Gelato Review: Is it the Best Print on Demand Supplier of 2024?

It's 2024, and you want to sell your artwork online - but with so many print on demand (POD) suppliers, who can you trust?

In this article, we will review the POD supplier Gelato:

Gelato Overview
Shopify App Store Rating	4.7 out of 5.0 (300+ reviews)
Trustpilot Rating	4.8 out of 5.0 (1k+ reviews)
Pros	- Automatic routing of orders - Intuitive website and design editor - Eco-friendly efforts in sustainability
Cons	- Need to have a subscription to access stock images - No warehousing and same-day fulfillment services - Limited printing options
Pricing	$0 / $15 / $99 per month
Shipping location	Worldwide
Shipping time	2 to 10 business days (depending on the supplier and destination)
Free trial?	You can sign up for free here!

Let's read on as we help you decide!

What is Gelato?

Gelato is a global print on demand (POD) supplier that offers various products, including apparel, home goods, and eco-friendly options.

They work with thousands of customers, small entrepreneurs, and large multinational companies, offering 24/7 customer support and a 100% quality guarantee on their orders.

Gelato works only with print partners who can ensure high-quality results thanks to professional equipment, automatic machine calibration from Gelato, and constant monitoring of their performance.

They have identified a group of print machine settings that they are rolling out to all their print partners to offer consistent quality.

Sounds cool, right? Let's read on.

How does Gelato work?

Gelato operates by connecting customers with a network of print partners worldwide.

Here is how it works:

1. Creating an account. To use Gelato, users must first create an account on the platform. They can sign up for free, and there are no setup fees or minimum order requirements.
2. Uploading designs. Once users have created an account, they can upload their designs to the Gelato platform. Gelato supports many file formats, including PDF, JPEG, and PNG.
3. Selecting products. After uploading their designs, users can choose the products they want to print, such as business cards, flyers, or brochures. Gelato offers a variety of product options, including paper type, size, and finish.
4. Customizing designs. Users can customize their designs on the Gelato platform, adding text, images, or other design elements. They can also preview their designs before submitting them for printing.
5. Placing an order. Users can order on the Gelato platform once a design is finalized. Gelato automatically routes the order to the print partner closest to the shipping address, which helps reduce shipping costs and delivery times.
6. Printing and shipping. The print partner receives the order and prints the product according to the user's specifications. Gelato then handles the shipping and delivery of the product directly to the user's address.

Gelato's pricing plans

Let's now look at the pricing of Gelato:

Gelato offers several subscription plans. These plans provide discounts on printing costs, priority support, and other benefits.

Gelato Free

Gelato offers a free plan for users who don't want to subscribe.

Here are the details of their free plan:

• Production in 32 countries
• Sell on Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce
• Integrate with API and Order Desk
• Intuitive design editor

This plan is free, with no setup fees or minimum order requirements. It's an excellent option for individuals or small businesses who need to print products occasionally and want to try out Gelato's platform before committing to a paid plan.

Gelato+

Gelato+ is a subscription plan that includes all the Free plan features plus additional benefits.

For $14.99 per month or $139 per year, Gelato+ members receive a 30% discount on all standard shipping, access to premium mockups, millions of stock images, graphics, and fonts, carrier-based shipping rates, and a product personalization tool.

Gelato Gold

The Gold plan is the next tier after Gelato+ and is intended for larger businesses and organizations that need to print at scale.

It costs $99 per month or $999 per year and includes everything in Gelato+ with some additional benefits.

Gold plan subscribers can enjoy 30 days of free shipping with an annual plan, up to a 50% discount on shipping, product migration assistance, smart pricing for shipping, and a dedicated Customer Success Manager.

Gelato Platinum

The Platinum plan is a customized solution that offers everything in the Gold plan.

A bespoke pricing model, fixed rate shipping on all orders where Gelato produces locally, dedicated implementation services, and expert hours with Gelato's solutions consulting team.

Now on to the ecommerce integrations of Gelato!

Which ecommerce integrations work with Gelato?

Gelato offers many ecommerce integrations to help users streamline their print on demand workflows. Some of the popular ecommerce platforms that Gelato integrates with include:

1. Shopify
2. WooCommerce
3. Etsy
4. Order Desk
5. API Integration

What's the print quality and product selection like?

