When it comes to print-on-demand, your choice of platform can be the difference between running a thriving brand and just selling random T-shirts online.

For years, many merchants and creators have leaned on CustomCat for its quick shipping times and low product costs, making it appealing for anyone chasing speed and solid margins.

But with new print-on-demand platforms popping up over the years, sellers now have access to features that go far beyond fast fulfillment.

From customizable storefronts with your own domain to advanced branding options like custom packaging and inside labels, modern platforms are building tools that let you own the entire customer experience.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what CustomCat does well, where it struggles to keep up, and the specific pain points that might hold your store back.

We'll also highlight 11 alternative platforms that can open the door to more flexibility, higher margins, and a customer experience that actually feels like yours.

What Makes CustomCat Stand Out?

CustomCat has been part of the print-on-demand world for more than 20 years, making it one of the more established POD companies on the market.

Based in Detroit, Michigan, it has built a reputation around fast turnaround times, low product costs, and a decent product catalog. 

For creators and merchants who prioritize speed and margins, CustomCat has often been the go-to Shopify app for POD fulfillment.

While newer platforms like Fourthwall, Printify, and other marketplaces have added extra tools like advanced mockup generators or design personalizers, CustomCat still holds strong with its streamlined fulfillment process and large selection of customizable products.

Here’s a breakdown of the standout features that continue to make CustomCat appealing:

Fast Turnarounds

One of the biggest reasons sellers choose CustomCat is its quick turnaround time.

Most orders are printed, packed, and shipped within three business days, which is faster than many competing POD platforms.

With UPS, OSM, and USPS shipping options, customers in the U.S. benefit from reliable delivery speeds, which can be a major advantage for eCommerce stores that depend on customer satisfaction and repeat buyers.

Low Base Costs at Scale

CustomCat is known for some of the most affordable base pricing in the POD industry, especially once you move into higher volume.

With its PRO plan, merchants save 20–40% on standard catalog pricing, while Enterprise-level sellers get even deeper discounts.

Lower product costs mean higher profit margins, making it an attractive partner for eCommerce businesses selling hoodies, tees, and other apparel at volume.

Seamless Integrations

CustomCat integrates directly with popular eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. 

It also supports CSV uploads for manual order fulfillment and offers an API for developers who want to connect directly to their own storefronts.

This flexibility makes it easy to sell custom products across multiple marketplaces and manage fulfillment from a single dashboard.

Decoration Methods

Where other POD companies like Printful and Printify often rely on third-party print providers, CustomCat specializes in a few key decoration methods:

• DIGISOFT®: Their flagship print method is known for producing high-quality prints with durability across a variety of fabrics.
• Dye Sublimation: Perfect for vibrant all-over prints on apparel, accessories, and hard goods.
• Vegan Leather Patch Hats: A modern alternative to embroidery that allows for detailed, full-color branding on headwear.

This range of decoration methods gives sellers the flexibility to choose the right technique depending on their business needs.

Flexible Plans

CustomCat offers multiple pricing tiers to fit different levels of business.

These plans make the platform approachable for beginners while still being powerful enough to serve large eCommerce operations:

Why You Might Want a CustomCat Alternative

CustomCat has its strengths, but like any print-on-demand company, it’s not built to serve every type of creator or merchant.

While its fast turnaround times and affordable product costs make it a solid option for established sellers, there are some areas where it falls behind newer platforms like Printful, Printify, or Fourthwall.

Depending on your business model, these limitations could slow down growth or make your storefront feel less polished compared to competitors.

Here are some of the main reasons why creators often look for a CustomCat alternative:

Narrow Product Catalog

Even though CustomCat advertises a catalog of 300+ items, most of its focus is on apparel and houseware products like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and blankets.

This works well if your brand centers on classic merch, but compared to Printify’s 1,000+ products or niche providers offering shoes, jewelry, or premium streetwear, CustomCat’s catalog can feel limited.

For sellers who want to expand into unique or specialized categories, the lack of variety can be a dealbreaker.

Limited Global Reach

Because CustomCat production is largely U.S.-based, international orders to places like the UK, EU, or Australia often come with higher shipping fees and longer delivery times.

