Quick Answer
If you’re selling globally at scale and want speed, reach, and reliable automation — Gelato is your best bet.
If you’re an artist, illustrator, or designer who cares about custom branding and premium niche products, Art of Where has the creative edge.
I’ve used both platforms for different ecommerce stores. And while both get the job done, they serve very different goals.
Let me break it all down for you — no fluff, just facts from over 10 years of running print-on-demand stores.
Most new sellers don’t realise this: choosing the wrong POD partner can kill your profits, ruin delivery times, and wreck your brand.
I’ve tested just about every POD service out there, and Art of Where and Gelato stand out — but for very different reasons.
In this comparison, I’ll show you:
- Which platform fits your business model
- Where each one shines (and where they flop)
- Which will make you more money without the headaches
What Are Art of Where and Gelato?
Art of Where
Art of Where is a Canada-based POD company that focuses on artist-quality products, including notebooks, fine art prints, apparel, and home goods.
They’re all about craftsmanship and custom branding, which is why artists and designers love them.
- All production is done in-house in Montreal, Canada
- Best for creatives, illustrators, Etsy sellers
- Fully white-label with branding options
- Manual order process unless you integrate
Gelato
Gelato is a global POD platform that prints through a network of 130+ local print partners in 32 countries.
It’s engineered for scaling ecommerce stores who want global fulfillment and fast delivery times.
- Fastest international POD shipping I’ve tested
- Built for Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and Amazon
- API-ready with automation baked in
- Great for global stores, lower shipping emissions
Pros and Cons
Here’s how they stack up side by side.
| Feature | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Artists, illustrators, high-end Etsy stores | Global ecommerce, fast delivery, automation |
| Print Quality | Premium, handmade look | Good quality, consistent across regions |
| Custom Branding | Full white-label, custom labels, pack-ins | Limited (basic branding only) |
| Shipping Speed | Slower (5–12 days) | Fast (1–5 days globally) |
| Integrations | Shopify, Etsy | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Amazon |
| Fulfillment Locations | Canada | 130+ countries |
| Profit Margins | Higher if you sell premium | Lower per product but high volume possible |
Verdict:
- If you’re a hands-on creative and want a premium touch, Art of Where gives you more control.
- If you’re a systems-focused seller, Gelato scales faster and ships cheaper worldwide.
Key Features Compared
When I choose a POD partner for a new store, features are where I start. A good product catalog is one thing — but without strong tech, automation, and branding options, you’re leaving money on the table.
Let’s break down how Art of Where and Gelato stack up when it comes to core features:
Design Tools & Product Builder
Art of Where
- One of the most powerful custom design tools I’ve used.
- Especially great for cut-and-sew apparel like leggings, kimonos, and bodycon dresses.
- You can design across multiple fabric panels, which makes it perfect for seamless all-over prints.
- Layer control, colour matching, bleed areas — it’s built for creators who care about every inch.
Gelato
- More straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Drag-and-drop editor for placing art on mugs, shirts, wall art, etc.
- Clean interface but lacks deeper control over product customization.
- Best for scaling stores with simple mockups and fast product launches.
Verdict:
Art of Where wins if you’re detail-focused or doing complex apparel prints. Gelato is better for quick edits and speed to market.
Branding & White-Label Options
Art of Where
- Full white-label service. No Art of Where branding on anything.
- You can add:
- Custom clothing labels
- Branded stickers and packing slips
- Printed artist cards in every order
- Optional custom tissue paper and hand-folded packaging (extra cost)
This makes it perfect for high-end presentation and unboxing.
Gelato
- White-label by default, but limited customization.
- You can:
- Add your store name to packing slips
- Add a custom message or logo
- No physical branding add-ons, no branded stickers, no inserts
Verdict:
If you want a premium, branded unboxing experience, Art of Where gives you total control. Gelato keeps it simple — and minimal.
Mockup Generator
Art of Where
- Realistic, high-resolution mockups.
- Supports 3D views for some products.
- Great for selling visually rich products like patterned leggings or canvas wraps.
- You’ll get a good sense of how your designs wrap and stretch.
Gelato
- Mockups are clean, but basic.
- Flat front product images.
- You’ll need a third-party tool (like Placeit) for lifestyle or model shots.
