Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. How Does Gelato: Print on Demand Work?
  3. How Does Handshake for Suppliers Work?
  4. How Much Does Gelato: Print on Demand Cost?
  5. How Much Does Handshake for Suppliers Cost?
  6. Cost Analysis: Gelato: Print on Demand vs. Handshake for Suppliers
  7. User Reviews & Customer Support Insights
  8. Integrations and Compatibility
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

Dropshipping is a business model that offers entrepreneurs a low-risk pathway into the world of e-commerce. Rather than pre-buying and stocking inventory, merchants purchase products from suppliers as customers order them, and then the suppliers dispatch the goods directly to the customers. Today, we are going to explore two apps designed to facilitate dropshipping on Shopify: Gelato: Print on Demand and Handshake for Suppliers. Launched by the developer Gelato on June 17, 2020, Gelato: Print on Demand is a robust app that enables Shopify store owners to create and sell custom print-on-demand products. With a commendable rating of 4.6 stars, this app supports a number of languages including German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Norwegian, and Swedish. On the other hand, Handshake for Suppliers is a creation of Shopify itself, launched somewhat recently on June 8, 2021. Designed as a wholesale marketplace, Handshake allows retailers to discover and order unique products from quality brands. However, the platform currently only supports English and has a much lower rating of one star.

How Does Gelato: Print on Demand Work?

Gelato: Print on Demand offers a robust platform for global creators to turn their passion into profit. The app provides an opportunity for its users to create and sell hundreds of custom-designed print-on-demand products. For beginners in the dropshipping business, this app eliminates the risk of inventory cost since products are only printed once they are ordered. This model provides small to large businesses with flexibility and scalability. Among its most loved feature are local production capabilities which significantly reduces carbon emissions, upholding conscientious commerce.

How Does Handshake for Suppliers Work?

Handshake for Suppliers, developed by Shopify, serves as a curated wholesale marketplace for exceptional U.S. brands. Once their application to sell is approved, businesses can manage all their products, orders, and buyers on a single integrated platform. The app aims to bring diversity to store offerings and create unique shopping experiences for customers. While this may not cater as well to new entrants in the realm of dropshipping, well-established businesses find it a valuable channel to reach new buyers.

How Much Does Gelato: Print on Demand Cost?

Gelato: Print on Demand offers three subscription tiers. The "Gelato Free" plan is available at no cost, providing access to basic print on demand services. Their "Gelato+" plan comes at a price of $14.99/month, offering premium mockups, product personalization tool, access to premium visuals, and other features. Lastly, the "Gelato+ Gold" tier is available at $99/month, incorporating all "Gelato+" features plus free shipping, discounts, and dedicated support.

How Much Does Handshake for Suppliers Cost?

Interestingly, Handshake for Suppliers does not list any specific pricing structures. This indicates that businesses can implement and use the app for free, an undoubtedly attractive prospect for businesses large and small.

Cost Analysis: Gelato: Print on Demand vs. Handshake for Suppliers

While Gelato: Print on Demand offers varying levels of services through their tiered pricing, Handshake for Suppliers offers their features for free, posing a challenge in direct cost comparison.

User Reviews & Customer Support Insights

 

Is Gelato: Print on Demand Good?

Gelato: Print on Demand scores a high 4.6 stars from 244 reviews, indicating significant user satisfaction. It is reasonable to infer that users appreciate its diverse product design capabilities, commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and responsive customer support, considering these are some of its main selling points.

Is Handshake for Suppliers Good?

With a noticeably low rating of one star based on 37 reviews, Handshake for Suppliers appears to have room for improvement. It's hard to pinpoint precise pain points or criticisms without specific user comments, but potential issues may lie in its selective approval process, inability to create custom products, or that it only caters to U.S. brands.

Which app is better according to users?

Based on the ratings and number of reviews, Gelato: Print on Demand is currently favored more by users. However, Handshake is still a newcomer in the market and may evolve and improve with feedback and time.

Integrations and Compatibility

Neither app lists any specific integrations, perhaps opting for a seamless Shopify-only experience to ensure smooth functionality and user experience.

Conclusion

Both Gelato: Print on Demand and Handshake for Suppliers display distinct value propositions. While Gelato excels in providing an array of customizable products and a commitment to the environment, Handshake stands out with its handpicked wholesale marketplace of unique U.S. products. The choice between the two may ultimately boil down to the unique needs and budget of the user.

Our Top Recommendations For Your Store

Dropshipping is a unique e-commerce avenue. But what if you could elevate its potential? The answer lies not just in the core functionality of your store but in the enhancements you layer on top. Let’s explore.

Product Options by HulkApps

This tool empowers you to offer a wide range of product customizations. With the Product Options by HulkApps, you can create unlimited product options and combinations. It’s designed to handle even the most complex product structures, allowing you to offer more choices to your customers. Imagine not having to worry about inventory adjustments while still catering to diverse customer preferences. It’s all about giving choices without the usual logistical headaches. Learn more.

VolumeBoost by HulkApps

In the dropshipping world, larger order sizes are gold. The VolumeBoost - Volume Discounts app facilitates the creation of discounted prices for bulk purchases. It’s designed to raise the average order value and match custom-tiered pricing to your online store. This app is not just about selling more; it’s about creating a shopping experience where customers feel valued and incentivized to buy in bulk. Find out how.

Metafields Custom Field Master by HulkApps

Custom Field Master, you can create and manage content easily across your store. This tool ensures your product listings are detailed and transparent, fostering trust and reducing those all-too-common customer queries. From in-depth descriptions like sizing information to how-to tips and even videos, this app enhances the shopping experience by providing all the necessary product details. Discover its features.

In conclusion, while dropshipping offers a world of opportunities, the tools you choose can make all the difference. It’s not just about setting up a store; it’s about crafting an experience. Ready to elevate yours?