Dropshipping and POD by Zendrop

Dropshipping and print-on-demand have emerged as strong business models for entrepreneurs looking for flexibility, scalability, and affordability. You don’t have to worry about inventory headaches. There are many Shopify apps to do dropshipping and deliver POD services; one of the top contenders is Zendrop dropshipping. 

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Zendrop. You’ll get a full review, including the pros and cons. By the end of it, you’ll decide whether to use Zendrop for dropshipping and POD. Let’s discuss this below.

What is Zendrop?

Zendrop is a dropshipping platform that offers print-on-demand (POD) services. It is available on the Shopify app store. Launched in November 2020 by Jared Goetz, Zendrop was initially known as Silkroad before rebranding better to reflect its enhanced services and commitment to user experience. The platform addresses common challenges such as product sourcing, long shipping times, and supplier reliability.

At its core, Zendrop offers access to over one million high-quality products from various suppliers, including giants like Amazon, AliExpress, Temu, and CJ Dropshipping. 

One of Zendrop’s standout features is its super-fast shipping options, significantly reducing delivery times compared to traditional dropshipping models. Additionally, Zendrop’s POD services enable you to offer customized products without needing inventory, enhancing your brand’s uniqueness. Zendrop integrates with Shopify and other ecommerce platforms like WooCommerce. It can provide real-time inventory updates, automated order tracking, and advanced pricing optimization.

Spocket also remains a popular choice for many Shopify users due to its curated US and EU suppliers, branded invoicing, and POD customization features, similar to Zendrop.

Key Features of Zendrop Dropshipping & POD App 

Here are the key features of the Zendrop dropshipping and POD Shopify app:

• You get access to 1 million products across various niches
• Zendrop regularly updates its inventory and includes the latest trending dropshipping products in its catalog 
• Zendrop comes with an automated fulfillment system; it can handle high order volumes for dropshipping businesses.
• The platform provides three shipping modes: economy, regular, and express. Express is the premium version, while economy is meant for those who want affordability. 
• Zendrop’s express shipping can significantly reduce delivery times compared to traditional dropshipping models, which often rely on suppliers based in China with extended transit periods. 
• Zendrop can drop ship to international regions, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
• Zendrop’s POD services allow you to personalize technology, accessories, clothing, home decor, and other items. This is great for brands that want to sell limited-edition items. Zendrop’s custom branding options allow you to add logos, personalize packaging, and create branded invoices. This will enable sellers to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
• Zendrop does have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirement, unlike Spocket. 
• Zendrop maintains robust communication channels between store owners and suppliers, facilitating quick resolution of any disputes or problems that may arise. 

Zendrop’s support team is available 24/7, providing help through various channels, including live chat and email. 

Pricing and Plans

Understanding Zendrop's cost structure is crucial for determining whether it aligns with your business budget and growth plans. Zendrop offers a transparent and tiered pricing model to accommodate different levels of e-commerce entrepreneurs, from beginners to established businesses.

Free Plan

Zendrop offers a free plan ideal for newcomers to the dropshipping and POD landscape. This entry-level option allows you to explore the platform's basic features without financial commitment. The free plan allows you to access a limited selection of products, manage a manageable number of orders, and utilize essential support services. This plan is perfect for testing the waters, understanding how Zendrop integrates with your Shopify store, and gauging whether the platform meets your business needs before committing to a paid subscription.

Paid Subscriptions

For those ready to scale their operations, Zendrop offers paid subscription plans that unlock advanced features and greater flexibility:

• Standard Plan ($49/month): This includes access to the entire product catalog, automated fulfillment, and regular shipping options. It also provides enhanced support services, ensuring that your business operations run smoothly as you grow.
• Plus Plan ($79/month): The Plus plan takes your dropshipping business to the next level with premium features such as branded invoicing, bulk ordering capabilities, and priority customer support. These additional tools help you build a more substantial brand presence and manage larger volumes of orders efficiently.