Gelato prides itself on providing high-quality print products with some customization options.

The company uses state-of-the-art digital printing technology to produce sharp and vibrant prints. It offers a variety of paper stocks and finishes to meet the needs of different projects.

Here are some details on the print quality and product selection that Gelato offers:

Print quality

Gelato uses advanced digital printing technology to produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details.

It's essential to note Gelato does not offer embroidery, sublimation, or screen printing!

Paper stock and finishes

Gelato offers a variety of paper stocks and finishes to meet the needs of different types of projects.

The paper options include uncoated, coated, and premium papers with different weights and textures.

Gelato also offers a range of finishes, such as matte, gloss, and museum quality, to give prints a professional look and feel.

Product selection

Gelato offers a wide range of print products, including business cards, flyers, brochures, posters, booklets, and more.

Users can choose from various sizes, shapes, and finishes for each product and customize their designs using the Gelato platform.

Custom packaging

Gelato's commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging materials. The company uses eco-friendly packaging materials whenever possible.

For example, they use biodegradable plastic wrap for some of their products and recyclable cardboard boxes for shipping.

In addition, Gelato offers custom packaging options for businesses and individuals who want to create a unique unboxing experience for their customers.

Gelato+ subscribers can choose from two custom packaging options: inserts and branded labels.

Eco-friendly

Gelato is known for its commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. This dedication is reflected in their printing services, which are designed to be eco-friendly.

For example, they use responsibly sourced materials. Their printed paper products and canvases are made from paper and wood from sustainably managed forests with a sustainable forest management system.

Additionally, all print partners have signed Gelato's Supplier Code of Conduct.

The potential saving of carbon emissions per order when printing locally with Gelato ensures product traveling between supplier and customer is as short as possible.

By using energy-efficient practices, they have been able to reduce their carbon footprint and positively impact the environment. This is just one of the many ways Gelato is committed to sustainability.

What are the shipping times and costs?

Gelato offers shipping to over 200 countries worldwide, with shipping times and costs varying depending on the destination and the selected shipping method.

Shipping times

Shipping times for Gelato can vary depending on several factors. Gelato offers Standard, Expedited, and Overnight shipping options for domestic shipping in the United States.

Standard shipping typically takes 3-5 business days, while Expedited and Overnight shipping options are faster, with delivery times of 2-3 business days and 1-2 business days, respectively.

For international shipping, Gelato ships to over 200 countries worldwide, and shipping times can range from 2-10 business days, depending on the destination and the shipping method selected.

Shipping costs

Shipping costs for Gelato are calculated based on the shipping destination, package weight, and shipping method selected. For domestic orders, shipping costs start at around $5.

For international orders, shipping costs can range from $10-$50, depending on the destination and selected shipping method.

Production times also vary depending on the product ordered, the quantity ordered, and the shipping destination. For most products, production times range from 1-5 business days.

For more information, check out their shipping and delivery page.

What's the customer service quality?

Gelato has a reputation for providing high-quality customer service and support to its customers.

Here are some details on Gelato's customer service quality:

1. Support channels

Gelato offers customer support through several channels, including email and live chat, but no phone support.

Customers can contact Gelato's support team for assistance with ordering, design, shipping, or any other questions or concerns.

2. Response times

Gelato's support team is known for being responsive and helpful.

The company strives to respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours, and many customers report receiving timely and helpful responses to their questions and concerns.

3. Online resources

Besides its customer support channels, Gelato offers an online resource center to help customers get the most out of its services.

These resources include a blog, an academy, and customer stories, which offer tips, tutorials, and best practices for creating and ordering print products.

The pros of Gelato

Here's what Gelato does notably well:

1. Automatic routing of orders

One of the pros of Gelato POD is that your orders are automatically routed to the best available print providers.

This means your products are printed and shipped from the closest location to your customer, resulting in faster delivery times and reduced shipping costs!

2. Intuitive website and design editor

Gelato POD's website and design editor are intuitive and user-friendly, making creating and customizing products easy.

The platform offers various products and design tools to help you create high-quality designs.

3. Eco-friendly efforts in sustainability

Gelato is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

They use certified paper for their printing materials, and their production process is designed to minimize waste and reduce carbon emissions.

