A bit of a background: I’m a graphic designer/creative director and wanted to branch out into making my own store. I want to sell pet supplies and not rely too heavily on dropshipping. I’ve developed a strong brand identity and have created a lot of unique and appealing assets to go with the website. My weak suit is that I’m not well versed when it comes to the products and manufacturing aspect. I’m not rich and have little funding but I want to do a lot of customizing so I can add my own art and images to the products as well as advertising on the website. Right now ive linked my shopify to CJ drop shipping but everything is very generic with little ability to customize. I know a lot of the things you all have learned is valuable to you, and this being my first post I would like to ask if anyone is willing to exchange ideas? I’d love to contribute back in anyway I can even if its giving small designs. Any help or pointers would be nice! Thank you!
Topic summary
A graphic designer with strong branding skills is launching a pet supplies store but struggles with product sourcing and manufacturing knowledge. They currently use CJ dropshipping but find it too generic with limited customization options for adding their own artwork.
Key Recommendations from Community:
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Print-on-Demand (POD): Multiple users suggest platforms like Printful, Printify, and Gooten for customizing pet products (bandanas, collars, bowls, blankets) without upfront inventory costs. This allows testing products before committing to larger manufacturing.
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Alternative Approaches:
- Laser engraving for product personalization
- Wholesale sourcing combined with custom packaging/labels
- USAdrop as a fulfillment partner offering more branding flexibility
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Low-Cost Strategies:
- Trade design services for products with small manufacturers
- Partner with pet influencers, offering graphics in exchange for promotion
- Start small, test market response, then scale into manufacturing
Current Status: The discussion remains open with the original poster receiving multiple actionable suggestions. Community consensus emphasizes leveraging their design advantage through POD services while keeping initial costs low.
Have you looked into a laser engraver? It’s a great way to personalize products and gear and make your name stand out. Check out wholesale sites and look for good products to market. Get a tagging gun and labels with your logo, some eco-friendly packaging, and you’re in business. My thoughts on dropshipping Is Dropshipping Still Worth It in 2025? Let’s Talk Real Experiences - #2 by Maximus3
That is a solid start, you already have a huge advantage with your design background and branding. A lot of stores look generic because they lack that creative edge, so you are ahead there.
Since you want to add your own art, you might try print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Printify. They let you customize pet products like collars, bowls, bandanas, even pet-owner apparel without big upfront costs. You can test what sells, then later move into manufacturing once you know which products are winners.
CJ can still cover general items, but mixing in your custom pieces will make your shop feel unique. And offering your design skills in exchange for sourcing or manufacturing insights is a smart move you will learn faster and build connections at the same time.
You are definitely on the right track. Keep experimenting and leaning into your creative strength, it will set your store apart.
Hey @hook-d!
Here are some ideas and pointers for a graphic designer venturing into the pet supply business, focusing on customization and limited funding.
Moving Beyond Generic Dropshipping
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Print-on-Demand (POD) Services: This is a great starting point for a designer. Instead of dropshipping generic items, you can use POD services that specialize in printing custom designs on products. This allows you to leverage your art without holding inventory.
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Products: Look for POD providers that offer pet-related items like bandanas, bowls, collars, leashes, and blankets. Many also offers apparel for pet owners, which is a great way to expand your brand.
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Services to Explore:
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Printful: Integrates well with Shopify and offers a good range of products, including some pet items.
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Gooten: Another solid option with a wide variety of customizable products.
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TeePublic/Redbubble: While more of a marketplace, you can set up a shop and sell your unique designs on their products, which often include pet accessories. This can be a way to test the market before building your own site.
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Wholesale with Customization: Instead of dropshipping one item at a time, consider buying a small batch of a specific product from a wholesale supplier and then customizing it yourself.
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Example: Buy plain, high-quality dog bandanas in bulk. Use a heat press and vinyl transfers to apply your own unique designs. This gives you more control over the final product and its quality.
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Finding Suppliers: Use platforms like Alibaba or search for “wholesale pet supplies” and “custom pet accessories.” When using Alibaba, be very clear about your order size (ask for low MOQs - Minimum Order Quantity) and request samples before placing a large order.
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DIY & Handcrafted Items: Since you have little funding, a hybrid model can work. Create a few custom, handcrafted items yourself that can be sold at a higher price point due to their uniqueness and artisanal quality.
- Examples: Hand-painted pet food bowls, custom-engraved tags, or sewn pet beds with your unique fabric designs. This is a good way to build a following and story around your brand.
Manufacturing & Sourcing with Limited Funding
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Start Small & Test: Don’t try to stock a full inventory of every product from the start. Choose one or two key products and see how they sell. Use pre-orders to gauge interest before you commit to a bulk order.
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Use Samples: Always, always, always order samples from a manufacturer or supplier before placing a large order. This allows you to check the quality, feel, and color accuracy of the product.
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Look for Local Manufacturers: Search for local or domestic manufacturers that specialize in textile or pet product manufacturing. While they may be more expensive than international suppliers, they often have lower MOQs and can offer more personalized service. This can be a great way to build a strong partnership and ensure quality control.
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Leverage Your Network: If you have any contacts in the creative or manufacturing fields, ask for referrals or advice. A referral can go a long way in finding a reliable partner.
Leveraging Your Graphic Design Skills
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Content is King: Use your design skills to create high-quality, unique content for your website, social media, and email marketing. Don’t just show the product; show your brand’s personality through beautiful photography, illustrations, and videos.
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Branding is Your Differentiator: The generic nature of dropshipping is a problem, but your strong brand identity is your solution. Use your skills to make your store feel unique and different, even if you are selling a similar product to others.
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Create Unique Packaging: Even if the product is sourced from a dropshipper or wholesaler, you can create a unique unboxing experience with custom-designed packaging, stickers, and thank-you notes. This is a low-cost way to add perceived value and reinforce your brand.
Ideas for Collaboration & Exchange
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Offer Services for Products: If you connect with a small, independent pet product manufacturer, you could offer to trade your design services (e.g., logo design, packaging design, or social media graphics) in exchange for their products. This is a fantastic way to get product without spending money.
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Social Media Partnerships: Connect with pet influencers and creators who align with your brand. Offer to create custom graphics or branding for their social media in exchange for them promoting your store.
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Collaborate with Other Artists: Find other artists or designers and propose a collaboration. You could create a limited-edition product line together, sharing the costs and leveraging each other’s audiences.
This is a great venture, and your creative background is a huge asset. The key is to start small, leverage your unique skills, and test ideas before committing to large inventory orders. Good luck!
Regards,
EmbedAny Support
Sounds like a great idea! Since you’ve already got the design side nailed, maybe look into print-on-demand for custom products or connect with small local manufacturers who can handle low order volumes. That way you can keep your brand identity strong without needing a big budget.
Hey @hook-d
Having strong branding and design assets already puts you ahead of a lot of new stores. The tricky part is definitely finding suppliers who let you customize instead of just selling generic products. Some merchants I’ve worked with started using fulfillment partners like USAdrop because they give a bit more flexibility with branding and faster shipping compared to the usual dropshipping platforms. Might be worth exploring alongside CJ to see which option aligns best with your vision.
Best,
Moeed