Hidden Costs

One of Zendrop’s strengths is its transparency in pricing. The subscription plans have no hidden fees, ensuring that you can budget accurately without unexpected expenses. However, it’s important to note that additional costs may apply for certain premium services, such as express shipping and custom branding. These optional add-ons allow you to tailor your service package based on your business needs, providing flexibility without compromising essential features.

Installation Statistics and Usage Insights 

Understanding Zendrop’s adoption and usage trends provides valuable insights into its market position and effectiveness as a dropshipping and POD solution for Shopify store owners. As of the latest reports, Zendrop ‑ Dropshipping & POD is installed on 3,609 Shopify stores, showcasing its significant presence in the e-commerce ecosystem.

Current Installations and Trends

While Zendrop has maintained a steady user base, installations have decreased noticeably, with a -4.3 % decline quarter-over-quarter and a -78.9 % decrease year-over-year. These fluctuations could be attributed to market saturation, increased competition, or users transitioning to other platforms like Spocket, which continues to dominate with its specialized US and EU supplier networks.

Top Stores Using Zendrop

Prominent Shopify stores utilizing Zendrop include Mia Belle Girls, Unspeakable, CarGym, Wunderpets&Co, and Wireless Place. These brands span various industry verticals, demonstrating Zendrop’s versatility across different market segments.

Industry Verticals and Geographical Breakdown

Zendrop caters to a diverse range of industries:

• Home & Garden: 24.9%
• Apparel: 17.2%
• Beauty & Fitness: 15.2%
• Pets and Animals: 9.5%
• Autos and Vehicles: 2.8%

Geographically, 64.0% of Zendrop’s users are based in the United States, followed by 6.7% in the United Kingdom, 6.1% in Canada, and 4.7% in Australia. This distribution highlights Zendrop’s strong foothold in North America, complemented by a growing presence in other key markets.

Implications for Potential Users

These statistics indicate that Zendrop is a trusted choice for many Shopify merchants, particularly in the US market. However, declining installation trends suggest that while Zendrop remains a viable option, merchants should also consider other platforms like Spocket for their unique supplier quality and regional focus strengths. This balanced approach can help store owners leverage the best features from multiple platforms to optimize their dropshipping and POD operations.

Pros and Cons of Dropshipping and POD by Zendrop 

When evaluating Zendrop for your dropshipping and POD needs, consider its strengths and potential drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using Zendrop as your Shopify app.

Pros

• Automated Order Fulfillment: Zendrop’s automation significantly reduces manual tasks, allowing you to process orders efficiently and scale your business without increasing workload.
• Fast Shipping Options: Zendrop offers multiple shipping methods, including Express Shipping, Which ensures quicker delivery times, enhances customer satisfaction, and reduces return rates.
• Supplier Reliability: Zendrop’s curated global supplier network guarantees consistent product quality and reliable order fulfillment, minimizing the risk of delays and defects.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for ease of use, making it accessible for beginners and experienced dropshippers to manage their stores effectively.
• Integration with E-commerce Platforms: Seamless syncing with Shopify and other platforms ensures real-time inventory updates and streamlined operations.
• Custom Branding Options: Advanced branding features allow you to personalize packaging and invoices, helping to build a strong and recognizable brand identity.
• Responsive Customer Support: Zendrop’s 24/7 support team is highly praised for its professionalism and effectiveness. They ensure that any issues are promptly addressed.

Cons

• Cost Structure: While Zendrop offers a free plan, its premium subscriptions ($49/month and $79/month) may be a barrier for some startups compared to more budget-friendly options like Spocket.
• Product Selection Limitations: Despite a vast catalog, certain niche products may have inconsistent availability, potentially limiting your store’s offerings.
• Dependency on Platform: Relying heavily on Zendrop’s system means any platform downtime or issues could directly impact your business operations.
• Learning Curve: New users, especially those transitioning from other platforms like Spocket, need time to understand and utilize all features fully.
• Market Competition: The dropshipping market is highly competitive, requiring effective strategies to stand out, which Zendrop alone cannot guarantee.

