Table of Contents
About Gelato
Gelato is the world’s largest platform for local production of customized items on demand on behalf of global ecommerce sellers. Our mission is to empower the rapidly growing creator economy with local production and overnight delivery of any customized item to any consumer on the planet.
The Gelato platform empowers ecommerce entrepreneurs and creators to produce and deliver custom products such as clothing, wall art, books, merchandize and accessories to customers across the world through a network of more than 100 local production partners in 33 countries such as the U.S., Russia, India, China, Australia, and all across Europe. Because the products are made on demand and closer to where they are delivered, shipping is faster and waste, costs and carbon emissions are reduced, while removing the seller’s need to invest in any upfront costs, manage inventory or cross-border shipping. Faster, smarter, greener.
We are a software company. We do not own any printers. Actually, we do not own any fixed assets at all. Instead, we build software. Today, Gelato represents the world’s largest network of printers and logistics options. We produce personalized print products in 34 countries, reaching more than 5 billion people. Thanks to this network your customers around the world will receive their orders within 72 hours.
Before founding Gelato I was CEO for Tele2 Norway, a $400M Telecom company. The Gelato team has been built up with people from telco and technology backgrounds – not print. We have focused on adding technology to what we saw as an analogue industry. This focus will add value to your business. You can access a reliable billing service, efficient data storage, automated customer service, and much more.
Overview of Gelato
We carefully select each print partner, not based upon price but on production excellence and professionalism. Over the years of working closely with our print partners, we have also delivered technology that makes them more efficient. They, in turn, have provided us with printing insights that fuel our technology.
Our first business, Optimalprint, got off to a flying start selling personalized greeting cards across Europe. Today Optimalprint is a photo-product business operating in 23 countries. The millions of orders produced by our network of printers have refined our production workflow technology and perfected the product quality. We are extremely proud to read what our customers say about their Optimalprint experience on consumer review sites like Trustpilot. This would never have been possible without Gelato’s resilient network.
With Gelato API we want to give every entrepreneur or company the same growth opportunity as Optimalprint. You are now able to launch a truly global on-demand print service. This will allow you to connect with new customers in new markets and better serve your existing customers. Your products are produced nearer to your customers by highly qualified local printers. Transportation time is shortened. Carbon emissions are reduced.
Pros
- Fast Shipping
- Set Your Own Prices
- Multiple Integrations
Cons
- Limited Products
- Prices Don’t Include Shipping
- Extensive Sign Up Process
We bring together everything that’s required to sell, produce and deliver customized print products globally and on demand. Gelato powers print production for creators, entrepreneurs and enterprises who sell their products online to customers anywhere in the world. We also help companies navigate customs, cross-border invoicing, tax and vat issues. Because our production is local in 34 countries, delivery is faster and shipping distances and carbon emissions are reduced.
Gelato Review
Gelato’s mission is to empower the rapidly growing creator economy with local production and delivery of any customized item to any consumer on the planet. Its curated marketplace lowers the barriers and resolves the “last mile” for any creator or entrepreneur that would like to create and sell their products online.
Local production on demand means lower costs, shorter and faster delivery, reduced carbon emissions, and no upfront investments. Gelato handles every step of the process from an order is placed and until it is delivered to the end-customer, so that the creators can focus their time and energy on creating and selling.
Gelato Review the Fast-growing Clothing Market
E-commerce stores connected to Gelato will now also get access to one of the fastest growing industries in the world – clothing. Gelato’s customers can now design, sell and produce clothing on demand and have their products delivered anywhere in the world within 72 hours.
“Gelato empowers every entrepreneur and creator on this planet to scale their business and reach consumers in more than 200 countries. Now our customers can easily expand their product selection with t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts,” says Founder and CEO Henrik Müller-Hansen.
The rise in demand is driven by consumers who want to create personal products to express themselves, and more than 50 % of ecommerce sellers signing up with Gelato say that they want to sell clothing.
Many of Gelato’s customers already produce customized products such as mugs, wall art and photobooks with Gelato. With the launch of hundreds of new clothing products they can bring more value to their customers and increase revenue to their stores. Through Gelato’s global network sellers can also more easily tap into giant consumer markets like India, China, Japan and Southeast Asia.
“Our product expansion will not stop with clothing, that is just the beginning. Soon we are moving into merchandise and over time certain 3D printed products. Gelato will become the one-stop shop for personalized print products,” says Müller-Hansen.
Gelato Review the Wall Art
Our enduringly popular wall art transforms any image into a beautiful work of art. Whether you choose to add your stunning designs to a canvas, poster, or aluminum print, we produce your products with consistent and superior quality and highly saturated colors each and every time.
