Which custom apparel platform is better for your business? Here's an honest breakdown.
Bear Grips Pro Shops is a premium print-on-demand platform for athletic custom apparel. We built it because most POD platforms dump thousands of products on you and say "figure it out." We take the opposite approach — our catalog is curated using real sales data from our vendor network. Every product is a proven performer. That means your customers get items they'll love, and you get higher margins without burning cash on samples. Free shipping included. No order minimums. Done-for-you design service available. Built-in affiliate program for passive income.
Tapstitch is a premium pod focusing on all-over print and cut & sew. Fashion brands and streetwear designers who want unique all-over print and cut & sew products.
Their pricing: No monthly fee, pay per order
Their model: Premium POD focusing on all-over print and cut & sew
Integrations: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce
| Feature | Bear Grips | Tapstitch |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Free, $59/mo VIP, $109/mo DFY VIP | No monthly fee, pay per order |
| Product Catalog | Data-driven curated catalog — best sellers across all vendors, no guesswork | 150+ products — you figure out what sells |
| Shipping | Free shipping on every order | Paid shipping, 3-7 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, 3-7 business days |
| Target Audience | Any business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators + more | Fashion brands and streetwear designers who want unique all-over print and cut & sew products |
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.
Tapstitch is a capable platform for fashion brands and streetwear designers who want unique all-over print and cut & sew 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.
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.
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