At Websticker we do a lot of work developing and designing sticker products for other companies and individuals. My blog post on How To Start A Sticker Business was the most visited page on our website for many years. Clearly many people enjoy coming up with slogans and have an idea for stickers and dream of all the people in the world that will want or need that special, one-of-a-kind sticker. So, the question… how to make stickers to sell?
Perhaps the first question regarding how to make stickers to sell is is it worth it? I don’t want to stomp on anyone’s buzz, I too love nothing more than brainstorming and coming up with fun ideas for stickers. But, the reality is, millions of people have a great idea for stickers but millions of dollars are not being made. It is extremely difficult to produce a viral sticker or sell stickers beyond established distribution channels to a specific, existing target market. The same can be said for t-shirts.
Creating and selling a hit bumper sticker is actually more difficult than creating a viral video, or getting a million followers on social media. This is due to ease of distribution. Millions of people dream of creating a viral video that spreads like wildfire and everyone needs to see and pass along, but a viral video is seldom planned – it usually takes luck, money, authenticity, and an interested tribe or market. Sticker ideas or products need even more of those elements… PLUS production and distribution to succeed.
Don’t pay for trademark protection or worry about non-disclosure agreements up front for your idea for stickers. Money can be better spent on planning, production, and distribution partnerships. Really, no-one is interested in stealing your sticker idea or doing the sales work unless the sticker product is already raking in money. If a great bumper sticker idea starts to take off, there is time to get further protection. Perhaps the first question regarding how to make stickers to sell is is it worth it?
So, go ahead and brainstorm clever ideas for stickers and maybe print and sell some of them. But, do it for fun or because you believe in the message, not for the money. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming and having high expectations, but as with every successful business it takes proper planning, budgeting and demand.
These blog posts may help you along with your great idea for stickers…
How Do I Protect My Great Sticker Idea?
Turning Your Artwork Into A Profitable Sticker Product
Stickers Can Make Profitable Products for Many Businesses
Jeff Nicholson is the founder and Creative Director at 
9 Responses
I came up with a bumper sticker slogan today, August 19, 2025, and someone will make some big bucks off of it. TRUMP IS A TARIFFIC PRESIDENT.
Hi I had an idea for a sticker. Well a few ideas actually. . but not sure how to go about sell my ideas
I was taught at marketing school long ago, “Build a better mouse trap and the world will come running to your door!” …is fake news and wishful thinking!
I have some ideas for phrases to be used for bumper stickers & t-shirts. How can I find a buyer?
Hey David – I think I addressed this in the post, but to reiterate, I don’t think there are any buyers to find for “ideas”. There are many unique ideas out there and you either start a little business selling stickers and T’s with your phrases on them (which is not difficult these days with small run digital printing and simple selling platforms), or you just enjoy the process of coming up with new ideas.
Blackouts matter. Especially the next day
i have a great idea for a bumper sticker and would like to sell my idea to someone for a percentage of sales or a cash offer for my idea. i really do not want to print them myself and try to market the stickers.
I would also love to sell ideas for a percentage of sales or some cash. Millions of people would love that. But, the reality is, it’s just not likely to happen. If the slogan, words or image is really strong the best thing to do would be to trademark it (Trademarkia is a good place for that) and then tell as many people as possible about the idea and offer it out to the world. Here’s another blog post that might be helpful: How Do I Protect My Great Sticker Idea
If you see my truck on the side of the road.
Not to worry,
I’m probably hunting.