If you would like your poster frames, our experienced team professionally completes your order ready for drop-shipping to your chosen destination. Whichever size or style you prefer, we handcraft each order and have fulfillment locations situated all over the world.
- Posters
- Framed posters
- Canvas
- Aluminium print
- Acrylic print
- Picture hangers (Wall hangers)
- Frames
Sign up here to view the full product catalog and prices
Gelato Review the Mugs
Add a touch of creativity to early mornings or any time of day with this durable ceramic mug. Add your design, and inspire your customers to enjoy their morning coffee, hot chocolate, or any other hot beverage.
Gelato operates in 34 countries. You will connect to 100 print partners to print your custom mugs. Join tens of thousands of API customers ranging from Canva.com, Optimalprint, Mapiful, to newly launched Shopify and Etsy stores. Local Production is Smarter, Faster, and Greener.
Custom mugs can be a pleasant delight for a range of special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, or just because. Photo mugs can be great mementos for your parents, grandparents, friends, and loved ones.
Ceramic mug that is perfect for any event of the day.
- Glossy white
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Shipped in protective packaging
- 11 oz (325 ml) / 15 oz (443 ml)
With these color-changing coffee mugs, you are sure to have a great time. When the mug is empty, it has a black matte finish. But after contact with a hot beverage, your mug reveals your custom design.
This beautiful ceramic latte mug is perfect for any event of the day. Your morning coffee, a hot chocolate, or any other hot beverage you enjoy. The mug is glossy white and the prints come out beautifully and vividly on it. The print retains its quality and luster when used in both microwaves and the dishwasher.
Gelato Review the Photo books
Gelato operates in 34 countries. You will connect to 100 print partners to print your custom photo book. Join tens of thousands of API customers ranging from Canva.com, Optimalprint, Mapiful, to newly launched Shopify and Etsy stores. Local Production is Smarter, Faster, and Greener.
Nothing is more pleasing than going down memory lane with photos from the past, reflecting on how you shared life with your loved ones. From graduation your baby’s birthday to your exciting trips, there are plenty of occasions that call for a custom photo book. Whether your photobook is a gift or you are keeping it for yourself, it will bring delight into your life.
- Available in 7 formats
- Up to 200 pages
- 170 gsm silk paper
- Hardcover and softcover option
Select from our wide range of photo book formats and sizes from hardcover to softcover. We recommend starting with 5.5×5.5in (14x14cm), 8x8in (20.32×20.32cm), and 11x8in (27.94×20.32cm) to have a good selection of small, medium, and large photo books.
A custom printed photo book is a stunning way to display a collection of images and photographs and turn them into forever memories. Our premium photo books are acclaimed for the texture quality and finish. The paper has been selected for print compatibility so photographs will always be produced in vibrant colors and crisp detail.
For both large or small orders, we take the hard work out of design and production. Whatever your needs your customized photo book will be produced and delivered to your customers anywhere in the world.
Gelato Review the Cards
Give your customers an opportunity to express themselves and design a card for every occasion. Choose from a range of formats and paper qualities, including glossy, silk or matte, coated and uncoated paper, giving your cards and designs a professional, personal, or luxurious finish.
All our cards are made on sustainability sourced and FSC certified paper.
- Flat cards
- Folded cards
- Foil (copper, silver and gold)
- Rounded corners
In 2020 Gelato produced more than 50 million cards shipped to more than 60 countries around the world. Your greeting cards, envelopes included, will be produced locally in 34 countries and arrive within 72 hours to your customers. Smarter, Faster, and Greener.
Give your customers an opportunity to express themselves and design a greeting card for every occasion. Choose from a range of formats and paper qualities, including glossy, silk or matte, coated and uncoated paper, giving your cards and designs a professional, personal, or luxurious finish.
Choose between 9 different greeting card formats, both in inches – for the North American market – and in centimeters – for the rest of the World. Starting out? Best selling formats include: A6/(10.5 x 14.8 cm), square/(14.1 x 14.1 cm) and A5/(15.0 x 21.2 cm) to offer a small, a medium and a large option.
Gelato Review the Calendars
Gelato operates in 34 countries. You will connect to 100 print partners to print your custom photo calendars. Join tens of thousands of API customers ranging from Canva.com, Optimalprint, Mapiful, to newly launched Shopify and Etsy stores. Local Production is Smarter, Faster, and Greener.
Start creating your custom calendars. Our wall and desk calendars will put a smile on your loved ones and showcase your designs in a truly functional way. Photo calendars are a great way to create a memorable gift that the recipient can use year long.