Verdict:
Art of Where’s mockups look premium and artsy. Gelato’s are more functional, faster, and consistent — but lack wow factor.
Automation & Workflow
Art of Where
- Minimal automation unless you connect to Shopify or Etsy.
- Order fulfillment is semi-manual if you’re using other platforms.
- No real-time tracking dashboard.
- Better suited for smaller stores or boutique workflows.
Gelato
- Fully automated from order to delivery.
- Real-time dashboard shows:
- Order production status
- Print partner location
- Shipping and tracking details
- Built for high-volume sellers and global fulfillment.
Verdict:
Gelato wins for workflow and automation. If you’re processing 100+ orders a month, you need that efficiency.
API Access & Backend Tech
Art of Where
- No public API for developers.
- Meant to be used with native integrations or manual uploads.
- Not designed for enterprise automation or custom storefronts.
Gelato
- Open RESTful API with full documentation.
- Used by major ecommerce stores and custom dev teams.
- Lets you:
- Automate product creation
- Customize fulfillment flows
- Connect to CRMs, order systems, and marketplaces
Verdict:
For custom builds or multi-channel infrastructure, Gelato gives you way more flexibility under the hood.
Recap Table: Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Product Designer | Advanced, layered, fabric-level control | Simple, fast editor |
| Branding Options | Full: labels, stickers, cards, tissue | Basic: slip branding only |
| Mockups | High-res, 3D for apparel | Clean but flat |
| Automation | Minimal (unless Shopify/Etsy) | Full automation, dashboard |
| API Access | None | Full API support |
Product Catalogs: What Can You Sell?
The type of products you sell can make or break your store — especially if you’re building a brand or targeting a niche.
While both Art of Where and Gelato offer a decent range of print-on-demand products, their catalogs are aimed at completely different audiences.
Art of Where: Artist-Focused and Craft-Led Products
Art of Where feels like it was built with artists and illustrators in mind. It’s not just about slapping a logo on a t-shirt — it’s about creating visually rich, premium-looking products that show off original artwork.
Here’s what stands out in their catalog:
- Cut-and-sew apparel: This is where Art of Where shines. Items like leggings, yoga capris, bodycon dresses, and kimonos are made from scratch with your design printed directly on fabric panels before they’re stitched. It gives you a lot more control over how your artwork appears on the product — ideal for repeating patterns or detailed illustrations.
- Notebooks and sketchbooks: They offer hardcover and spiral-bound formats with custom printed covers. As someone who has sold art journals in the past, this is one of the best POD notebook offerings I’ve seen — high print quality, durable construction, and they feel premium in hand.
- Wall art: Canvas wraps, fine art prints, and posters with a focus on archival-quality paper and colour accuracy. Their canvas prints are printed and stretched by hand, which gives them a boutique feel that matches well with higher price points.
- Home goods: Cushion covers, pencil cases, makeup bags, beanies, and scarves — all featuring full-print designs. While not a huge part of their catalog, these items appeal to creative niches and aesthetic-focused buyers.
Niche Fit: Art of Where is ideal for Etsy sellers, independent artists, illustrators, and brands focused on high-end or artisan-quality goods. If your store is built around unique design and presentation, this platform’s product range fits right in.
Gelato: Scalable, Global, and Reliable Essentials
Gelato takes a much broader approach. Their catalog focuses on high-volume, universally appealing products that are easy to fulfill across different markets.
The entire system is built to ensure local print production in over 30 countries, so the products in their catalog are chosen with that operational scale in mind.
Here’s a breakdown of their strongest categories:
- Apparel: Basic unisex t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops, and kidswear. You’ll find all the standard options — Bella+Canvas, Gildan, and Stanley/Stella depending on the region. The selection is wide enough for general stores but doesn’t go into fashion-forward or niche-specific apparel like cut-and-sew.
- Wall art: This is one of their best-selling categories. Posters, framed prints, canvases, metal prints, and acrylic prints are all available with various sizes and finish options. The print quality is solid, and fulfillment is handled by regional partners to reduce delivery time and shipping costs.
- Stationery: Greeting cards, postcards, business cards, and notebooks. These products are more focused on B2B or gift-focused ecommerce than artistic niches, but they get the job done.
- Mugs and drinkware: Ceramic mugs, enamel mugs, tumblers, and water bottles. Good for evergreen designs and giftable products. Easy to customize and ship anywhere.
