Bear Grips

Bear Grips Pro Shops

2026 COMPARISON

Bear Grips vs Society6

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 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.

What is Society6?

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

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
Society6
  • Paid shipping, 3-10 business days
  • Free to list, fixed artist margins on most products
  • No done-for-you design service
  • 80+ products — you figure out what sells
  • No affiliate program or limited
  • Paid shipping, 3-10 business days
  • No minimums

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureBear GripsSociety6
Monthly FeeFree, $59/mo VIP, $109/mo DFY VIPFree to list, fixed artist margins on most products
Product CatalogData-driven curated catalog — best sellers across all vendors, no guesswork80+ products — you figure out what sells
ShippingFree shipping on every orderPaid shipping, 3-10 business 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, 3-10 business days
Target AudienceAny business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators + moreArtists who want to sell art on home decor and accessories alongside apparel

What Each Platform Does Well

Bear Grips Pro Shops

  • Every signup gets an affiliate link automatically — two income streams from day one
  • VIP pricing saves $4–$11 per item compared to free tier
  • Built by a fitness brand with 10+ years in the apparel space
  • Works for any business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators, and more
  • Personal support from a team that understands branded merch

Society6

  • Beautiful marketplace for art-focused products
  • Home decor + apparel
  • Built-in audience
  • No upfront costs
  • Artist community

Where Society6 Falls Short — and How Bear Grips Solves It

Society6
Very low artist margins on most items
Bear Grips
Full control over pricing and profit margins
Society6
No branding or shop customization
Bear Grips
Your own branded shop
Society6
Can't set your own prices on most items
Bear Grips
Done-for-you design service
Society6
Heavy competition
Bear Grips
Free shipping included
Society6
Not suited for business merch
Bear Grips
Curated catalog of proven best-sellers — no guesswork

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

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.

Make the switch — start selling custom apparel the easier way

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.

Start Your Free Shop →

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