Shopify Dropshipping: Gelato: Print on Demand VS SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand

Table of Contents

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

Introduction

Dropshipping – isn't it an interesting business model? Instead of managing an inventory, you can have products shipped directly from manufacturers to your customers. This model has ushered in a unique entrepreneurial era, streamlining business operations and introducing great opportunities for creativity. One tool aiding entrepreneurs on this journey is the Shopify app. In the spotlight today, we have Gelato: Print on Demand and SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand - two powerhouses in the Shopify dropshipping circles.

How Does Gelato: Print on Demand Work?

Gelato: Print on Demand, launched in June 2020 by Gelato, is a tool that turns dreams into reality, connecting people and ideas to real products that can be sold worldwide. But can it truly unlock potential for beginners in dropshipping, small enterprises, and even larger corporations? Let's dive in. The app focuses on print-on-demand services, making local production a standard to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring high-quality products. For beginners, such an approach can remove the fuss of data handling. For more experienced businesses, the ease of product personalization and access to an array of free Shutterstock/Getty Images visuals could make for an effortless creative process. Having not only hundreds but also, in some cases, dedicated product support, workflow automation, and shipping discounts available are certainly unique advantages. Now, imagine a start-up business poised to launch its unique designs. With Gelato's extensive product range for design and sale, this start-up could areate products appealing to a global audience while maintaining its eco-friendly ethos. Remember, though, this scenario is hypothetical and not a testimony!

How Does SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Work?

Like Gelato, SPOD - Spreadshirt Print On Demand allows entrepreneurs to create a custom product line with print-on-demand services. Whether you're a fledgling company or a seasoned enterprise, SPOD offers more than just ease of set-up – it brings 20 years of print-on-demand experience to table, vowing to process your order within 48 hours. SPOD’s value proposition includes access to their free design library where you can create and customize over 200+ print-on-demand merchandise. They are also mindful of sustainability as they produce and ship their products. Moreover, they allow you to leverage your designs or their art designs across more than 200 items.

How Much Does Gelato: Print on Demand Cost?

As the saying goes, "money makes the world go round", and app pricing is no exception. With Gelato: Print on Demand, users have three pricing tiers. The first is free, aptly named “Gelato Free,” which offers print on demand for global creators. For small-scale businesses just taking off, this free plan can be pretty advantageous. Then, companies with more to spend can upgrade to the "Gelato+" plan at $14.99/month, which offers premium mockups, and product personalization tools besides other features. Finally, the top-tier plan, “Gelato+ Gold” at $99/month, provides free shipping and discounts, among other features, tailored more towards medium or large businesses.

How Much Does SPOD - Print on Demand Cost?

Enter SPOD - Print on Demand, with a straightforward pricing model that's easy to understand – free to install. Simple, isn't it? SPOD charges only for order fulfillment and shipping instead of a recurring subscription fee which may be appealing to businesses that prefer a pay-as-you-go model.

Cost Analysis: Gelato: Print on Demand vs. SPOD ‑ Print on Demand

Both apps offer a free tier, opening doors for businesses on a tight budget or beginners testing the dropshipping waters. However, Gelato offers additional tiers with more features, which may offer better value for growing businesses. On the other hand, SPOD appeals to those preferring pay-as-you-go with charges only for order fulfillment and shipping.

User Reviews & Customer Support Insights

Is Gelato: Print on Demand Good?

With an average rating of 4.6 stars from 244 reviews, Gelato seems to be faring well in the app market. The high rating could be due to its user-friendly interface and diverse product catalog. However, it's always essential to check out the actual user reviews for real-world performance potential.

Is SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Good?

Comparatively, SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand comes in with a 4.1-star average rating from 710 reviews. Though slightly lower rated, SPOD's swift order fulfillment claim and vast design library might account for its considerable number of users and thus reviews.

Which App is Better according to users?

In the battle of ratings, Gelato takes the trophy with higher average ratings. However, SPOD seems to be more popular among users, given its higher number of reviews. Often, a larger user base may indicate reliability and trustworthy service.

Integrations and Compatibility

Gelato: Print on Demand Integrations:

As of the information available, no special integrations are indicated for Gelato: Print on Demand. However, as a Shopify app, it smoothly integrates with the Shopify platform itself.

SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand Integrations:

SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand uses Order Desk and SPOD API as its main integration tools. These powerful integrations can streamline operations, making product processing significantly more manageable.

Conclusion

Gelato: Print on Demand and SPOD ‑ Print‑on‑Demand, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Gelato’s aggressive pricing tiers and local production are compelling, while SPOD brings strong experience and straightforward pricing into play. While both have high user ratings, we do see SPOD leading in terms of volume of reviews. That being said, both apps undoubtedly add immense value to the dropshipping field.

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?