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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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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. […]

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