Dropshipping vs. Print-On-Demand: What’s the Best Choice for Your Business?

Print on Demand vs dropshipping – which is the better business model? If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to start an online business, you’ve probably considered both options. 

If you don’t know the basic differences between these two career paths, it can be hard to choose. At the same time, the pros and cons depend on your vision for each of your eCommerce stores.

This article compares their pros and cons, complication rates, branding options, and product customization so you can make the best choice.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products from third-party suppliers. Instead of buying inventory ahead of time, you list the items in your store, and when the customer places an order, the supplier delivers the items directly. You never handle the stuff yourself.

What is Print on Demand?

Print-on-demand (POD) allows you to create custom designs printed on products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. You upload your design to the POD platform, which integrates with your online store. When a customer places an order, the POD provider prints the design on the product and sends it directly to the customer.

Dropshipping vs. print on demand: Key similarities

• No inventory management

• Easy to scale

• No printing technology required

• Minimal upfront costs

• Test different products with your audience

Read More: How to Choose the Best Print-on-Demand Software for Your Business?

Dropshipping vs. print on demand: Main differences

• There is a lot of competition for dropshipping services

• Demand on demand offers customized products and unique design

• It’s easier to print on demand and build a brand

• Print-on-demand boosts brand loyalty, while dropshipping is more saturated

Advantages of Print-On-Demand

• Creative Freedom: With custom printing, you can express your creativity by creating unique pieces that reflect your brand’s personality. This is great for artists, designers, or anyone who wants to sell bespoke products.

• Lower Competition: Because your products are unique, you won’t face less competition compared to dropshipping. Customers can’t see your images anywhere else, which can help you build loyal customers.

• Building a Brand: Print-on-demand allows you to create a recognizable logo. Customers will associate your design with your store, which can lead to repeat business and word of mouth.

Disadvantages of Print-On-Demand

• Higher Costs: The cost of a custom product is often higher than mass-produced dropshipping packages. This can make pricing more difficult, as you have to balance covering your costs with offering a competitive price.

• Longer fulfillment time: Custom designs take time to print and ship. This can lead to long delivery times, which customers are unhappy with when they expect fast delivery.

Advantages of Dropshipping

• Wider options: Dropshipping gives you more variety, giving you access to different markets and trends without having to invest upfront

• Low Risk: Since you don’t have to buy inventory, dropshipping is a low-risk way to try different products and niches.

• Faster shipping: Depending on the suppliers you work with, dropshipping can offer faster shipping times, especially if the shippers are based in your customers’ area or ship overseas.

Disadvantages of Dropshipping

• Lack of control: In dropshipping, product quality, packaging, and shipping rely on third-party suppliers. When your supplier makes a mistake, it makes you think about your business, but you have little control over the process.

• Increased competition: With so many people reselling the same products, competition can be fierce. Often you find yourself competing with other dropshippers on price, which can reduce your profitability.

So what is the best?

As is often the case, every case is different, so there is no one right answer. You need to find out your profile as an entrepreneur, your work motivations and goals, how much time and effort you want to put into your business, and so on.

Who is Print on Demand best for?

Print-on-demand is an ideal business model for people who want to sell custom products without worrying about upfront inventory costs. It’s perfect for artists, influencers, companies, and groups looking to sell merch online.

Who is dropshipping ideal for?

Dropshipping is the best option for businesses that haven’t bought inventory or are not creatively involved in production. Perfect for emerging entrepreneurs, who work with limited time and experience.

Print-on-demand and dropshipping are generally great, cost-effective, and competitive solutions that can help your business succeed. So, what’s best for you? We hope this article helped you find the answers you were looking for!