Should I Start a TPT Store?

Have you ever thought about starting a TPT store?

If you are thinking why would I put all of that work in? Who would buy my products over someone else’s.

I’m telling you, it’s worth it! Do it! Don’t question yourself, don’t compare yourself to others and just do it!

How I Started My TPT Journey

I started created TPT products in 2013. To be honest I didn’t even know what Teacherspayteachers was.

I spoke with a teacher who told me she made some extra money selling her resources.

I was instantly intrigued and wanted to know more. After learning about what TPT was I quickly got started. Keep reading, I’m going to tell you how!

I’m going to give you 4 steps to take to get yourself started. I bet you already have those products created, you just may have to tweak them a tiny bit and you’ll be set!

4 Easy Steps to Getting Started

Step 1: Join

Step 1 is the easiest step! Make that decision to join, just do it! I promise it will be worth it.

Are you already a member of TPT?

• If you are already a member you would upgrade to a seller account.

• If this is the 1st time creating an account follow these steps:

Choose the Account Best For You!

Now let’s choose which account is best for us? You can choose basic seller for free and just see if your products sell. You can upgrade at anytime.

Let’s think about this. Let’s say you have a product for sale for $1.00. TPT gets 30 cents, you’re already down to 70 cents and you will earn 55% of that amount.

If you were a premium seller you would get 80% of the sale on a $1 product and you would make 80 cents. That profit will add up very quickly!

Step 2: Brand Yourself

Are you thinking what do you mean by brand yourself? Here’s what I want you to do:

• Think about the products you would like to create.
• What grade level/levels will these products be for?
• What subjects do I want to create?
• Will you create products for multiple grade levels?

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Have you already created resources for your own classroom?
• What products would you search for?
• Do you need that you can’t already find?

Now, I’m hoping that you have some idea in your head. Next you need to come up with a store name (you can change it at any time).Time for our next step!

Step 3: Time to Create

How do I create resources? This part is really up to you. You may feel very comfortable creating resources in PowerPoint (this is what I use). The important thing to remember is everything you create needs to be SECURED! Can you save as a PDF? Can you export images to PNG or JPEGs? This brings up to Copyright Infringement.

Copyright Infringement is such an important key to selling on TPT. Here is a great guide to answer any copyright questions from a TPT seller: Copyright Questions Answered

The Basics for Copyright Infringement

• NO Google images! It is 100% illegal and you have committed copyright infringement.
• NO copying workbooks, or other people’s work.
• If you DID NOT create it, don’t use it!
• If you use clipart YOU MUST read the clip artists Terms of Use. Their terms of use needs to say “allowed for commercial use”. Most artists allow you use purchased clipart in your products and as a term you will need to credit them in your products. (That’s why you see that credits page in all of the resources you download.)
• If you go to a random website with clipart, check the bottom of the page for Terms of Use. The terms of use will say how you are allowed to use their clipart. Personal or Commercial. Commercial means that you will sell it.

What Happens if I Copyright?

• TPT has the right to remove your item and give you a warning at any time.
• If you have multiple copyright violations it may result in your store being removed and you could be sued.

Companies That Will NOT Allow You to Use Their Name or Sell on TPT:

Here is a link to TPT’s Content Guidelines. TPTs Content Guide

If in doubt, ASK!

Secure Your Products

What do I mean by secure your products? Make sure you save your PowerPoint or document as a PDF.

• Using Adobe Pro (paid edition) Secure your document with a password.
• If you do not have Adobe Pro, export your PowerPoint slides into PNG’s. Drag each slide back into an empty PowerPoint.
• People can steal your clip art or work if you do not protect it!

Where Do I Get Clipart?

You can find FREE clipart on TPT, all you have to do is search what you are looking for and check the free box on the left side to search.

Step 4: Market Yourself

Almost done! Right now you will have:

• Signed up for TPT
• Created a store name and have a store of your own
• Created a product that free from copyright infringement.
• In the process or already uploaded your 1st product on TPT.

Now How Do I Share My Resources?

The best way to share your resources is by social media. There is a ton of research and courses out there on which is best. I am no expert!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest

You do NOT have to run out and create all of these platforms. Most of my traffic will come from Pinterest. If I could give you any advice, it would be to get a Pinterest business account and create pins for your products. This has helped my store 100%.

Important Tips and Tricks

1. Make sure to have a square cover for all of your new TPT products 10×10
2. Include directions for your products if applicable.
3. Don’t forget to put a copyright on each page of your products.
4. Look at terms of use and give credit to your source for clipart and fonts.
5. Your 1st product download on TPT must be a free resource, make it a good one!
6. Take pictures of your products in action!

Good Luck! You Will Be Great! Don’t Compare Yourself and Stick to What You Know Best.