Also, they offer carbon-neutral shipping options for their products, further reducing their carbon footprint.

The cons of Gelato

Here are some aspects of Gelato to be aware of:

1. Need to have a subscription to access stock images

Without a Gelato subscription, you may have to rely on your images or purchase them at an additional cost.

This can inconvenience those who want to use high-quality images without paying extra fees.

Pro tip: To make your POD store stand out, you can use the OnModel Shopify app to turn your existing product photos into unique images using AI!

2. No warehousing and same-day fulfillment services

Another drawback of Gelato POD is that they do not offer warehousing or same-day fulfillment services.

This means you'll need to find other solutions for storing and shipping your products if you need those services.

However, thanks to their local production, they can achieve faster delivery times than other POD options.

3. Limited printing options

Gelato covers the main printing options. However, it does not offer embroidery, sublimation, or screen printing services, which may limit the products you can offer your customers.

Also, they do not offer all-over printing services, which could be a drawback if you want to create custom designs with full coverage.

FAQs about Gelato

Here's a look at what you need to know about Gelato as simply as possible.

What do other users say about Gelato?

There are various sources where you can find user reviews and feedback about Gelato!
Here are some examples:

Trustpilot

Gelato has a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on over 800 reviews. It is the highest one in the POD industry!

Customers praise Gelato for its quality prints, fast shipping, and excellent customer service. Some negative reviews mention issues with order fulfillment or shipping delays.

G2

Gelato has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on G2 based on five reviews.

Customers highlight Gelato's global printing network, user-friendly interface, and wide range of print products. Some users mention the lack of product selection.

Shopify App Store

Gelato has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on the Shopify App Store based on over 150 reviews.

Shopify merchants praise Gelato for its seamless integration, competitive pricing, and fast turnaround times. Some negative reviews mention issues with order fulfillment or quality control.

It's important to note that user reviews can be subjective and may not necessarily reflect everyone's experience with a service!

Gelato alternatives

Here are the biggest competitors to Gelato that may be worth checking out!

1. Printful

Printful is a print on demand company offering a wide range of products, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more.

Printful integrates with many ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more.

Printful also has a product design tool allowing customers to create or use existing templates. Additionally, Printful offers warehousing and fulfillment services, which means they can store and ship products on behalf of their customers.

2. Printify

Printify is another print on demand company offering a larger range of products such as Gelato and Printful, covering some niche products like ping-pong balls or mouse pads.

Printify also integrates with various ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and eBay.

Related article: Wondering what the difference is between Printify and Printful? Check out our in-depth comparison guide here!

3. CustomCat

CustomCat is a print on demand company specializing in custom apparel and accessories. CustomCat offers a broader range of clothing styles and colors, including options for kids and toddlers.

CustomCat also offers a design tool allowing customers to create or use existing templates.

One unique feature of CustomCat is that they provide embroidery services, enabling customers to add embroidered logos or designs to their products.

Related reviews

Not sure yet about using Gelato for your online business? Or are you interested in seeing what other companies are out there?

We’ve got you covered! Check out the reviews below to find great companies that will help you:

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• Modalyst Review: Should You Use It After Wix Acquired It?
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And for more reviews, visit the review hub!

Conclusion

Gelato is a great print on demand company that offers a wide range of high-quality products, fast shipping, and excellent customer service.

Thanks to their unique approach to local production, they can offer quick delivery times and cost-competitive shipping.

With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, Gelato is an excellent choice for customers who value ethical and responsible production practices.

However, some potential drawbacks of Gelato include limited apparel printing variations.

Even though Gelato has some problems, it still stands out because of its unique features and a strong commitment to sustainability.

That's why it's a great choice for businesses who want a print on demand service they can rely on and feel good about using. And based on the reviews from Gelato's happy customers, it seems like their service is top-notch regarding quality.

Want to learn more about POD?

Ready to move your print on demand store to the next level? Check out the articles below:

• The 19 Best Selling Print on Demand Products in 2024
• 12 Best Eco-Friendly Print on Demand Suppliers in 2024
• Print On Demand Basics: 5 Things Every Beginner Should Know

Plus, don't forget to check out our in-depth how to start a print on demand business guide here!