Selling resume templates is an amazing way to earn online while helping others, particularly if you're a resume writer, career coach, or HR professional.
In 2018, I've turned my recruitment and career coaching experience into resume templates. Since then, I've supported over 8,000 professionals and learned a lot about the online business side of things. One of the first significant decisions I needed to make to start my resume shop was to decide where to sell my resume templates.
Dive deep into the pros, cons, and fees of the five most popular platforms for selling digital products, including resume templates:
Listing all the advantages, disadvantages, and costs for each platform, I'll share my thoughts on each one to help you figure out which platform will work best for you.
By the way, while you're at it, don't miss these articles:
Platform #1: Etsy
When it comes to selling digital products online, Etsy is the #1 platform that comes to mind. With over 96 million buyers in 2023, Etsy is the whale on the e-commerce market. And with their size, come many pros and cons of joining their marketplace as a seller.
Let's dive deeper.
Pros of Selling Resume Templates on Etsy
Etsy is a well-known online marketplace that offers a wide range of unique and handmade products. As a platform for selling resume templates, it has several advantages.
Large and Diverse Customer Base: Etsy attracts millions of visitors each month, which means you'll have access to a huuuge customer base. Over 90+ million, to be exact. This increased visibility can help you reach potential buyers who are actively searching for resume templates.
Established Brand and Trust: Etsy has been around for years and has built a strong reputation as a reliable and trustworthy marketplace. When you sell your resume templates on Etsy, you benefit from the platform's credibility, which can instill confidence in potential buyers.
Easy Set-Up and User-Friendly Interface: Setting up a shop on Etsy is relatively simple and straightforward. You can customize your shop's appearance, add product descriptions, and showcase your resume templates with ease. The platform also offers user-friendly features that make managing your shop and communicating with customers hassle-free.
SEO Optimization: A good search engine optimization (SEO) makes it easier for your resume templates to be discovered by potential buyers. Think of it this way: good SEO = automated, passive traffic. So, optimizing your product titles, descriptions, and tags can increase your chances of ranking higher in Etsy's search results and attracting more customers. And Etsy has made it super simple to help you figure it out.
Cons of Selling Resume Templates on Etsy
While Etsy offers many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider before diving into selling resume templates on this platform.
Competition: With 7+ millions of sellers on Etsy, the marketplace can be highly competitive. There may already be numerous sellers offering resume templates, which means you'll need to find ways to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd. Don't worry, it's still totally doable! Follow these 5 simple steps to get started.
Seller Fees: Etsy charges various fees for using their platform. These include listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. These costs can eat into your profits, so it's important to factor them into your pricing strategy. (We'll get to the exact fees in a second.)
Limited Customization Options: While Etsy provides some customization features, the platform does have limitations when it comes to creating a fully branded and unique shop. If you're looking for complete control over your shop's appearance and functionality, Etsy may not be the best choice.
Fees for Selling Resume Templates on Etsy
When selling resume templates on Etsy, it's essential to be aware of the fees involved. Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect:
Listing Fee: Etsy charges a $0.20 fee for each resume template listing, which is valid for four months or until the item sells.
Transaction Fee: When you make a sale on Etsy, they deduct a 5% transaction fee from the total sale price, including shipping costs.
Payment Processing Fee: If you use Etsy's payment processing system, called Etsy Payments, there is a fee of 3% plus $0.25 for each transaction.
It's important to consider these fees when setting your prices to ensure that you're still making a profit while covering the costs associated with selling on Etsy.
My Experience Selling on Etsy
Selling on Etsy has been a game-changer for me. I've been on Etsy since 2018, and I love it there!
On Etsy, you san start earning online relatively fast because of its large customer base, established brand, and user-friendly interface. However, even though it's simple to get started, you gotta know that it's not easy. It's crucial to stay on top of all updates, navigate the competition, be mindful of the fees, and work creatively to differentiate yourself within the marketplace. Here's my whole journey from creating the first template to selling over 8,000 of them.
