Bear Grips

Bear Grips Pro Shops

2026 COMPARISON

Bear Grips vs Contrado

Which custom apparel platform is better for your business? Here's an honest breakdown.

What is Bear Grips Pro Shops?

Bear Grips Pro Shops is a custom athletic apparel platform where businesses get their own branded online shop — no Shopify needed, no coding, no inventory. What makes us different? Our catalog is curated from real sales data. We track what sells best across all our vendors and give you those proven winners. No scrolling through 900 products hoping you pick the right one. Free shipping is always included. Our VIP plans unlock lower base prices and a done-for-you design service. Every account earns through our built-in affiliate program.

What is Contrado?

Contrado is a premium pod with handmade production in london. Fashion designers who want premium, handmade-in-London quality for high-end products.

Their pricing: No monthly fee, premium pricing per item

Their model: Premium POD with handmade production in London

Integrations: Shopify, WooCommerce, standalone shop

At a Glance

Bear Grips Pro Shops
  • Free shipping on every order
  • $0 to start — free plan available
  • Done-for-you design service on VIP
  • Curated best-seller catalog — data-driven, no guesswork
  • Built-in affiliate program (10% recurring + $1/unit)
  • USA printing, ~1 week delivery
  • No minimums — sell 1 at a time
Contrado
  • Paid shipping, handmade items take 2-7 days
  • No monthly fee, premium pricing per item
  • No done-for-you design service
  • 450+ products — you figure out what sells
  • No affiliate program or limited
  • Paid shipping, handmade items take 2-7 days
  • No minimums

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureBear GripsContrado
Monthly FeeFree, $59/mo VIP, $109/mo DFY VIPNo monthly fee, premium pricing per item
Product CatalogData-driven curated catalog — best sellers across all vendors, no guesswork450+ products — you figure out what sells
ShippingFree shipping on every orderPaid shipping, handmade items take 2-7 days
BrandsNike, Champion, Bella+Canvas, Sport-Tek, Next Level + moreVaries
Design ServiceDone-for-you on VIP ($109/mo)No done-for-you design service
Affiliate Program10% recurring + $1/unit sold by referralsNo affiliate program or limited
MinimumsNo minimums — sell 1 at a timeNo minimums
Shipping Speed~1 week, USA printingPaid shipping, handmade items take 2-7 days
Target AudienceAny business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators + moreFashion designers who want premium, handmade-in-London quality for high-end products

What Each Platform Does Well

Bear Grips Pro Shops

  • No minimums — sell one item at a time, zero inventory risk
  • USA printing with ~1 week delivery to your customers
  • Premium brands: Nike, Champion, Bella+Canvas, Sport-Tek, Next Level
  • Your own branded shop included — no Shopify or third-party platform needed
  • $0 to start with the free plan — upgrade when you're ready

Contrado

  • Handmade quality in London
  • Unique products (bags, homeware, fashion)
  • All-over print and cut & sew
  • Premium positioning
  • 450+ products

Where Contrado Falls Short — and How Bear Grips Solves It

Contrado
Premium pricing (expensive base costs)
Bear Grips
USA-based printing and shipping
Contrado
Ships from UK (slower/costlier to US)
Bear Grips
Free shipping included
Contrado
Not suited for budget merch
Bear Grips
Competitive VIP pricing
Contrado
Small seller community
Bear Grips
Done-for-you design service
Contrado
Niche positioning
Bear Grips
Built-in affiliate program

Before comparing platforms, many businesses start with a local print shop. Here's the problem:

  • High minimums — most shops require 50-100+ pieces per design
  • Thousands upfront — you're paying for inventory before selling a single item
  • Sitting on inventory — unsold boxes in your back room or garage
  • Limited selection — stuck with one color, one product, whatever they have in stock
  • Never updated — your local shop isn't tracking apparel trends, seasons, or new styles
  • You handle shipping — packing and mailing is on you

Bear Grips Pro Shops eliminates all of this. Zero inventory, zero minimums, zero upfront costs. We print and ship each order directly to your customer with free shipping. And we're constantly adding new products to keep your shop current with the latest styles and trends.

The Verdict

Contrado is a capable platform for fashion designers who want premium, handmade-in-london quality for high-end products. But for a full branded apparel shop with free shipping and done-for-you support, Bear Grips is the stronger choice.

If you want a branded athletic custom apparel shop with a curated best-seller catalog, free shipping, and done-for-you design support — Bear Grips Pro Shops is the better choice.

Make the switch — start selling custom apparel the easier way

Bear Grips Pro Shops gives you everything Contrado doesn't: free shipping, a free storefront, and a curated catalog so you never waste time guessing what sells.

Start Your Free Shop →

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