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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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Business Trend In today’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, Print on Demand (POD) has become a popular business model for entrepreneurs and creators looking to sell custom-designed products without having to worry about inventory, manufacturing, or shipping logistics. But what exactly is Print on Demand, and why is it gaining so much traction? Let’s break it down. What Is Print on Demand? Print on Demand is a business model where products are only printed and manufactured when a customer places an order. This is in contrast to traditional retail models, where businesses need to produce large quantities of inventory in advance. With POD, you can create custom designs for items like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, posters, and more, and only produce them when someone purchases the product. This means you don’t need to invest in bulk stock, deal with warehousing, or manage shipping. Instead, POD services handle the printing, packing, and shipping directly to the customer, and you receive a percentage of the sale. How Print on Demand Goes in Business? Print on Demand (POD) has quickly become a powerful business model that benefits various stakeholders, from consumers to suppliers and even artists. It bridges the gap between creativity and commerce, offering flexible, low-risk opportunities for both entrepreneurs and consumers. Let’s explore how POD satisfies consumer demands, creates economic benefits for suppliers, and provides invaluable support for creators.   Who Can Benefit from Print on Demand? 1. Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners POD offers a unique opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to start a business with minimal upfront investment. Traditional retail models require purchasing inventory in bulk, which can be financially risky. In contrast, POD allows business owners to sell customized products […]

Recently, Amazon Japan was ordered by the Tokyo District Court to pay a fine of 35 million yen (approximately 244,000 USD) and compensate the brand Excel Plan for its losses due to failure in effectively addressing counterfeit sales on its platform. This incident has raised widespread concern in the industry about the issue of counterfeit goods and serves as a wake-up call for sellers involved in dropshipping (cross-border e-commerce). Counterfeit Crisis: The Hidden Threat in the Supply Chain In this case, Excel Plan discovered counterfeit pulse oximeters on the Amazon Japan platform. These inferior products were sold at prices significantly lower than the genuine ones, severely affecting the brand’s market performance. Worse still, after receiving complaints, Amazon not only failed to take down the counterfeit goods promptly but also mistakenly removed the genuine products, causing Excel Plan to suffer heavy losses in just two months—from an initial sales figure of about 100 million yen to a dramatic drop to only around 610,000 yen. This incident serves as a reminder that counterfeit goods not only affect consumers’ purchasing experience but can also seriously harm the interests of brand owners and potentially expose platforms to legal risks. In dropshipping, sellers typically rely on third-party suppliers, making supply chain management crucial. The issue of counterfeit goods, especially in cross-border e-commerce, is not just a quality concern; it also involves multiple risks, including compliance and brand reputation. How to Avoid Counterfeit Issues in Dropshipping? Choose Reliable Suppliers  When selecting a dropshipping supplier, it is essential to choose one with a good reputation and legitimate qualifications. You can ensure the legality and quality of their products by reviewing certifications, past reviews, and product quality reports. […]

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) […]

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