Hold stock, dropship, or print on demand? Each model trades money, control, and margin differently. Here's how to pick.
How you stock and ship products shapes your cash, your margins, and your headaches. There's no single best model, only the best fit for your situation.
Holding inventory
You buy stock upfront and ship it yourself. Best margins and full control over quality and speed, but it ties up cash and carries the risk of unsold stock.
Dropshipping
A supplier ships directly to your customer; you never touch the product. Low upfront cost and easy to start, but thinner margins, less control over quality and delivery, and lots of competition.
Print-on-demand
Designs are printed onto products only when ordered. No inventory and great for custom apparel and accessories, but margins are slim and shipping can be slow.
How to choose
Short on cash? Start with dropshipping or print-on-demand to validate demand, then move to holding inventory on proven winners for better margins. Many stores blend all three.
Whichever you pick, the storefront is the same. Create yours and start selling.