Common Problems on Redbubble and How to Solve Them
1. Low or No Sales
Problem: Many artists upload designs but don’t see any sales, even after weeks or months.
Solution:
Research trending niches using tools like Redbubble Trends or Google Trends.
Upload more designs (at least 25–50 to start).
Use SEO-optimized titles, tags, and descriptions.
Share your shop on Pinterest, Instagram, and relevant communities.
2. Design Quality Issues
Problem: Blurry, pixelated, or misaligned artwork on products.
Solution:
Use high-resolution files (300 DPI recommended).
Use templates from Redbubble to align artwork correctly on products.
Check the preview of each product before publishing.
3. Copyright or Trademark Violations
Problem: Designs get removed due to IP (Intellectual Property) violations.
Solution:
Never upload fan art or use logos, characters, or brand names you don't own.
Use Redbubble’s IP/Public Domain policy and check trademarks using TMsearch.
Create only original content.
4. Designs Not Showing in Search
Problem: Your designs are published but not discoverable in Redbubble search results.
Solution:
Ensure your designs are not marked as “private.”
Use relevant and popular tags (max 50 per design).
Avoid keyword stuffing—focus on accuracy.
It may take a few hours or days for new designs to appear in search.
5. Payment Delays or Issues
Problem: You reached the payment threshold, but didn’t receive your earnings.
Solution:
Check your payment info in your account (PayPal email or bank details).
Redbubble pays around the 15th of each month.
Payments are made only if you reach the minimum threshold ($20).
Contact support if it’s past the payment date and your balance is correct.
6. Account Suspension or Ban
Problem: Your account gets suspended suddenly without a clear reason.
Solution:
Ensure all your designs comply with Redbubble’s community and content guidelines.
Don’t spam tags or copy others’ work.
If suspended unfairly, contact Redbubble support with proof of originality.
Always keep a backup of your designs in case you need to restart.
7. Products Not Appearing or Getting Disabled
Problem: Some products are not visible or are automatically disabled.
Solution:
This can happen if your image size is too small for certain products.
Use Redbubble’s recommended dimensions for each product.
Enable products manually in the product selection menu during upload.
8. Low Profit Margins
Problem: Each sale gives only a small amount of money.
Solution:
Increase your markup (default is 20%, you can go up to 50% or more).
Focus on higher-priced products like hoodies, wall art, or comforters.
Sell bundles or collections to increase value.
9. Mobile Layout Issues
Problem: Your designs look bad on mobile previews.
Solution:
Use Redbubble’s mobile view feature to preview designs.
Adjust scale and placement for each product separately if needed.
Avoid designs with text too close to the edges.
10. No Shop Traffic
Problem: No one is visiting your Redbubble shop.
Solution:
Promote your shop on social media platforms.
Use Pinterest (very effective for print-on-demand).
Start a blog or YouTube channel to drive organic traffic.
Collaborate with influencers in your niche.
11. Designs Removed Without Explanation
Solution: Contact Redbubble support for clarification. Avoid using restricted content or trends that may include hidden IP.
12. Wrong Product Placement (Design Misaligned)
Solution: Use Redbubble's design positioning tool. Align artwork properly for each product using templates.
13. Tags Not Being Indexed
Solution: Use relevant, commonly searched tags. Don’t use repeated or unrelated tags.
14. Difficulty Understanding Analytics
Solution: Use external tracking like Google Analytics or integrate Redbubble stats into spreadsheets for better insights.
15. Getting Few Favorites or Likes
Solution: Create engaging titles and thumbnails. Promote on Reddit, Twitter, or Instagram.
16. Product Thumbnails Look Boring
Solution: Adjust artwork scale, colors, and background to make product previews visually appealing.
17. Customers Can’t Find Your Shop
Solution: Share direct shop links on social media, add keywords to your shop bio and product descriptions.
18. Too Many Competitors in Your Niche
Solution: Target micro-niches or combine two themes (e.g., “Funny Cat Quotes for Nurses”).
19. Can't Find Winning Designs
Solution: Use Redbubble search, TrendBubble, or Merch Informer to find popular themes.
20. Limited Time for Uploading
Solution: Create design batches and schedule uploads. Focus on high-impact designs.
21. Not Understanding Which Products Sell Best
Solution: Focus on bestsellers like stickers, T-shirts, and phone cases. Check the Redbubble Marketplace Insights.
22. Rejected Design Files
Solution: Ensure files are under 300MB, RGB color, and proper resolution.
23. No Clear Brand Identity
Solution: Design with a consistent theme, color scheme, and shop banner.
24. Getting Negative Reviews
Solution: Ensure artwork is readable, doesn’t mislead customers, and fits the product properly.
25. Accidentally Deleting Designs
Solution: Always keep a backup of all files and designs locally or on the cloud.
26. Product Not Available in Some Countries
Solution: Promote globally popular products. Note that Redbubble ships globally, but customs may vary.
27. Design Colors Look Washed Out
Solution: Use vibrant RGB colors and test how it looks in previews, especially on clothing.
28. Incomplete Product Enablement
Solution: Manually enable and position design for all products before publishing.
29. Redbubble Account Not Verified
Solution: Check your email inbox and spam folder for the verification email.
30. Can’t Edit Published Designs
Solution: Use the “Edit” option in your dashboard. You can update files, tags, and titles anytime.
31. Can’t Change Shop Name
Solution: Redbubble doesn’t allow changing usernames. Create a new account with your preferred name.
32. Designs Not Mobile-Friendly
Solution: Test design layout in mobile previews and reposition if necessary.
33. Artwork Cropped on Some Products
Solution: Use Redbubble templates to fit the design properly on all product types.
34. Trouble Creating Transparent Backgrounds
Solution: Use tools like Canva, Photopea, or Photoshop to export PNG files with transparent backgrounds.
35. Not Enough Storage Space for Designs
Solution: Compress images (without losing quality) using tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim.
36. Multiple Shops Management Confusion
Solution: Keep separate logins and a spreadsheet to manage uploads and niches for each shop.
37. Product Mockups Look Unattractive
Solution: Customize mockups and positioning, and create your own lifestyle mockups for promotion.
38. Customers Leaving Carts Without Buying
Solution: Improve product titles, images, and offer discounts through promotion.
39. Trouble Uploading Large Files
Solution: Reduce file size while maintaining resolution (300 DPI max, under 300MB).
40. Product Descriptions Not Converting
Solution: Write unique, keyword-rich descriptions that speak to the customer’s interests or use case.
41. Customers Asking for Custom Orders
Solution: Politely explain Redbubble doesn’t allow direct customization, or guide them to similar existing designs.
42. Products Taking Too Long to Ship
Solution: Link Redbubble’s shipping policy on your social media/shop bio to manage expectations.
43. Reviews Not Showing Up
Solution: Only verified purchases from customers show public reviews. Encourage honest feedback.
44. Account Flagged for Spam
Solution: Avoid copy-pasting identical tags or uploading hundreds of similar designs rapidly.
45. Artwork Showing on Wrong Products
Solution: Disable unsuitable products (like clocks or leggings) for square/portrait art.
46. Products Not Centered Properly
Solution: Use manual alignment and zoom tools provided in Redbubble’s product editor.
47. Difficulty Tracking Bestsellers
Solution: Track your dashboard stats weekly or maintain your own sales log.
48. Trouble With Redbubble Ads
Solution: Redbubble runs ads automatically. You can’t control them but can drive your own traffic for better ROI.
49. Watermarks Missing on Previews
Solution: Turn on watermark under your account settings to prevent art theft.
50. Sales Drop Suddenly
Solution: This could be due to seasonal changes or algorithm shifts. Keep uploading and promoting.
51. Not Showing in Google Search
Solution: Optimize your product titles and tags with relevant keywords; use backlinks from your blog or social media.
52. Customers Asking About Sizes
Solution: Link to Redbubble’s sizing chart or add sizing notes in product descriptions.
53. Inconsistent Design Style
Solution: Stick to a visual theme or niche to improve brand recognition.
54. Overwhelmed With Uploading
Solution: Use bulk upload tools like Redbubble helper browser extensions or plan batch uploads.
55. Product Colors Don’t Match Design
Solution: Choose product colors that contrast well with your design, especially on apparel.
56. Account Not Getting Views
Solution: Boost views by sharing on forums, Reddit, Facebook groups, and SEO blogging.
57. Can’t Set Up PayPal
Solution: Use a verified PayPal business account and ensure your PayPal email matches your Redbubble payout email.
58. Design Stolen or Re-uploaded by Others
Solution: File a copyright takedown notice through Redbubble’s support.
59. Sales Plateauing
Solution: Research new trends, update old designs, and optimize underperforming listings.
60. Can’t Find Niche Ideas
Solution: Use tools like Google Trends, Etsy, or Pinterest for niche inspiration.
61. Background Colors Appear Wrong on Products
Solution: Export designs in sRGB color profile and check previews.
62. Incorrect Pricing Displayed
Solution: Review your markup settings for each product type under your Artist Margin settings.
63. Long Design Approval Delays
Solution: Normally designs publish instantly. If delayed, check for errors or contact support.
64. No Control Over Product Discounts
Solution: Redbubble applies global discounts; factor that into your markup strategy.
65. No Option to Offer Custom Bundles
Solution: Use product collections and promote bundles manually on social media.
66. Trouble Understanding Dashboard
Solution: Use Redbubble’s help center or forums to learn what each metric means.
67. Shop Page Looks Empty
Solution: Feature collections and add a compelling shop banner and profile bio.
68. Customers Asking Questions You Can't Answer
Solution: Link them to Redbubble’s help pages or FAQ; don’t promise shipping or delivery guarantees.
69. Product Preview Not Loading
Solution: Clear browser cache or try another browser/device.
70. Trouble Uploading From Mobile
Solution: Use the desktop version of Redbubble for smoother uploads and product adjustments.
71. Design Upload Tool Freezes
Solution: Compress images or switch browsers (Chrome or Firefox preferred).
72. Accidentally Deleted Good Designs
Solution: Always save multiple backups locally or on cloud services like Google Drive.
73. Poor Visibility During Holidays
Solution: Upload seasonal content 1–2 months early and use holiday-related tags.
74. Receiving Unwanted Emails from Redbubble
Solution: Manage your email preferences in your account settings.
75. Shop Not Loading for Visitors
Solution: Check for browser issues or make sure the shop is set to public, not private.
76. Designs Violating Community Guidelines
Solution: Read Redbubble's guidelines regularly and avoid adult, hateful, or controversial content.
77. Getting Few Return Customers
Solution: Encourage followers and collect emails (outside Redbubble) for retargeting via blog or newsletter.
78. File Formats Not Supported
Solution: Stick to PNG or JPG files under 300MB, RGB mode only.
79. Uploading Designs with Text Errors
Solution: Triple-check all spelling and grammar before uploading.
80. Forgetting to Add Important Tags
Solution: Keep a keyword list ready for each niche and copy-paste relevant ones per design.
81. Using Irrelevant Tags
Solution: Only use tags that directly relate to your design to avoid penalties.
82. Can’t Access Old Designs
Solution: Use filters or search bar in your dashboard; otherwise, contact Redbubble support.
83. Shop Not Appearing in Marketplace
Solution: Ensure your account is verified and artwork is marked as “public.”
84. Unoptimized Banner or Logo
Solution: Use correct dimensions (e.g., banner: 2400 x 600px) and a clean, readable logo.
85. Too Many Designs, No Focus
Solution: Organize products into collections (e.g., Funny Quotes, Cats, Anime) and keep branding consistent.
86. Losing Motivation
Solution: Set small weekly goals and track progress. Join communities for support.
87. Copyright Takedown by Mistake
Solution: Submit a counter-notice if your design is original and you have proof.
88. Poor Conversion on Ads
Solution: Test organic traffic first. Use free platforms like Pinterest and YouTube before running paid ads.
89. High Return Rate
Solution: Ensure product previews and descriptions are clear and accurate.
90. Difficulty Standing Out
Solution: Focus on unique design styles, underserved niches, or humor that’s relatable.
91. Can't Delete Redbubble Account
Solution: Contact Redbubble support for account deletion requests.
92. No Communication From Redbubble Support
Solution: Wait up to 5 working days and resend politely with all details included.
93. Limited Control Over Refunds
Solution: Refunds are handled by Redbubble directly, not by the artist.
94. Can't Add Watermark to Products
Solution: Enable watermark from account settings under "Protect Your Work."
95. Old Designs Getting No Traffic
Solution: Update tags, titles, and re-share on social media to revive them.
96. Redbubble App Not Working Properly
Solution: Use the desktop version for uploading and editing.
97. Customers Asking for Faster Shipping
Solution: Let them know Redbubble handles all fulfillment, and they can select express options during checkout.
98. Trouble Logging In
Solution: Reset password or check browser extensions that may block login cookies.
99. Redbubble Site Crashing
Solution: Wait a few minutes, clear cache, or check Redbubble status page.
100. Burnout From POD Platforms
Solution: Take breaks, plan your uploads, and enjoy the process of creating without pressure.