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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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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 […]

Are you looking for a market with strong consumer spending, considerable profit margins, and relatively mild competition? Australia, the “blue ocean” in the Southern Hemisphere, is opening its doors to global sellers with a purchasing power of US$50,000 per capita, 90% internet penetration, and unique off-season business opportunities! Whether it’s the lunchtime shopping cart of a white-collar worker in Sydney or the weekend camping gear of a family in Perth, consumers here are willing to pay for quality and crave efficient localized service. From the cost formula for overseas warehouse dropshipping to the traffic bonuses on eBay and Amazon, from Catch’s precisely targeted customer base to MyDeal’s low entry barriers—today, this guide will break down every detail of the Australian market’s goldmine opportunities for you. Whether you want to avoid logistical “reefs” or master the global supply chain with strategic inventory allocation, the content that follows will serve as your tactical map for conquering Australia. Ready? Let’s let the data speak and break through with strategy! Why Australia is Suitable for Dropshipping Australia is undoubtedly a market that is very suitable for dropshipping. You will find that it not only has a highly developed economy and strong purchasing power—with a GDP per capita reaching nearly US$50,000—but more importantly, about 90% of Australians are online, and the popularity of smartphones ranks among the highest in the world. This provides unique conditions for the development of online business. Although Australia’s population is not as large as those in Europe or America, consumers have a high purchase frequency and spend significantly per transaction. They are willing to spend money on quality products. Precisely because of this, products often have considerable profit margins. Moreover, […]

With the rapid growth of e-commerce, dropshipping has become a popular choice for many entrepreneurs and small businesses. This business model allows sellers to fulfill customer orders directly through suppliers without holding inventory, thereby reducing capital and warehousing costs. In recent years, Hong Kong has increasingly attracted global dropshipping sellers due to its unique geographical location and convenient business environment. According to data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong’s total import and export volume reached HKD 5.5 trillion in 2023, with trade infrastructure ranking among the best globally. Additionally, data from the Global Shipping Association shows that Hong Kong’s port ranks in the world’s top ten in terms of cargo throughput, ensuring efficient logistics and global distribution for dropshipping businesses. So, is Hong Kong really the right place to start a dropshipping business? Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you make a better decision. Unique Advantages of Dropshipping in Hong Kong Strategic Location and Market Advantages Hong Kong is strategically located in the heart of Asia, bordering mainland China, making it not only a hub for convenient supply chain connections but also a global center for freight and logistics. This is crucial for Dropshipping sellers as it translates to faster shipping times and lower shipping costs. Hong Kong is close to major Chinese ports such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, offering a range of flexible transportation options, including air, sea, and land transport. This logistical advantage enables Dropshipping sellers to deliver products to customers in different countries in a shorter amount of time, making Hong Kong an attractive choice for those looking to expand into the Asian market. Developed Logistics Network Hong Kong’s logistics network […]