Gelato is a print on demand platform founded in 2007 in Norway that enables the sale of personalized products without holding inventory, with local production in more than 30 countries.
If you’re considering earning money online without a large upfront investment, Gelato print on demand is one tool worth looking into. In this guide, you’ll learn how Gelato works, what you can realistically earn, and how it compares to the competition.
What Is Gelato and How Does Print on Demand Work?
Gelato is a print on demand service that connects online sellers with local print partners around the world. The model is based on a simple principle:
- You create a design and list the product in your online store
- A customer places an order and pays the full price
- The platform automatically sends the order to the nearest print partner
- The product is printed and shipped directly to the customer
You don’t handle printing, packaging, or shipping. Your role is design, branding, and marketing – making this one of the cleanest sell custom products online models available today.
Gelato supports integrations with platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Amazon, Wix, and Squarespace.
The Gelato Shopify integration, in particular, is one of the most popular entry points for new sellers, as it allows you to start selling without building a webshop from scratch.
Who Is Behind Gelato and How Popular Is It?
Gelato was founded in 2007 in Oslo. The founder and CEO is Henrik Müller-Hansen, a Norwegian entrepreneur with a vision of decentralised global production. Instead of expensive international shipping, products are printed locally.
Today the platform has a print network in more than 30 countries, receives hundreds of thousands to a million website visits per month, and is particularly strong in Europe.
Local production means faster delivery, lower shipping costs, and a smaller carbon footprint , which is becoming an increasingly important selling point for today’s buyers.
What Does Creating a Product on Gelato Look Like? An Example.
Let’s take a personalised T-shirt as an example.
1. Choose a product – Select the type of shirt, cut, colour, and available sizes from the catalogue.
2. Create your design – Upload your own design (text, illustration, logo) and see instantly how it looks on the product mockup.
3. Connect to your store – Link the product to one of the supported platforms. The process is straightforward , Gelato has step-by-step guides for every integration.
4. Customer order – A customer orders the T-shirt in your store and pays the full price. The money comes to you.
5. Automatic production and delivery – The order is automatically sent to the nearest print partner, the T-shirt is printed and delivered to the customer, without any involvement from you.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn with Gelato Print on Demand?
Your earnings are based on the difference between your selling price and the cost Gelato charges you for production and shipping.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Production and shipping cost | $11 |
| Your selling price | $24 |
| Gross profit per unit | $13 |
How much you actually earn depends on several factors: the quality and originality of your design, your pricing strategy, your marketing, and your target audience.
This is not a get-rich-quick model, but it is a print on demand for beginners with low entry risk.
There are no inventory costs, no warehouse, no logistics. Initial capital can be close to zero, making Gelato print on demand one of the most accessible ways to start selling online.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gelato
Advantages:
- No inventory or storage costs , a true print on demand no inventory model
- Local production means faster delivery, especially within the US and EU
- Strong integration with popular e-commerce platforms
- Wide product catalogue: clothing, posters, mugs, bags, and more
- Simple interface, well suited for beginners
Disadvantages:
- Print quality can vary depending on the local print partner
- Margins without a solid marketing strategy are not high
- Competition in the POD market is fierce
Tip: Before you start selling, order samples of your own products. Check the print quality, material, and packaging.
It’s a small investment that can prevent negative reviews down the line.
Gelato vs Printify vs Printful: How Do They Compare?
| Gelato | Printify | Printful | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Local production, US & EU | Global print network | Branding and quality |
| Pricing | Mid-range | Lower | Higher |
| Quality | Good, but varies | Varies by partner | Consistently high |
| Ease of use | High | Medium | High |
| Ideal for | Beginners, global sellers | Experienced sellers | Premium brands |
Gelato vs Printify : Gelato is simpler to set up and better suited for sellers who want fast fulfillment across multiple regions. Printify offers more supplier-level control and can be cheaper for specific products, but requires more hands-on management.
Gelato vs Printful: Printful is the go-to for building a premium brand with consistently high print quality. Gelato is the stronger choice if speed, local fulfillment, and ease of use matter more than white-label polish.
Invoicing and Taxes in the US When Using Gelato
The US tax setup for Gelato sellers differs from most other countries, There is no VAT here, but sales tax is a significant consideration.
The core structure involves two separate transactions: Gelato charges you for production and shipping; you charge your customer the full retail price.
Sales tax on Gelato’s invoice to you
Gelato is registered in 44 US states. Sales tax is calculated based on the order recipient’s address , typically a combination of the state rate and the county rate. That meaning two orders within the same state can carry different rates.
The most important step for US sellers is obtaining a resale certificate.
Since you are purchasing products for resale and not for personal use, many states allow you to buy from Gelato tax-exempt. You then collect sales tax from your end customer instead.
Sales tax on your invoice to the customer
If you sell through Shopify or Etsy, sales tax collection is largely automated. Etsy collects and remits marketplace facilitator tax on your behalf in most states. On Shopify, you configure tax settings and the platform calculates the correct rate at checkout.
Income tax and business records
Your Gelato invoices are deductible business expenses – production costs, subscription fees, and shipping all reduce your taxable profit. If you sell on Etsy and cross the IRS reporting threshold, you will receive a Form 1099-K. Track all income and expenses, and consider making quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties.
Note: Tax rules vary significantly by state. Always consult a US-based accountant for your specific situation.
Is Gelato a Good Choice for Beginners?
For anyone who wants to make money with print on demand without upfront capital or logistics experience – yes, with realistic expectations.
The platform is simple enough to launch over a weekend. Sustainable results come from a well-chosen niche, original designs that stand out, and consistent marketing on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or Facebook.
This platform is a tool. Results depend on the plan behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion: Is Gelato Worth It?
Gelato print on demand is one of the best print on demand platforms for sellers who want to enter the market without significant upfront risk.
It is well suited for testing product ideas, building a brand, and reaching customers across the US and beyond. All that without touching inventory or logistics.
If you have a creative concept, a defined niche, or an existing audience, Gelato gives you a practical way to turn that into revenue.
In the next post, we’ll walk through how to create your first product, set your price, and connect your store step by step.
Questions and comments are welcome below.
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