- Calendars, photo books, and promotional materials: Great for branded stores or B2B sellers. These are print-heavy items that are especially popular during Q4.
Niche Fit: Gelato is perfect for ecommerce stores that sell to broad audiences across many countries. If you’re testing designs, scaling ads, or building a dropshipping-style business model with consistent products and quick delivery — this catalog is built for you.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Product Type | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Cut-and-sew leggings | ✅ | ❌ |
| Basic t-shirts | ✅ | ✅ |
| Canvas prints | ✅ (handmade) | ✅ (automated) |
| Notebooks | ✅ (premium) | ✅ (simple) |
| Scarves, beanies | ✅ | ❌ |
| Posters | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mugs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Greeting cards | ❌ | ✅ |
| Photo books & calendars | ❌ | ✅ |
| Kids apparel | ❌ | ✅ |
If your store is built around premium handmade feel, full-print apparel, and artistic control — Art of Where is going to give you the product depth and quality that matches your brand identity.
But if you need a versatile product mix, faster fulfillment in multiple regions, and the ability to test hundreds of designs quickly — Gelato has the infrastructure and catalog that supports that kind of ecommerce growth.
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Pricing and Profit Margins
When you’re running a POD store, pricing directly affects your margins and how you scale. It’s not just about base costs — it’s about what you can sell for, how much you’re left with after fees, and whether your pricing fits the market you’re targeting.
I’ve run stores using both platforms and seen how pricing and profitability play out in the real world — so here’s what you need to know.
Art of Where Pricing: Premium Inputs, Premium Outputs
Art of Where leans into the craftsmanship angle, and their pricing reflects that.
You’re paying for:
- Local Canadian production
- Handmade packaging and finishing
- Higher-end materials
- Custom branding built in
Example Base Prices (USD):
- Leggings: $33.00
- Notebooks: $12.00 – $15.00
- Canvas Wraps: $29.00 – $45.00 depending on size
- Pencil Cases / Accessories: $10.00 – $15.00
- T-Shirts: ~$16.00 – $20.00 (varies by style)
Branding Costs:
- Custom labels: $2.00
- Pack-in cards: $0.75
- Branded tissue: Extra charge
Shipping:
- US: $6.00 – $10.00 depending on size and weight
- Canada: $5.00 – $8.00
- International: $10.00 – $20.00
Because everything ships from Montreal, international shipping can get expensive — and slow.
But here’s the thing: If your audience cares about quality, craftsmanship, and artist support, they’ll pay $60+ for leggings or $40 for a canvas. I’ve seen stores consistently hit those price points and hold healthy margins.
Gelato Pricing: Scale-Friendly and Competitive
Gelato is built for high-volume ecommerce with a global footprint. They partner with local print facilities in over 30 countries, so you’re not paying cross-border shipping on most orders.
Example Base Prices (USD):
- T-Shirts (Gildan 64000, Bella+Canvas 3001): $8.50 – $12.00
- Hoodies: $18.00 – $24.00
- Posters (12″x18″): $5.00 – $9.00
- Framed Prints: $20.00 – $45.00
- Mugs: $7.00 – $10.00
Shipping:
- Local delivery within same country: $3.50 – $6.00
- International (if no local printer nearby): $7.00 – $12.00
- Estimated delivery: 2–6 days
Branding Costs:
- Packing slip with your store name: Free
- No pack-ins or physical branding options
They also offer tiered volume discounts, especially if you’re pushing through a lot of orders per month. That adds up over time.
Real Profitability Examples
Let’s say you’re selling a unisex t-shirt at $29.99.
| Platform | Base Cost | Shipping (US) | Branding | Total Cost | Profit @ $29.99 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art of Where | $16.00 | $8.00 | $2.00 | $26.00 | ~$4.00 |
| Gelato | $9.60 | $4.90 | Free | $14.50 | ~$15.49 |
Now switch that to leggings, which have higher perceived value.
| Platform | Base Cost | Shipping (US) | Branding | Total Cost | Profit @ $59.99 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art of Where | $33.00 | $9.00 | $2.00 | $44.00 | ~$15.99 |
| Gelato | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ❌ Not available |
For premium goods like leggings, Art of Where gives you more pricing power — but for volume-based products like tees and mugs, Gelato eats less of your margin.