Want to join me on Etsy? Use this link to list your first 40 products at ZERO cost.
Platform #2: Creative Market
Next to Etsy, there's Creative Market—another platform for selling digital products, including resume templates. As a creative marketplace, it attracts a large audience of designers, job seekers, and industry professionals, making it an ideal platform to show and sell your templates.
Let's explore the pros, cons, and fees associated with selling resume templates on Creative Market.
Pros of Selling Resume Templates on Creative Market
Large and Targeted Audience: Creative Market attracts a diverse and engaged community of designers and professionals seeking high-quality templates. By selling on this platform, you can tap into a large audience actively looking for resume templates, increasing your chances of making sales.
Established Reputation: Creative Market is a well-established platform known for its quality standards and curated marketplace. As a seller, being associated with a reputable platform can enhance your credibility and attract more potential customers.
Ease of Use: The platform is user-friendly, making it easy for sellers to create and upload their resume templates. With clear guidelines and a straightforward interface, you can efficiently manage your listings, track sales, and handle customer interactions.
Cons of Selling Resume Templates on Creative Market
High Competition: With a large number of sellers on Creative Market, the competition can be fierce. It requires effort and skill to stand out among the sea of digital products and resume templates available. You'll need to invest time and creativity to create unique and visually appealing designs that capture the attention of potential buyers.
Commission Fees: Creative Market charges a 50-70% commission fee on each sale, which is relatively high compared to some other platforms. While this fee covers hosting, marketing, and platform maintenance, it can eat into your profits, especially if you sell at lower price points.
Strict Quality Standards: Creative Market can't be your first ecommerce platform. Why? Because you need to show them your other storefronts to be able to open a shop. To maintain its reputation for quality, Creative Market has strict guidelines and review processes for submitted templates. This can be challenging for you if you're a new seller or still refining your design skills.
Fees for Selling Resume Templates on Creative Market
When selling resume templates on Creative Market, it's important to be aware of the fees involved.
Here's a breakdown of the fees:
Listing Fee: There is no listing fee on Creative Market. You can create and upload your resume templates without incurring any charges.
Commission Fee: Creative Market takes a 50%-70% commission fee on each sale. This fee is deducted from your earnings, and the remaining amount is credited to your account.
Payout Fee: When you're ready to withdraw your earnings, Creative Market imposes a $20 minimum payout threshold. Once you reach this threshold, you can request a payout and depending on the payment method an additional small fee will be deducted for processing the transaction.
My Experience With Creative Market
I don't actually have an open shop on Creative Market.
Initially, when I explored the possibility of opening a shop in 2020, they rejected my products saying that their market was saturated with resume templates. I haven't tried again since. (This might have changed in the meantime, so don't let my experience stop you, give it a try!)
Second, their commision is super high for my liking. Since lots of my sales comes through my site where I get to keep most of my earnings, I'm not really into a platform that takes such a huge piece of cake from their sellers.
But I do have to admit that whenever I need to buy some digital assets for my business, I prefer Creative Market over Etsy. They have business / commercial licensing options automated, to all my purchases can be deducted as business expenses and used for business purposes. Plus, the design quality on the platform is just above the average and I enjoy shopping experience there.
Platform #3: GraphicRiver
When it comes to selling resume templates online, GraphicRiver is one of the top platforms that comes to mind. With its vast user base and reputation as a trusted marketplace, GraphicRiver offers numerous benefits for sellers. However, as with any platform, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Let's explore the pros, cons, and fees associated with selling resume templates on GraphicRiver.
Pros of Selling Resume Templates on GraphicRiver
Large User Base: GraphicRiver boasts a massive community of users, including job seekers, HR professionals, and designers. This means you have a higher chance of reaching potential buyers and making sales.
Established Reputation: GraphicRiver has built a solid reputation as a reliable marketplace for digital assets. Buyers trust the platform, which can increase the credibility of your resume templates and attract more customers.
