< Blogs

Dropshipping vs Print on Demand – Complete Guide for 2025

Vivan Z.
Created on November 26, 2024 – Last updated on February 6, 20253 min read
Written by: Vivan Z.

In 2025, the e-commerce industry continues to grow rapidly, and Dropshipping and Print on Demand (POD) are two of the most popular business models. Many entrepreneurs often find themselves torn between the two when deciding which type of e-commerce store to start. So, what are the key differences? Which model is better for you? In this article, we will thoroughly compare these two business models, discuss their pros and cons, and help you make a well-informed decision.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an e-commerce business model. The retailer doesn’t keep inventory. Instead, they team up with a supplier. When an order comes in, the supplier ships the products straight to the customers. In this model, the retailer focuses on sales and marketing while the supplier takes care of product manufacturing, inventory management, and shipping.

For more details on dropshipping, check out our previous article on What is Dropshipping & How to Start.

how does dropshipping work

What is Print on Demand?

Print on Demand (POD) is a custom e-commerce model where the retailer does not need to purchase large amounts of inventory upfront. Instead, products are printed and produced only when a customer places an order. This model is often used for custom items like T-shirts, mugs, posters, and more. It allows retailers to offer unique and personalized products without the need for upfront inventory investment.

For more detailed information on Print on Demand, refer to our earlier article on What is Print on Demand? A Beginner’s Guide to the Growing?.

Dropshipping vs Print on Demand: A Comparative Analysis

feature Dropshipping

Dropshipping Pros & Cons
Dropshipping Pros&Cons

Print on Demand Pros & Cons

 

Dropshipping vs Print on Demand: A Comparative Analysis

Which One Should I Choose?

Instead of choosing between dropshipping and print on demand, the goal of this article is to help you gain a deeper understanding of both business models. By reading this guide, you should be able to make an informed decision about which industry or service is the best fit for you. Both models have their unique advantages, and your decision should be based on your business goals, target market, and product offerings.

Conclusion

As we discussed in the Dropshipping Pros section, services like DropSure can help streamline and enhance the dropshipping process. We encourage you to explore your options carefully and choose the model that aligns with your business vision and resources.

Buttom

DropSure is Your Best Partner
22 Years Experience
Affiliate Rebates
100% Quality Guarantee
Top-Up Rewards
10+ Global Warehouses
Custom Branding Support
Smart inventory System
24/7 Customer Support
Get a Quote in 24 Hours
Start Sourcing for Free

Keep Learning

Curious about the cost of starting a dropshipping business in 2024? You might be surprised! Whether you’re keeping things budget-friendly or looking to scale quickly, this guide breaks down the key expenses you’ll need to plan for. From hidden supplier charges to the best marketing tactics, you’ll find out how to boost your profits while keeping costs down. Want to know how much (or how little) you might spend getting started? Dive in to learn more Start-up Basic Expense As you embark on your eCommerce journey, some expenses are unavoidable, whether you’re launching a dropshipping store or any other type of online business. Let’s explore some of the most common startup costs. Business registration and licence filling fees eCommerce platform and marketplace fees Domain and hosting costs Marketing costs Product sourcing costs ● Business registration and license filing fees “You might wonder: I just want to start a dropshipping side hustle—do I really need to register a business? While it’s not always mandatory, registering your business offers several benefits and protections. When creating a dropshipping business, business registration and license filing fees are an essential start-up expense. Depending on your location and business structure, these fees can vary. Typically, registering a business name and obtaining necessary licenses can range from $50 to $500. For online businesses, you might also need to apply for specific permits or licenses related to e-commerce, depending on local regulations. It’s important to research the requirements in your area to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues down the road. Tips: Choose the business license that matches your needs—like a Seller’s Permit for selling products or a DBA for using a different business name. Check local regulations or […]

Dropshipping, as a low-barrier entrepreneurial model, has attracted an influx of countless people, but few have actually succeeded. Many people ask: “How long does it take to learn Dropshipping?” The answer is not fixed – some people realize their first order within 1 month, some people are still losing money after half a year. The key is whether you understand the underlying logic and are willing to iterate consistently. In this article, we’ll unveil the learning path and core strategies in the context of new industry trends for 2025. The Four Stages  to Learn Dropshipping  Stage 1: Basic Awareness (1-2 weeks)  Hey, if you’re just starting out in Dropshipping, don’t be fooled by those cases of “earning $100,000 per month”. Although it sounds attractive, most newbies often ignore the basic skills behind. Do not rush to think of a million dollars a month, first figure out how the e-commerce is the key. First, you need to understand the core concept and characteristics of dropshipping. Dropshipping is a business model where you ship directly through your suppliers, which means you don’t need to buy inventory in advance and avoid the risk of inventory buildup. Your source of profit is primarily the difference between the selling price and the supplier’s purchase price. Sounds simple, but in practice, balancing advertising investment and profit is the most challenging part. Having clarified the importance of market and product direction, we’ll then explore in detail how to pinpoint and optimize your product selection with specific strategies and steps. 1. Market Research: Utilize tools such as Google Trends, AliExpress, etc. to understand current hot products and future trends. Focus on your competitors and analyze their hot products. […]

Are you considering entering the world of eCommerce but unsure whether to choose Dropshipping or Amazon FBA? These are two of the most popular and successful fulfillment options available. The question is, which one is better suited for your business? In this article, we will break down the key differences between these two methods, comparing their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for low-risk startup solutions or more automation, this guide will provide valuable insights for growing your online business. What is Dropshipping? Dropshipping is a business model where you don’t hold any inventory. As a seller, you list products in your store, and when a customer places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to them. For those looking to start selling with minimal costs and lower risks, dropshipping is a great choice. You don’t need a warehouse or worry about logistics. You only pay after a sale is made. However, dropshipping requires careful management of suppliers and effective marketing to bring traffic to your store. What is Amazon FBA? Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a service that allows you to send your products to Amazon’s warehouse, and they handle storage, packing, and shipping when an order is placed. You won’t need to manage packaging or logistics, as Amazon will also take care of returns and customer service.  Commonly, you can say it is an automated dropshipping Amazon service. FBA is ideal for sellers who want to leverage Amazon’s vast customer base and logistics network. Products become eligible for Amazon Prime shipping (Amazon Dropshipping), attracting more buyers. However, FBA requires upfront inventory investment and fees for storage, shipping, and fulfillment. […]

Recommended for you