Subscription or Monthly Fees?
- Art of Where: No monthly fee, pay-as-you-go only.
- Gelato: Free tier available. Paid plans (Gelato+ or Gelato+ Gold) offer:
- Lower product prices
- Branded order slips
- Extra profit margin
- Starts at $14.99/month — worth it if you’re doing consistent volume.
If you’re a premium brand targeting art lovers, collectors, or niche audiences — Art of Where supports higher retail pricing, and your profit margin can hold up even with high product and shipping costs.
If you’re scaling a general store or need aggressive profit margins to run paid ads — Gelato offers better costs per unit and lower shipping, especially if you’re selling worldwide.
Fulfillment, Production and Shipping Speed
Fulfillment and shipping can make or break your customer experience — especially if you’re running paid traffic, launching limited drops, or just trying to keep refund rates low.
I’ve personally dealt with angry DMs, chargebacks, and 1-star reviews simply because an order got stuck in customs or sat in a warehouse for a week. This stuff matters.
Let’s look at how Art of Where and Gelato handle production and delivery, and where each platform fits in terms of speed, reliability, and scale.
Art of Where: In-House Fulfillment with Slower Output
Art of Where keeps everything under one roof in Montreal, Canada — from printing to packaging. That’s great for quality control, but it’s not built for speed.
Here’s what to expect:
Production Times:
- Standard production: 4 to 7 business days
- Busy seasons (Q4): Can stretch to 10+ business days
- Handmade items (e.g. leggings, books): Tend to take longer due to cut-and-sew or binding processes
Shipping Times:
- USA: 5–10 business days
- Canada: 3–7 business days
- International: 10–21 business days (depending on customs)
Shipping is handled via Canada Post, USPS, or DHL depending on destination and method chosen.
Tracking:
- Yes, tracking is provided for all shipments
- Tracking syncs to your store if you’re using Shopify or Etsy
- Manual tracking if you’re placing orders manually
Key Limitations:
- All products ship from Canada only. So even US buyers are technically “international” — meaning longer delivery windows.
- No expedited fulfillment or rush order upgrades.
- No real-time production dashboard — updates are done via order page only.
Ideal for: Stores focused on craftsmanship and quality over delivery speed. Great for gift stores, Etsy shops, or made-to-order art shops where customers expect a wait for custom goods.
Gelato: Global Fulfillment Engine Built for Speed
Gelato’s entire system is built on distributed local printing. They’ve partnered with 130+ production hubs across 32+ countries — so the product is printed as close to the customer as possible.
That means faster delivery, lower shipping costs, and fewer customs delays.
Production Times:
- Typical turnaround: 1 to 3 business days
- 90%+ of my orders with them ship out in under 48 hours
- This applies to mugs, shirts, wall art, and stationery
Shipping Times:
- Local delivery (US, UK, EU): 2–4 business days after production
- Cross-border shipping: 5–10 days if there’s no local facility for a specific product
- Express options: Available for many regions (FedEx, DHL, local couriers)
Tracking:
- Full tracking on every order
- Integrated with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce, and others
- Real-time updates in the Gelato dashboard
Global Coverage:
- Key production hubs in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, and more
- 90% of orders are produced within the same country as the customer
- Reduces shipping emissions and speeds up delivery times
Ideal for: High-volume ecommerce stores, international dropshipping, or businesses scaling with paid traffic. If you’re running ads, doing influencer campaigns, or need consistent, fast delivery — Gelato is the platform you want.
Real Delivery Time Comparison
| Scenario | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| US customer orders t-shirt | 7–14 days (from Canada) | 3–5 days (US production) |
| UK customer orders poster | 10–20 days (intl shipping) | 2–4 days (UK printer) |
| Australia customer orders mug | 14–21 days | 2–5 days |
| Christmas/Q4 order delays | Common | Less common (distributed load) |
Verdict on Fulfillment Speed
If I’m launching a limited merch drop or want to guarantee fast delivery to global customers, Gelato is the clear winner. Their local print model is exactly what modern ecommerce needs — fast, scalable, and efficient.
But if I’m selling art prints or custom-designed products where customers understand there’s a wait, and I want total control over production quality — Art of Where still holds its own.
