How To Use Gelato For Print On Demand Business

Introduction.

Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business is easier than ever, especially when platforms like Gelato make it so accessible.

Gelato is one of the most popular POD platforms out there, providing a streamlined way to offer your custom designs to customers around the world. But, like any platform, it has unique features, benefits, and challenges.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to start using Gelato for your POD business: how it works, what it does well, areas where it may fall short, and some tips to make the most out of it.

So, if you’ve been considering Gelato but aren’t quite sure where to start, you’ll get all the details here!

What is Gelato, and How Does it Work?

Gelato is a global print-on-demand platform that allows creators to design and sell custom products without the need to manage inventory, handle packaging, or worry about shipping logistics.

The platform connects with printing facilities around the world, helping reduce delivery times and shipping costs for customers.

With Gelato, you can create products like t-shirts, hoodies, wall art, mugs, and more, all featuring your unique designs.

One of Gelato’s standout features is its network of 130+ local printing partners in 32 countries, meaning that orders are often fulfilled closer to customers, which can reduce shipping times and environmental impact. This can be especially useful if your customer base is spread out globally.

How Do I Use Gelato For Print On Demand Business?

To set up your print-on-demand business with Gelato, here’s a step-by-step approach to get started smoothly:

1. Create a Gelato Account.

Visit Gelato’s website and sign up. You’ll get access to the platform’s dashboard and tools for creating products.

2. Connect Your Store.

Gelato integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Integrating your store allows you to automatically sync your product listings and orders between Gelato and your store.

3. Choose Your Products.

Gelato offers a range of customizable products. Whether you want to design wall art or clothing, there’s likely a product that aligns with your brand’s style.

4. Design Your Products.

Using Gelato’s design tools, you can upload your graphics or create simple designs within the platform. Make sure your designs are high-resolution and fit the product specifications.

5. Set Pricing and Profit Margins.

Gelato provides base prices for each product, which include production and shipping costs. From there, you can set your selling price to determine your profit margin.

6. Start Selling.

Once your store is live with Gelato-connected products, customers can start placing orders, which Gelato will automatically fulfil.

When a customer makes a purchase, Gelato’s team handles production, packaging, and shipping, letting you focus on marketing and growing your store.

Pros and Cons of Using Gelato for Print-On-Demand

Pros

1. Global Printing Network: With over 130 local print partners, Gelato offers faster delivery times and reduced shipping costs for international orders.
2. Environmentally Friendly: Because orders are often produced closer to the customer, Gelato reduces carbon emissions tied to long-distance shipping.
3. High Product Quality: Gelato partners with reputable printers and uses quality materials, which results in a more professional final product.
4. Easy Integration with E-commerce Platforms: Gelato is compatible with most major platforms like Shopify and Etsy, making it easy to sync products and orders.
5. Low Upfront Investment: Like other POD services, Gelato doesn’t require an upfront investment, and you don’t need to hold inventory.

Cons

1. Higher Cost Per Product: Gelato’s quality often means it’s a bit more expensive than some other POD providers, so the profit margins might be slimmer.
2. Limited Design Tools: While Gelato’s tools are helpful for basic designs, they may not offer the advanced features some designers might need.
3. Potential Shipping Delays in Some Areas: Although Gelato has a global network, fulfillment times can vary, and remote locations might experience occasional delays.
4. Limited Product Range Compared to Competitors: Gelato has a good selection of standard POD products, but it might not have as many niche items as some competitors like Printful or Printify.

Tips for Success with Gelato

1. Optimize Your Product Listings: Product descriptions and high-quality mockups can help attract customers. Gelato provides mockup images, but investing in unique product photos can give your listings a personal touch.
2. Set Realistic Pricing: Since Gelato’s products can be more expensive than some POD options, be sure to factor in your costs when setting your prices. Aim for a price that covers costs while still appealing to your target audience.
3. Focus on Quality Designs: Because Gelato focuses on high-quality products, make sure your designs meet the same standard. Low-quality images may not translate well to physical products and could lead to unhappy customers.
4. Use Social Media and SEO for Promotion: Promoting your store through platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook can help you reach a broader audience. Additionally, optimizing your store for SEO can drive organic traffic.
5. Monitor Shipping Times and Customer Feedback: Since Gelato’s delivery times vary by location, stay aware of shipping times in different regions. Customer reviews and feedback can also help you understand how well Gelato’s service works for your audience.

FAQ

1. Is Gelato suitable for beginners?

Yes, Gelato is beginner-friendly and has a simple onboarding process, especially if you already have a store on a platform like Shopify or Etsy. Its interface is intuitive, and the process from design to shipping is streamlined.

2. How much can I earn with Gelato?

Your potential earnings depend on product demand, pricing, and marketing strategy. With POD, margins are usually lower than traditional products, so focusing on volume and quality design can help increase profits.

3. Does Gelato charge any monthly fees?

Gelato has a free version, but it also offers Gelato+ with a subscription fee, which includes benefits like discounted shipping, priority support, and access to exclusive products.

4. What kind of products can I create with Gelato?

Gelato has a wide selection of products, including clothing, mugs, posters, cards, and wall art. While they may not have as many niche items as some other platforms, the essentials are covered.

5. Can I customize the packaging with Gelato?

Gelato doesn’t currently offer much in the way of customized packaging, but its standard packaging is eco-friendly and professional.

6. How does Gelato handle returns and refunds?

Gelato’s policy generally covers defective products or printing errors, but they don’t accept returns for buyer’s remorse or incorrect sizing. Familiarizing yourself with their return policy before listing products can help prevent customer issues.

Conclusion

Gelato offers a solid platform for anyone interested in starting a print-on-demand business, especially if your focus is on quality products and sustainable practices.

With a strong global network, integration with major e-commerce sites, and reliable product quality, it’s an option worth exploring if you want to launch or scale a POD business.

But is Gelato the right choice for you, or are there specific features you’re looking for in a POD partner?