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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.

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Keep Learning

In 2025 and there are tons of dropshipping resources for newbies. You have access to free courses or can pay for courses led by experts. There’s something for every skill level and budget. If your goal is to learn Shopify, or find trending products, or run ad campaigns, there is a course for you. This guide covers the best courses and their main features. We will also share some bonus learning tips. Alright, time to pull out a notebook and some comfy pants because we are getting your dropshipping dreams going! Why Should You Take A Dropshipping Course? Starting a dropshipping business can feel like trying to assemble a puzzle without all of the pieces. You have to choose the right products, set up a working store, and market like a pro. It can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, dropshipping courses can point you in the right direction. It’s like having a personal tutor who walks you through everything. You will discover how to find trending products, create a professional-looking store, and manage profitable ad campaigns. If you want to start a side hustle, or leave your 9-to-5 job, the right course can change the game. It’s like having a roadmap. Why struggle along a path of trial and error when you can learn from someone who has already blazed the trail? The best part? These are courses for all levels. You will find a course that is training for you whether you are starting or wanting to up your game! Key Courses Overview If you are prepared to begin dropshipping, selecting the proper course is critical. Here’s a closer look at the top courses for 2025 and what sets each of them apart. Dropship Lifestyle (DSL) If you are serious about building a long-term, sustainable dropshipping business, Dropship Lifestyle (DSL) […]

In today’s fiercely competitive cross-border e-commerce landscape, advertising costs are soaring, and acquiring new customers is becoming increasingly expensive. If you’re a dropshipping seller looking to boost profits without blindly increasing your ad budget, then increasing your Average Order Value (AOV) is one of the most worthwhile optimization strategies you can invest in. This blog will break down in detail:● What AOV is and why it’s critical for profitability● 6 practical strategies to increase AOV● Tool recommendations and real case studies● Data references and actionable tips What is AOV?  AOV stands for Average Order Value. It refers to the average revenue generated from each customer order and is a key metric for evaluating your store’s profitability. The formula is quite simple:Total revenue during a given period ÷ Total number of orders = AOV For example, if your store made $10,000 in revenue this month from 200 orders, your AOV would be:$10,000 ÷ 200 = $50 That means, on average, each order brought in $50 of revenue. Why Increasing AOV Is Essential for Your Business  Increasing AOV is not just a fancy trick — it’s a key metric in e-commerce operations that directly impacts profit, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Here are four core reasons why you should focus on boosting your AOV right now. Increase Profit Without Raising Order Volume  First, increasing AOV means you can boost overall profit without needing to increase the number of orders. You don’t have to rely on “fake orders” or price wars to push volume — simply getting customers to buy a bit more each time will expand your profit margin. This is especially practical and direct leverage for sellers with inventory pressure or limited […]

The increasing internal competition and the sharp decline in seller traffic have led many to seek new growth opportunities and channels. Recently, the American e-commerce platform Chewy announced that it is opening its doors to Chinese sellers, offering three cooperation models for sellers to choose from: Dropship, Procurement , and Import. Among these, the Dropship model is similar to Temu’s semi-managed model, where sellers are required to maintain inventory in the U.S., while Chewy sets the prices and handles logistics, with sellers only needing to supply the goods. Over the course of its development, the cross-border e-commerce industry has given rise to a variety of outbound models: from the initial policy regulation model, to later fully-managed platforms, independent sites/DTC, industrial cluster collaborations, and even comprehensive ecological outbound expansion. The approaches have become increasingly diverse as the market environment evolves. In response to the various outbound models prevalent in today’s cross-border e-commerce industry, we will compare and analyze the different models. Platform E-commerce Models For the majority of sellers, especially newcomers and beginners in the cross-border e-commerce industry, relying on third-party platforms such as Amazon, Temu, AliExpress, Shopee, and others is a common approach. These platforms provide essential traffic and infrastructure support. Let’s take Amazon and Temu as examples: Amazon Platform Model  To enhance the trustworthiness and visibility of your products, you can apply for A+ Content certification or establish a dedicated Brand Store. These features allow you to present your brand more professionally, potentially increasing conversion rates. However, these services are not free; you need to invest in them. Additionally, Amazon charges a referral fee, typically ranging from 6% to 15% of the product’s selling price, depending on the category. […]

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