Choosing the right business model is the first and most important step when starting an online business. Two of the most popular beginner-friendly options are print on demand and dropshipping. Both allow you to start selling products online without buying inventory upfront, but they work in different ways and offer different advantages.
This simplified guide explains how each model operates, what makes them unique, and how to choose the best option for your eCommerce goals.
What Is Print On Demand?
Print on demand is an online selling model where products are printed only after a customer places an order. You do not hold stock or manage a warehouse. Instead, your print on demand partner handles printing, packing, and shipping the product directly to your customer.
You simply upload your design, list the product in your online store, and once an order comes in, your fulfilment partner produces it on demand. The global interest in personalised and customised products has made print on demand a fast-growing business model.
Platforms like Qikink offer features such as:
- Easy integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce
- A wide selection of customizable products
- High-quality printing
- Fast order fulfilment
How Print On Demand Works
Here is the step-by-step process for running a print on demand business:
1. Create Your Design
Use tools like Canva or Photoshop to design artwork or quotes. You can also hire designers to create professional artwork for your store.
2. Select Products
Choose from products like t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, mugs, mobile cases, posters, and more.
3. Upload and Publish
Upload your design to your print on demand platform and publish the product on your store with a title, description, and pricing.
4. Promote Your Products
Use social media, influencer marketing, SEO, and ads to reach potential customers.
5. Customer Places an Order
When someone buys a product, the order details automatically reach your print on demand supplier.
6. Production and Fulfilment
Your supplier prints the design, packs the product with your branding, and ships it directly to the customer.
7. Profit
You only pay for the product and printing cost. The remaining amount becomes your profit.
Print on demand allows you to sell branded, creative products without inventory risk or upfront investment.
What Is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping also lets you sell products without holding inventory. But instead of custom-designed items, you sell ready-made products supplied by a wholesaler. When a customer orders from your store, you place the same order with your supplier at a lower price, and the supplier ships the product directly to the customer.
Dropshipping removes the burden of inventory management but involves competition, supplier reliability issues, and pricing pressure.
How Dropshipping Works
- Choose a niche or product category
- Find reliable dropshipping suppliers
- Build your online store
- Set competitive pricing
- Transfer customer orders to the supplier
- Supplier ships product to the customer
- You provide customer support and handle returns
Dropshipping is best for quick product testing, trend-based selling, and volume-based profits.
Print On Demand vs Dropshipping: Key Differences
Product Personalization
- Print on Demand: Allows full customization with your designs
- Dropshipping: Products come pre-made
Branding
- Print on Demand: Strong branding opportunities
- Dropshipping: Limited branding options
Profit Margins
- Print on Demand: Higher margins due to custom designs
- Dropshipping: Lower margins due to high competition
Product Range
- Print on Demand: Moderate product range
- Dropshipping: Unlimited categories
Customer Experience
- Print on Demand: More control over brand and quality
- Dropshipping: Dependent on supplier reliability
Pros and Cons of Print On Demand
Pros
- No inventory investment
- Ideal for building a unique brand
- Higher profit margins on customised items
- Creative control
- Simplified fulfilment
Cons
- Longer fulfilment times
- Limited product categories
- Returns can be complicated
Pros and Cons of Dropshipping
Pros
- Large product variety
- Low startup cost
- Easy to scale quickly
- No inventory or shipping management
Cons
- High competition
- Limited branding
- Quality varies by supplier
- Shipping times can be long
Which Model Should You Choose?
Choose Print on Demand if:
- You want to build a strong, design-driven brand
- You prefer unique, personalized products
- You want higher profit margins
- You want long-term brand growth
Choose Dropshipping if:
- You want to sell trending, ready-made products
- You want to test multiple niches quickly
- You prefer fast scaling
- You want a wide product range
Both business models are profitable, and many sellers combine print on demand and dropshipping as they grow.
Final Thoughts
Both print on demand and dropshipping help you start an online business with minimal upfront risk. The right choice depends on your skills, goals, and how you want your brand to grow. Print on demand gives you more creative control and brand identity, while dropshipping provides flexibility and large product variety.
If you want maximum flexibility, platforms like Qikink allow you to run both print on demand and dropshipping under one account—helping you grow faster with automation, quality control, and easy integrations.
