If you want to start an online business without keeping stock or spending a lot of money upfront, you’ve probably heard about Print-on-Demand (POD) and Dropshipping. Both are popular business models that allow you to sell products online without handling inventory yourself.
But which one is better for you? In this guide, we’ll compare Print-on-Demand vs Dropshipping, explain how each works, and help you decide which model aligns with your goals, skills, and budget. By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy to start selling online efficiently.
What is Print-on-Demand (POD)?
Print-on-demand is a business model where you create custom designs that are printed on products only after a customer places an order. This eliminates the need to buy products in bulk or manage inventory.
How Print-on-Demand Works
-
A customer visits your store and orders a product, such as a T-shirt with your design.
-
The POD supplier prints your design on the product.
-
The supplier ships the product directly to your customer.
-
You earn a profit margin, which is the difference between the sale price and the supplier’s cost.
This means your upfront investment is minimal, you just focus on creating unique designs and marketing your products.
Common POD Products
-
T-shirts, hoodies, and apparel
-
Mugs, water bottles, and drinkware
-
Phone cases and laptop sleeves
-
Tote bags and backpacks
-
Posters, canvas, and wall art
Popular POD Suppliers
-
Printful: Offers integration with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
-
Printify: Large network of print providers for global shipping.
-
Teespring (Spring): Easy-to-use platform with built-in marketplaces.
-
Redbubble: Marketplace-focused, ideal for independent artists.
Pro Tip: Focus on niche audiences to increase sales. For example, cat lovers, gamers, or fitness enthusiasts.
What is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell ready-made products from suppliers without keeping them in stock. Unlike POD, you don’t create the products; you simply choose items that already exist.
How Dropshipping Works
-
You list products from suppliers on your online store.
-
A customer places an order.
-
You forward the order to your supplier.
-
The supplier ships the product directly to your customer.
-
You keep the profit, which is the difference between your retail price and the supplier’s cost.
This model allows you to sell trending products quickly without manufacturing or inventory costs.
Common Dropshipping Products
-
Electronics and gadgets
-
Kitchen tools and home appliances
-
Home decor and furniture
-
Fashion accessories and apparel
-
Pet supplies and toys
Popular Dropshipping Suppliers
-
AliExpress: Huge product variety with worldwide shipping.
-
Spocket: Focused on US and EU suppliers for faster delivery.
-
CJ Dropshipping: Offers product sourcing and order fulfillment.
-
Oberlo (Shopify): Integrates easily with Shopify stores.
Example: If a smart kitchen gadget is trending on TikTok, you can add it to your dropshipping store and start selling immediately.
Print-on-Demand vs Dropshipping: Key Differences
| Feature | Print-on-Demand | Dropshipping |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Custom-designed products | Ready-made products |
| Startup Cost | Very low | Very low |
| Profit Margin | Often lower per item | Can be higher |
| Customization | High (unique designs) | Low (generic items) |
| Competition | Lower (designs are unique) | Higher (many sellers offer same items) |
| Fulfillment Speed | Can be slower (production time) | Often faster (supplier has stock) |
Pros and Cons of Print-on-Demand
Pros
-
Unique products with your branding
-
No inventory costs
-
Easier to build a brand and loyal following
-
No design equipment required
Cons
-
Lower profit margins per item
-
Production and shipping can be slower
-
Limited control over product quality
Pros and Cons of Dropshipping
Pros
-
Wide range of products to choose from
-
Low startup cost
-
No production responsibilities
-
Can scale quickly once successful
Cons
-
Many competitors selling the same products
-
Risk of poor-quality suppliers
-
Harder to build a unique brand
-
Shipping delays, especially from overseas
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice depends on your skills, budget, and long-term goals.
Choose Print-on-Demand if:
-
You are creative and enjoy making designs
-
You want to sell unique, branded products
-
You want to focus on niche audiences
Example:
You create funny quotes for cat lovers and print them on mugs, T-shirts, and tote bags. Fans buy your products because they are unique, and you build a loyal audience.
Choose Dropshipping if:
-
You want to sell trending products quickly
-
You don’t want to design products yourself
-
You prefer testing different products to see what sells
Example:
A trending phone gadget appears on TikTok. You list it on your dropshipping store and start selling the same day.
Can You Combine Print-on-Demand and Dropshipping?
Yes! Many sellers run hybrid stores that offer both POD products and dropshipped items.
Example of a hybrid store:
-
Custom-designed T-shirts (POD)
-
Trending phone accessories (Dropshipping)
This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. However, it requires managing multiple suppliers and ensuring smooth fulfillment for each product type.
Tips for Success in Either Model
1. Research Your Niche
A focused niche makes marketing easier and attracts loyal customers. Use tools like Google Trends, TikTok, and Pinterest to find trending niches.
2. Work with Reliable Suppliers
Always order samples before selling to check quality and shipping speed. Poor-quality products can harm your store’s reputation.
3. Focus on Marketing
Your store won’t sell itself. Use free and paid channels to attract traffic:
-
Social media marketing: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
-
Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with niche influencers
-
Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize product titles and descriptions
Related Read: Check our guide on How to Start Dropshipping with No Money for step-by-step marketing strategies.
4. Offer Excellent Customer Service
Fast responses and problem-solving encourage repeat customers. Always provide tracking information and address complaints promptly.
5. Start Small and Scale
Focus on a few products before adding hundreds. Test the market with free or low-cost marketing to minimize risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Choosing the Wrong Niche: Avoid selling products nobody wants.
-
Ignoring Shipping Times: Customers dislike waiting weeks for deliveries.
-
Copying Competitors: Differentiate with unique branding and product descriptions.
-
Not Tracking Trends: Market demands change fast; update your store regularly.
How Long Before You See Profits?
With consistent marketing and testing:
-
Some sellers make their first sale within a week.
-
Others may take a month or two.
The key is to keep testing products, posting content daily, and improving your store.
Why Print-on-Demand and Dropshipping Are Perfect for Beginners
-
Low Risk: No need to buy inventory upfront.
-
Flexible: Work from anywhere, on your schedule.
-
Scalable: Start small and reinvest profits to grow.
Conclusion
Both Print-on-Demand and Dropshipping can be profitable if done correctly.
-
POD is ideal for creative entrepreneurs who want unique products and brand-building opportunities.
-
Dropshipping is great for quick product testing and selling trending items.
The best approach is to start small, test, and scale. You can even run a hybrid store to enjoy the benefits of both models.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly ways to make money online, read our post on Top 10 Digital Side Hustles You Can Start with Zero Budget in 2025 for additional inspiration.
