< 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

Hey there! Have you ever noticed that sometimes you post great content on Instagram, but it doesn’t get the engagement you were hoping for? Could it be that the timing was just off? That’s right! Timing is an important factor when it comes to Instagram success—it’s not just a coincidence. The right time to post can seriously boost your visibility and engagement, helping your post stand out in the crowded feed. So today, let’s talk about how to choose the best time to share your content and make sure you get those likes and comments! Understanding Instagram’s Algorithm Before we dive into the best times to post, it’s important to understand how Instagram’s algorithm works. Instagram doesn’t just show posts to everyone who follows you. Instead, it uses a combination of factors like content relevance, engagement, and post timing to decide who sees your post. The more likes, comments, and shares you get early on, the more likely Instagram is to push your post out to a larger audience. Timing matters because if you post when your followers are active, there’s a higher chance your content will get immediate engagement, which helps Instagram rank it higher in their feed. The more interaction your post gets, the better its visibility. Best Days and Times to Post on Instagram The best time and worst time to post on Instagram depends on your audience, but research from social media platforms like Sprout Social and Hootsuite offers these general insights: Sourced: Sprout Social Best Times: • Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 11 AM – Many people check Instagram during their morning breaks. • Late Afternoon, 5 PM to 7 PM – Engagement spikes […]

Are you considering using Pandabuy for your next cross-border shopping spree? With its promise of simplifying purchases from major Chinese e-commerce platforms, Pandabuy has gained attention, especially among international shoppers. But with recent controversies and operational challenges, is it still the best choice? In this article, we’ll dive into what is Pandabuy , the issues it faces, and some great alternatives that might better suit your needs. What is Pandabuy? Pandabuy is a Chinese e-commerce shipping agent platform that specializes in providing shipping services for overseas users who want to purchase products from China. It is widely known for shipping counterfeit luxury goods, including branded clothing and high-priced shoes from companies like Nike. The platform allows international users to shop on major Chinese e-commerce sites such as Tmall, Taobao, and JD.com, acting as an intermediary to simplify the purchasing process for these products. Many users, including influencers, frequently showcase and promote counterfeit or replica items (often referred to as “reps”) purchased through Pandabuy on social media platforms like TikTok, Discord, and Reddit, often sharing their “unboxing haul.” How Does Pandabuy Operate? Pandabuy’s business model is primarily based on “reverse overseas shopping,” which helps international users purchase products from Chinese e-commerce platforms (such as Taobao, Tmall, and JD) at original prices, and generates profits by providing value-added services. The specific process works as follows: Order Placement: International users browse and select their desired products on the Pandabuy platform, submitting purchase links or product information to create an order. Platform Procurement: Pandabuy’s purchasing team buys the corresponding products from Chinese e-commerce platforms based on the user’s order. Warehousing Service: Once the products are delivered to Pandabuy’s domestic warehouse, the platform provides free […]

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. […]

Recommended for you