Which custom apparel platform is better for your business? Here's an honest breakdown.
Bear Grips Pro Shops is not just another print-on-demand platform. We're a full-service branded apparel solution built by a fitness brand with 10+ years in the space. Our catalog is intentionally curated — every product is a best-seller backed by analytics from real vendor sales. That means higher profit margins for you, happier customers, and no wasted time ordering samples to figure out which t-shirt actually works. Free shipping on every order. No minimums. Done-for-you design on VIP. And a built-in affiliate program that pays you for referrals.
Society6 is a artist marketplace focused on home decor, art prints, and apparel. Artists who want to sell art on home decor and accessories alongside apparel.
Their pricing: Free to list, fixed artist margins on most products
Their model: Artist marketplace focused on home decor, art prints, and apparel
Integrations: Standalone marketplace only
| Feature | Bear Grips | Society6 |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Free, $59/mo VIP, $109/mo DFY VIP | Free to list, fixed artist margins on most products |
| Product Catalog | Data-driven curated catalog — best sellers across all vendors, no guesswork | 80+ products — you figure out what sells |
| Shipping | Free shipping on every order | Paid shipping, 3-10 business days |
| 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 | Paid shipping, 3-10 business days |
| Target Audience | Any business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators + more | Artists who want to sell art on home decor and accessories alongside apparel |
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.
Society6 offers marketplace traffic but at the cost of your brand. You can't build real customer relationships or control pricing.
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 gives you everything Society6 doesn't: free shipping, a free storefront, and a curated catalog so you never waste time guessing what sells.
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