Where can I get custom tote bags made in the UK to sell on Etsy?

Hi! If you want reliable “made/printed in the UK” custom tote bags for your Etsy shop, you’ve basically got two solid routes: print-on-demand (no stock, great for testing designs) or trade/bulk printing (lower unit cost, more control, but you hold inventory).

Good UK options to check out (by type):

1) UK print-on-demand (POD) fulfilment (best for starting + testing)

• Inkthreadable (UK) – POD totes with no minimums, they print/pack/ship orders for you once you integrate with your store.
• Two Fifteen (UK) – Similar POD model (print/dispatch on demand), good if you want automated fulfilment and UK-based production.
• Printful (UK fulfilment available) – Has UK fulfilment for certain products, so some tote orders can be produced and shipped domestically (helpful for delivery speed).

What POD is best for: launching quickly, wide design testing, less cash tied up. Trade-off: higher cost per bag and less control over bag/print quirks unless you sample carefully.

2) UK bulk/trade tote bag printers (best margins once a design sells)

• BagPrinting.co.uk – UK-based screen printing and a range of tote styles (useful when you’re ready to order in batches).
• Tradeprint – Offers custom tote printing with relatively low minimums on some lines, aimed at trade-style ordering.

What bulk is best for: better margins, more consistent product photos (same batch), and easier “brand feel” (labels/packaging). Trade-off: you’ll need storage, and you’re betting on designs selling.

3) UK “made to order / higher-end” (premium positioning)

• Contrado (London) – More of a premium, “manufactured” product approach (not just a blank tote with a logo). Great if you’re selling at a higher price point and want something that feels more like a designer accessory than a promo tote.

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What to check before choosing a supplier (this stuff saves headaches)

If you do nothing else: order samples from 2–3 suppliers and compare them side-by-side.

Product quality (the tote itself)

• Fabric weight (gsm/oz): light totes feel cheap and crease more; heavier canvas feels premium and photographs better.
• Handle length + stitching: weak handles are the #1 “this feels flimsy” complaint.
• Bag shape: gusseted base vs flat—gusseted tends to feel more premium and useful.

Print method (match it to your designs)

• Screen print: best for bold/simple designs, usually cheapest at higher quantities; often has minimum order quantities and setup costs.
• DTG (direct-to-garment): great for detailed artwork and small runs; results can vary by fabric colour and texture.
• DTF transfer: often very vibrant and durable, good detail; feel can be a bit more “patch-like” depending on supplier/settings.

Ask them what they recommend for your specific artwork (fine lines, gradients, big solid blocks, etc.).

Minimum order quantity (MOQ) + pricing traps

• For bulk printers: confirm MOQ per design (is it 25 per design/colour, or total 25 mixed?).
• Ask about setup/screen charges, extra colour charges, and reprint fees.
• Confirm whether pricing changes by print size and one-sided vs two-sided printing.

Turnaround times (and what they really mean)

• Get two numbers: production time (printing) and shipping time (delivery).
• Ask what happens in peak periods (Christmas, back-to-school). Turnaround often slips then.

Sampling + colour accuracy

• Order at least:
  1. your most detailed design
  2. a design with big solid areas (where cracking/mottling shows)
• If colour matters to your brand, ask if they can match Pantone (usually screen print) or if it’s “best effort” (often DTG/DTF).

Branding + “white label” shipping

• Can they ship with no supplier branding on the packing slip/labels?
• Can you add thank-you cards, stickers, or custom packaging (now or later)?
• For Etsy specifically: if a company is producing/fulfilling for you, make sure you’re comfortable listing them as a production partner in your Etsy shop settings/listings.

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If you tell me your target price range (e.g., £12–£18 tote vs £25+ premium), whether you want POD or stocking inventory, and what your designs are like (simple 1-colour logo vs full-colour illustrations), I can help you narrow it down to the best 2–3 suppliers to sample first.