Easy Setup and Listing: The process of setting up your shop and listing your resume templates on GraphicRiver is straightforward and user-friendly. You don't need to have extensive technical knowledge to start selling on the platform.
Cons of Selling Resume Templates on GraphicRiver
High Competition: Due to its popularity, GraphicRiver is a highly competitive marketplace. Many sellers offer similar resume templates, which means you'll need to find unique ways to stand out from the crowd and attract buyers.
Lower Earnings Potential: While GraphicRiver provides a wide customer base, it also takes a commission from your sales. This means that you won't earn 100% of the profits, and the fees associated with each sale can eat into your earnings.
Fees for Selling Resume Templates on GraphicRiver
When you sell resume templates on GraphicRiver, the platform charges a fee for each sale you make. The fee structure is based on a percentage system:
For non-exclusive authors, the fee ranges from 55% to 37% of the item's sale price, depending on the total earnings you generate.
For exclusive authors, the fee ranges from 70% to 37% of the item's sale price, again depending on your total earnings.
My experience with GraphicRiver
2024 is the year when I'll give GraphicRiver a try. Stay tuned for an update.
Platform #4: TemplateMonster
Pros of Selling Resume Templates on TemplateMonster
TemplateMonster is a reputable online marketplace that provides a platform for designers and developers to sell their resume templates.
As a seller on TemplateMonster, there are several advantages that can enhance your experience and boost your sales.
Wide Audience Reach: With a massive user base, TemplateMonster offers exposure to a vast audience of potential buyers. This means increased visibility and higher chances of selling your resume templates to a larger customer base.
Quality Assurance: TemplateMonster has strict quality standards, ensuring that all templates on their platform meet professional design and functionality criteria. By selling your resume templates on TemplateMonster, you can benefit from their quality assurance process, which enhances the credibility and marketability of your products.
Cons of Selling Resume Templates on TemplateMonster
While TemplateMonster offers numerous advantages, it's essential to consider some potential drawbacks before deciding to sell your resume templates on their platform.
Competition: The popularity of TemplateMonster means that you'll be competing with a large number of other sellers. To stand out and attract buyers, you'll need to ensure that your resume templates offer unique features and exceptional design.
Commission Fees: TemplateMonster charges a commission fee for each sale you make on their platform. Although this is a common practice in online marketplaces, it's crucial to factor in these fees when setting your prices to ensure you're still earning a satisfactory profit.
Limited Control: As a seller on TemplateMonster, you have limited control over the platform's design and user experience. While this might not be a significant concern for most sellers, it's worth considering if you prefer more customization options or control over your storefront.
Fees for Selling Resume Templates on TemplateMonster
When selling resume templates on TemplateMonster, it's important to be aware of the fees associated with the platform.
Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect:
Commission Fee: TemplateMonster charges a percentage-based commission fee for each sale made through their platform. The exact rate may vary, so it's advisable to check their seller guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Payment Processing Fee: TemplateMonster deducts a small fee for payment processing, ensuring secure transactions between buyers and sellers. The specific percentage or amount depends on the chosen payment method.
Withdrawal Fee: If you choose to withdraw your earnings from TemplateMonster, there may be a small fee associated with the withdrawal process. This fee varies depending on the chosen payment method and location.
My Experience with Template Monster
Guess what? I'll also give Template Monster a try in 2024. Stay tuned for an update.
Platform #5: Design Bundles
Pros of Selling Resume Templates on Design Bundles
Design Bundles is an excellent platform for selling resume templates, offering a range of benefits that make it a top choice for designers and entrepreneurs.
Here are some of the pros of selling resume templates on Design Bundles:
User-Friendly Interface: Design Bundles provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to upload and manage your resume templates. You don't need to be a tech expert to navigate the platform and start selling your designs. This simplicity saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality templates.
No Listing Fees: Unlike some other platforms, Design Bundles doesn't charge any upfront listing fees. This means that you can showcase your resume templates without incurring any costs, making it a risk-free option for designers who are just starting or want to experiment with different designs.
