Print on Demand and Drop Shipping: What Is the Difference?

Welcome to the world of eCommerce and the various types that it entails! There are several important decisions to be made between various business models and service providers. Therefore, you may be thinking about what is best for you and your business. However, as you learn more about this business strategy, it’s easy to become confused by concepts like drop shipping and print on Demand. This article will explain the differences between them to help you understand.

WHAT IS PRINT ON DEMAND?

Print on Demand (POD) is a process in which you work with a supplier to customize products with your designs and sell them on a per order basis under your brand. Furthermore, it implies you don’t pay for the product until you’ve sold it. As a result, there is no need to purchase in bulk or keep inventory on hand. Furthermore, with print on demand services, your provider handles everything after the sale, from printing to delivery. Once you’ve set everything up, it may just take a few clicks to get an order once you’ve completed a sale.

WHAT IS DROP SHIPPING?

Drop shipping is a retail business strategy that involves acquiring and selling products from a supplier. In addition, you do not need to create an actual store, deal with overhead costs, or stock items. Instead, you will create a digital storefront as a website for your customers to visit. They then purchase products from your supplier, who will ship the product directly to your customer. You will reap the rewards of selling products that you do not have to make yourself.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO

Because of their similarities, people may be confused by print on Demand and drop shipping. Even though they both acquire products from print on demand providers and package and send them to your customer, print on Demand gives you greater control over the product’s look. While you have greater control over the appearance of your product, you are more limited in what is accessible than with drop shipping, which may be any product you can find a source for.

PROS OF POD (CONS OF DROP SHIPPING)

1. It is simple to build a brand.

Building a brand is one of the cornerstones to an eCommerce business’s success. It allows you to establish confidence and set the price you believe is fair rather than what the market dictates.

2. Have control over product design.

Because you have complete control over the product design with print on Demand, it might be simple to rationalize choosing your best print on demand products over someone else’s. POD provides for greater creativity in the design process. While they may compete for the same shirts, mugs, wallets, and so on, there is still space for them to appeal to a broader audience.

CONS OF POD (PROS OF DROP SHIPPING)

1. Long order fulfillment times

Print on Demand requires the provider to print the design on a product before shipping it. It might take another 1-3 business days for your customer to get it. On the other hand, a drop shipping provider keeps inventory for their products so that they can ship as soon as possible when an order comes in.

2. The design quality of your items is linked to the quality of your products.

The product designs are an essential decision element in print on demand companies. On the other hand, drop shipping eliminates the requirement for design expertise or hiring a designer. The provider has the product ready to go without any more work on your part.

3. You can’t resell product returns.

You typically can’t resell returns with print on Demand since the order is custom-built, making resale difficult. On the other hand, drop shipping allows you to resale the product to another client as long as it is in good condition.

WHICH IS BETTER BETWEEN PRINT ON DEMAND AND DROP SHIPPING?

The answer is that print on Demand is better than drop shipping, depending on your skillset and long-term business goals. In other words, there is no clear winner that will suit everyone, but here is how you may determine which one is best for you:

Print on Demand is for you if:

1. You are creative, or you have access to someone who is.

2. You want your business to last as long as possible.

3. You want to have as much control as possible over the product’s design.

Dropshipping is for you if:

1. You want to start with as few obstacles as possible.

2. You want the maximum scalability possible.

3. You like offering a wide range of products.

CONCLUSION

So, there you have it. Now that you understand the distinction between drop shipping and print on Demand, you can decide which option is ideal for you. Once you’ve gotten through the terms and setup, you’ll find the procedure to be simple. Starting a business may be as easy or complex as you desire, with the benefits depend on what you value the most. The ability to sell and distribute a wide range of items is limited only by your suppliers and your creativity.

START YOUR ECOMMERCE BUSINESS WITH FULFILLPLEX

It is critical to select the best eCommerce fulfillment provider for your business. If you believe that print on Demand is the best option for you, Fulfillplex’s print on demand services can help you! You can be confident that your business will be profitable and long-lasting with the help of a top eCommerce fulfillment company like us. We’ll help you to create eye-catching products that others will want to wear or own! Visit us now at https://fulfillplex.com/ or contact us at [email protected] to get started.