How to make a calendar to sell: A step-by-step guide

Creating and selling custom calendars is not just a great way to make money; it’s also an opportunity to showcase your creativity and business skills. 

Whether you're a photographer, artist, or someone with a knack for entrepreneurship, this guide will take you through every stage of the process of how to make a calendar to sell. We’ll explain how to brainstorm and design your calendar and then move on to the nitty-gritty of marketing and selling the final product. 

Plus, we'll explore how using Gelato's global print on demand network, you can produce top-notch calendars locally and efficiently, making the whole experience smooth for both you and your customers.

• Identify and understand your target audience and choose a compelling theme to design a custom calendar that appeals to them.

• Use design software or online tools to create visually appealing and functional calendar layouts with organized images and important dates.

• Select high-quality materials and finishes to ensure the final product stands out and meets customer expectations.

• Implement effective marketing strategies and manage inventory to optimize sales and customer satisfaction.

• Utilize print on demand services, like Gelato, to produce calendars and ship them globally.

Yes, a calendar business can be quite profitable. With low production costs and high demand, especially during holiday seasons, selling custom calendars allows creators to earn a substantial profit. On top of this, if they leverage print on demand services like Gelato, they can significantly reduce upfront investment and maximize their profitability.

The cost of making a calendar can vary depending on several factors, including how many calendars you need. 

You need to account for design software costs, image acquisition, printing, and shipping. Basic costs include purchasing high-quality stock photos or hiring a designer. Printing costs depend on material quality, size, and finishes, such as glossy or matte. 

For example, stock photos can range from $1 to $20, while hiring a freelance designer may cost between $50 to $200 per hour on average. Additionally, marketing expenses might include social media ads, typically costing from $10 to $50 per campaign, and platform fees for marketplaces such as Etsy or Amazon, ranging from 5% to 15% of the sale price.

Note: The prices above are just rough estimates and not definite figures.

Ready to turn your creative ideas into a profitable product? Let's break down the process of making and selling custom calendars into easy-to-follow steps.

1. Plan your calendar

Before diving into the design process, it’s important to have a solid plan for your calendar. Here's how to build a plan:

• Identify your target audience: Conduct market research to determine who will buy your calendar. Are you targeting professionals, families, hobbyists, or another specific group? Knowing your audience and their personal tastes will help you tailor your design and marketing efforts to attract the right buyers.

• Choose a theme or concept for your calendar: Decide on a consistent theme that appeals to your target audience. This could be anything from nature photography and inspirational quotes to pet portraits or travel landmarks. A well-chosen theme can make your calendar stand out in the market.

• Determine the calendar format: Decide whether you want to create a wall calendar, desk calendar, pocket calendar, or even a digital calendar. The format should align with the preferences and needs of your target audience.

2. Design your calendar

This step is crucial as it can set your calendar apart from others in the market. Here's how you can create well-designed calendar templates:

• Gather and organize images and illustrations: Begin by selecting high-quality images or illustrations that align with your chosen theme for each calendar page. Organize them so they correspond with the months or sections of the calendar, maintaining a cohesive look throughout.

• Use design software or online tools to create the layout: Whether you are proficient in Adobe InDesign or Photoshop or prefer online tools like Canva, these platforms offer templates to help you get started. Customize these templates to fit your vision, adjusting colors, fonts, and other design elements.

• Incorporate important dates and holidays: Adding public holidays, important events, or even fun, lesser-known holidays can add value to your calendar. Depending on your target audience, you can also include space on themed calendars for personal notes or birthdays.

Tips for creating visually appealing and functional designs

When it comes to designing appealing visuals, it can make or break your calendar. Here we have some tips to help make your designs stand out:

1. Ensure your design is not overly cluttered; it should be easy to read and write on.

2. Stick to a consistent style for fonts, colors, and imagery to ensure a uniform look and feel.

3. Low-quality images can ruin the overall look of your calendar. Always use high-quality images or illustrations.

4. The font should be legible and appropriate for your theme. Avoid using too many different fonts.

5. Depending on whether it is a wall calendar, desk calendar, or planner, adapt your design accordingly.

3. Choose the right materials

When it comes to creating a high-quality calendar that captures the interest of potential buyers, the materials you choose are crucial. Let's explore how you can select the right materials and finishes for calendars:

• Select the type of paper or material: The type of paper you choose can impact the quality and appearance of the calendar. Options range from standard paper to more specialized materials like cardstock or recycled paper. Each type offers different textures and weights, which can enhance the overall user experience.

• Consider printing options and finishes: Once you've selected the paper, consider the type of finish that best suits your design and target audience. Glossy finishes can make colors pop and photos look vibrant, while matte finishes provide a more subdued and sophisticated look. You can even explore unique finishes like UV coating or lamination for added durability and appeal.

• Ensure high-quality materials to enhance the final product: Investing in high-quality materials may increase your upfront costs, but it can make a world of difference in the final product. High-quality paper and finishes not only make your calendar more attractive but also more durable, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.