Ecommerce Integrations
If you’re like me, you’ve probably bounced between platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and even BigCommerce depending on your niche or testing goals.
Here’s the truth: Print-on-demand means nothing if the integrations are clunky. Every extra step, every manual order, every sync error — it all eats into your time and profit.
That’s why integrations matter so much. You want a setup where your storefront and fulfillment partner talk to each other smoothly, without you chasing order confirmations or re-uploading files manually.
Let’s look at how Art of Where and Gelato stack up when it comes to ecommerce platform integrations.
Art of Where: Good Enough for Etsy & Shopify, But That’s It
Art of Where supports two main ecommerce platforms:
Shopify
- Seamless integration
- Orders auto-sync once a customer checks out
- You can create and publish products directly from Art of Where into Shopify
- Inventory management is smooth
- Branding options (like custom labels or pack-ins) can be toggled per product
My experience: It works well once set up. Slight learning curve, but solid overall.
Etsy
- Product push works directly into Etsy
- Order sync is consistent
- Art of Where respects Etsy’s customisation workflows and branding rules
- Order tracking automatically updates on Etsy when shipped
My experience: Reliable, especially for art and stationery stores.
No Native Support for:
- WooCommerce
- BigCommerce
- Amazon
- Squarespace
- Wix
- Custom storefronts (unless you’re doing everything manually)
You can technically run a store using Art of Where without integrations, but you’ll be stuck entering orders manually, uploading files every time, and checking tracking manually. It’s doable, but not scalable.
Best for: Creatives selling on Shopify or Etsy only. If your whole business runs through those two, you’re good. If you’re planning multi-platform expansion, you’ll hit limits.
Gelato: Broad, Developer-Friendly Integration Stack
Gelato was built with automation and scale in mind. It’s one of the most integration-friendly POD platforms I’ve used — and the setup process is smoother than most competitors.
Here’s what they support out of the box:
Shopify
- One-click integration
- Syncs products and variants
- Real-time order sync
- Tracks fulfilment and shipping in the dashboard
- Supports multiple stores
WooCommerce
- Direct plugin support
- Order sync is reliable
- Product publishing from Gelato to WooCommerce available
- Order tracking updates automatically
Etsy
- Seamless product and order integration
- Tracks all fulfilment data
- Auto-syncs product names, SKUs, prices, and descriptions
BigCommerce
- Full native integration
- Syncs products, SKUs, and orders
- Automatically updates shipping and tracking
- Still improving UX but functional
Amazon (via API)
- Not plug-and-play, but can connect with Gelato via API or middleware
- Best used with developers or experienced Amazon sellers
- Useful for FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) models
API Access & Developer Tools
If you’re running a custom ecommerce stack or using platforms like Magento or Squarespace, Gelato offers a robust REST API.
Features include:
- Product creation
- Order submission
- Shipping rate lookups
- Order status updates
- Integration with CRMs or ERPs
I’ve worked with devs to connect Gelato to marketplaces and private stores. If you’ve got the dev support, you can build just about anything with it.
Integration Recap Table
| Platform | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | ✅ | ✅ |
| Etsy | ✅ | ✅ |
| WooCommerce | ❌ | ✅ |
| BigCommerce | ❌ | ✅ |
| Amazon | ❌ | ✅ (via API) |
| Squarespace/Wix | ❌ | ✅ (via Zapier/API) |
| Custom store/API | ❌ | ✅ |
Verdict on Ecommerce Integrations
If you’re building a boutique brand on Etsy or Shopify, Art of Where does enough. But that’s where it stops.
If you’re aiming to scale across multiple platforms, test new channels, or run a serious ecommerce operation with automation — Gelato offers way more flexibility and reliability.
I’ve used Gelato for everything from a small UK-based art store to a US general merch store that ran daily TikTok ads. The integrations held up across Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy without needing dev help — that’s a huge win when you’re managing a lean team.
Ease of Use
If you’ve ever juggled 20 open tabs while trying to launch a product, you already know this: ease of use isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s critical.
When a platform is clunky, it eats up time. When it’s intuitive, you launch faster, scale faster, and spend less time fixing problems. That’s especially true if you’re a solo founder, creative, or small ecommerce team.
So let’s look at how Art of Where and Gelato stack up in terms of setup, dashboard usability, product creation, and overall workflow.
