The Art Of Cyber-branding

For many years, one was more likely to win the lottery than create his or her own product brand. That was reserved for the Calvin Kleins and Ralph Laurens of the world. But with the Internet, the times, they are a 'changin'.

Now, with print-on-demand services such as Printfection and Cafepress, a few clicks of the mouse solves that problem. These type companies not only stock your inventory, but set up your webstore, allow you to digitally design your product, and it's not just on tee shirts and caps anymore, but collectible clocks, track suits, aprons, buttons, magnets, framed tiles, and hundreds of other gifts and collectibles.

As if all that were not enough, anyone who has looked at merchant accounts and the awful fees knows that sometimes opening an online store is simply not worth it. Both Printfection and Cafepress throw in an excellent secure checkout system at no extra cost. Your customers may use their secure checkout platforms and they are as secure as they come. And they offer toll-free numbers for those who are still a bit skiddish. There are rules to follow according to these firms such as a 30 day guarantee which should be part of any company nevertheless. Always follow the terms of service and you will have a good relationship with your manufacturer.

The price of one's storefront varies depending on the type one wants and which firm it is using. It is not expensive and can vary from free to seven dollars per month. Of course if that were all there were to the costs, everyone would have a store. But the truth of the matter is, one must budget in advertising and other costs that go along with promoting any service or product. It is not a lot different than running a brick and mortar store except a lot less costly.

How does one learn to design the products and price them? Each site has a tutorial that can be comprehended rather easily. If one hits a stump, there is a toll free number and a forum for answers. It is not rocket science, but, yes, even I, occasionally run into issues which are rapidly solved.

So if you have been one of those starving-artist types with your head in the sand for a long time, its time to pull it out and show your wares. The Internet has opened phenomenal new markets and the buying public loves them (and by the way, orders are quite brisk) at all seven of my stores.

So just build it and they will click their mouse.

I was one one of those creators who put my head in the sand for many years. I had (and have) a critically acclaimed cartoon Londons Times at londonstimes.us. For seven years I let it sit there and gather dust. Fortunately it gathered a following too (we found out about 9 million or 4000 per hour of which I had no idea at the time). Since discovering print-on-demand services I have opened mirthgirthbirth.com (maternity and infant wear), ricklondonwear.com (cartoon designer clothes) ricklondoncollection.com (cartoon gifts and collectibles), LTSuperstore.com megastore of gifts and collectibles, justfunnyaprons.com, justfunnyhoodies.com, and justfunnycoasters.com. The potential is unlimited. All one must do is research a product or products that are selling well, insert art or photography, and get to work.

By: Rick London

Rick London started Londons Times Cartoons in an abandoned Ms. warehouse. Now it is one of the most visited cartoon sites on the Internet with over almost 10 million visitors off-the-wall comics,and odd cartoons

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