Platforms such as Fourthwall or Gelato, which operate with global fulfillment networks, can provide a faster and more cost-effective customer experience outside the United States.

Branding & Packaging Depth

While CustomCat supports white-label shipping and basic branding, it doesn’t offer the advanced brand kits, fully custom packaging, or unboxing experiences that premium providers have made standard.

For eCommerce businesses aiming to build a lifestyle brand, this lack of customization can feel like a ceiling.

Design & Personalization Tools

CustomCat handles design uploads, but lacks advanced mockup generators, live personalization studios, and polished design tools found in other platforms.

This can make it harder to showcase products at a professional level or give customers a “design-your-own” experience.

Quality Expectations

CustomCat’s DIGISOFT technology delivers solid prints for most products, but sellers aiming for premium streetwear embroidery, detailed art prints, or specialized garments may run into limitations. 

Competitors that specialize in embroidery, all-over prints, or high-end fabrics often provide the polish that niche audiences expect.  

Beginner-Friendly Experience

The CustomCat interface leans more toward functionality than ease of use.

For experienced sellers, the utilitarian dashboard is manageable, but for beginners, the lack of polish and modern design tools can feel overwhelming compared to creator-friendly POD apps like Fourthwall.

No Built-In Marketplace Exposure

Unlike platforms like Redbubble, Zazzle, or TeePublic, CustomCat doesn’t come with a built-in marketplace to drive organic traffic.

While this gives you full control of your brand and customer base, it also means you’ll need to handle your own marketing, ads, and audience-building.

That’s a trade-off that works for some sellers but not for everyone, especially those looking for passive income.

Overall Thoughts

CustomCat has earned its place as a go-to POD partner thanks to its speed and affordability.

If your store is centered on staples like t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs, it handles the basics well, and its Shopify and Etsy integrations make it easy to get products moving quickly.

For sellers who prioritize margins over bells and whistles, it’s a reliable choice.

The downside? CustomCat is a platform that has been stuck in the “utility” lane for quite some time.

Their catalog is dominated by standard apparel and housewares, which limits your ability to experiment with unique or premium products.

And if you're looking to expand upon your brand, their tools are minimal, and the design experience feels outdated compared to platforms that have invested in mockups, personalization, and creator-focused interfaces.

In a crowded eCommerce world where packaging, product variety, and brand storytelling matter as much as price, CustomCat’s limitations can start to show fast.

11 Alternative Platforms to CustomCat for Print-on-Demand

1. Fourthwall

Fourthwall isn't just another POD site; it’s an all-in-one platform that blends high-quality print options with the tools you need to actually grow your brand.

With over 360 customizable products ranging from apparel and drinkware to accessories, home goods, and pet gear, you’ll find the variety to keep your catalog fresh while still delivering professional-grade prints like direct-to-garment, sublimation, embroidery, and screen printing.

But what really makes Fourthwall stand out is how creator-first it feels. Instead of just fulfilling orders, it helps you build a business around your audience with features like fan tipping, digital downloads, and memberships, all in the same shop.

Native integrations with YouTube Merch Shelf, TikTok Shop, Meta Shopping, and Twitch Gifting make it easy to connect directly with fans, while a no-code storefront builder, 3D mockups, and email tools make your brand look polished from day one.

And if you’re ready to scale, our Pro plan adds perks like 0% fees on digital sales, monthly sample credits, unlimited team members, and priority customer support, making it the ultimate platform for creators who want to build a brand that's completely their own.

💰 Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/month – No platform fee on physical products, 5% fee on memberships/digital sales.
• Pro Plan: $19/month or $180 annually – 0% fee on digital sales, free .store domain, $10 monthly sample credit, unlimited team members, advanced analytics.

✅ Pros

• Wide print methods: DTG, sublimation, embroidery, and screen printing
• Catalog of 360+ customizable products
• Includes memberships, fan tipping, digital downloads, and bundles
• Clean, no-code storefront builder with full brand control
• 3D mockups for professional product visuals
• Native integrations with YouTube Product Shelf, TikTok Shop, Meta Shopping, and Twitch Gifting
• Global fulfillment across the US, UK, EU, and Australia

❌ Cons

• No built-in marketplace for organic traffic
• Limited specialty print methods compared to niche POD providers
• Best suited for creators and influencers, less for corporate bulk merch

2. Vistaprint

When it comes to helping small businesses look polished and professional, Vistaprint has been a household name since the 1990s. 

