Recommendations & Essentials for Small Businesses

on April 20, 2021

I've been running a small business for a number of years - and over the years, I've collected products that help make my life easier. I'm always asked for recommendations for products, so what better way than to make a blog post with some of my favorite products!?

Anything with a ♻ is an Eco-Friendly option! For more information about running an Eco-Friendly business, check out my dedicated blog article!

Resources & Links: (click to jump to section)

  • 1. Online Selling Platforms
  • 2. Shipping Products Necessities
  • 3. Photography
  • 4. Storage & Organizing Your Products
  • 5. Paper Cutters & Equipment
  • 6. Hardware & Software
  • 7. Artist Alley / Convention Supplies

Note: commissions may be earned from the links below. 

Running an Online Business / Selling Platforms

Etsy

Etsy is a platform you can use to sell your products in an online marketplace.

Start Selling on EtsyPersonal Recommendation!

Shopify

Shopify is a platform you can use to set up your own online store to sell your products.

Start Selling on ShopifyPersonal Recommendation!

Big Cartel

BigCartel is an ecommerce platform tailored to creatives to build your own store.

Start Selling on BigCartel

SquareSpace

Shopify is a platform you can use to set up your own online store to sell your products.

Start Selling on SquareSpace

Shipping Your Products

DYMO 4XL Thermal Printer

Fast & reliable shipping label printer for 4x6 shipping labels. Label roll held inside the unit. Requires no ink. 

Buy it on Amazon

Rollo Thermal Printer

Fast & reliable shipping label printer for 4x6 labels. Accepts stack and roll typed labels in many sizes. Requires no ink. 

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

MUNBYN Thermal Printer

Fast shipping label printer for 4x6 labels. Accepts stack and roll typed labels in many sizes. Requires no ink. 

Buy it on Amazon

Digital Scale 

An absolute must to weigh your products and your outgoing packages. Weight capacity ranges from .1oz - 50lbs. 

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

EPSON EcoTank

Small and affordable inkjet printer. Can be used to print art, receipts, shipping labels, and more. No ink cartridges and easy to refill ink.

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

Standard 4x6 Thermal Shipping Labels

For use in a thermal printer. Cannot be used with a standard printer. Peel and stick!

Buy it on Amazon

Eco-Friendly ♻  Thermal Shipping Labels

For use in a thermal printer. Recyclable label and liner. Peel and stick!

Buy it from EcoEnclosePersonal Recommendation!

Half-Sheet Adhesive Shipping Labels

For use in a home inkjet printer. Split down the middle to give you two labels per sheet. 

Buy it on Amazon

Eco-Friendly ♻ Half-Sheet Shipping Labels

For use in a home inkjet printer. Split down the middle to give you two labels per sheet. Recyclable labels and liner!

Buy it from EcoEnclose

Eco-Friendly ♻
Gummed Shipping Tape

Securely seal your packages with this eco-friendly, reinforced, water-activated paper packing tape. 

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

Custom Printed Gummed Shipping Tape ♻

Eco-friendly packing tape printed with your own artwork/logo. Requires water to activate the adhesive! 

Buy it from StickerMule

Gummed Paper Tape Dispenser

Easily pull off pieces and activate the adhesive on your eco-friendly gummed paper tape with this affordable dispenser!

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

Eco-Friendly ♻ Recyclable Bubble Mailers

Ship your products with integrated cushioning - in a mailer that's reusable and recyclable!

Buy it from EcoEnclose

Compostable ♻
Bubble Mailers

Ship your products with integrated cushioning - in a mailer that's compostable!

Buy it on Amazon

Biodegradable ♻ Paper Padded Mailers

Ship your products in mailers that are made from recycled materials and are biodegradable!

Buy it on Amazon

Recyclable ♻ CD Mailer Shipping Boxes

Want a light-weight box to ship products in, that won't raise the cost of postage? CD BOXES!

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

Photography

Photo Light Box

Buy it on Amazon

LED Ring Light

Buy it on Amazon

Mini Tripod

Buy it on Amazon

Storage & Organization

Hanging Pocket Chart

Buy it on Amazon

Plastic Open Top Bins

Buy it on Amazon

Paper Cutters and Equipment

Hardware & Software

Cintiq 12WX Pen Display

Buy it on Amazon

XP-Pen Graphic Tablet

Buy it on Amazon

Apple iPad Pro 10.5

Buy it on Amazon

Apple iPad Pencil

Buy it on Amazon

Apple Pencil Case/Grip

Buy it on Amazon

Tablet Stand

Buy it on Amazon

Multi-Device Keyboard

Buy it on Amazon

Ergonomic Computer Chair

Buy it on Amazon

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

Adobe Photoshop CC

Get it from Adobe

Adobe Illustrator CC

Get it from Adobe

Artist Alley / Convention Supplies

8x8ft Telescopic Flat-Foot Banner Stand

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

10x10ft Tripod Banner
Stand Kit

Buy it on Amazon

U-Mount Sidebar Arms -
Set of 2

Buy it on Amazon

Dual Head Swivel Grip

Buy it on Amazon

Metal Wire
Storage Cubes

Buy it on Amazon

Plastic
Storage Cubes

Buy it on Amazon

Roll-up, Standing Mesh Display with 8 Pockets

Buy it on Amazon

Clip On, Adjustable, Cordless LED Lamp

Buy it on Amazon

Adjustable Tabletop Easel

Buy it on Amazon

Bamboo Dish Racks for Books & Stationery Display

Buy it on Amazon

Collapsible
Cardboard Risers

Buy it on AmazonPersonal Recommendation!

Full Color, Custom Printed Table Runner

From Rewynd PrintingPersonal Recommendation!

Solid Polyester Tablecloth (40 Colors!)

Buy it on Amazon

Full Color, Custom Printed Table Cloth

From Rewynd PrintingPersonal Recommendation!

Full Color, Custom Printed Vinyl & Fabric Banners

From Rewynd Printing

Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat

Buy it on Amazon

Folding Outdoor Wagon

Buy it on Amazon

Bungee Cord Set

Buy it on Amazon

Metal Hook Clips

Buy it on Amazon

Velcro Cable Ties

Buy it on Amazon

Portable Power Bank

Buy it on Amazon

Square Credit Card Reader

Buy it on Amazon

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.