In this modern technological world, eCommerce is booming very rapidly. Many people want to start and sell their products online. With the enormous tools available, they have found their own ways to become entrepreneurs and soon build a profitable brand.
After all the research, many of them have come across the top two profitable business models: Print on Demand (POD) and Dropshipping. These two models have become the most popular ways to sell products online without holding any stock.
But anyone who wants to start an eCommerce business is often confused about the topic of ‘print on demand vs dropshipping’. Both models remove inventory hassles and upfront costs, but each offers different challenges and growth opportunities in this marketplace.
This guide will help you understand the process, growth opportunities, differences, and pros and cons of each model, allowing you to progress to the next stage of your business journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Both print on demand and dropshipping are beginner-friendly, low-risk business models that eliminate inventory investment and shipping headaches.
- Print on Demand (POD) lets you create and sell custom designs on everyday products, making it perfect for brand building and creative businesses.
- Dropshipping suits sellers who want a broader product range and easier product sourcing, though branding options are limited.
- Your choice depends on your skills, time, target market, and ability to adapt to the marketplace.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on Demand (POD) is an easy-to-start eCommerce business model, where you can custom-print products with your own design and without any inventory or warehouse. Your print on demand partner prints, packs, and ships your design on your chosen product only after an order is placed.
After creating and uploading your design for your desired product, the print on demand service provider you chose will handle production and distribution for every order placed online. The global print on demand revenue is projected to grow further in the coming years, driven by rising demand for personalised and branded goods.
With India’s best print on demand fulfilment partner, Qikink, you will get an easy-to-use dashboard, integrations with eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, a wide range of products to upload your designs and top-notch quality.
How does the Print on Demand Process Work?
Considering you have a minimalist design with a quote for an oversized T-shirt, and setting the price at ₹800. When someone orders it, your print on demand partner, Qikink, will:
- Take care of the t-shirt’s custom printing with no compromise on quality.
- Provide you with the option of custom branding and eco-friendly packaging.
- Ship it directly to your customer, from regional to international shipping.
Qikink will charge you ₹500, including the cost of the T-shirt (₹240), printing (₹160), packing and shipping (₹100 with taxes included), leaving you with a profit of ₹300. Each product will be printed only after the order is placed.
Now, let’s break down each step involved in the process of print on demand:
1. Create Your Design
Start by creating your design for selling your products. You can use Canva, Photoshop or other tools useful for your print on demand business. Also, you can hire a freelance designer to create a professional design that resonates with your target audience.
2. Choose the Products
Perfect design needs an ideal product to be a trendsetter. From apparel to accessories, there are many categories available to sell them with your design. Products like T-shirts, mugs, hoodies, tote bags, mobile cases, posters, and more are available on Qikink to choose from.
3. Upload to Your Online Store
Upload designs to your print on demand platform, Qikink. Write product titles and descriptions using keywords, then set prices and publish listings.
4. Market Your Products
Print on demand marketing is an essential step on this journey toward becoming a successful brand. Use social media, ads, influencer shoutouts, and SEO-rich descriptions to promote your products and attract customers.
5. Customer Purchase
When a buyer visits your store and purchases a product, the order details, including the design, product category and shipping address, are automatically sent to your print on demand partner, Qikink, for product fulfilment.
6. Printing and Fulfilment
Qikink prints your design on the product you choose using top-class printing techniques available at the store. Then, they ship the product directly to your customer with your brand label.
7. Profit and Support
As previously discussed, you only pay for the product and printing costs after the order is placed, and you earn your profit margin based on the selling price and the supplier price. Your print on demand service provider, Qikink, will handle product fulfilment, but you will be responsible for customer feedback.
With print on demand, you can control your sales and brand without getting stuck with unsold stock or warehouse costs. It’s an excellent solution for anyone looking to build a creative, branded online business with minimal risk and flexible scale.
How to Start a Print on Demand Business in India (Complete Guide)
What is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a streamlined business model that lets you run an online store without buying or managing inventory yourself. Instead of storing products, you only purchase from a supplier when your customer places an order. The supplier then ships the product directly to your customer.
Similar to the print on demand model, dropshipping also removes the challenges of owning inventory and handling logistics. In this model, your brand will be on the front, with the dropshipping suppliers you choose handling fulfilment and shipping so you can focus on market and traffic.
However, this service comes with challenges, such as limited quality control and finding reliable suppliers. But success depends on your skills, ad marketing, supplier relationships, and customer service.
How does the Dropshipping Business Work?
For instance, you run an online store selling mobile cases, and you receive an order for a glass case, which you have mentioned as ₹300, then,
- The price you have mentioned in your store should be higher than the supplier’s store price (₹150), which determines your profit margin.