While it’s best known for printing business cards, today Vistaprint has evolved into a full-service hub for custom marketing materials, branded merch, signage, and promotional products, and even offers a print-on-demand style reseller program for entrepreneurs. 

With over 1,000 customizable products and intuitive design tools, you don’t need to be a designer to create a professional-looking shop.

For creators and merchants, Vistaprint offers more brand flexibility than CustomCat because you can white-label products, set your own margins, and even pair it with a Wix-powered website builder for a standalone online store.

Whether you’re testing new POD products, running bulk campaigns, or creating high-end signage for events, Vistaprint provides a streamlined way to scale without heavy upfront costs.

💰 Pricing

• Standard Products – Pay Per Product: Business cards start at $15 for 100; wedding invites at $75 for 100; apparel, signage, and promo items priced individually.
• Reseller Basic Plan – Free Forever: Access full catalog, unlimited uploads, and white-label fulfillment with your own pricing.
• Reseller Premium Plan – $74.99/year: Up to 40% discounts on products, free shipping over $60, and priority support.
• Vista x Wix Website Builder Plans: Plans range from $0 - $159/month and include branding templates, a custom domain, analytics, and advanced eCommerce tools. 

✅ Pros

• Reseller program works like POD with white-label fulfillment
• Over 1,000+ customizable products, including apparel, signage, and promo items
• Built-in design tools and thousands of templates for non-designers
• Wix-powered website builder for creating your own branded store
• Bulk discounts (up to 40% off with Premium)
• White-label shipping that keeps your brand front and center
• Trusted name serving 17+ million businesses worldwide

❌ Cons

• Not a true POD platform; manual ordering required for some products
• No support for digital products or memberships
• Limited integrations compared to platforms like Printify or Gelato
• Shipping costs can be high, with limited expedited options
• Product quality can vary depending on the category

3. Printify

If variety and affordability are at the top of your wishlist, Printify is one of the strongest POD platforms out there.

Unlike CustomCat, which runs its own fulfillment, Printify acts as an aggregator, connecting you with over 80 print providers around the world.

This gives you access to a massive catalog of 1,300+ customizable products with everything from classic apparel and mugs to home décor, phone cases, pet products, and more.

Printify is also built for flexibility. It integrates with all the major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, TikTok Shop, and many more.

On top of that, tools like its AI-powered mockup generator, Product Creator, and Printify Choice (which automatically picks the best-quality print provider for each order) take a lot of the guesswork out of fulfillment.

For creators and merchants looking for global reach, lower product costs, and a wide product catalog, Printify offers more room to scale than CustomCat.

💰 Pricing

• Free Plan: 0/month – Access to 1,300+ products, up to 5 stores, unlimited designs, and integrations with major platforms.
• Premium: $29/month or $299/year – Enjoy up to 20% off product costs, manage up to 10 stores, and benefit from better pricing for higher-volume sellers.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing – Tailored for high-volume brands and agencies with bulk discounts, dedicated support, and service-level agreements.

✅ Pros

• Massive catalog of 1,300+ customizable products across apparel, accessories, home décor, and more
• Competitive pricing with up to 20% discounts on Premium
• Printify Choice ensures consistency by routing orders to top-rated providers
• Beginner-friendly tools like the AI-powered Mockup Generator and Product Creator
• Integrations with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, Amazon, eBay, and TikTok
• Shutterstock integration for instant access to millions of design assets
• Global fulfillment with express shipping available in select regions

❌ Cons

• Print quality and shipping times can vary by provider (samples are highly recommended)
• No built-in storefront unless you use the basic Pop-Up Store
• Doesn’t support digital products, memberships, or fan engagement tools
• Branding options like custom packaging are limited compared to Printful

4. Gooten

Think of Gooten as the POD platform built for brands that want to scale without babysitting every single order.

Instead of handling production itself, Gooten taps into a global network of manufacturers and automatically routes each order to the partner best positioned for speed, location, and quality.

