Dropshipping | UK
Starting your own UK online store? Dropshipping might sound great, but you can level up with Print on Demand. Sell custom products with your own designs – no stock, no shipping hassle.
What is dropshipping?
Dropshipping is an eCommerce business model where store owners sell generic products without managing inventory. When an order comes in, the dropshipping supplier ships directly to the customer.
Dropshipping pros and cons
Here’s what to expect if you want to start a dropshipping business.
Dropshipping drawbacks:
- No possibility to sell custom products
- Lower profit margins compared to other business types
- Limited to no control over shipping, packaging, and product and design quality
- Harder to build customer loyalty since suppliers manage the fulfillment process
- High competition with many other sellers offering similar products
Dropshipping advantages:
- Beginner-friendly business model with low entry costs
- Wide range of products and product categories to choose from
- No need for storage space or inventory management
- Access to global dropshipping services and suppliers
Print on Demand: Your profitable dropshipping UK alternative
Dropshipping works, but Print on Demand takes things up a level. Instead of generic items, sell custom designs on t-shirts, mugs, or accessories.
You still get the benefit of no inventory management – but with creative products, reliable shipping from regional fulfillment centers, and happier customers.
How does Print on Demand work?
Partner with a POD company like Printify instead of traditional dropshipping suppliers.
- Choose from thousands of products. Think t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, pet collars, and even home decor.
- Use free tools to customize the designs. Add your logo, create patterns, drop in witty text, or generate AI images to make your product stand out.
- Integrate your store. Choose a platform like Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify, then list your products. Titles, descriptions, prices, and mockups will automatically sync.
Here’s what makes POD different – your product is printed on demand. Once a customer orders, our Print Providers will take care of printing, packing, and shipping directly.
Don’t worry about managing stock, juggling many suppliers, or handling returns.
Instead, focus on building your brand, experimenting with new ideas, and growing your business.
Read more: Explore how to start a print-on-demand business and sell custom products.
Benefits of Print on Demand
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No inventory
Unlike dropshipping, we print products only after an order comes in. Online stores don’t need to stock, import products, or worry about wasted inventory.
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Full customization
POD isn’t about reselling what’s already out there – it’s about creating something new. Upload artwork, add witty text, design patterns, or generate AI images to make products truly yours.
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Higher profit margins
Generic products get lost in the crowd, but POD lets you stand out with custom designs. Unique items mean you can charge more and keep a bigger slice of every sale.
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Appeal to wider audiences and niches
POD unlocks endless niches. Cat memes, fitness slogans, retro aesthetics – whatever your vibe, you can create products for specific shoppers who crave something different.
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Automated order fulfilment
When someone buys, Printify handles the printing, packing, and shipping. Orders go directly to your customer while you focus on building your brand.
Dropshipping businesses compared to Print on Demand
Here’s how Print on Demand stacks up against dropshipping services.
Why choose Printify to start a POD business in the UK
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UK-based POD suppliers
Local Print Providers mean faster order fulfillment and lower shipping costs.
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GBP support
List and sell in GBP on your eCommerce website for a seamless experience. Customers shop in their own currency, while you track profits without conversions.
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Best prices on the market
Our network of Print Providers offers the best rates. You keep more from every sale, making it easier to start selling and grow profitably.
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Branding options
Add your logo with custom labels and packaging inserts. Strong branding builds loyalty, boosts trust, and makes your store stand out from other alternatives.
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Order geo routing
Orders are automatically routed to the nearest Print Provider. Your customer receives products faster, shipping costs stay low, and fulfillment runs smoothly.
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Huge range of products
We have over 1,300 items ready to customize – from apparel and home decor to pet gear and accessories – so your store can offer products for every niche.
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Free design tool and resources
Create unique designs with our easy Product Creator – AI tools and free graphics included. Plus, explore our blog guides and YouTube videos to level up your business.
Over 10 million merchants worldwide trust Printify
How to design print-on-demand products in 3 easy steps
With Printify, creating and selling custom products is as easy as it gets. Just three steps and you’re ready to hustle like a pro.
Open your free Printify account in seconds. No fees, no hassle – instantly launch your store and build your brand.
Browse over 1,300 items in our Catalog. Filter by price, location, brand, or printing method, and explore eco-friendly, embroidery, and best-selling options.
Use our powerful Product Creator to add logos, create patterns, generate AI artwork, or type up fun text elements.
Sell products on leading sales channels
Printify connects you with all major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify, WooCommerce, and more.
Seamless integrations help you reach millions of buyers, fulfill orders with ease, and grow without hassle.
See all integrations
POD vs dropshipping FAQ
Starting with Printify is free, but you’ll need to budget for your eCommerce platform and marketing to amp up the number of customer visits so your business grows.
Want a quicker way to start? Open a Printify Pop-Up Store for free.
Most individuals selling products online don’t need a licence. However, rules can vary depending on where and what you sell, so it’s best to double-check with your local authority.
You can search online marketplaces or directories for a dropshipping supplier, but it takes time to compare product quality and shipping costs. Printify works with vetted UK Print Providers, making it easier to start selling confidently.
Dropshipping lets you sell generic items from suppliers, while POD lets you create custom products. In dropshipping, the supplier fulfills orders by shipping out pre-stocked items. With POD, we only print and ship your unique products when customer orders roll in.
Yes, dropshipping is allowed in the UK. As long as you’re the seller of record, handle taxes, and manage customer returns, you can legally run a dropshipping business.
That said, Print on Demand is often the smarter choice – fewer supplier risks, higher profit margins, and full creative control over what you sell.
Resources: How to start dropshipping (UK and worldwide)
Follow expert advice on our blog and start a profitable eCommerce store.