- 1 cover page
- 1 blank page
- 12 inner pages
- Paper: 200 gsm / 80 lb semi-glossy silk paper
- Sturdy wire-binding
Unleash your creativity and create your unique calendar designs to sell. Generate beautiful, lifelike, and free mockups that let your calendars shine. You can easily edit each one of your calendar pages to make it special.
Create your calendar in the design editor and pick the style of the grid, add week numbers, when the calendar should start, and more. You can also let your customers personalize their own calendars directly in your store by uploading their own images and adding text.
Gelato Review the Stationery & Business
We mean business when it comes to branded material and stationery. Bespoke stationery is a great way to upsell your photographs or illustrations.
Design products that your customers can easily customize, or turn your art into notebooks and wall calendars that can decorate your customers’ homes and offices. We offer a full range of custom produced products for maximum choice and flexibility.
- Business cards
- Blank envelopes
- Flyers
- Letterheads
- Roll ups
- Folders
- Notebooks
- Table and wall calendars
We bring together everything that’s required to sell, produce and deliver customized print products globally and on demand. Gelato powers print production for creators, entrepreneurs and enterprises who sell their products online to customers anywhere in the world.
We also help companies navigate customs, cross-border invoicing, tax and vat issues. Because our production is local in 34 countries, delivery is faster and shipping distances and carbon emissions are reduced.
Gelato Review the Tote Bags
Cover all your grab and go needs with these long handle premium tote bags while being eco-conscious. These premium tote bags feature reinforced stitching on handles for more stability. Your unique designs will stand out on these 100% cotton fabric tote bags. Any whites in your design will be treated as transparent in the printing process for the natural color tote bags. Please keep this in mind to ensure optimal results
- Reinforced stitching on handles
- Large printable area for front & back
- Capacity 10 litres
Starting today, our tote bag selection includes a new premium style and four new colors – white, black, navy and red. Wow your customers with unique designs for this more eco-friendly alternative and fashionable accessory – perfect for shopping, trips, going to the beach or everyday use.
The new premium tote bag comes in natural and black, and offers a new quality enhancement that enables you to print your designs with superior results. While the classic style is light-weight and versatile, the premium style comes in a thicker fabric, which gives it a heavier and sturdier feel.
Both tote bag styles are not only a huge eco-trend against the single-use plastic shopping or paper bags, but they are a practical and versatile option to carry around on a daily basis – giving you more options for personalization and unique designs that entice your customers to come back to find new favorites. Looking for new design ideas? Access more than 360+ million images from Shutterstock directly in the design editor to find inspiration and try new design combinations.
Who Is Gelato For?
We bring together everything that’s required to sell, produce and deliver customized print products globally and on demand. Gelato powers print production for creators, entrepreneurs and enterprises who sell their products online to customers anywhere in the world.Thousands of online stores connect to Gelato for customized items produced locally and delivered within an average of 72 hours. Faster, smarter, greener.
We also help companies navigate customs, cross-border invoicing, tax and vat issues. Because our production is local in 34 countries, delivery is faster and shipping distances and carbon emissions are reduced.
Gelato Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Gelato offers customer support to its sellers only. You handle customer service with your customers. Because Gelato is a third-party dropshipper, your customers do not know that Gelato had anything to do with the order.
You do not get a dedicated account manager or phone support. You do have access to 24/7 support via email, live chat, and a help center. The help center has all the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
I agree with the reviewers who like the gelato…I don’t even disagree too much with the high prices they charge–whatever the market will bear, etc. What I take issue with is the cups they serve it in, where the cup looks like it is one size and then literally of it is empty space under the bottom. I don’t get the reason for the deception. If you are going to give your customers small servings, fine, do it. But don’t pretend to serve it in “normal” size cups and then the reality is that the bottom is pushed up almost of an inch…it’s dishonest and misleading, and there is simply no reason for it. Sorry Pitango…you lost my business.
Affogato is a mixture of gelato and coffee. I think affogato means “drowned” in Italian. It is a beverage of beautifully smooth gelato with a cup of espresso poured over it, Try it with the pistachio gelato. A complex layer of flavor. A wonderful drink/dessert at any time of day! Staff were friendly and informative.
I have searched high and low for real Italian style gelato ever since my trip to Italy last year. This is the closest I have found in the states so far. I was finally able to catch the dark chocolate orange flavor, which was my favorite in Italy, and it was as good as I remember from my trip overseas. My only complaint is that yes, it is expensive, but for a treat every now and then, and to curb my gelato cravings with something authentic, it’s worth it in my opinion.
Is Gelato Worth It?
