Which custom apparel platform is better for your business? Here's an honest breakdown.
Bear Grips Pro Shops helps businesses launch branded custom apparel without the usual headaches. No inventory. No minimums. No shipping fees. We curate our product catalog based on actual sales analytics — every item is a proven best-seller across our vendor network. That saves you time, money, and the guesswork of figuring out which products your community will love. Our Done-for-You VIP plan even handles design. And every account automatically gets an affiliate link — refer other businesses and earn 10% recurring + $1 per unit they sell.
Merch by Amazon is a amazon marketplace pod — designs printed on amazon products, sold on amazon.com. Designers who want access to Amazon's massive audience and can handle intense competition.
Their pricing: Free (invite only), Amazon sets base price, you earn royalties
Their model: Amazon marketplace POD — designs printed on Amazon products, sold on Amazon.com
Integrations: Amazon.com only
| Feature | Bear Grips | Merch by Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Free, $59/mo VIP, $109/mo DFY VIP | Free (invite only), Amazon sets base price, you earn royalties |
| Product Catalog | Data-driven curated catalog — best sellers across all vendors, no guesswork | 20+ products — you figure out what sells |
| Shipping | Free shipping on every order | Amazon Prime shipping available |
| Brands | Nike, Champion, Bella+Canvas, Sport-Tek, Next Level + more | Varies |
| Design Service | Done-for-you on VIP ($109/mo) | No done-for-you design service |
| Affiliate Program | 10% recurring + $1/unit sold by referrals | No affiliate program or limited |
| Minimums | No minimums — sell 1 at a time | No minimums |
| Shipping Speed | ~1 week, USA printing | Amazon Prime shipping available |
| Target Audience | Any business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators + more | Designers who want access to Amazon's massive audience and can handle intense competition |
Before comparing platforms, many businesses start with a local print shop. Here's the problem:
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.
Merch by Amazon is a capable platform for designers who want access to amazon's massive audience and can handle intense competition. 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.
Unlike Merch by Amazon, Bear Grips includes free shipping, a free branded storefront, and a built-in affiliate program. Start selling custom apparel with zero risk.
Start Your Free Shop →Premium streetwear POD with cut & sew
Large catalog, global fulfillment
Price comparison across print providers
Local production in 32 countries