• Think about the binding method: The binding method can add a functional and aesthetic touch to your calendar. Options include spiral binding, which allows for easy page turning, or stapled binding for a more traditional look. Each method also affects the user experience and durability, so choose the one that best fits your design and audience preferences.

4. Print your calendar

Printing your calendar is where your vision finally turns into a tangible product. Here’s how you can efficiently navigate the printing process:

• Find a reliable print on demand service, like Gelato: Start by researching various print on demand services. Gelato offers a competitive edge with its global network, high-quality standards, and user-friendly interface.

• Upload your design files to the printing platform: Once you’ve chosen your print on demand service, the next step is to upload your calendar designs. Ensure your files are in the required format and resolution for the best outcome.

• Choose your printing specifications: Specify aspects like calendar size, paper type, and finish. Options such as glossy or matte finishes can influence the final look and feel of your product.

• Review and approve the proof before printing: Before printing begins, you will receive proof of your calendar. This is your chance to review the layout, colors, and overall design to ensure everything aligns with your expectations. Make any necessary corrections and give your final approval to proceed with printing.

5. Price your calendar

Pricing your calendar correctly can make or break your venture. Here's how to ensure your calendar not only stands out but also brings in profits. 

• Research market prices for similar calendars: Research what other sellers in your niche are charging for their calendars. Look at different platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and specialty calendar websites. Note the price range, quality, design features, and any added value offerings.

• Calculate your costs: It's important to factor in all expenses associated with your calendar production. This includes design costs, printing fees, and shipping expenses. Don’t forget to account for any marketing or advertising you plan to invest in. Knowing your total cost will help you ensure the pricing is profitable.

• Set a competitive and profitable price point: With the gathered data, determine a price that covers your costs and leaves room for a healthy profit margin. Consider the perceived value your calendar offers. If your design is unique or incorporates premium materials, you can justify a higher price point. Ensure that you balance affordability for your target audience and profitability for your business.

• Test different pricing strategies: Experiment with various pricing strategies, such as offering early bird discounts, bulk purchase deals, or limited-edition pricing. Monitor the response from your target audience to understand which strategy maximizes both sales volume and profit margins.

6. Market and sell your calendar

Once your calendar is designed, priced, and ready for production, it's time to shift your focus to marketing and selling your creation. Here’s how you can do it: 

• Create a marketing plan: Identify your marketing goals and the channels you will utilize. Determine who your target audience is and how best to reach them.

• Utilize social media, email marketing, and your website: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are excellent for visually driven products like calendars. For email marketing, build an email list and send out newsletters or promotional emails to potential customers. Ensure your website is optimized for sales with high-quality images, detailed product descriptions, and easy navigation.

• Online marketplaces: Consider listing your calendar on platforms like Etsy, where there is already an active audience interested in unique, artisanal products. These marketplaces can broaden your reach and simplify the sales process.

• Offer promotions and discounts: Attract buyers by offering special promotions, such as holiday discounts, bundle deals, or free shipping. Limited-time offers create urgency and encourage quick purchases.

7. Fulfill orders and manage inventory

Once you have successfully marketed your calendar and sales start rolling in, the next step is managing orders and inventory efficiently. 

Here are some essential practices to streamline this aspect of your calendar business: 

• Set up efficient order processing and shipping workflows: Develop a clear order fulfillment process that includes steps from order receipt to packaging and shipping. Ensure that all necessary supplies, such as packaging materials and labels, are readily available. Automate as many steps as possible using order management software to save time and reduce errors.

• Use inventory management tools to keep track of stock levels: Implement an inventory management system that lets you monitor stock levels in real-time. This prevents overselling and identifies when it's time to reorder supplies. Platforms like Gelato integrate directly with your ecommerce site, providing accurate updates on inventory status.

• Ensure timely delivery and good customer service: Partner with reliable shipping providers and consider offering multiple shipping options to meet different customer needs. Always provide tracking information to your customers to inform them of their order status. Additionally, respond promptly to any inquiries or issues that arise to maintain high customer satisfaction.

• Monitor customer feedback and reviews: Regularly check customer reviews and feedback to understand their experience with your product and service. This gives you valuable insights into what is working well and areas that need improvement. Address any negative feedback constructively and use positive testimonials to build trust and credibility with your audience.

Creating and selling custom calendars is a rewarding venture that allows creators to showcase their creativity. But how and where should you start?

At Gelato, we can help you build your calendar business from the ground up. Gelato simplifies the process of designing and selling custom calendars using a streamlined process facilitated by a user-friendly platform. Why stop there? Customize your calendars using our intuitive Personalization Studio, where you can visualize designs before committing to print, ensuring a high-quality final product.

Gelato’s global print on demand network ensures that your calendars are printed and shipped locally in over 30 countries, reducing costs and delivery times.

Ready to turn your creative calendar ideas into a profitable business? Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs!