Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a platform designed for educators to monetize the teaching materials they create for their students. Originally created for teachers, the platform has expanded significantly, now serving a diverse audience that includes homeschool educators and child care providers seeking unique materials. The site allows sellers to earn money from lessons and resources they have already developed for their classrooms, turning time spent on preparation into a potential source of income. For many, selling on TPT validates the effort and creativity invested in educational practices, offering financial rewards for work already being done.
Getting started on the platform can seem overwhelming, with new sellers often questioning where to begin or whether their products will sell. However, the process of transitioning from a buyer to a seller is straightforward. It involves setting up the necessary accounts, choosing the right membership level, and preparing high-quality products that meet the needs of other educators. By understanding the initial steps and avoiding common pitfalls, sellers can effectively launch their TPT stores.
Account Setup and Administrative Requirements
Before uploading any products, prospective sellers must configure their TPT accounts to handle transactions. The process begins with signing up to sell. Individuals who already have a standard buyer membership will need to switch their account to a Seller account. TPT offers different membership tiers for sellers, specifically Basic and Premium options.
Opening a PayPal account is a mandatory step for receiving payments. TPT issues payouts once a month via PayPal. If a seller does not already have a PayPal account, they must set one up and link it to a bank account. PayPal verifies ownership of the bank account by making two small deposits, typically amounts like $0.06 or $0.04. The seller must check their bank statement for these deposits and enter the exact amounts into PayPal to complete the verification process.
Regarding membership levels, sellers must decide between a Basic or Premium account. For those who are serious about making money, the Premium membership is often recommended. The Premium membership costs $59.00. While it may take a few months of sales to recoup this upfront investment, the Premium account allows sellers to keep a larger percentage of their sale price compared to the Basic account. This is particularly advantageous for those selling higher-priced units.
Preparing High-Quality Products
Creating high-quality resources is essential for success on TPT. It is not enough to simply upload a file; the goal is to attract sales and encourage repeat buyers. One of the most critical assets for a new seller is the freebie. TPT requires sellers to upload a free product before they can upload their first paid product. Many new sellers make the mistake of rushing this step by uploading a simple one-page item without much thought. This is a missed opportunity, as the freebie serves as an introduction to the seller's style and quality standards. A mediocre freebie suggests a lack of attention to detail. To avoid this, sellers should treat freebies with the same care as paid products, including creating colorful covers, thumbnails, and detailed descriptions.
To create professional-looking resources, sellers need to invest in design tools. This includes purchasing commercial fonts and clipart sets. There are many sellers on TPT who specialize in creating graphics, digital papers, frames, clipart, and fonts. Some of these sellers offer free samples, which can be a great starting point for new creators, provided the Terms of Use (TOU) allow for commercial use. When purchasing these assets, sellers can leave feedback to earn credits, which can then be used to buy more design assets.
Choosing the right design program is also crucial. Creating products takes time, and learning design basics can have a learning curve. Sellers can start with what they have available. PowerPoint is a popular choice for creating resources. Google Slides is a similar, free alternative. For those looking for more advanced capabilities, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are preferred options. Educators can often receive a discount on Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions. Finally, to secure PDFs, sellers will need a program like Adobe Acrobat or a similar tool.
Best Practices for Product Creation and Value
The advice "Make It and Use It" emphasizes the importance of practicality and testing. Sellers should not simply create a product and list it for sale without ensuring it works effectively in a real classroom setting. Using the resource personally ensures that it is functional and valuable.
Adding extra value is a key strategy for rising to the top of the platform. Teachers are looking for resources that make their lives easier. One way to provide this is by going the "extra mile." Specific ways to enhance a product include: * Hyperlinking related products: On the Terms of Use page inside a product, sellers can hyperlink and market three related products. This makes it easier for buyers to find additional materials they might need without having to search the store. * Creating a table of contents: For longer resources, a table of contents with clickable links allows teachers to navigate directly to the specific pages they need, avoiding the frustration of scrolling through many pages. * Providing options: Taking the time to create both colored and black-and-white versions of resources ensures that the product meets the needs of teachers who may have budget or printing constraints.
Furthermore, tagging standards is important. It shows buyers that the seller is well-versed in their area of expertise. Linking to relevant blog posts or articles that back up the products can further demonstrate expertise and build trust.