- After your store receives an order, you will order the glass case from the supplier’s store at their rate.
- The supplier will then pack, add inclusive charges (₹50) and ship the product to your customer’s address, letting you keep the profit margin (₹100).
This is how dropshipping works in a more straightforward way. All those smooth process depends primarily on the selection of your dropshipping supplier. Now, let’s break down the process of dropshipping:
1. Choose a Niche
Research and select trending or niche products, such as accessories, gym wear, home decor, or fashion items, to list on your online store. And most importantly, choose reliable suppliers who offer the best dropshipping services, like Qikink.
2. Find Reliable Suppliers
To find your trustworthy, reliable supplier, research the best dropshipping suppliers available and cross-check if they offer fast and affordable shipping, and manufacture a good quality product.
3. Build Your Online Store
Publish your product listings on eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, or WooCommerce. Set your retail prices, write SEO-friendly descriptions, and showcase products with eye-catching quality images.
4. Product Pricing
After setting up your store, pricing your product is a critical step. This is where you have to calculate your profit margins by differentiating between the product and shipping cost of the supplier and the platform commission.
5. Customer Orders
When a customer places an order, you collect payment and pass the order details and shipping information to the supplier, who handles the product fulfilment.
6. Supplier Fulfilment
Following the supplier’s payment, they start processing your order, then pack and ship the product directly to your customer. They also handle logistics operations without your involvement.
7. After-Sales Support
Upon shipment completion, the supplier provides no customer support. You are then required to provide customer service, handle returns or refunds, and manage the ongoing relationship with your buyers.
Dropshipping lets you start selling quickly and scale up as you find trending, winning products. This model is to test sales, track order delivery times across different orders, and scale with marketing once you’re confident in product quality and fulfilment speed.
Print on Demand vs Dropshipping: Key Differences
Both Print on Demand and Dropshipping help you sell online without holding inventory or incurring upfront costs, but the way they operate, grow, and support brand identity differs. Let’s compare the key differences of both models to get an idea of choosing your type:
|
Factor
|
Print on Demand
|
Dropshipping
|
|---|---|---|
|
Inventory Handling
|
No stock required
|
No stock required
|
|
Cost Upfront
|
Low-cost investment
|
Low-cost investment
|
|
Minimum Order Requirement
|
No minimum orders
|
Some suppliers require a minimum order to process
|
|
Product Personalisation
|
Designs can be customised
|
Ready-made products only
|
|
Products Range
|
Limited or Moderate range
|
Unlimited or huge product range
|
|
Quality Control
|
Dependable on your print on demand partner
|
Dependable on your supplier; often inconsistent
|
|
Order Fulfilment Speed
|
Typically 3-7 days
|
Vary according to supplier (from 2 to 10 days)
|
|
Branding
|
Custom branding options available
|
Possible only with selective suppliers
|
|
Market Competition
|
Lower (unique designs, niche focus)
|
High (many sell identical items)
|
After understanding this quick glance comparison of dropshipping and print on demand, now let’s go through a detailed analysis of key topics to clearly identify their differences and choose one for your eCommerce business.
1. Profit Margins and Pricing Flexibility
Profit margins and pricing flexibility are crucial factors in deciding between print on demand and dropshipping. While both models require a low upfront investment, their earning potential and pricing strategies differ significantly.
Print on Demand:
Print on demand businesses tend to offer higher profit margins because custom-designed products can be sold at premium prices. Since customers are buying unique items, they are often willing to pay more, allowing sellers to set their own prices.
Although the base costs per product can be higher due to printing and fulfilment, the ability to build strong branding and niche appeal can overtake these costs, leading to higher profit margins over time. The pay-per-order production model helps you to avoid unsold inventory risks, further protecting profitability.
Dropshipping:
Dropshipping typically yields lower profit margins, averaging around 10%-30%, because it involves only readily available products. Competition is high, pushing many sellers to cut prices to attract buyers, leading to reduced profit margins.
Success in dropshipping depends on volume sales rather than high per-product profits. Additionally, unforeseen costs like shipping delays, returns, and refunds can reduce net earnings, requiring careful supplier management to maintain profitability.
2. Return and Replacement Complexity
Returns and replacements are inevitable in any eCommerce business, but how they are handled differs between print on demand and dropshipping. A clear understanding of the process and its complexities can help you develop better policies and improve customer service.
Print on Demand:
Return and replacement procedures in print on demand are often more complex because each product is custom-made after an order is placed. Many suppliers have strict return policies since products cannot be resold easily once personalised. Some may not offer refunds or free returns, requiring customers to cover return shipping costs.
As a seller, you may need to handle return costs or offer refunds manually to maintain goodwill. This means you need clear return policies and excellent customer support to address issues related to print defects or order mistakes.
