How TidyMerch achieved 100% growth in one year with GelatoConnect

TidyMerch, a leader in custom apparel and merchandise, has experienced phenomenal growth since adopting GelatoConnect. In just one year, they’ve doubled their revenue and expanded their product lines—without adding a single staff member or machine. Charlie Saunders, CEO of TidyMerch, shares the strategies that powered this remarkable growth.

From the moment TidyMerch adopted GelatoConnect, they saw almost immediate results, with a 19% revenue increase in the first week alone. Today, their revenue is up 100% compared to last year, achieved without expanding their workforce or production line. “We are now achieving 100% growth compared to a year ago, without taking on any more machines or staff,” Saunders shared.

This efficiency stems from GelatoConnect’s ability to harness unused assets. For instance, TidyMerch activated a previously idle mug printing machine, allowing them to quickly add custom mugs to their product offerings – even during peak season. Saunders explained, “Two weeks ago we said: ‘Let’s try adding mugs.’ We were a bit nervous because peak had started, but without adding another person to the team we managed to get out 100 mugs on the first day without any delays, or affecting any other output within the warehouse.”

By automating key processes, GelatoConnect enabled TidyMerch to double their packaging efficiency. “Our output is close to 100% greater than last year thanks to automated label printing,” Saunders noted. This automation has been crucial to handling the increased volume without impacting order fulfillment speed.

The savings extend beyond the warehouse, too. With optimized shipping through GelatoConnect, TidyMerch has reduced their average shipping cost per package by nearly 40%. “In terms of savings, we’re looking at close to 40% savings in shipping cost per item on average,” Saunders confirmed. Combined with a slight 30% increase in inventory value to meet demand, these efficiencies have allowed TidyMerch to handle higher volumes with less capital tied up in storage.

A standout feature for TidyMerch has been the GelatoConnect mobile app, which allows the team to manage operations on the go. This has proven invaluable, especially during high-demand periods when speed is essential. “My team uses the GelatoConnect mobile app daily. To be able to check something like dispatch overview either in the warehouse or out on the run is a game-changer. Speed is so important, and being able to solve issues in a click is remarkable,” Saunders shared.

With GelatoConnect’s mobile capabilities and robust software backing them, TidyMerch’s team feels confident in their ability to maintain and even accelerate growth. “We feel powerful with Gelato’s software backing us up,” Saunders added.

Want to learn more about TidyMerch’s journey?

Watch the full podcast to hear directly from Charlie Saunders on how GelatoConnect transformed TidyMerch’s operations.

For more insights on how GelatoConnect can help your business scale, visit us at www.gelato.com/connect