Making a decent profit from print on demand platforms like Printify can be challenging, especially when considering the fees associated with selling on marketplaces like Etsy. However, with careful planning and strategic pricing, it is possible to achieve profitability.

Firstly, it's important to understand the different costs involved in running a print on demand business. These costs typically include the base cost of the product, printing and fulfillment fees, marketplace fees, and any additional expenses like advertising or packaging materials.

Let's consider an example to illustrate this:

Suppose you are selling a t-shirt on Etsy using Printify. The base cost of the t-shirt is $10, and Printify charges a printing and fulfillment fee of $5. Etsy charges a 5% transaction fee on the total sale price, and there might be additional fees for advertising or promoted listings.

To calculate your selling price, you need to consider all these costs. Let's assume you want to make a 30% profit margin:

1. Calculate the total costs:
   Base cost: $10
   Printing and fulfillment fee: $5
   Etsy transaction fee (5%): (Sale price x 0.05)

2. Calculate the desired profit margin:
   Profit margin: 30% of the total costs

3. Determine the selling price:
   Selling price = Total costs + Profit margin

For example, if you want to make a $10 profit on a t-shirt:

Total costs = $10 (base cost) + $5 (printing and fulfillment fee) + (Sale price x 0.05) (Etsy transaction fee)
Profit margin = 30% of total costs
Selling price = Total costs + Profit margin

By adjusting the selling price, you can ensure that you are covering your costs and making a reasonable profit. However, it's important to find a balance between pricing competitively and maintaining profitability.

Additionally, consider other strategies to improve profitability:

1. Increase sales volume: Increase your marketing efforts, optimize your product listings, and consider running promotions or discounts to attract more customers.

2. Explore different marketplaces: Etsy is just one platform; consider expanding to other marketplaces like Shopify, Amazon, or eBay, which may have different fee structures or a larger customer base.

3. Offer unique and high-quality products: Differentiate yourself from competitors by offering unique designs or high-quality products that justify a higher selling price.

4. Optimize your expenses: Regularly review your expenses, such as advertising or packaging costs, to ensure they are necessary and cost-effective.

Remember, achieving profitability takes time and experimentation. Continuously monitor your sales, costs, and profit margins to make informed adjustments and optimize your print on demand business.