This smart setup keeps shipping times competitive, reduces errors, and eliminates the headaches of managing multiple vendors on your own.

With a catalog of 150+ customizable products, covering apparel, wall art, home décor, drinkware, and accessories, Gooten gives you enough variety to keep your catalog fresh while still focusing on efficiency.

By incorporating powerful automation tools and integrations with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and APIs, you create a platform tailored for merchants who view POD as a serious business, not just a side hustle. 

💰 Pricing

• Free to Use: 0/month – Pay only for products and shipping.
• VIM Program: Volume discounts at Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers for high-volume sellers.

✅ Pros

• Competitive base pricing helps protect profit margins
• Smart order routing ensures faster shipping and fewer fulfillment issues
• Automations make the backend almost hands-off
• Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom APIs
• Solid catalog across apparel, home décor, wall art, and accessories

❌ Cons

• Dashboard and workflow can be tricky for beginners
• Branding options are limited to packing slips only
• Mockup generator feels bare-bones compared to Printful
• Customer support can be slow during busy seasons

5. MyDesigns

Built for creators who sell on marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon, MyDesigns combines AI-driven design tools, bulk publishing, and flexible fulfillment options all under one roof. 

Instead of juggling multiple apps, MyDesigns lets you create, optimize, and publish print-on-demand and digital products at scale from a single dashboard.

Where CustomCat focuses mainly on fast U.S.-based apparel and houseware fulfillment, MyDesigns takes a broader approach. 

It offers a continuously updated catalog of POD items across apparel, wall art, drinkware, and accessories, while also supporting digital products, bundles, and personalization features. 

With tools like Dream AI for instant design generation, Vision AI for mockups, and Phraser AI for SEO-friendly listing copy, sellers can build high-quality storefronts faster and with less manual effort. 

Add in multi-channel integrations (Etsy, Shopify, TikTok Shops, and more), and MyDesigns makes it possible to scale your business without being tied to a single fulfillment partner.

💰 Pricing

• Starter: $18.99/month – 40 GB storage, 250 credits, 24 bulk processes, 4 multi-product publishing slots, 2% POD discount.
• Pro: $37.99/month – 100 GB storage, 600 credits, 48 bulk processes, 12 multi-product publishing slots, 5% POD discount.
• Pro Plus: $74.99/month – 1000 GB storage, 2000 credits, 120 bulk processes, 99 multi-product publishing slots, 10% POD discount.

✅ Pros

• Combines POD and digital product sales in one platform
• AI-powered tools (Dream AI, Vision AI, Phraser AI) streamline design, mockups, and SEO optimization
• Bulk publishing, bulk editing, and automated order fulfillment save massive time
• Supports multiple fulfillment partners and flexible routing
• Integrations with Etsy, Shopify, TikTok Shops, and more
• Strong mockup capabilities, including video mockups and 4000+ templates
• Built for scaling; trusted by 150k+ sellers worldwide
  
  

❌ Cons

• Paid subscription required for most features (no free forever plan like other POD platforms)
• Learning curve for new users unfamiliar with the bulk tools and the credits system
• Product catalog is smaller than Printify or Printful, though it’s expanding
• Still a newer platform, so community features and integrations are evolving

6. Zazzle

Zazzle has built its name around customization and creativity, making it one of the most versatile POD marketplaces out there. 

With a catalog of over 1,000 products, from apparel and mugs to stationery, home décor, and party supplies, Zazzle is especially strong for event-driven products like weddings, holidays, and corporate gifts.

Its standout feature is the drag-and-drop design editor, which allows both sellers and customers to personalize products instantly, adding an extra layer of engagement that platforms like CustomCat don’t offer.

Beyond its creative tools, Zazzle’s real advantage lies in its massive built-in audience. With 30M+ active shoppers visiting the marketplace, creators don’t have to worry about driving their own traffic the way they would on CustomCat. 

Add in specialty printing options like foil sleeking for premium invitations or multiple DTG methods for apparel, and Zazzle becomes an appealing option for sellers who want to focus on design and personalization rather than backend fulfillment and marketing

💰 Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/month – No subscription fees, sell products in the marketplace.
• Royalties: Default royalty is 5%, but sellers can adjust rates anywhere between 5–99% depending on their pricing strategy.

