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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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Is Dropshipping Dead Nowadays? To put it simply: No, dropshipping is not dead—and it’s far from being on the decline. In fact, the global dropshipping market continues to grow at an impressive rate. According to Statista, the global dropshipping market was valued at $221.3 billion in 2022, and it is projected to reach $931.9 billion by 2030. These figures show that dropshipping is not just surviving, but thriving in the e-commerce ecosystem. Key Reasons Why Dropshipping is Still Alive and Well *E-commerce growth: Online shopping continues to surge globally. In 2023, global e-commerce sales were expected to surpass $6 trillion. As more people buy products online, the demand for low-risk, low-investment business models like dropshipping has only increased. *Accessibility and low entry barriers: Unlike traditional retail, dropshipping requires minimal upfront investment. You don’t need to invest in large quantities of inventory or worry about warehousing. This makes it an attractive option for many entrepreneurs. *Improved supplier networks: Countries like China have advanced their logistics and product manufacturing capabilities. Platforms such as AliExpress, Alibaba, and Dropsure are now more efficient, offering faster shipping times, better-quality control, and robust customer service. Comparing Dropshipping to Traditional Retail: As you can see, dropshipping is far less risky and requires much less capital than traditional retail models, making it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to enter the market with limited investment. Is Dropshipping Easy Now? In the past, dropshipping was considered easy—just find a supplier, set up a website, and start selling. However, the landscape has evolved, and now dropshipping is no longer as “easy” as it once was. Here’s why it’s more challenging: Increased competition: With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and AliExpress making it easier […]

What is Dropshipping? Dropshipping is an easy e-commerce model. You can open a store and sell products without stocking inventory or managing shipping. Sounds simple, right? This approach frees you from handling inventory or packing shipments. You can focus entirely on sales and marketing instead. How Does Dropshipping Work? The key to dropshipping is your supplier. When a customer places an order, you contact the supplier. The supplier then ships the product directly to the customer. You never handle the product or worry about logistics. Think of yourself as a middleman connecting customers with suppliers. For more details, click What is Dropshipping & How to Start. Why Is  Dropshipping So Popular?  The success of dropshipping lies in finding reliable suppliers or wholesalers. Once you select your products, you can start promoting your store and brand. This model works well for beginners. You don’t need to invest heavily in inventory or deal with the stress of shipping. Focus on selecting the right products and promoting them. In simple terms, dropshipping is like “traveling light” while earning along the way. Is Dropshipping Legal in India?  Yes, dropshipping is completely legal in India. You can start this business without worry. However, you need to follow certain rules to run your business properly. First, register your business. Think of it as creating an “ID card” for your store. You can register as a sole proprietor, form a partnership, or set up a private limited company. If you’re working alone, sole proprietorship is the easiest option. If you’re working with partners, choose a partnership or private limited company based on your needs. Second, register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) if your annual sales exceed […]

Running an ecommerce business sounds exciting—freedom, flexibility, and financial growth. But let’s be honest: it’s not always sunshine and PayPal notifications. If you’re pouring time and money into your store and still not seeing real results, you’re not alone. A lot of new (and even seasoned) ecommerce entrepreneurs hit a plateau. So, let’s talk about why growth stalls and what you can actually do to fix it. You Don’t Have a Clear Target Audience This is probably the #1 silent killer of growth. Too many sellers think they’re marketing to “everyone.” In reality, that means they’re not truly connecting with anyone. You need to get painfully specific: who is your ideal customer? Where do they live online? What do they care about? Once you narrow that down, everything changes—your product photos, your copy, your ad targeting—it all becomes sharper and more effective. Your Product Isn’t Solving a Real Problem Hard truth: some products just don’t sell because they’re not useful or unique enough. If you’re selling a generic item that’s all over AliExpress, you better have killer branding or a powerful niche angle. Otherwise, you’re competing with giants on price, and that’s a race you’ll lose. Test your offer. Ask real people for feedback. Be honest—does this product make someone’s life easier, better, or cooler? If not, it might be time to pivot. Your Website Experience Is Driving People Away Slow loading, ugly layout, clunky mobile experience—these kill sales faster than a bad review. In ecommerce, trust is everything. If your site feels sketchy or unprofessional, people bounce. Use clean design, clear navigation, and high-quality photos. Make the buying process stupidly simple. Hot tip: open your website on your phone […]

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