Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Contrado and How Does it Work?
- Pricing Structure
- Design Tools and Features
- Product Options and Quality
- Selling Options and Integrations
- Customer Support
- Pros and Cons
- Contrado Review: The Verdict
- FAQ Section
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving world of ecommerce, print-on-demand (POD) services have become a game-changer for creative entrepreneurs looking to translate their designs into products without the hassle of inventory management. One name that stands out in this sector, particularly for UK sellers, is Contrado. But is it the right fit for your business?
This review will delve into what Contrado offers, including its features, pricing, and unique benefits. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, our detailed analysis will help you decide if Contrado aligns with your ecommerce goals.
What is Contrado and How Does it Work?
Contrado is a UK-based print-on-demand company that allows creators to design custom products such as fabrics, home decor, clothing, and accessories. What sets Contrado apart is its focus on high-quality, sustainable, and ethically-produced items, appealing to today's conscientious consumers.
Contrado provides an intuitive design tool that enables users to create products on-demand, with no minimum order quantities. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller sellers or those wanting to test new designs without committing to large inventory orders.
Contrado manages production and fulfillment, promising quick turnaround times of just 1-2 days for production and around 5 business days for delivery. This prompt service helps ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Pricing Structure
Contrado's pricing model is straightforward. There are no monthly fees or long-term contracts. You only pay for the base product price, customization cost, and shipping fees. While the cost of products can be higher than some competitors—such as a basic t-shirt starting at approximately $38.95—this is largely due to the premium quality and all-over print options Contrado offers.
The company also provides discounts, including 20% off for students and bulk purchase discounts, which can help mitigate some of the higher costs. Shipping prices vary by location, with standard delivery in the UK starting at £2.49 and in the US at $9.95.
Design Tools and Features
Contrado’s design tools are user-friendly and comprehensive. Users can personalize products with a variety of options, including different fits, packaging, thread colors, and custom labels. The design interface supports features like clip art libraries and pattern options, allowing for a high degree of creativity. However, unlike some competitors, Contrado does not offer a mockup generator with lifestyle images, which might be a limitation for some users.
Once a design is created, it can be previewed in 360 degrees before being added to the cart for ordering. This streamlined process makes going from concept to product a seamless experience.
Product Options and Quality
Contrado offers an impressive range of around 450 products to customize. The extensive catalog includes items like dresses, t-shirts, home decor, and even upholstery fabrics. Users also have the option to print their own fabric, using various printing methods such as reactive, pigment, and sublimation printings.
Contrado proudly uses high-quality materials and sustainable inks, which align with eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing practices. This commitment to quality is reflected in customer reviews that frequently praise the sharpness and vibrancy of prints. However, one notable downside is the lack of discounted sample options, making it harder for sellers to verify product quality firsthand.
Selling Options and Integrations
One of the significant drawbacks of Contrado is its limited integration options with third-party marketplaces and ecommerce platforms. Currently, the only direct integration available is with Shopify. This allows users to seamlessly add Contrado products to their Shopify stores and automate the dropshipping process.
For those not using Shopify, orders need to be placed manually through the Contrado website, which might be cumbersome, especially as business scales. While there is an option to sell products through Contrado’s artist marketplace, this requires competing with other sellers, potentially impacting visibility and sales.
Customer Support
Contrado's customer support includes a help center with guides and resources, a live chat feature, and phone support available from 6 PM to 2:30 AM EST. Although responsive, the lack of 24/7 support can be inconvenient, especially for users outside the UK. Despite this limitation, customer feedback generally indicates quick and helpful responses when the support team is available.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality, sustainable, and ethically produced products
- Intuitive and comprehensive design tools
- Rapid production and delivery times
- No monthly fees or long-term contracts
Cons:
- Higher product prices compared to some competitors
- Limited third-party integrations
- No discounted sample options
- Non-24/7 customer support
Contrado Review: The Verdict
Contrado offers a robust platform for UK-based print-on-demand sellers seeking high-quality and unique products, combined with quick production and delivery times. Its user-friendly design tools and emphasis on sustainability make it a compelling choice. However, the higher costs and limited integration capabilities may deter some potential users, particularly those outside the UK or who seek to sell across multiple ecommerce channels.
If you prioritize exceptional product quality and sustainable practices and primarily use Shopify, Contrado is an excellent option. Conversely, sellers who require broader integrations or more cost-effective solutions might consider alternative POD services like Printful or Printify.
FAQ Section
Q: Does Contrado offer worldwide shipping?
A: Yes, Contrado provides worldwide delivery, including regions like the USA, with varying shipping costs based on location.
Q: Are there any setup fees or monthly charges to use Contrado?
A: No, Contrado does not impose any setup fees or require monthly subscriptions. You only pay for product costs, customization options, and shipping.
Q: Can I integrate Contrado with my existing ecommerce platform?
A: Currently, Contrado integrates directly only with Shopify. For other platforms, you would need to place orders manually.
Q: What kind of products can I create with Contrado?
A: Contrado offers a diverse range of 450 products including clothing, home decor, and custom fabrics, all of which can be personalized.
Q: Is there a way to check product quality before selling?
A: Unfortunately, Contrado does not offer discounted sample orders, so verifying product quality firsthand might be challenging.
In summary, Contrado provides a valuable print-on-demand service with a focus on quality and sustainability, but it may not be suitable for all sellers due to its higher pricing and limited integrations. For UK-based entrepreneurs and those using Shopify, Contrado is worth considering as a premium POD solution.
