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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

Dropshipping is a flexible e-commerce model that allows you to run a business without holding inventory. Compared to buying and stocking products yourself, it has a lower barrier to entry and a faster startup time, making it the first choice for many entrepreneurs. TEMU, as a rapidly rising new platform, also offers fresh opportunities for dropshipping sellers. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to start dropshipping sales on TEMU, covering key practical points such as platform rules, product selection tips, pricing strategies, shipping coordination, and brand building. Why Choose TEMU?  TEMU is the cross-border e-commerce platform under Pinduoduo. Since its launch in 2022, it has quickly gained popularity in the US and European markets by focusing on “extreme cost-performance” and a “fully managed operation” model. In a short time, it has attracted a large number of overseas users, becoming one of the fastest-growing platforms in the cross-border e-commerce space. The core advantages of choosing TEMU include: Powerful Traffic Distribution System  TEMU borrows the “interest-based e-commerce” model from Pinduoduo, focusing on algorithmic recommendations like “You May Like” instead of relying on keyword rankings or store seniority. This means even new sellers and new products can get platform recommendations and quickly gain traction as long as the price is competitive and the product fits the platform’s style. Fully Managed Fulfillment  TEMU implements a “fully managed” model: sellers send their products to designated warehouses in China, and the platform takes care of everything else, including packaging, cross-border logistics, overseas delivery, and after-sales service. You don’t have to worry about complicated issues like international shipping, customer service, or returns, which greatly lowers the operational barrier. This is perfect for individual sellers, small teams, […]

  Have you thought about dropshipping through Walmart? Walmart is one of the biggest retailers in the world, and with the rise of Walmart online shopping, it’s becoming an even bigger player in the e-commerce space. But what can it really offer dropshippers? Today, let’s explore how Walmart can impact your dropshipping business and see if it could be the secret to your success! Walmart is more than just a big supermarket. It’s also a major player in e-commerce, with a strong presence online. Many sellers are already working with Walmart in the e-commerce space. So, if you’re thinking about starting dropshipping, Walmart is definitely worth considering. Now, let’s answer a big question: “Does Walmart offer dropshipping services?” Let’s see how Walmart can support your dropshipping business.   What is the scale of Walmart’s e-commerce business?     Source:Retail Brew From 2022 to 2024, Walmart’s e-commerce business has continued to grow and gradually become a key driver of the company’s expansion. In 2022, Walmart’s U.S. e-commerce sales reached $73 billion, with particularly strong performance in online groceries, where it captured 37% of the market share. In comparison, Amazon still holds a dominant position in the e-commerce market, but Walmart has gained a significant advantage, particularly in food retail, by integrating its online and offline businesses more effectively.   In terms of user engagement, Walmart’s e-commerce platform attracted over 150 million active users in 2022, while Amazon’s Prime membership surpassed 200 million globally, showing that Amazon’s user base is still far ahead. However, Walmart is narrowing this gap by launching membership services and optimizing the shopping experience. By 2023, Walmart’s e-commerce sales continued to grow, and it’s expected to approach $80 billion […]

Dropshipping has gained popularity as an easy entry point into e-commerce. Its appeal lies in low upfront costs, no inventory management, and the promise of flexibility. But is it truly the goldmine that marketers claim it to be? Dropshipping has some benefits, but it also comes with many challenges. These challenges can make it a tough choice for new entrepreneurs. In this blog, we’ll dive into eight reasons: Why Dropshipping Could Be a Significant Misstep. 8 Reasons Why Dropshipping Is A Bad Idea Low Profit Margins One of the most significant drawbacks of dropshipping is the razor-thin profit margins. Unlike traditional retail, where you can buy in bulk for discounts, dropshipping usually means buying single items. Retailers often sell these items at retail or near-retail prices. Now compare this to a traditional retailer who buys the same product in bulk at $5 per unit. They can sell it at $20 and enjoy a $12 profit after expenses. This big difference shows why dropshipping can be hard to grow. This is especially true if you want to make a lot of money. This is one of the main reasons why dropshipping is bad for many new entrepreneurs. It often does not provide the promised profits. High Competition Dropshipping’s low barrier to entry is both a blessing and a curse. Since anyone can start with minimal investment, sellers offering identical products have oversaturated the market. Let’s take Amazon as an example: – Search for a simple item like a “yoga mat” on Amazon. – You’ll find dozens of nearly identical listings, often undercutting each other by mere cents. This tough competition lowers prices. It makes it hard to stand out unless you […]

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