返回
顶部

Dropshipping VS Print on Demand: Which one is better?

December 28 2021 01:29
Winnie
Dropshipping VS Print on Demand: Which one is better?

The advancement of technology and the internet have paved the way for excellent opportunities to conduct business online, providing everyone the freedom to do business from their comfort zone. It’s interesting to note that drop shipping vs. print on demand are top business models causing much debate and confusion. Most people confuse between dropshipping vs. print on demand. Even more, they aren't sure of the best option among the two.

If you are an entrepreneur looking to choose the best business model that perfectly suits your needs, it will help to understand the two models in-depth. In this blog post, we've put together useful information to help you solidify your decision on the best model between dropshipping vs. print on demand.

What's the difference between Dropshipping and print on demand?

As I mentioned above, these two concepts have been causing intense debate and misunderstanding. You have to choose either drop shipping vs. print on demand to some, but that is not true. Before I state the difference, we all have to agree that these two business models have a lot in common. Both of them are e-commerce business models that don't need the management of inventories.

The difference between the two concepts is:

Print on demand involves the creation of products based on the customers' requests, which helps reduce wastage for sellers. Print on demand platforms will help you to up an online store to sell products online. On the other hand, Dropshipping involves partnering with a supplier to help you ship customer orders directly to the customers. You don't have to maintain a physical inventory for you to run this business model. Also, with drop shipping, you can sell products through your website while you earn commissions for every sale you make.

What’s the process for both business models?

You need to understand the process for both of these concepts to help you know which one works best for you.

Dropshipping

Let's consider the various steps involved in the dropshipping business model:

·       Usually, a buyer will make an order on a drop shipper’s website and own an e-commerce store on Shopify or WooCommerce. 

·       The drop shipper will then send the customer's details to a favorite dropshipping company via an automated process, i.e., virtual assistance services or plugins. 

·       The supplier will then ship the products directly to the consumer.

 

Print on demand

·       The process begins when you select your favorite print-on-demand website and forward your product's design. You don't require any monetary investment. 

·       When a customer sees your design and likes it, they will make an order.

·       The print on Demand Company will then print the design of the customer order.

·       The print on Demand Company will then will pack the product and send it directly to the customer.

·       Since you're the seller, you will receive a profit and the customer their product featuring your design. 

Requirements for drop shipping vs. print on demand

Much like anything, you need some essentials to start drop-shipping or a print-on-demand business. Let's continue reading to learn what you need to start both of these models:

Dropshipping requirements

·       First off, you need to have a catchy and original domain for your dropshipping business.

·       Once you have the domain, you can open a Shopify online store or set up a Word Press website and install WooCommerce and your favorite dropshipping plugin to start selling. Fortunately, there are many plugins available online.

·       Create an attractive website using the easily customizable templates on Shopify and WordPress, enabling you to showcase your products worldwide.

·       It will take some effort and patience before your site can go live. While setting up contact, payment, and shipping details is effortless, a few aspects will need time.

·       After a few days, your site will go live after setting the foundation. Now, this is the time to get your shop up and running with the Shopify Product Sourcing App or your favorite WooCommerce + Dropshipping extensions. It’s easy to do this—create an account and follow a few instructions.

·       Select a partner and showcase your products to popularize your shop. Once you upload your designs and select the products you want to sell, you will be shown to connect your partner to your site.

Following these requirements will help you keep your dropshipping business up and running.

Print on demand requirements:

·       First, you need t-shirt designs to sell. It becomes much easier when you have your designs ready to sell on print-on-demand websites.

·       Once you visit the print-on-demand sites, you will see various options inviting you to get started.

·       You will then be asked to popularize your store by uploading your high-quality designs and choosing products you'd want to sell with your designs on them.

·       They will then request your payment details, such as a bank account or a verified PayPal account, for depositing your earnings.

·       At this point, you're done with what you need to start your print-on-demand shop.

Is it possible to have a mix of the two business models?

Dropshipping vs. prints on-demand business models have their commitments, making it difficult to combine the two. However, having a mix of the two would require creativity. If that's successful, you'll have a competitive edge in the dynamic marketplace. It will also allow you to provide varieties of products to your customers at competitive prices.

So what’s the better option?

Every business requires you to act first and get into it, enabling you to overcome various challenges fast and stay ahead of your competitors. Both drop shipping vs. print on demand options are great—you have to choose the right choice that suits your needs and skills.

Once registered, you’ll gain access to all product pricing and inventory.

Try Doba today, risk-free, without missing out on a quality experience!