A few years ago, my friend Jake wanted to start an online business, but he had no idea what to sell. He kept hearing about dropshipping and print on demand, but he did not know which one was better. He asked me for advice, so we sat down and compared the two business models.
If you are thinking about starting an online store, you might have the same question: Which one should you choose? Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can decide what works best for you.
What is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is an online business model where you sell products without keeping any inventory. When a customer buys something from your store, you order it from a supplier who ships it directly to the customer. You do not have to handle packaging or shipping at all.
It sounds easy, right? But there are pros and cons to it.
Pros of Dropshipping
- Low startup costs: You do not need a lot of money to start since you do not buy products upfront.
- Wide product selection: You can sell almost anything—from electronics to beauty products to home decor.
- No inventory management: You do not have to worry about storing or shipping products.
Cons of Dropshipping
- High competition: Since many people do dropshipping, competition can be tough.
- Long shipping times: Especially if your supplier is overseas.
- Quality control issues: You have little control over product quality and customer service.
What is Print On Demand?
Print on demand (POD) is similar to dropshipping but with one big difference: You sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases instead of generic products. The supplier prints your design on the item and ships it directly to the customer.
This is a great option if you are creative or want to build a unique brand.
Pros of Print On Demand
- No inventory management: Just like dropshipping, there is no need to hold inventory.
- Brand uniqueness: You can create unique designs that make your store stand out.
- Less competition: Since your products are custom-made, there is less direct competition.
Cons of Print On Demand
- Lower profit margins: Printing costs are higher, reducing your overall profit.
- Design work required: Creating products takes time and effort.
- Complicated returns: Since items are custom-made, returns and exchanges can be difficult.
Which One is Easier to Start?
If you just want to start quickly with minimal effort, dropshipping is the way to go. You can find trending products, set up a store, and start selling in a few days. No need to design anything—just focus on marketing.
But if you like the idea of selling unique products, print on demand might be a better choice. It takes more effort because you need to create designs, but it also gives you more control over your brand.
Which One is More Profitable?
Both can make you money, but it depends on how you run your business. In my experience:
- Dropshipping: Can make money faster because you can sell trending products with high demand. However, the profit margins can be low unless you find a niche with little competition.
- Print on demand: Has higher product costs, but you can charge more for unique designs. If you build a strong brand and attract loyal customers, you can make good money in the long run.
Which One is Better for Long-Term Success?
Think about this: Do you want to build a long-term business or just make quick money?
- Dropshipping works well if you are good at finding winning products and running ads. But it is hard to build a brand because you are selling the same products as many other stores.
- Print on demand allows you to create a brand around your designs. If people love your style, they will come back for more. That makes it a better long-term option if you are willing to put in the work.
Final Thoughts
There is no right or wrong choice. It all depends on what fits your skills and goals.
- If you want a simple business with no design work, try dropshipping.
- If you love creating unique products and building a brand, print on demand might be better.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to take action. Because the only way to know what works for you is to try.