Art of Where: Great Design Tools, But Clunky Workflow
There’s a lot to like about Art of Where — especially if you’re an artist or designer who wants control. But the backend experience can feel a bit dated and manual, especially if you’re used to more automated systems.
Setup Process:
- Account creation is simple and fast
- Connecting Shopify or Etsy takes a few clicks
- No walkthroughs or onboarding tutorials (you’re on your own to figure it out)
Dashboard & Navigation:
- Functional but not slick
- You’ll find what you need, but it takes some clicking around
- Manual tasks like creating products, checking orders, and editing mockups take time
Product Creation:
- The product designer is powerful, especially for apparel and accessories
- Full control over every part of the design (front, back, seams, trim)
- But you’ll spend longer creating each item compared to platforms like Gelato
Order Management:
- Orders show up clearly once placed
- No live order tracking dashboard — you need to click into each order to check status
- If you’re manually uploading orders (not using Shopify or Etsy), it’s a time sink
My Take:
Art of Where is built for artisans and artists, not for marketers or systems people. It’s a solid fit if you’re launching a small Etsy brand or boutique Shopify store, but it’s not designed for fast scaling or bulk operations.
Gelato: Built for Scale, Clean UI, and Easy to Learn
Gelato feels like a modern SaaS platform. The UI is clean, the flows are intuitive, and everything from order sync to shipping updates happens in real time. If you’re running stores at scale or moving fast, it saves hours.
Setup Process:
- Guided onboarding for new users
- Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce in a few clicks
- Built-in product templates make first product creation fast
Dashboard & Navigation:
- Clean interface with sidebar navigation
- Everything is where you’d expect it to be
- Built to handle one store or multiple stores with the same account
Product Creation:
- Templates for shirts, mugs, wall art, stationery, and more
- Easy-to-use editor — drag, drop, adjust
- You can publish products directly to your store in minutes
Order Management:
- Real-time dashboard shows:
- Production status (e.g. printing, packing, shipped)
- Fulfillment location
- Estimated delivery windows
- You get auto-notifications for delays or issues
Extra Usability Perks:
- Bulk product imports and exports
- Product duplication for fast variant creation
- You can even pause production or cancel orders pre-fulfillment
My Take:
Gelato is built for sellers who want to move fast, test ideas, and keep their systems tight. If you’re juggling multiple stores, managing VAs, or scaling with paid ads — this setup makes your life a lot easier.
Ease of Use Comparison
| Feature | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Speed | Moderate | Fast |
| Product Designer | Very detailed, hands-on | Simple, fast |
| Dashboard UX | Functional | Clean and modern |
| Order Management | Manual steps | Real-time dashboard |
| Multi-store Support | Limited | Full support |
| Onboarding Help | Minimal | Guided onboarding & help docs |
Verdict on Ease of Use
If you’re an artist who likes having full design control and you’re only selling on Etsy or Shopify, Art of Where can work. But be ready for a more hands-on, manual process.
If you want a modern, scalable platform that handles fulfillment and admin while you focus on growth, Gelato is clearly ahead. It’s one of the most intuitive POD platforms I’ve worked with, and it’s built with systems and scale in mind.
Customer Support & Reliability
Here’s something you don’t think about until it’s too late: customer support is make-or-break in POD.
I’ve dealt with lost shipments, print defects, incorrect SKUs, and holiday season chaos. When that happens, you don’t want to send an email and wait three days for a reply. You want fast, clear, human support — and you want it without begging for attention.
So how do Art of Where and Gelato actually stack up when you need help?
Art of Where: Helpful People, Slower Response Times
Art of Where’s support is small, responsive — but not fast. You’ll get help, but you might wait a while.
Support Channels:
- Email support only (no live chat or phone)
- Support hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm EST
- No weekend or overnight coverage
Response Times:
- Emails usually answered within 24–48 hours
- During Q4 or high-volume times, it can take 2–3 days
- If you follow up, they do respond — but don’t expect same-day solutions
Knowledge Base:
- Decent library of help docs
- Covers basics of product creation, branding, fulfillment, and troubleshooting
- Not searchable or very user-friendly — you’ll be clicking around a lot
Real Experience:
- The team is friendly and willing to help
- They’ve resolved missing packages and reprinted orders for me without too much friction
- But the lack of urgency is tough when a customer is blowing up your inbox
Best for: Sellers who aren’t in a rush, have lower order volumes, or run a store where a 1-2 day wait isn’t a dealbreaker.