✅ Pros

• Massive built-in marketplace with 30M+ buyers
• Strong demand for T-shirts and apparel as top-selling categories
• Over 1,000 customizable product types across apparel, gifts, and stationery
• Customer-facing design editor for easy personalization
• Great option for passive income from designs that continue selling over time

❌ Cons

• Very little brand control (no custom domains, packaging, or advanced storefront tools)
• Highly competitive marketplace with limited visibility for new sellers
• Lower margins compared to other POD platforms (most sellers net 10–15%)
• Seller dashboard can feel outdated and less intuitive than newer platforms

7. Sellfy

Unlike marketplace-driven options like Zazzle, Sellfy gives you your own fully customizable storefront with support for custom domains, embedded product links, and seamless integration across social media and YouTube. 

It’s an all-in-one solution where you can sell print-on-demand products, digital downloads, subscriptions, and physical items all from the same shop.

Sellfy’s POD feature covers high-demand products like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and framed posters, with production and fulfillment handled automatically from 11 global facilities. 

Beyond the product side, Sellfy shines with its built-in marketing suite: email campaigns, discount codes, upselling tools, affiliate programs, and abandoned cart recovery all come standard. 

For creators and merchants looking to move beyond CustomCat’s limited catalog and basic branding options, Sellfy offers a more professional, scalable way to run an online store.

💰 Pricing

• Starter Plan: $22/month – Up to $10K annual sales, unlimited products (digital, POD, subscriptions), built-in email marketing.
• Business Plan: $59/month – Up to $50K annual sales, including upselling, affiliate marketing, cart abandonment recovery, removal of Sellfy branding, and addition of custom fields.
• Premium Plan: $119/month – Up to $200K annual sales, advanced customization, priority support, and product migration assistance.

✅ Pros

• All-in-one platform for POD, digital products, subscriptions, and physical goods
• Built-in storefront builder with custom domains for full brand control
• Global fulfillment handled automatically, no inventory or shipping required
• Robust marketing tools (email campaigns, upsells, discount codes, affiliate program)
• Embeddable “Buy Now” buttons and product embeds for any site or blog
• Optimized for mobile shopping with automatic language translation for buyers

❌ Cons

• POD catalog is smaller compared to platforms like Printify or Printful
• No built-in marketplace means you’ll need to drive your own traffic
• Higher starting monthly cost than beginner-friendly platforms like Fourthwall

8. Gelato

If print-on-demand had a passport, it would look a lot like Gelato. 

Instead of relying on one or two production hubs, Gelato partners with 140+ print providers in 30+ countries, routing every order to the facility closest to your customer. 

That means faster delivery, lower shipping costs, and fewer customs headaches, all while cutting down on carbon emissions.

Though its product catalog isn’t the biggest in POD, what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality and professional tools. From apparel and hoodies to wall art and paper goods, Gelato emphasizes premium printing with eco-certified inks. 

Creators also get access to features like the Gelato Design Studio for easy design creation, automated fulfillment, and the Personalization Studio, which lets customers customize products themselves. 

For sellers looking to expand globally and provide a polished, eco-friendly experience, Gelato represents a significant advancement over CustomCat’s U.S.-only focus.

💰 Pricing

• Free: $0/month – Connect up to 2 stores, pay only per product + shipping.
• Gelato+: $25/month or $249/year – Up to 10 stores, 20% discounts, premium mockups, branded labels.
• Gold: $129/month or $1,285/year – Up to 25 stores, 25% discounts, 30% off branding, advanced pricing tools.
• Platinum: Custom Pricing – Enterprise solution with dedicated support and deeper discounts.

✅ Pros

• Global network of 140+ providers in 30+ countries
• Faster, cheaper delivery with local routing
• Eco-friendly practices and sustainable materials
• Design Studio and mockup tools for easy product creation
• Personalization Studio for customer-driven customization
• Integrations with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, and Amazon

❌ Cons

• Smaller catalog (~250 products) compared to competitors
• Limited print methods (mostly DTG and embroidery)
• No option to pick your exact production partner
• Branding options are more basic than platforms like Fourthwall or Printful

9. Podbase

Podbase stands out as a CustomCat alternative by carving out a niche in tech accessories and wall art. 