Printful is the top POD service we recommend to our readers. We like it because it goes above and beyond other companies. They offer a wide variety of products, along with design and branding services. If your brand grows to where you want to keep some stock on hand for faster fulfillment, you can use their warehousing services, too. Printful costs a bit more per item, but it’s worth the investment for consistency and quality.
Printify is another big name in the POD industry. It’s like both Printful and Gelato. The major difference is that Printify offers more products overall. You’ll get an international network of print providers to choose from. If you want more variety, or you want to take advantage of embroidery, then Printify could be the right choice for your ecommerce business.
GearLaunch is another solution if you want variety in products and printing technologies. Like Gelato, you can accept international orders – since both platforms ship to many countries across the world. The drawback to GearLaunch is that it only integrates with Shopify stores. If you use another platform, Printful or Printify will work better for you.
Gelato Promotions & Discounts
Welcome to Gelato! We recommend our new customers to place their first orders as soon as possible to experience first-hand the power of Gelato’s global network and see how your designs are rendered on physical products. See also: Do you offer a free sample pack to test different paper options or formats?
As a promotional offer for new customers, we offer 50% off the product cost on your first order for 72 hours from the moment you sign up. The maximum discount amount is 50€ off the product cost. The remaining 50%, as well as for shipping and any applicable taxes will still be payable. The discount will be automatically applied when you are placing the order and is visible during checkout.
If you miss the opportunity to complete your first order with 50% off the product price, we will offer 30% off your first 3 orders (if you’ve taken advantage of the above 50% promotion, then this will apply to orders 2 and 3 only).
The same rules as above apply to this – the maximum discount amount is 50€ off the product cost. The remaining 70%, as well as for shipping and any applicable taxes will still be payable. The discount will be automatically applied when you are placing the order and is visible during checkout. For this promotion, there is no time limit!
Where to Buy Gelato?
Gelato is free to use – you only pay for the products your customers order. There’s no monthly fee, so if you sell nothing, you owe nothing. Unlike some competitors, Gelato doesn’t offer bulk discounts to help you save.
You’ll pay around $9 to $25 for each piece of clothing. For non-clothing items, you’ll pay anywhere from $4 to $88. Gelato prices do not include shipping. Since Gelato has an international network of printers, products will be fulfilled as close as possible to your customer. This helps cut down production and shipping time, so your customers get their products faster.
Frequently Asked Questions Gelato
Who owns Gelato?
Before founding Gelato I was CEO for Tele2 Norway, a $400M Telecom company. The Gelato team has been built up with people from telco and technology backgrounds – not print. We have focused on adding technology to what we saw as an analogue industry. This focus will add value to your business. You can access a reliable billing service, efficient data storage, automated customer service, and much more.
Can I track my order?
Yes, you can track your order end-to-end. From the moment an order has been printed, packaged and scanned for delivery, your order details are updated with tracking information from our selected 3rd-party courier. In short, you can track orders end-to-end on one platform.
How quickly do you deliver?
Most packages are delivered 3 business days after the order has been placed and confirmed. Exceptions may occur for high volumes, complex formats (glue binding takes 1 day extra), or certain countries. Today we print locally in 30 countries.
What is Gelato Shipping Policy?
Gelato is the fastest, safest and most reliable way for your business to deliver your customized print products. Because we produce your products in more than 100 locations worldwide, shipping distances are reduced and our supply chain is more resilient.
Due to increased order volume and impact of COVID-19, it may take longer than usual to fulfill your order. We are working to get your order to you as quickly as possible. Our current estimate is that your order will ship within the next 7-14 business days.
All orders are processed within 7-14 business days. Standard ground shipping takes 10-20 days to be processed and delivered. For domestic orders, we offer Next Day Air Shipping options at checkout. International shipping takes an estimated 15 -20 business days to be processed and delivered. Orders will not be shipped out or delivered on weekends and holidays.
When we are experiencing a high volume of orders, there may be a delay in the shipping process. Please allow additional days in transit for delivery. If there will be a significant delay in shipment of your order, we will contact you via email or telephone.
What is Gelato Return Policy?
If you’re not satisfied with the quality of the products your customers received, get in touch within 30 days after receipt and we’ll do everything we can to investigate and find a solution.
Once we receive the video of unboxing along with the complaint, we will inspect it and notify you that we have received your request. We will immediately notify you on the status of your refund after inspecting the video. If your return is approved, we will initiate a refund to your original method of payment. You will receive the credit within a certain amount of days, depending on your payment source’s policies.
We currently do not support returns due to the fact that the products you order are personalized and made specifically for each order. Should you want to submit a new order, you will be liable for the costs of the new order.
