Is Print on Demand Better Than Dropshipping?

When you are researching online business models, you will quickly come across two popular options: print on demand (POD) and dropshipping. At first, they may seem similar. Both let you sell products online without holding inventory. Both allow you to run a business from anywhere. But once you dig deeper, the differences become clear.

So, is print on demand better than dropshipping in 2025? The short answer is no. Both can work, but which one is better depends on your goals. After running multiple high-ticket dropshipping stores and helping thousands of students build theirs, I can tell you exactly how they compare.

What is Print on Demand?

Print on demand is when you sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. A third-party printer creates and ships each order as it comes in.

The upside is that you do not need to buy inventory upfront. The downside is that margins are low, and you are limited to the types of products POD suppliers can produce.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is when you sell products from authorized suppliers or brands, and they ship directly to your customers. Instead of focusing on custom designs, you focus on selling in-demand products that already exist.

With high-ticket dropshipping, this means selling items like furniture, outdoor gear, or fitness equipment priced at $200 or more. The margins are much higher, and the business is more scalable.

👉 Related: High Ticket vs Low Ticket Dropshipping

Print on Demand vs Dropshipping: Key Differences

Here is how the two models stack up.

• Profit Margins: POD margins are usually under 20 percent because suppliers set the base cost. High-ticket dropshipping margins are closer to 25 to 40 percent.
• Product Variety: POD is limited to items that can be printed. Dropshipping gives you access to entire product catalogs from real suppliers.
• Scalability: POD is difficult to scale since you need constant new designs and heavy ad spend. Dropshipping lets you scale faster by adding more suppliers and products to your store.
• Customer Value: POD often sells low-ticket products that rely on impulse buys. High-ticket dropshipping focuses on items people research and invest in, creating higher lifetime customer value.

Is Print on Demand Better Than Dropshipping?

For beginners who love designing graphics and want to sell creative products, POD can be fun. But if your goal is to build a real, profitable business, dropshipping is almost always better.

Why? Because with POD you are competing in a crowded market with thin margins, while with high-ticket dropshipping you are building long-term relationships with suppliers and creating a sellable asset.

👉 Related: Common Dropshipping Mistakes Beginners Make

Final Thoughts

So, is print on demand better than dropshipping? Not if you want a business that scales, has healthy margins, and provides financial freedom. POD may work as a side hustle, but high-ticket dropshipping is the better path if you want to create a sustainable online store in 2025 and beyond.

If you are ready to learn how to build your own high-ticket store, join my free training at dropshiplifestyle.com/webinar.