7 Easy Steps to Start Print on Demand with Gelato

If you’ve been thinking about launching a print on demand (POD) business but feel overwhelmed by where to start, you’re in the right place. I’m Rebel Mama, and I’m here to guide you through 7 Easy Steps to Start Print on Demand with Gelato — a top-rated platform perfect for beginners and seasoned sellers alike. Whether you want to sell on Etsy, Shopify, or WooCommerce, this step-by-step guide will help you get your first product live and ready to sell quickly and confidently.

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Print on demand is an incredible business model that lets you sell custom products without worrying about inventory, packaging, or shipping. Gelato takes care of all the production and fulfillment for you, so you can focus on designing and marketing your products.

1. Why Gelato is the Perfect POD Partner

Before diving into the setup process, let’s talk about why Gelato is one of the best print on demand platforms out there. Here are a few reasons to consider Gelato for your POD business:

• No Upfront Costs: You only pay for the production of your product once you make a sale. There are no monthly fees or inventory costs, which makes it a low-risk business model.
• Global Reach with Local Fulfillment: Gelato partners with local print providers in over 30 countries. This means faster shipping times and lower shipping costs for your customers worldwide.
• Seamless Store Integrations: Easily connect your Gelato account with popular e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce in just a few clicks.
• High-Quality Products: Gelato offers a wide range of professionally printed products, ensuring your customers receive premium items.
• Faster Shipping: Thanks to local fulfillment centers, your customers get their orders quickly, enhancing their buying experience.

With these benefits, Gelato is a fantastic option whether you’re just starting out or scaling your POD business. 7 Easy Steps to Start Print on Demand with Gelato

2. Create Your Free Gelato Account

Getting started with Gelato is super simple and fast. Here’s what to do:

1. Go to the Gelato website and sign up for a free account by entering your email and creating a password.
2. Once logged in, you’ll land on your dashboard where you can manage products, connect your store, and track orders.

This dashboard will be your command center for your POD business, so take a moment to familiarize yourself with it.

3. Connect Your Online Store to Gelato

Gelato integrates smoothly with Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce. Connecting your store allows any product you create in Gelato to automatically sync and publish on your website, saving you time and effort.

Here’s how to connect your store:

1. On your Gelato dashboard, click on Connect Store.
2. Select your platform (Etsy, Shopify, or WooCommerce).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate and link your accounts securely.

Make sure you already have an active account on your chosen platform before connecting it to Gelato. Once connected, you’ll enjoy seamless product syncing and order management.

4. Choose Your First Product to Sell

Gelato offers an extensive catalog of over 100 customizable products, from apparel and accessories to home decor and wall art. For beginners, I recommend starting with wall art, especially if you plan to sell on Etsy.

Wall art is trending and performs well in the personalized product space. Plus, it’s relatively easy to design and doesn’t require complex printing processes.

5. Upload and Design Your Product

Now for the fun part — creating your product design!

• Upload your design files to Gelato’s Design Studio. Use high-resolution PNG files with transparent backgrounds if your design requires it.
• If you don’t have designs yet, tools like Canva, Procreate, or Photoshop are excellent for creating your art.
• Gelato’s editor lets you resize, reposition, and preview your design on the product before printing.
• Be sure to check the mockups carefully to see how your design will look in real life.

Taking the time to perfect your design here will pay off in customer satisfaction and product quality. 7 Easy Steps to Start Print on Demand with Gelato

6. Optimize Your Product Listing for Sales

Once your design is ready, the next step is creating your product listing with a compelling title, description, and tags.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial on platforms like Etsy, where buyers search using specific keywords. Here are some tips to optimize your listings:

• Research keywords your ideal customers are searching for. Use those keywords naturally in your product title, description, and tags.
• Write clear, engaging descriptions that highlight the benefits and unique features of your product.
• Include tags that cover relevant styles, occasions, and customer interests.

Good SEO will increase your product’s visibility and attract the right buyers.

7. Set Your Pricing and Publish Your Product

Gelato shows you the base cost for each product, including production and any applicable fees like digitization or personalization. To make a profit, you’ll add a markup to this base cost.

Here’s how to price smartly:

• I recommend a minimum 45% markup, especially on Etsy, to cover platform fees, shipping, and to ensure a healthy profit margin.
• Consider your niche and competition; sometimes you can price higher if your product offers unique value.

Once your price is set, you can publish your product directly to your connected store. Your product will then be live and ready for customers to order!

Bonus Tip: Order Samples Before Selling

Before you launch your listings to the public, order physical samples of your products. This step is essential because:

• It helps you ensure the quality of your prints and products.
• You can catch any design errors, such as misaligned graphics or typos.
• You’ll gain confidence in your product, which is crucial for marketing and customer service.

Gelato offers a fantastic 50% discount on your first sample order, valid for 48 hours after creating your account. You can order up to seven products at half price, which is an amazing deal for quality assurance. 7 Easy Steps to Start Print on Demand with Gelato

Additional Resources to Kickstart Your POD Journey

If you’re still unsure about your niche or product ideas, I’ve created a FREE Print On Demand Starter Kit to help you find your direction and succeed in just four weeks. It includes beginner-friendly tools and strategies to launch your POD business with confidence.

You can grab your free starter kit here.

Also, if you want to try Gelato and claim your 50% off first sample order, you can start your free account here.

For design creation, I recommend using Kittl, which is a powerful and easy-to-use tool perfect for POD designs.

And if you want to open your Shopify store today, get started with this link: Shopify Store Setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need to hold any inventory when using Gelato?

No! Gelato is a true print on demand platform, which means they handle all inventory, production, packaging, and shipping for you. You only pay when you make a sale.

Q2: Can I sell on multiple platforms with Gelato?

Yes! Gelato integrates seamlessly with Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce, allowing you to manage multiple stores from one dashboard.

Q3: How long does shipping take with Gelato?

Because Gelato works with local print providers in over 30 countries, shipping times are generally faster than traditional POD services that ship from a single location. This helps improve customer satisfaction.

Q4: What types of products can I sell with Gelato?

Gelato offers over 100 customizable products, including apparel, accessories, stationery, and home decor like wall art. It’s a great platform for diverse creative ideas.

Q5: How much should I markup my products?

A good rule of thumb is at least a 45% markup to cover production costs, platform fees, and shipping, while still making a profit. You can adjust based on your niche and competition.

Final Thoughts

Starting a print on demand shop with Gelato is straightforward, low-risk, and scalable. By following these seven steps — from understanding Gelato’s advantages to designing, listing, and pricing your products — you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful POD business.

Remember, ordering samples is a crucial step that helps you maintain quality and confidence in your product offerings. And if you’re feeling stuck, use the free resources available to jumpstart your journey.

Print on demand with Gelato is not just a side hustle; it’s a potential full-time business that allows you to express your creativity and reach customers worldwide without the usual headaches of inventory and shipping.

So grab your favorite drink, open your laptop, and get started today!