Dropshipping and Print-on-Demand Suppliers: Which Should You Choose in 2025?

When I first learned about dropshipping and print-on-demand (POD), I assumed all suppliers were basically the same. Order comes in, supplier ships it out, and I get paid. Simple, right?

The truth is, your choice of supplier can make or break your business. Shipping speed, product quality, integration with your store, and even customer service all depend on the supplier you pick. In this guide, I’ll go through the main dropshipping and print-on-demand suppliers for beginners in 2025, compare them, and share what I’ve learned from testing different options.

Dropshipping Suppliers

Dropshipping suppliers handle inventory and fulfillment for you. You list products in your store, and when someone orders, the supplier ships it directly to the customer.

1. AliExpress / DSers

AliExpress has long been the go-to for dropshippers because of its massive product catalog. DSers (an official Shopify app) helps automate the process.

Pros

• Huge range of products.
• Low product costs.
• Easy to test different niches.

Cons

• Shipping can be slow (2–4 weeks unless you pay extra).
• Product quality varies a lot.
• Customer service is hit or miss.

2. Spocket

Spocket focuses on US and EU suppliers, which means faster shipping than AliExpress.

Pros

• 2–7 day shipping within the US/EU.
• Higher-quality products compared to AliExpress.
• Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix.

Cons

• Higher prices than AliExpress.
• Smaller catalog.

3. SaleHoo

SaleHoo is a directory of vetted dropshipping suppliers. Instead of being a marketplace like AliExpress, it connects you to wholesale and dropship suppliers globally.

Pros

• Pre-vetted suppliers.
• Good for finding niche products.
• Community and training included.

Cons

• Subscription fee ($67/year).
• Some suppliers require approval or minimum orders.

4. Modalyst

Modalyst is known for branded products and eco-friendly suppliers. It integrates directly with Shopify and Wix.

Pros

• Name-brand products available.
• Eco-friendly and sustainable product options.
• Fast US shipping for many items.

Cons

• Smaller catalog than AliExpress.
• Higher product costs.

Print-on-Demand (POD) Suppliers

With POD, you design custom products (t-shirts, mugs, posters, etc.), and the supplier prints and ships them when someone orders. No inventory needed.

1. Printful

Printful is one of the most popular POD suppliers with a global network of fulfillment centers.

Pros

• Huge product catalog (clothing, accessories, home goods).
• Great print quality and branding options.
• Fast shipping in US, EU, and beyond.

Cons

• Higher base costs than smaller POD providers.
• Profit margins can be tight if you don’t price carefully.

2. Printify

Printify works with multiple print providers, giving you more product and pricing options.

Pros

• Larger catalog than Printful.
• Multiple providers for the same product (choose based on cost or location).
• Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy.

Cons

• Quality varies depending on provider.
• Customer service is not as streamlined as Printful.

3. Teespring (now Spring)

Spring focuses heavily on creators and integrates well with social platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

Pros

• Easy to use for creators.
• Social integrations for selling directly to your followers.
• No upfront costs.

Cons

• Smaller catalog than Printful/Printify.
• Less customization.

4. Gelato

Gelato has a strong global presence, with local printing in over 30 countries.

Pros

• Global network means lower shipping costs.
• Eco-friendly production focus.
• Good for international audiences.

Cons

• Catalog is smaller than Printify/Printful.
• Less brand recognition.

Quick Comparison Table

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s my honest take:

• If you want to test dropshipping products, start with AliExpress/DSers for cheap testing, then move to Spocket or SaleHoo for long-term reliability.
• If you’re leaning toward print-on-demand, Printful is the safest bet for beginners, while Printify is better if you want more product options and price flexibility.
• For creators with an audience, Spring is easiest, and if you’re selling worldwide, Gelato is a strong option.

Conclusion

Picking the right supplier isn’t just about price, it’s about balancing shipping speed, product quality, and customer experience. As a beginner, I recommend starting simple: pick one supplier, test your products, and focus on marketing. You can always switch or expand later.

👉 Next steps:

• Check out my E-Commerce & Dropshipping Hub to learn the basics.
• If POD excites you, see my Content Creation & Digital Products Hub for more on selling digital and physical products together.
• And don’t forget my guide on How to Build a Website for Dropshipping and E-Commerce to actually get your store online.