Gelato: 24/7 Support That’s Built to Scale
Gelato’s support is clearly designed with global sellers and high-volume stores in mind. It’s fast, professional, and available at all hours — which makes a huge difference when you’re handling time-sensitive issues.
Support Channels:
- 24/7 live chat
- Email support
- Help button directly inside the dashboard
- High-tier users (Gelato+ Gold) get priority support access
Response Times:
- Live chat replies in under 5 minutes (from my experience — even at 2am)
- Email replies typically within a few hours
- They follow up to confirm issue resolution
Knowledge Base:
- Well-organized, searchable, and constantly updated
- Includes:
- Video walkthroughs
- Troubleshooting guides
- Integration tutorials
- Regional product info
Real Experience:
- I’ve had tracking issues and a few quality problems
- Gelato’s team responded quickly, reprinted without drama, and even refunded shipping in one case
- Their automated alerts also notify you if something in production gets stuck — which lets you jump in before your customer even notices
Best for: Sellers who rely on fast response times, sell internationally, or run multiple stores. If you’re working across time zones or selling in volume, Gelato’s support team helps keep things moving.
Customer Support Comparison
| Feature | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | ❌ | ✅ 24/7 |
| Email Support | ✅ (Weekdays only) | ✅ (24/7) |
| Phone Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| Help Docs | Basic | Robust, searchable |
| Response Time | 24–72 hours | 5–60 minutes |
| Proactive Updates | ❌ | ✅ |
| Weekend Support | ❌ | ✅ |
Verdict on Support
If you’re running a side project or small Etsy store, Art of Where’s support might be enough — just don’t expect fast resolutions or weekend help.
But if you’re serious about ecommerce and need a partner that can jump in at any hour — especially during Q4, product launches, or ad pushes — Gelato offers a far more dependable support system.
Fast support isn’t just a bonus — it saves sales, protects your reputation, and reduces refund rates.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
After running multiple POD stores across Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce — I can confidently say there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
Art of Where and Gelato serve two completely different types of ecommerce sellers.
If you’re trying to choose between them, it comes down to what you’re selling, who you’re selling to, and how fast you need to scale.
Choose Art of Where if you’re:
- An artist, illustrator, or creative focused on design-first products
- Selling premium, handcrafted-looking items on Etsy or Shopify
- Building a brand where unboxing and presentation matter
- Targeting a niche audience that expects quality over speed
- OK with slower shipping if the product justifies the price
Art of Where shines in craftsmanship and design control, especially for people selling journals, custom leggings, fine art prints, and boutique fashion accessories.
Choose Gelato if you’re:
- Scaling a general ecommerce or print store internationally
- Running paid ads and need fast fulfillment
- Managing multiple stores or selling through WooCommerce, Amazon, etc.
- Looking for automated workflows and time-saving systems
- Prioritizing speed, volume, and consistent delivery
Gelato is built for systems-focused ecommerce operators who need products fulfilled globally, fast — and without babysitting the process.
When You Might Want to Use Both
Believe it or not, I’ve seen store owners (myself included) use both platforms in parallel — because they each fill different needs:
Example setup:
- Use Art of Where for a premium Etsy line: notebooks, leggings, art prints.
- Use Gelato for a mass-market Shopify store: mugs, posters, t-shirts, and gifts.
This gives you:
- Premium branding and design control in your niche store
- Scalable, fast-shipping inventory for global reach
You keep your art audience happy, while using Gelato to cash flow the business with volume.
Full Comparison Table: Art of Where vs Gelato
| Feature | Art of Where | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Artists, creatives, premium Etsy brands | Scalable ecommerce, global reach |
| Product Quality | High-end, handmade feel | Standard, consistent across locations |
| Custom Branding | Labels, pack-ins, tissue paper | Basic slip branding only |
| Apparel Options | Cut-and-sew leggings, kimonos | Standard tees, hoodies, sweatshirts |
| Fulfillment Speed | 4–10 days production + longer ship times | 1–3 days production + local delivery |
| Shipping Locations | Ships from Canada only | 130+ local production hubs |
| Integrations | Shopify, Etsy only | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Amazon, API |
| Ease of Use | Great design tool, clunky backend | Fast, clean, scalable dashboard |
| Support Speed | Email-only, slow replies | 24/7 live chat, fast resolutions |
| Profit Margins | Higher per product, lower volume | Lower per product, higher volume potential |
| Mockups | High-quality, realistic | Functional, but basic |
| Pricing Plans | Pay-as-you-go | Free tier + Paid Gelato+ with discounts |
My Final Take
If you’re building a brand that stands out visually, where every product feels personal and unique — go with Art of Where.
