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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

200+ Essential Terms and Acronyms You Need to Know Want to get a handle on the essential dropshipping terms? Ever wondered what “Abandoned Cart” really means or what “MOQ” stands for? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ve put together a complete dropshipping glossary, covering 200+ key terms and acronyms from A to Z, so you can dive in with confidence and stay in the know. Ready to unlock these useful insights? Let’s get started! Don’t forget to bookmark this page for quick access anytime you need to check a dropshipping term. Keep it handy for easy reference! A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A A/B Testing: A method of testing by running two versions of a webpage or app to compare their effectiveness. Abandoned Cart: When a user adds items to their shopping cart but does not complete the checkout. Abandoned Cart Recovery: Automated reminders, such as emails, sent to customers who abandon their carts to encourage them to complete their purchase. Applications can automate this process, helping recover sales. Affiliate Marketing: A performance-based marketing method where online store owners collaborate with influencers or online publishers. The influencer promotes products through posts on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or blogs, and receives payment or commissions based on referred sales or a fixed fee. AIDA: A marketing model representing stages of consumer engagement: Attention: Capturing awareness of a product or brand. Interest: Generating interest. Desire: Building a need or want for the product. Action: Encouraging purchase or engagement. AliExpress: A global e-commerce platform where many dropshippers source products. API (Application Programming Interface): […]

In recent years, dropshipping has become one of the most popular e-commerce models. If you’re trying to bring in some cash without having to work for it all time, the concept of running a store but without any inventory is a dream come true. But here’s the real question everyone asks — is dropshipping real passive income? In this article, we’ll explore whether dropshipping can be a source of passive income and how you can tweak your business model to work on automation and lower your involvement. If you want to jump right into dropshipping and start reaping the rewards without as much effort, keep reading. What is Dropshipping? So first things, what is dropshiping. Lines, dropshipping is a no-stokia electronic trade architecture. You won’t need to pay for and record stock up front as a seller. Here’s how the process works: a customer submits an order, you forward the order to the supplier, and the supplier ships the product directly to your customer. You deal with the marketing and customer service, and the supplier takes care of everything else: logistics, inventory and shipping. The biggest perk of this model is that you don’t need to be concerned about the risks of inventory management, and you also won’t have to do the packaging and shipping. Thus, it becomes very beneficial for whoever has the least investment in the beginning. What Is Passive Income? So, what is passive income, exactly? In the simplest of terms, it is money that continues coming in even after you spend some upfront time and effortearning it, without needing to “work” for it endlessly. Remember to do the front-loading work—creating a website, selecting appropriate products and […]

As global e-commerce continues to expand, staying compliant with local tax regulations is becoming increasingly essential for businesses. Among the most important tax systems that affect cross-border sales in the European Union are VAT, OSS, and IOSS. These systems not only ensure compliance but also help businesses streamline their operations and avoid costly mistakes. In this article, we will break down what VAT, OSS, and IOSS are, how they work, and how understanding these frameworks can help you stay ahead in the global e-commerce game as we approach 2025.   Here’s an table with Standard VAT Rate for some important countries:    Note: The United States does not have VAT; it only has sales tax. Sales tax is levied only at the retail stage, unlike in most countries where taxes are applied to the value added at each stage of the supply chain.   What is VAT ?   VAT is charged at each stage of the supply chain, including production, wholesale, and retail. At every stage, tax is applied to the “added value” of goods and services. The “added value” refers to the extra value created at each stage, like processing, transforming, transporting, and distributing the product. Example: Let’s say you’re a toy factory. You make a toy and sell it to a store. The store then sells it to a customer. At each step, from production to sale, a small tax is added. But each person only pays VAT on the “added value” they created, not the entire product.   Let’s walk through the process: Assume you buy a television at an electronics store, priced at 500 euros. The VAT rate is 20%. 1.Merchant Purchase (Wholesaler) The merchant […]

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