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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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Have you started your dropshipping business yet? Or are you still stuck trying to decide which platform is the best fit for you? Don’t worry—choosing a supplier and fulfillment platform is kind of like finding your perfect match. Get it right, and everything runs smoothly. Get it wrong? You might find yourself wishing for a “return policy.” Here’s the good news: there are plenty of excellent dropshipping platforms out there, like DropSure and CJdropshipping. Each has its strengths, but figuring out which one is your perfect match takes a little comparison (don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you). In this post, we’ll break things down by price, platform integration, product selection, order processing, shipping speed, customer support, and overall user experience. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, by the end of this, you’ll know exactly which platform deserves your business. Ready? Let’s dive in! What is DropSure? DropSure is your all-in-one solution. It is tailored for busy e-commerce sellers like you. Tired of stressing over inventory? Losing sleep over shipping delays? Or maybe you’re struggling to find reliable suppliers? Don’t worry—DropSure can meet all your needs! From product sourcing to order fulfillment to logistics, we handle everything so you can focus on what you do best: making money. With 22 years of industry expertise under our belt, DropSure know what it takes to make your business thrive. Backed by a team of 200+ professionals and 7 placed warehouses (in China, the U.S., Germany, and more), we ensure your orders reach customers at lightning speed. Oh, and product catalog? It’s massive—over 1 million high-quality items to choose from, so you’re bound to find your next […]