< 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

It’s Christmas Eve. Family gathers in a cozy living room, candlelight flickers, and the soft glow of Christmas tree lights fills the room. You eagerly unwrap a beautifully wrapped gift, and the surprise instantly warms your heart with love and blessings. In that moment, the gift becomes more than just an object—it’s a heartfelt gesture of care. Whether it’s from a friend, family member, or colleague, the giver simply hopes to see your smile and feel your gratitude. To help you express your appreciation sincerely, we’ve prepared 50 + Christmas thank-you messages. Use these warm words to show your thanks this holiday season, making every gift feel even more special! General Thank-You Messages for Christmas Gifts Christmas is a time for giving and receiving, and expressing gratitude is essential to making your loved ones feel appreciated. Here are some simple yet heartfelt messages that can be used for any occasion or gift: ●“Thank you so much for the amazing Christmas gift! It was such a wonderful surprise, and I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.”    ● “I was so excited when I opened your gift. It’s perfect, and I’m beyond grateful. Thank you for thinking of me!” ● “Your gift was just what I needed. It made my Christmas so much brighter. I can’t thank you enough.” ● “I’m so touched by your thoughtful gift. It truly made my holiday season even more special. Thank you for your kindness!” ● “Opening your gift was such a joy. Thank you for making my Christmas extra merry with your wonderful present.” ● “Thank you for the beautiful gift. It’s clear you put a lot of thought into it, and I’m so grateful!” For […]

Have you always wanted to start something of your own—maybe build your own brand—but held back by fears of a tough start, high costs, or complicated processes? Don’t worry, I’ve got a game-changing tip for you today: use DropSure to launch your private label brand. Low risk, high profit, and super beginner-friendly! With DropSure, you don’t need to create your own products, manage warehouses, or deal with logistics. The best part? You get to build a brand that’s truly yours. Start with white-labeling, then work your way up to creating bestsellers—step by step, it’s all possible. Now let me break it down for you, step by step, on how to turn that small idea into a money-making private label business—from zero to one. What Is a Private Label Brand? When we talk about a private label brand, we’re basically referring to products that are manufactured by a third party but sold under your own brand name. In other words, you don’t need your own factory, and you don’t need to worry about raw materials, formulas, or production processes. All you need to focus on is your brand strategy, product design, marketing, and sales—while everything else, like manufacturing, storage, and packaging, can be handled by professional suppliers. The core idea behind this model is simple: you have full control over the brand and the sales, but you avoid the risks and heavy upfront investment involved in manufacturing. Let’s break it down further: Brand Control You get to name your product, choose the brand colors, design the logo, and even customize the packaging. Whether it’s plastic bottles, paper boxes, pouches, or the product’s outer design, everything can be outsourced and customized to […]

Introduction: The New Face of E-commerce In today’s digital economy, starting an online business no longer requires warehouses stacked with products or massive upfront investments. Thanks to the dropshipping model, anyone with a laptop and internet connection can launch an e-commerce business with minimal risk. Dropshipping has transformed the global retail landscape by eliminating one of the biggest traditional barriers to entry — inventory. If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own online store but were held back by fear of inventory management, logistics, or storage costs, this beginner’s guide is for you. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dropshipping — what it is, how it works, and the practical steps to build a profitable dropshipping business from scratch. What Is Dropshipping? Dropshipping is an order fulfillment method where the retailer doesn’t keep products in stock. Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, the retailer forwards the order to a third-party supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. That means as a dropshipper, you never handle or store the inventory yourself. Your primary role is to market and sell products, while the supplier manages manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping. Here’s how it typically works: You set up an online store and list products from your supplier. A customer places an order and pays you retail price. You forward the order to your supplier, paying the wholesale price. The supplier ships the product directly to your customer. You keep the profit — the difference between the retail and wholesale prices. Why Dropshipping Is So Popular Dropshipping has gained immense popularity among entrepreneurs, especially beginners, for a few key reasons: 1. Low Startup Costs You don’t […]

Recommended for you

Kitchen Faucet Waterfall Outlet Splash Proof Universal Rotating Bubbler Multifunctional Water Nozzle Extension Kitchen Gadgets
$ 3.44
Diatom mud wallpaper self-adhesive waterproof and moisture-proof white linen texture wallpaper dormitory bedroom and living room background xpe wall stickers
$ 4.76
Luxury Comfort Premium Leather Recliner 1pc Dark Brown Upholstery Gentle Gliding Swivel Motion Living Room Furniture
$ 471.45
Luxury Meets Technology! Zero Gravity Massage Chair with SL-Track Shiatsu Heated Back & Calves Foot Rollers Built-in Speakers & Smart LCD Control – Elevate Your Home or Office Comfort!
$ 1260.00
South Moon Bee Venom Body Sculpting Stick Slimming Body Sculpting Navel Stick Tummy Tucking Body Curves Firming Skin
$ 10.49
Fashion Ladies Long Hair Ball Bow Purse
$ 0.94
VEVOR Tumbler Heat Press 30oz Mug Heat Press Machine Sublimation Transfer 11 15oz 16-25oz 30oz Straight Skinny Tumblers Cup Heat Press With Heat Resist Gloves & Tape DIY Ceramic Mugs Cups Glasses
$ 60.00
Large capacity frosted gradient color plastic water cup high value kettle outdoor sports fitness water bottle
$ 1.29
Lounge chair lift chair relax sofa chair sitting room furniture sitting room power supply elderly electric lounge chair 180 degree lying flat
$ 418.95
Johnsen Metal Coffee Table in Oil Rubbed Bronze
$ 273.07
Shorts Women Skinny Creativity Lace-up Popular Streetwear Daily Personality Students Holiday Fashion Sexy American Retro Leisure
$ 5.47
Bear Creek – 3 Piece Table Set – White
$ 433.65
$ 282.00
Simulated Rose Bear Mothers Day Gift Flower Bear 25cm foam Bear Birthday Gift Rose Bear
$ 3.00
2024 New Mini Digital Warm Hand Treasure USB Charging Office Environment Outdoor Sports Three Adjustable Levels
$ 3.53
Cowboy collar long sleeved pullover patchwork knit top
$ 8.79