With over 15 million orders fulfilled and most products shipping within 24 hours from its EU facilities, the platform prioritizes speed, consistency, and high-quality results. 

Creators gain access to a specialized catalog offering customizable phone cases, MacBook sleeves, iPad covers, mugs, and posters, all at competitive base costs that translate to some of the highest profit margins in POD. 

Add in free mockups, smooth Shopify and Etsy integrations, and transparent pay-per-sale pricing, and Podbase becomes a strong option for sellers who want reliable fulfillment without the overhead of subscriptions or hidden fees.

💰 Pricing

• No subscription: Pay only per product; no fulfillment fees or monthly charges.

✅ Pros

• In-house production = consistent quality and faster resolutions
• Majority of orders ship within 24 hours
• Strong profit margins across tech accessories
• Free mockups and quick product publishing to Shopify/Etsy
• Streamlined catalog that focuses on products with high demand

❌ Cons

• Smaller catalog compared to broader POD platforms
• Limited apparel and home décor selection
• Some integrations (WooCommerce, TikTok Shop) are still in progress
• EU-based production may be slower for U.S. customers

10. Society6

Society6 is one of the most recognizable art-driven POD marketplaces, giving independent artists and designers a way to sell their work without building a store from scratch. 

Unlike CustomCat, which focuses on speed and low costs, Society6 leans heavily into wall art, home décor, and lifestyle goods; think framed prints, rugs, pillows, mugs, and even furniture. 

The platform attracts a large audience of design-savvy shoppers who are actively searching for unique pieces, so creators instantly gain exposure without having to run ads or manage complex integrations. 

It’s simple to get started, but the trade-off is limited branding control, lower margins, and variable product quality that may make scaling a challenge.

💰 Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/month – Upload up to 10 designs, earn 10% commission per sale.
• Basic Plan: $4.99/month – Upload up to 100 designs, set your own prices, receive trend updates.
• Pro Plan: $12.99/month – Upload up to 10,000 designs, unlock basic analytics, set custom pricing, and get 20% off personal purchases.

✅ Pros

• Large built-in marketplace with millions of monthly visitors
• Strong focus on wall art, furniture, and unique home décor products
• Seasonal collections and curated themes help boost visibility
• Easy to use; no tech skills required to start selling

❌ Cons

• Free plan is very restrictive (10 uploads, no pricing control)
• Profit margins are low (generally 5–10%), making it tough to grow income
• Basic storefronts with little branding flexibility
• Product quality can be inconsistent, and creators have no control over packaging

11. Moo

What started in 2006 as a fresh take on business cards has expanded into a full catalog that includes postcards, flyers, stickers, notepads, labels, notebooks, planners, and even drinkware. 

Unlike CustomCat, which leans on speed and affordability, Moo emphasizes design, detail, and sustainability. Its products are FSC® certified, packaging is recyclable, and customization options run deep with foil stamping, luxe papers, and unique finishes. 

Add in perks like free sample packs, next-day delivery on select products, and optional Moo Business Plans for discounts and design support, and you’ve got a POD partner that delivers brand presence in every order. 

For creators who care as much about presentation and premium feel as they do about selling volume, Moo stands out.

💰 Pricing

• Business Cards: From $22 for 50 cards (premium paper, full-color printing, optional foil or gloss finishes).
• Postcards: From $21 for 25 postcards, with luxe paper upgrades available.
• Stickers & Labels: From $15 for 52 stickers, offered in vinyl, matte, or metallic finishes.
• Business Plans: Custom pricing, includes bulk discounts, dedicated support, and exclusive design services.

✅ Pros

• Premium-quality printing with luxe finishes (foil, gloss, textured paper, debossing)
• Wide product catalog tailored for businesses, creators, and marketers
• Sustainable printing practices with recyclable packaging and FSC® certification
• Free sample packs help test product quality before committing
• Next-day delivery available on select items
• Moo Business Plans unlock extra savings, design support, and account perks

❌ Cons

• More expensive than many POD competitors (higher base prices)
• Catalog is focused on business/marketing products, not apparel or home décor
• Limited integrations with eCommerce platforms compared to Printify or Gelato
• Best suited for premium branding, less for large-scale merch drops

Choosing the Right Print-on-Demand Platform

Before you rush into picking a POD platform, it's important to take the time and find one that aligns with your brand's vision.

