Which custom apparel platform is better for your business? Here's an honest breakdown.
Bear Grips Pro Shops is a print-on-demand custom apparel platform built for businesses of all types — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, salons, trades, and more. You get a fully branded online shop with a curated catalog of proven best-sellers. Every product in our catalog is backed by real sales data across all our vendors, so you're not guessing what works — you're selling what's already proven. Free shipping is included on every order, and our Done-for-You VIP plan handles design for you. Plus, every account comes with a built-in affiliate program to earn passive income.
Printful is a general pod marketplace + fulfillment. Sellers who want maximum marketplace integrations and a huge catalog.
Their pricing: No monthly fee. Higher per-item cost. Subscription plans ($24.99-$49.99/mo) for discounts.
Their model: General POD marketplace + fulfillment
Integrations: Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Squarespace, Wix, BigCommerce
| Feature | Bear Grips | Printful |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Free, $59/mo VIP, $109/mo DFY VIP | No monthly fee. Higher per-item cost. Subscription plans ($24.99-$49.99/mo) for discounts. |
| Product Catalog | Data-driven curated catalog — best sellers across all vendors, no guesswork | 400+ products — you figure out what sells |
| Shipping | Free shipping on every order | Paid shipping, 2-7 business days US |
| Brands | Nike, Champion, Bella+Canvas, Sport-Tek, Next Level + more | Wide selection including Bella+Canvas, Gildan |
| Design Service | Done-for-you on VIP ($109/mo) | No done-for-you design service |
| Affiliate Program | 10% recurring + $1/unit sold by referrals | Affiliate program (10% for 12 months) |
| Minimums | No minimums — sell 1 at a time | No minimums |
| Shipping Speed | ~1 week, USA printing | Paid shipping, 2-7 business days US |
| Target Audience | Any business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators + more | Sellers who want maximum marketplace integrations and a huge catalog |
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.
Printful is a solid platform with a huge catalog and global reach. But you pay for shipping, pay higher per-item costs, and don't get design help unless you do it yourself.
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.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: curated best-seller catalog, free shipping on every order, built-in mockup editor, and a done-for-you design option. Start free — no contracts.
Start Your Free Shop →Price comparison across print providers
Local production in 32 countries
Creator-first monetization platform
Free online shop by Spreadshirt