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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 the world of e-commerce, dropshipping has become the gateway for countless entrepreneurs looking to start an online business with low risk and minimal investment. No inventory. No warehouse. No upfront bulk buying. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch — your entire dropshipping business depends on one thing: your supplier. Pick a good one, and your customers get their orders fast, quality stays consistent, and your store thrives.Pick the wrong one… and you’ll drown in refunds, complaints, and one-star reviews. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how to find, evaluate, and choose a reliable dropshipping supplier, and most importantly — how to avoid scams and rookie mistakes that could destroy your business before it even begins. 1. Understanding the Role of a Dropshipping Supplier Before diving into selection criteria, let’s make sure we’re clear on what a dropshipping supplier actually does. A dropshipping supplier is the bridge between your store and your customers. You handle marketing, customer service, and sales. They handle product storage, packaging, and shipping. When a customer places an order on your website: You forward the order details and payment to your supplier. The supplier picks, packs, and ships the product directly to the customer. You keep the profit margin between your retail price and the supplier’s cost. Sounds simple — but it’s also a fragile system. If your supplier is unreliable, you lose control of your brand’s reputation, even if the problem wasn’t your fault. That’s why choosing a trustworthy supplier is the single most important decision in your dropshipping journey. 2. The Hidden Risks of Bad or Fake Suppliers Before learning how to find good suppliers, you must understand the red flags of […]

Let’s be real—if you’ve done dropshipping, you’ve probably felt that soul-crushing moment when you burn through hundreds of dollars in ads, only to see barely a few “Add to Cart” actions in your dashboard. I’ve been there. I had a decent product, a solid landing page, and a pretty generous ad budget. But my ROI was stuck at 0.8—losing money every single day. Then I changed my approach. Instead of “selling a product,” I started telling stories using UGC-style ad copy and videos. The result? My ROI doubled—jumping from 0.8 to 1.7, and eventually peaking at 2.3. In this article, I’m going to break down exactly how I did it. No fluff, no theory—just real tactics that worked. What Was Wrong With My Previous Ads?  My old ads were a textbook example of “product-centric advertising”:Right off the bat — polished product photos, followed by three lines of copy about the features: looks great, portable, special price. Result?Lots of clicks, but barely any conversions. Why?Because me saying my product is awesome doesn’t hit as hard as a user saying: “Wow, I’ve been using this for a week and my sleep actually improved.” That kind of authenticity is what truly sells.  What Is UGC Advertising, and Why Does It Work So Well? UGC (User-Generated Content) refers to content created by real users—things like unboxing videos, everyday product reviews, or casual “selfie-style” testimonials. Why is UGC so effective? 1. It reduces buying anxietyNo matter how beautiful your models are or how polished your set is in a traditional ad, most regular people look at it and think: “Well, that’s not me.”But UGC feels different. The person in the video might be wearing pajamas, […]

Have you ever wondered how to get one-time shoppers to become loyal fans who just can’t stop coming back? A loyalty program! — Here’s your business’s secret weapon! A simple but effective tool that can change the way customers view your brand. It not only shows your customers some love, it rewards their loyalty in ways they will never forget. Moreover, it’s an effective method to increase repeat orders, improve customer loyalty, and provide the advantage your business needs to make it in our current competitive environment. All this will motivate your customers to feel valued every time they shop, telling themselves eagerly that they are going to earn points, discounts, elements for free, exclusive parts, and more. And that’s the beauty of a good loyalty program! Ready to make it happen? So let’s get into creating an online loyalty system that will delight your customers, motivate them to return to your and skyrocket your sales! Why Promotions and Pricing Matter Imagine this: Your store is brimming with stellar products, but your customers are reluctant to click that ‘Buy Now’ option. What’s missing? The power of clever promotions and pricing! These are your best assets for attracting attention, motivating a sale, and making sure they return for more. Strategically designed promotions and pricing plans generate excitement and urgency while maintaining an equilibrium between purchased value and profitability. Their combined effect does not just draw shoppers to your store — it establishes trust and loyalty, providing your store the winning card in a competitive marketplace. The Role of Promotions in Ecommerce Promotions are like magnets; they pull the customer in and encourage shopping. A well-placed promo has the capacity to convert casual browsers into paying customers, and first-timers into lifelong fans. Think flash sales, exclusive free […]

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