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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

If you’re starting a dropshipping business, Shopify and WordPress are two popular platforms to choose from. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but the right one depends on your skills, business needs, and future plans. Let me break it down in simple terms to help you decide. Shopify: Easy and Perfect for Beginners Shopify is made for e-commerce, and it’s super simple to use. Don’t know coding? No problem! Shopify has tons of ready-to-use templates. It’s like building with Lego blocks—you just drag, drop, and create your store. It comes with built-in tools for payments, shipping, and managing orders. This saves you time and lets you focus on selling. Shopify also has a massive app store. You’ll find tools like Oberlo and Importify to quickly add products, Klaviyo and MailChimp for email marketing, and Privy or Upsell to boost sales. These apps make dropshipping smooth and stress-free. But Shopify isn’t cheap. The basic plan starts at $29/month, and as your store grows, you might pay more, especially if you use third-party payment gateways. Also, if you want very specific designs or functions, Shopify can feel limiting. WordPress: Flexible and Powerful, but Needs Tech Skills WordPress, on the other hand, is a powerful option if you want more control. By adding the WooCommerce plugin, you can turn WordPress into a full e-commerce platform. The biggest advantage? Flexibility. You can design your store however you like and customize features such as payment methods or shipping options. WordPress is open-source, meaning there are endless plugins and resources available. It’s also cheaper—just pay for hosting and a domain, which costs less than Shopify’s monthly fees. But here’s the catch: WordPress is not beginner-friendly. If […]

If you’re exploring the world of dropshipping, you already know that having the right app is essential for streamlined operations, efficient order management, and, of course, happy customers. With so many apps on the market, each offering unique features and benefits, how do you choose the best one? This guide will help you navigate through some of the top dropshipping apps and highlight what each has to offer in terms of core features, logistics,cost, brand customization, and user experience.  Best Dropshipping Apps Recommended Printify – Powerful POD Customization and Global Supply Chain Core Features: Printify specializes in Print-on-Demand (POD) with a vast global network of suppliers, ideal for brands that need high customization. Logistics: Suppliers are distributed worldwide, with automatic selection of the nearest production location to improve delivery efficiency. Cost: Offers free and paid plans, with paid users enjoying discounts on product prices. Brand Customization: Allows custom product designs, labels, and packaging, helping sellers create a unique brand image. User Experience: User-friendly interface, though product quality can vary due to different suppliers. CJdropshipping – Extensive Product Variety and Flexible Logistics Core Features: CJdropshipping offers a wide selection of products, including electronics, apparel, and home goods, suitable for sellers focusing on diverse products. Logistics: Provides quick delivery options through CJPacket and other logistics choices, particularly efficient for U.S.-bound orders. Cost: Free to use, with competitive product pricing. Brand Customization: Supports custom packaging, though POD options are limited. User Experience: Affordable pricing, but logistics and customer service response times vary. Printful – High-Quality POD with Fast Shipping in U.S. and Europe Core Features: Known for high-quality POD products and extensive customization options, Printful is ideal for sellers prioritizing quality. Logistics: Local […]

Curious about the cost of starting a dropshipping business in 2024? You might be surprised! Whether you’re keeping things budget-friendly or looking to scale quickly, this guide breaks down the key expenses you’ll need to plan for. From hidden supplier charges to the best marketing tactics, you’ll find out how to boost your profits while keeping costs down. Want to know how much (or how little) you might spend getting started? Dive in to learn more Start-up Basic Expense As you embark on your eCommerce journey, some expenses are unavoidable, whether you’re launching a dropshipping store or any other type of online business. Let’s explore some of the most common startup costs. Business registration and licence filling fees eCommerce platform and marketplace fees Domain and hosting costs Marketing costs Product sourcing costs ● Business registration and license filing fees “You might wonder: I just want to start a dropshipping side hustle—do I really need to register a business? While it’s not always mandatory, registering your business offers several benefits and protections. When creating a dropshipping business, business registration and license filing fees are an essential start-up expense. Depending on your location and business structure, these fees can vary. Typically, registering a business name and obtaining necessary licenses can range from $50 to $500. For online businesses, you might also need to apply for specific permits or licenses related to e-commerce, depending on local regulations. It’s important to research the requirements in your area to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues down the road. Tips: Choose the business license that matches your needs—like a Seller’s Permit for selling products or a DBA for using a different business name. Check local regulations or […]

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