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6 Top Shopify Print On Demand Apps & Dropshipping Apps

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Introduction

In the vast landscape of e-commerce, where Shopify reigns as one of the most powerful platforms for business growth, two prolific models are garnering significant momentum: dropshipping and print on demand (POD). Both models offer incredible potential for profit without tying up vast sums of money in inventory. Instead, entrepreneurs can use apps that seamlessly integrate with their Shopify store to simplify and streamline operations. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll shine a light on the top five dropshipping and POD apps for Shopify, each heralding specific features and benefits tailored to help your online store surge ahead.

The Growth of Online Biz, Dropshipping & Print On Demand Models

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The rising need for custom apparel, home decor, accessories, and personalized drinkware, influenced by changing consumer tastes and a surge in demand for tailored products for special events, has significantly propelled market expansion. Moreover, factors such as increasing disposable incomes, wider internet availability, and smartphone usage, coupled with a preference for unique fashion items, are driving the demand for both dropshipping and print-on-demand services.

The Trending of Dropshipping

Statista reported that the dropshipping industry had a market size of $128.6 billion in 2020, projected to soar to $476.1 billion by 2026.

bar chart showing drop shipping trend up to 2026

The Trending of Print On Demand

The worldwide print-on-demand market, currently worth USD 6.34 billion in 2022, is expected to skyrocket to $67.59 billion by 2032.

print on demand market size trend

Both dropshipping and print-on-demand markets are expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, indicating a strong potential for businesses operating in these sectors.

3 Top Shopify Apps for Dropshipping

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Name
Age
Phone
Suppiler
Trendsi
SPOCKET
DSers AliExpress Dropshipping
Product Category
Focusing on women's fashion
Wider variety (offers suppliers from the US and EU)
Wider variety
Integration
Easily add products to your Shopify store
Easily add products to your Shopify store
Easily add products to your Shopify store
Common shipping times
2 -10 business days
1 to 15+ business days but usually 1 to 7 business days.
Depends on the location, 10 -20 days
Monthly Fees
No
US$ 24 up / monthly
US$ 0 - 499 monthly

3 Top Shopify Apps for Print On Demand

Name
Age
Phone
Service Provider
Art of Where
Lu Lu
QPMN
Product Category
Focusing on clothing (Such as: Legging, Skirts, T-shirts)
Focusing on books (Including: Workbooks, Journals, Magazines)
Paper product expert (Such as: Cards, Puzzle)
Integration
Easily add products to your Shopify store
Easily add products to your Shopify store
Easily add products to your Shopify store
Common shipping times
3 - 30 business days
3-14 business days
3 - 14 business days
Monthly Fees
No
No
No
QPMN's Shopify Product Customization App

Benefits of Sell with QPMN

QPMN Company building

1. Expert in Paper Products

  • High quality with over 30 years of production and printing experience.
  • Capable of handling intricate processes such as gold-edged cards, colorful foil surfaces on cards, jigsaw puzzles in various sizes and piece counts.

2. Combined Order: Unlock Bulk Discounts!

3. Autofill Builder: Much More Convenience

  • Isn't there a more user-friendly way to add images to the builder than dragging them one by one?
  • Our builder provides an autofill function, allowing you to bulk fill images for your products. With our autofill builder, designing products becomes more convenient and efficient!

What is the Difference between Dropshipping and Print On Demand?

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The difference between dropshipping and print-on-demand (POD) primarily lies in the product sourcing and customization aspects. Both models offer a low-entry barrier to the e-commerce space but cater to different entrepreneurial needs and strategies.

Difference

1. Product Customization

  • Print on Demand: Allows entrepreneurs to sell custom-designed products. This means you create or select designs to be printed on various items like t-shirts, mugs, and books only after a customer makes a purchase. It's highly customizable
  • Dropshipping: Involves selling pre-existing products made by suppliers. There's no option for customization as you're selling items that are already manufactured and stocked by your supplier

2. Product Range

  • Print on Demand: Typically limited to items that can be printed on. While this can include a wide range of products, it’s focused on customizable goods
  • Dropshipping: Offers access to a broader catalog of products since it includes any pre-existing item that suppliers stock and are willing to dropship

Similarities

  • Low Startup Costs: Both models minimize the need for a significant upfront investment. You don’t need to purchase inventory in bulk or worry about storage costs, making it easier to start a business
  • Ease of Scaling: As you don’t manage inventory or fulfillment, scaling the business can be more straightforward with both models. Growth depends more on marketing and design rather than dealing with physical products
  • Risk Management: Both models offer a way to mitigate risk associated with overstocking and product lifecycle management. Since products are only ordered or made after a sale, there's less financial risk involved