Starting your print-on-demand and dropshipping business? Check out our comprehensive list of print-on-demand glossary terms that will help you to stay ahead in the industry.

Glossary termDefinition
BrandingBranding is the process of developing a company’s brand identity. This method also produces brand-supporting assets such as a logo, slogan, visual design, or tone of voice.
Brick and Mortar StoreA brick-and-mortar store is a physical store where retailers display their products. Customers visit the physical stores to look, try and buy products with the help of the representatives.
Digital PrintingDigital printing is printing digital images on different substrates using a digital printing machine. The process may vary depending on the substrate on which the image is printed. Digital printing is used to print on materials such as paper, fabric, canvas, synthetics, canvas, etc.
DropshippingDropshipping is a digital business model that allows entrepreneurs to run an e-commerce company without handling inventory or shipping operations. You partner with a supplier who manages the stocks and ships them to your customers.
eCommerceE-commerce, aka Electronic commerce, is the buying and selling of goods or services over an electronic network using the Internet. Buying and selling products and services online requires the exchange of data or funds to complete a transaction involving more than one company or people.
Fulfillment HouseA fulfillment house is a warehouse or a centre where e-commerce orders are fulfilled. They manage the operations of an e-commerce business, including sourcing, printing, packing, and shipping orders to another business or the end customer.
Inventory ManagementInventory management is the process of sourcing, ordering, storing, and supplying raw materials or finished goods to a business or an end customer.
LogicticsLogistics in print-on-demand business stores and delivers products to your customer’s doorstep. Your print-on-demand partner will handle all your storage and shipping needs.
LogoA logo is the foundation of your brand’s identity. It leaves a strong impression of your products on your customers’ minds. It fosters brand loyalty and sets you apart from your competitors.
MerchandiseMerchandise means buying and selling goods or commodities to another business or customer. Groceries at a supermarket, clothing in a retail store, gadgets on a website, or raw materials in a manufacturing facility are all examples of merchandise.
Order FulfillmentOrder fulfillment is a method by which a sales order is processed, from receiving the order to processing, packing, and delivering it to the customer efficiently and on time.
Print-on-DemandPrint-on-demand is an eCommerce business model which allows you to sell custom products online without upfront cost or inventory management.
Product MockupA product mockup in a print-on-demand business is a visual representation of how your design will look on the product before you print them. It helps you decide the print placement, size, and how your design would look like.
Profit MarginThe profit margin in a print-on-demand business is the profit earned on every product sold after paying the manufacturing cost
ShopifyThe supply chain management refers to the process of coordination and optimization of the operations involved in the manufacturing, sourcing, inventory management, and delivery of goods or services.
Supply Chain ManagementThe supply chain management refers to the process of co-ordination and optimization of the operations involved in the manufacturing, sourcing, inventory management, and delivery of goods or services.
WholesalerA wholesaler is an individual who purchases products from manufacturers and stocks them in bulk qualities. A wholesaler can store a particular product or a product category, or a wide range of products.