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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 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 […]

Are you thinking about starting an online business but feel stressed over renting warehouses, stocking products, and spending a lot of money upfront? Don’t worry, there’s a solution called dropshipping. It’s perfect for beginners! With this model, you won’t need to worry about inventory or making big investments. You can easily start your business without the hassle. What is Dropshipping? Dropshipping is a popular fulfillment method for cross-border sellers. It’s a straightforward process: sellers showcase products on their website, and once an order is placed, they buy the item from a supplier who ships it directly to the customer.This efficient model allows sellers to avoid the hassle of managing inventory while offering a seamless shopping experience to their customers.The diagram below clearly illustrates this process. Although dropshipping has been around for less than a decade, it has grown rapidly. This is clearly reflected in the stock price growth of Shopify. In May 2015, Shopify’s stock price was less than $30, but by its peak in February 2020, it had skyrocketed to an astonishing $531.22. In less than five years, the stock price surged nearly 19 times—an incredible leap! From Shopify’s stock price growth chart, it’s clear that dropshipping has been booming in recent years. Dropshipping mainly involves three parties: the customer, the dropshipper, and the suppliers. Let’s focus on introducing the two roles that might be less familiar—dropshippers and dropshipping suppliers. What is a Dropshipper? A dropshipper is an individual or business engaged in dropshipping operations. In the dropshipping business model, the dropshipper runs an online store. When a customer places an order, the dropshipper forwards the order details to a supplier, who then ships the product directly to the […]

Have you noticed that almost every single working professional around you, especially those who are single, has a cat or a dog? For many, their “fur babies” come first—they eat better than their owners, have toys that are more advanced than any home entertainment system, and even sleep on custom-made beds! No wonder the pet economy has been booming over the past few years. The pet products market is practically a money-printing machine! Why Pet Products Are a Great Market to Enter    Have you noticed that almost every single working professional around you, especially those who are single, has a cat or a dog? For many, their “fur babies” come first—they eat better than their owners, have toys that are more advanced than any home entertainment system, and even sleep on custom-made beds! No wonder the pet economy has been booming over the past few years. The pet products market is practically a money-printing machine!     The Global Pet Market Is on Fire—Here’s What the Data Says!     Take a look at these numbers, and you’ll see just how explosive the pet market really is: • Singapore – The pet market reached $137.3 million in 2023 and is expected to grow further to $143.8 million in 2024, showing steady growth.   • Malaysia – The number of pet-owning households rose from 12% in 2018 to 18% in 2023. Even more impressive, online sales of pet products skyrocketed by 60% in 2022 compared to 2020, and pet-related discussions on social media increase by 30% every year!   • Australia – The pet industry exceeded AUD 10 billion in 2023, with pet food and supplies making up over 70% of the […]

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