Tips to Optimize Your Zendrop Dropshipping Experience 

Some actionable tips to help you maximize Zendrop’s potential are added below:

• Leverage Zendrop’s Automation: Set up automated fulfillment to minimize manual work and reduce errors. Organize product listings properly to ensure smooth order processing, allowing you to focus on scaling your business efficiently.
• Optimize Zendrop’s Shipping Options: Choose Express Shipping for high-ticket or urgent orders and Economy/Regular Shipping for budget-friendly products. Strategically selecting shipping methods improves customer satisfaction and reduces returns.
• Enhance Branding with Customization: Use branded invoices, packaging, and logos to establish a professional and memorable brand identity. A strong brand presence fosters customer loyalty and repeat sales.
• Monitor Key Performance Metrics: Track order fulfillment rates, shipping times, and customer feedback to optimize operations. Zendrop’s real-time inventory updates and order tracking help improve efficiency.
• Utilize Zendrop’s Support Team: Take advantage of Zendrop’s 24/7 customer support for quick issue resolution and guidance. Their team provides valuable insights to enhance your store’s performance.
• Stay Updated on Zendrop’s Features: Keep up with new tools and platform updates to maximize Zendrop’s capabilities. Subscribe to their newsletters and follow official channels for the latest improvements.

Why Spocket POD is Better Than Zendrop POD

When choosing a print-on-demand (POD) dropshipping platform, both Spocket POD and Zendrop POD offer useful features, but Spocket POD stands out with higher-quality suppliers, faster shipping, better branding options, and more supplier transparency.

Why Spocket POD is the superior choice for your print-on-demand business is explained below:

1. Faster Shipping with Local POD Suppliers

Spocket POD sources products from trusted suppliers in the US, EU, Canada, and Australia, offering 3-7 day delivery times.

• Zendrop POD heavily relies on AliExpress suppliers, where shipping often takes 15-30 days, delaying customer orders.
• Faster fulfillment improves customer satisfaction and reduces refund requests.

2. High-Quality Products & Verified Suppliers

Spocket POD ensures quality control by working with vetted suppliers that offer premium custom-printed apparel, accessories, and home decor.

• Zendrop POD lacks supplier transparency, making it harder to verify product quality before selling.
• With Spocket POD, sellers get consistent quality, leading to better customer reviews and repeat business.

3. Branded Invoicing & Private Labeling

Branding is essential for POD businesses, and Spocket POD allows sellers to send branded invoices and private-label products for a professional look.

• Zendrop POD does not offer branded invoices, limiting opportunities for brand recognition and loyalty.
• Spocket’s white-label options give sellers a competitive edge in the market.

4. Better Supplier Transparency & Product Sourcing

Spocket POD lets sellers filter and choose suppliers by region, ensuring better shipping reliability and product consistency.

• Zendrop POD does not provide direct supplier information, making it harder to track product origins and fulfillment quality.
• With Spocket POD, you can build trust with verified suppliers while reducing delivery uncertainties.

5. Higher Profit Margins with Wholesale Discounts

Spocket POD provides exclusive discounts on POD products, helping sellers maximize profit margins.

• Zendrop POD does not offer bulk discounts in the same way, which can lead to higher costs per product.
• Spocket POD’s wholesale pricing model ensures competitive rates while maintaining product quality.

6. Seamless Integration with Shopify & WooCommerce

Both Spocket POD and Zendrop POD integrate with Shopify and WooCommerce, but Spocket offers a more intuitive interface for browsing, selecting, and customizing POD products.

• Spocket POD allows one-click product imports, making it easier to launch and manage a POD store.
• Zendrop POD has a steeper learning curve and less user-friendly navigation.

Conclusion

Zendrop is a good dropshipping and POD platform for Shopify store owners. With an enormous catalog of dropshipping products, automated fulfillment, fast shipping options, and exceptional customer support, Zendrop caters to beginners and experienced entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. The platform’s customization options and reliable supplier network further enhance its appeal, making it a valuable tool for building a strong brand presence. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to optimize your existing operations, Zendrop has all the features and support you need for sustained success. 

Spocket is just as great for those who want a more affordable and reliable option. Plus, it offers access to the best US/EU suppliers, POD services, branded invoicing, and more!