually searching for.
3. Offer product bundles
Combining items into gift sets or bundles (e.g., “coffee lover set” or “bridesmaid gift pack”) helps increase average order value. It also makes your products more appealing for holidays or special occasions.
4. Promote your brand on social media
Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are great platforms to showcase your products, run ads, and build a loyal community. Use behind-the-scenes content, customer photos, and short videos to keep people engaged.
Bonus: Link your Instagram Shop or Facebook Store directly to your Shopify or Etsy listings for smoother purchasing.
5. Ask for customer reviews
Social proof builds trust. Ask happy customers to leave a review or share a photo of your product in use. Consider offering a small discount on their next purchase as a thank-you.
6. Use email marketing
Even with a small list, email is a powerful tool. Send newsletters with new product launches, seasonal offers, or behind-the-scenes updates. Platforms like Mailchimp or Klaviyo integrate easily with Shopify.
7. Test, Learn, Improve
Pay attention to what sells best, which listings get the most views, and where your traffic is coming from. Use insights from Shopify analytics, Etsy stats, or Google Analytics to refine your strategy over time.
Growing your sublimation business in Canada isn’t just about selling , it’s about building a brand, delivering value, and connecting with the right audience. With the right tools and mindset, your side hustle can become a long-term, scalable business.
What do you need to get started?
Starting your own sublimation or DTF business might sound overwhelming, but the truth is, you can launch with just a few essential tools and a bit of dedication. Whether you're working from home or setting up a small workshop, here’s what you need to get going:
1. A reliable printer and heat press
For sublimation, you’ll need a sublimation printer and sublimation inks. For DTF, a direct-to-film printer and powder shaker will get you started. A good-quality heat press is crucial to ensure vibrant, durable transfers.
👉 Looking for trusted options in Canada? Explore our sublimation printers and heat presses.
2. High-quality blanks
Your final product is only as good as the surface you print on. Choose blanks that are made for sublimation or DTF and deliver consistent results. At Joto, we offer everything from mugs and t-shirts to metal panels and keychains, so you can build a diverse catalog of items to sell.
👉 Browse our full collection of blanks for sublimation.
3. Design software
Use software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or free tools like Canva to create eye-catching, print-ready designs. Many printers come with their own RIP software, but you’ll want design flexibility to stand out from the crowd.
4. A selling platform
Choose one or more platforms from the list above (Shopify, Etsy, Amazon Handmade, etc.) and start listing your products. If you're just testing the waters, even a Facebook Page or Instagram Shop can be enough to validate your ideas.
5. Time, consistency, and patience
Like any small business, success takes time. Stick to a schedule, keep learning, and continuously test new product ideas and marketing channels. Every mistake is a learning opportunity that helps you grow.
Starting small is okay. What matters is getting started. With the right tools and the right mindset, your business can evolve into something truly sustainable and rewarding.
Conclusion: start selling, keep growing
Sublimation and DTF printing aren’t just creative outlets — they’re real business opportunities. With the right platforms, quality products, and a bit of digital strategy, you can turn your passion into profit and grow a business that’s uniquely yours.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, the Canadian market is full of potential. Selling online gives you the freedom to work on your terms, reach new customers, and build a brand you can be proud of.
At Joto Imaging Supplies, we’re here to support every step of your journey. From providing high-quality blanks and equipment, to sharing tips and resources that help your business grow.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Contact us and let us help you.