Choosing Qikink as your print on demand partner means no RTO charges, so you can confidently sell your products on Cash On Delivery (COD) orders.
Dropshipping:
Dropshipping generally has simpler, more flexible return policies because products come from existing inventory and can often be replaced or refunded by suppliers. Most dropshipping suppliers accept returns or refunds for damaged or incorrect items, making the process smoother.
However, since dropshipping stores act as intermediaries, communication between the customer and supplier must be handled efficiently, which can increase your customer support responsibilities. Working with reliable suppliers and ensuring clear return policies reduces potential problems.
3. Scalability and Business Growth
Scaling your eCommerce business is a vital consideration when choosing between print on demand and dropshipping. Both models offer growth opportunities but differ in how quickly and efficiently you can scale.
Print on Demand:
Print on demand allows for steady, sustainable scaling, especially for creative entrepreneurs focused on building their brand. As each item is processed after order, your fulfilment partners handle production and shipping, allowing you to add new designs or product lines without managing inventory.
Yet scaling can be limited by production time and fulfilment capacity, which may make it take longer to grow than with dropshipping. Success comes from building a loyal customer base and continuously offering innovative designs.
Dropshipping:
Dropshipping offers faster scalability, as you can list a wide variety of products without limits. You can test numerous trending niche products and quickly add them to your store. The key to scaling dropshipping lies in finding the right supplier to manage and address logistical challenges as your order volume grows.
While it’s easier to scale rapidly, increased competition and quality control demands require constant attention to maintain profit margins and customer satisfaction. Reach a reasonable agreement with the supplier and keep the same relationship for enhanced customer support.
4. Shipping and Delivery Times
Shipping speed and reliability can make or break your customer experience in eCommerce. Understanding how print on demand and dropshipping differ in shipping and delivery timelines is essential for managing expectations and customer satisfaction.
Print on Demand:
In print on demand, custom manufacturing typically results in longer delivery times than in traditional eCommerce. However, many print on demand providers, like Qikink, maintain regional fulfilment centres that speed up shipping, often delivering domestically within 3 to 7 days.
While international shipments may take longer, clear communication about production and delivery timelines can help set realistic customer expectations. Print on demand also offers branded packaging options that enhance the unboxing experience but may cause slight delays.
Dropshipping:
Dropshipping suppliers usually enable faster order processing and shipping, often within a day or two of purchase. However, shipping times vary significantly depending on the supplier’s location. When suppliers are overseas, delivery time could be extended for various reasons.
Local or regional suppliers can offer faster shipping, but such options might limit product variety. Dropshipping shipments are generally in standard packaging with limited or no branding, emphasising the importance of marketing and customer service to compensate.
5. Marketing and Customer Service
Effective marketing tactics and responsive customer service can determine whether your eCommerce business grows or declines. The print on demand and dropshipping models each offer unique benefits and challenges for sellers in these critical areas.
Print on Demand:
Print on demand marketing enables sellers to run highly targeted campaigns focused on their design style, niche communities, or seasonal trends. This marketing focuses on showcasing exclusivity through social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, Google Ads, and marketplaces like Shopify.
Customer feedback and reviews quickly build authenticity, especially when each design has its own unique backstory. Most print on demand platforms like Qikink offer easy-to-integrate tools to manage returns, track orders, and automate communications, enabling sellers to maintain prompt, personalised support.
Dropshipping:
Dropshipping sellers must prioritise SEO, paid ads and competitive pricing to stand out among many similar stores. Email campaigns and retargeting ads help convert browsing users to customers. Branded dropshipping success depends on how well you position your brand apart from other competitors.
Customer service for dropshipping is more complex, requiring handling supplier communication on order status, shipping delays, and defects. Customers hold your store accountable even when issues arise with external suppliers. Automating support, frequently updating product pages, and streamlining returns are vital to maintaining good ratings and repeat sales.
6. Brand Identity and Loyalty
Brand identity and customer loyalty decide whether your store can survive in the long run. While both print on demand and dropshipping can help you start without inventory, the depth of emotional connection they create with buyers is different.
Print on Demand:
Print on demand is perfect for building a unique brand identity. Since you create your own designs, customers are buying something they can’t get anywhere else. They get related to the style, the message, and the story behind how you build your brand.
Consistent and unique design themes, custom packaging, and niche communities lead to higher repeat purchases. Over time, customers start collecting your designs like a series, increasing loyalty, bringing natural traffic to your site and reducing your ad spend.
Dropshipping:
Dropshipping relies more on unique, trending products that many competitive sellers offer. Since customers can find the same item elsewhere, it becomes harder to build emotional connections. Repeat orders are rare unless you deliver exceptional support consistently.