If you’re running a business that needs speed, automation, and international scale — Gelato will get you there faster and with less overhead.
There’s no wrong choice — just the right fit for the stage and style of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sell on both Shopify and Etsy with Art of Where?
Yes — Art of Where offers native integrations with both Shopify and Etsy. You can publish products directly from your Art of Where dashboard to your store and receive automated order syncing and tracking updates. Just note that those are the only two platforms they support natively — if you’re on WooCommerce, Amazon, or others, you’ll have to handle orders manually.
2. Does Gelato work with Amazon or WooCommerce?
Yes — Gelato integrates with both platforms:
- WooCommerce: Direct plugin with full product sync, order tracking, and fulfillment automation.
- Amazon: Not a direct plugin, but API access is available for Amazon FBM sellers, or you can connect using middleware like Order Desk or custom setups.
If you’re scaling across multiple sales channels, Gelato is a better fit than Art of Where.
3. Which platform gives me better profit margins?
It depends on your product type and pricing strategy:
- Art of Where has higher base product costs, but their premium products (like custom leggings and notebooks) can command higher retail prices, which gives you solid margins on the right audience.
- Gelato has lower base prices and shipping. If you’re selling t-shirts or posters at scale, your profit per order is often higher on Gelato — especially with Gelato+ pricing discounts.
4. Which platform is better for international orders?
Gelato wins for international fulfillment — no contest. Their global network of 130+ production hubs means orders are printed close to the customer, cutting delivery time and customs risk. Art of Where ships everything from Canada, which slows down international delivery significantly.
5. Can I customize the packaging with either platform?
Yes — but only one offers full branding options:
- Art of Where: Offers custom labels, stickers, pack-in cards, tissue paper, and full white-label packaging.
- Gelato: Offers branding on packing slips only (e.g. your logo, store name, and a short message). No physical branding or inserts.
If your brand relies on a premium unboxing experience, Art of Where is the clear choice.
6. Which one is faster at processing and shipping orders?
Gelato is significantly faster:
- Gelato production: 1–3 business days
- Gelato shipping: 2–5 days (local delivery in most countries)
Art of Where takes:
- Production: 4–10 business days (longer for custom apparel or during Q4)
- Shipping: 5–21 business days, especially international
7. Is there a monthly subscription fee for either platform?
- Art of Where: No monthly fees. You only pay when an order is placed.
- Gelato: Has a free tier, but also offers Gelato+ and Gelato+ Gold plans:
- Gelato+: $14.99/month, gives you discounted product pricing, branded packing slips, and extra support features.
- If you’re doing volume, the subscription can pay for itself quickly through product savings.
8. Do either of these platforms handle customer service for my buyers?
No — neither Gelato nor Art of Where offer end-customer support. You’re responsible for managing your store’s customer service (returns, questions, complaints).
However:
- Both platforms offer merchant support if there are issues with production, shipping, or product defects.
- Gelato’s 24/7 live chat support gives you much faster access to help when resolving customer complaints.
9. Can I use both platforms for different product types?
Yes — and many sellers do.
For example:
- Use Art of Where for custom-designed journals, art prints, leggings, or boutique-style products on Etsy.
- Use Gelato for fast-moving items like mugs, t-shirts, and posters on a global Shopify store.
This approach lets you balance quality and scale, and keep your production diversified.
10. Which platform is better for beginners?
If you’re just getting started:
- Gelato is easier to set up and manage. The UI is cleaner, integrations are more reliable, and the support is fast. Ideal for Shopify or WooCommerce beginners.
- Art of Where is great if you’re a designer or artist and want full creative control, but there’s a learning curve and more manual setup.
If speed and simplicity matter, start with Gelato.
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