Reclaim VAT - print on demand business

Hello, i sell on Etsy using a print-on-demand supplier. Etsy collects VAT on each of my orders and remits it to HMRC. When i pay the print-on-demand supplier i am also charged VAT for them to fulfil the order. I have not registered for VAT as I am under the threshold, however I am led to believe if i register i can claim back the VAT paid to my supplier. The issue is, with a print-on-demand business model, I never personally hold any stock myself, and the goods are made to order and shipped out by the supplier. My question: How does this relate to needing to still have the goods in stock if wanting to reclaim the VAT paid on them over the past few years? I am essentially paying for a service rather than for stock which will be resold later. Can I still claim this back? thanks

 

Hello please refer to section 11.3 with regards reclaiming VAT on a service provided before registration : VAT guide (VAT Notice 700)    . Thank you .