Gelato, a global print-on-demand (POD) platform, has emerged as a strong contender in the industry, offering businesses an efficient and scalable solution for selling custom products. Gelato operates on the print-on-demand model, meaning products are made only after orders are placed. With a vast production network spanning 32 countries, the platform focuses on localized manufacturing, enabling faster delivery and reducing inventory risks for sellers. In this article, we explore Gelato’s key features, pricing structure, challenges, and overall user experience.
Localized Production Network
One of Gelato’s major advantages is its extensive network of 140+ production partners across 32 countries. This localized manufacturing approach ensures faster order fulfillment, with 85% of shipments reaching customers within five days. By routing orders to the nearest print facility, Gelato reduces shipping costs and minimizes carbon emissions, aligning with eco-friendly practices. This global infrastructure allows businesses to expand internationally with minimal logistical challenges, making it a valuable asset for sellers looking to scale.
Product Customization Options
Gelato offers a diverse catalog of over 200 customizable products, including apparel, home decor, and photo books. Businesses can leverage advanced branding options such as custom neck labels, sleeve prints, and personalized packaging to create a cohesive brand identity. However, some users have noted limitations, such as the lack of all-over-print products and the absence of premium mockups in the free plan. Additionally, the platform recently moved its personalization tool to a separate paid tier, causing workflow disruptions for some users, particularly during peak seasons.
Pricing (November 2025 Update)
Gelato+ is now a single subscription (Gold discontinued).
- Free plan: basic integrations and product creation tools.
- Gelato+: $23.99/month or $19.99/month billed annually ($239.88/year). Includes premium tools, Magic Mockups, Instant Collections, Price Navigator. Includes subscriber discounts, up to 35% in the first year, then up to 25%, depending on product/region.
- Trial: 14-day free trial for software features. Product discounts start when you begin a paid plan.
Simple break-even example
If your average pre-discount product cost is about $15 and Gelato+ saves about 25% per item (that’s $3.75 off each order), then the subscription pays for itself after roughly:
– 7 orders on the $23.99 monthly plan (23.99 ÷ 3.75 ≈ 6–7)– 6 orders on the $19.99/mo annual plan (19.99 ÷ 3.75 ≈ 5–6)
– 6 orders on the $19.99/mo annual plan (19.99 ÷ 3.75 ≈ 5–6)
(Just divide the plan price by your average savings per order to get your own break-even.)
Despite its competitive base product pricing, some users have reported unexpected cost increases. A few sellers observed a 15-16% price hike over six months for materials like premium paper and frames. Additionally, the platform’s decision to move the personalization tool to a separate paid tier has led to criticism, as it disrupted operations for businesses relying on these features during high-demand periods.
User Experience and Support
Gelato provides seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, ensuring a smooth user experience. The interface is intuitive, making it easy for sellers to create and manage products. However, some users have encountered technical issues, including buggy API functionality and occasional transparency concerns in order management tools.
Customer support is available 24/7 via email and chat, but phone support is not offered. While many users praise the responsive service, others have expressed frustration over unresolved technical issues and unacknowledged platform bugs. Despite these challenges, Gelato maintains a strong Trustpilot rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on over 800 reviews.
Conclusion
Gelato stands out in the POD industry with its extensive production network, fast shipping, and broad customization options. However, some pricing and feature changes have posed challenges for users. Hopefully, with their new pricing model, those will be addressed as well. Businesses considering Gelato should weigh its benefits—such as localized manufacturing and ease of integration—against potential drawbacks like price fluctuations and technical issues. Ultimately, it remains a strong choice for entrepreneurs looking for a scalable and eco-friendly POD solution. (See Gelato vs Printify)