Branding options are also limited, so loyalty often depends on low pricing and a great delivery experience. Dropshipping works well for short-term demand spikes but requires constant product research to keep customers returning.
Pros and Cons of Print on Demand and Dropshipping
Pros of Print on Demand
- Low upfront investment and no inventory risk.
- Enables strong brand identity through custom designs and packaging.
- Higher profit margins on unique and personalised products.
- Simplified inventory and fulfilment management.
- Ideal for creatives and niche markets.
Cons of Print on Demand
- Longer order fulfilment times due to custom production.
- Limited product categories suitable for printing.
- Return and replacement policies can be problematic.
- Scaling depends heavily on design creativity and fulfilment partners.
Pros of Dropshipping
- Wide product variety across many categories.
- Low startup cost with minimal operational complexity.
- Ability to test products and trends.
- Easier to scale quickly by listing many products.
- No need to handle inventory or shipping.
Cons of Dropshipping
- Highly competitive market.
- Less control over product quality and branding.
- Shipping times vary and can be lengthy, especially internationally.
- Reliance on suppliers can cause order fulfilment issues.
Which to Choose: Dropshipping or Print on Demand?
Deciding between dropshipping and print on demand depends mainly on your personal goals, skills, and the market you want to enter. Both models offer distinct advantages and challenges, but aligning them with your priorities ensures a more satisfying and profitable business.
Both are profitable when your skills align with the business demands. Evaluate your strengths in design, marketing, operations, and customer support, and choose the model that matches how you want to grow in the eCommerce market.
Choose Print on Demand if,
- You want to build a unique, design-driven brand.
- You want minimal upfront costs and more time to create designs.
- You always prefer a specific niche with exclusive products.
- You want streamlined fulfilment, engaging only with fewer suppliers.
- You want higher profit margins per product by charging premium prices.
Choose Dropshipping if,
- You want to sell popular products without customisation.
- You want quick product testing and fast market entry.
- You want access to a broad range of product categories.
- You prioritise transaction volume over brand loyalty.
- You aim for profits from the bigger volume of product sales.
Currently, dropshipping and print on demand are both growing business models. You can even combine elements of both as your business evolves. The key is to pick the path that matches your passion, skills, and strategic vision for long-term success.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you must have understood every point to consider before choosing a business model for your eCommerce business. Both print on demand and dropshipping allow you to enter the online market with minimal financial risk, no stocking requirements, and flexible work-from-anywhere operations.
Yet, before you decide, you must also consider some factors like legal requirements, product sustainability and customer data ownership, which are increasingly becoming important to online sellers and entrepreneurs.
With print on demand, you gain a loyal audience and more control over your brand, while dropshipping offers speed and a wide range of product testing opportunities. The right model is the one that aligns with your vision, resources, commitment, and how you want customers to remember your brand.
If you are just beginning or still unsure which model to pick, Qikink makes selling online easier by offering both Print on Demand and Dropshipping under one single platform. Qikink provides user-friendly dashboards, automated order processing, reliable supply chains, and quality assurance to simplify your business operations.
Start today by signing up with Qikink and experience India’s best print on demand and dropshipping services.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Print on demand is same as dropshipping?
People often misinterpret both business models. Dropshipping is where you pick a list of products from sites and showcase them on your online store to sell them. On the other hand, print on demand is when the seller partially designs the product, which is manufactured only when an order is placed.
Can I start a dropshipping business with less start-up money?
Yes, it is possible. Once you start making your first few sales through your e-commerce store, you can continually reinvest the money to upgrade your business.
In terms of initial investment, which model is more cost-effective: Dropshipping or Print On Demand?
Both Dropshipping and Print On Demand require little to no initial investment. However, creating an online store to showcase products may require more investment in Dropshipping, while in Print On Demand, purchasing or creating designs is enough.
Can you explain how the fulfilment process works in both Dropshipping and Print On Demand businesses?
Dropshipping involves marketing and selling ready-to-use products through e-commerce platforms. At the same time, in Print On Demand, the seller partially designs the product, and the supplier prints the design on the requested material and delivers it to the customer.
What are the potential challenges and risks associated with each e-commerce model?
Potential challenges and risks associated with Dropshipping include supplier reliability, product quality, and shipping duration, while Print On Demand’s challenges include copyright infringement, product quality, and delivery time.
Is Dropshipping dead?
Definitely not. You might hear a lot of rumours about dropshipping as the industry grows day by day. It is common to have misconceptions about business concepts; however, understanding how dropshipping works can help aspiring entrepreneurs enter this industry effortlessly. Many successful dropshipping entrepreneurs share their winning business experiences with us, which proves that dropshipping actually grows!