Cons of Selling Resume Templates on Design Bundles
While Design Bundles offers numerous advantages, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks as well.
Here are a few cons of selling resume templates on Design Bundles:
Competition from Other Sellers: With a large community of designers on Design Bundles, you'll face competition from other sellers offering similar resume templates. Standing out from the crowd may require you to invest extra effort in creating unique and visually appealing designs that capture the buyer's attention.
Limited Control over Pricing: Design Bundles sets a minimum price for resume templates, which means you have limited control over how much you can charge for your designs. While this minimum price ensures a level playing field for all sellers, it may restrict your ability to price your templates higher if you believe they offer exceptional value.
Fees for Selling Resume Templates on Design Bundles
Design Bundles operates on a commission-based model where the platform takes a percentage of each sale as a fee.
The current commission rate on Design Bundles is 30%. This means that for every sale you make, Design Bundles will retain 30% of the total sale amount as their fee.
Considering the exposure and convenience Design Bundles provides, this fee is reasonable and aligns with industry standards.
My experience with Design Bundles
I've been on Design Bundles since 2020. Even though I haven't been active in promoting my shop or products there, customers still regularly find them, so I'm getting a real passive income from that platform.
Comparing it to Etsy, the overall user experience is a bit clunky. But their SEO optimization options are great, which means that your products won't only be availble to customers who come to their market place, but also to those who google your product, and that's definitely a huge thing. I have a feeling this platform will continue to grow in the coming years and it's still a great time to join it as a seller.
Final Verdict
If I would need to start all over again, I'd again start with Etsy. IMO, Etsy's market size makes it an untouchable winner. Sure, it also has its downsides, but comparing it to other platforms, the size of its market and low costs make it the best choice, especially if you're just starting out. From there, I'd branch out to the other platforms in the following order: 1) Design Bundles, 2) Graphic River, 3) Template Monster, 4) Creative Market. Are you already on selling digital products any of these platforms? What's your experience? Which one is your favorite?
TL;DR - Where to Sell Resume Templates?
After careful research and analysis, I have identified the top 5 platforms for selling resume templates. Each platform has its own pros and cons, as well as varying fee structures.
However, all of these platforms offer great opportunities for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and make a profit.
Etsy: With its large and diverse customer base, Etsy provides a great platform for selling resume templates, especially if you're just starting out.
Creative Market: Known for its high-quality design resources, Creative Market offers a professional and reputable marketplace for selling digital products, including resume templates. But, be aware of the high fees!
GraphicRiver: As part of the Envato Market, GraphicRiver is a popular choice for designers looking to sell resume templates. The platform offers a wide range of categories and a built-in customer base. However, the fees can be on the higher side.
TemplateMonster: While primarily known for website templates, TemplateMonster also provides a platform for selling resume templates. It offers a large customer base and allows for easy customization. However, the competition is fierce, and the fees can be substantial.
DesignBundles: DesignBundles is a great option for designers of all levels. The platform offers a wide range of marketing tools and resources to help sellers succeed.
Ultimately, the best platform for selling resume templates depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as fees, customer base, competition, and ease of use when making your decision. With the right platform and a stellar resume template, you can seize the opportunity to turn your passion into profit.
What's Next?
Learn more about the fastest way to launch your resume shop with Resume Shop Starter Kit, a one-of-a-kind toolkit that helps launch your resume shop in 5 days.
Curious about my journey? Read how I started selling resume templates in 2018.
Bookmark this article to have it at hand anytime you need some biz inspiration.
Know someone in the online space who wants to start an online business? (Bonus points if they're in HR, career coaching, or resume writing field.) Share this article with them.
Ana Colak-Fustin
Ana is a former recruiter, HR consultant, and founder of ByRecruiters.com. Her career advice and resume templates have been featured in Yahoo Finance, Jobscan, A Better HR Business, Starter Story, Best Colleges, and other global media. Since 2018, over 8,000 professionals worldwide have used her templates to land new jobs. She's on a mission to help 80,000 more.