Sure, CustomCat may work well for creators focused on speed and margins, but if you want more variety, branding power, or global reach, exploring alternatives is key.

To help you decide, here are five steps every creator should take before committing to a POD platform.

Define Your Product Goals

Think about what you actually want to sell. Are you sticking with core staples like T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs? Or do you want a broader mix like tech accessories, home décor, or premium wall art?

Platforms like CustomCat specialize in apparel and basics, whereas Printify, Gooten, and Zazzle offer a wider range of products.

2. Check Integrations and Ease of Use

Your POD platform should fit seamlessly with how you already run your business.

If you’re on Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce, make sure your provider connects natively.

If you want to sell directly on TikTok or YouTube, options like Fourthwall or Gelato may make more sense.

3. Evaluate Branding and Storefront Control

Ask yourself: do you want a simple supplier behind the scenes, or do you need a storefront that looks and feels like your brand?

CustomCat offers white-label shipping, whereas platforms like Fourthwall or Sellfy provide custom domains, storefront builders, and more extensive branding control.

4. Consider Costs and Margins

Look beyond subscription fees and check product-based costs, discounts, and shipping rates.

CustomCat’s low base costs are a win for margins, but alternatives like Printify Premium or Gooten’s volume discounts can also be game-changers as you scale.

5. Test Support, Speed, and Quality

Before you commit, order samples. Pay attention to turnaround times, print consistency, and packaging.

Fast fulfillment (like CustomCat’s 3-day average) can help with customer satisfaction, but you may find better quality or customization from competitors.

👉 Bottom line: Choosing a POD platform isn’t about picking the one with the flashiest features; it’s about finding the one that fits the way you want to build your brand.

Take the time to compare, test, and think long-term, and you’ll land on a partner that does more than just print—it’ll help your business grow.

Ready to Level Up Your Merch? Join Fourthwall Today

If you’re serious about building more than just another merch shop, Fourthwall has everything you need to turn your brand into a business. 

Unlike platforms that only handle fulfillment, Fourthwall is built creator-first, giving you the tools to design, sell, and connect with your fans, all in one place.

Here’s what you get when you join:

• Pro-level Printing Methods: DTG, embroidery, sublimation, and screen printing for high-quality products.
• 360+ Customizable Items: from apparel and drinkware to home décor, tech gear, and more.
• A Clean, No-Code Storefront Builder: make your shop look and feel like your brand, not just another template.
• Digital Sales & Memberships: sell downloads, offer fan memberships, and even accept tips directly.
• Native Integrations: reach your audience on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch with seamless tools.
• Global Fulfillment: U.S., UK, EU, and Australia coverage so fans worldwide get fast shipping.
• Pro Perks: 0% fees on digital products, a free .store domain, $10 in monthly sample credit, unlimited team members, and advanced analytics when upgrading to Fourthwall Pro.

Stop treating your merch like a side project and start building a brand that scales with you. Join Fourthwall today and create products that actually grow your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is CustomCat good for beginners in print-on-demand?

Yes, CustomCat can be a solid starting point thanks to its free plan, white-label shipping, and easy integrations with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.

That said, its interface is more utilitarian than user-friendly, and beginners may find platforms like Fourthwall or Printful easier to navigate for branding and storefront design.

2. Does CustomCat have global fulfillment?

CustomCat primarily fulfills orders from the U.S., which means international customers, especially in the UK, EU, and Australia, often face higher shipping costs and longer delivery times.

If global reach is a priority, alternatives like Gelato or Printify offer broader fulfillment networks to get products to buyers faster.

3. What types of products does CustomCat offer?

CustomCat’s catalog includes 300+ customizable products, with a strong emphasis on apparel like T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, as well as houseware items like mugs, blankets, and pillows.

While the lineup covers basics well, creators looking for niche or premium items (like tech accessories, jewelry, or large-scale home décor) may find more options on platforms such as Zazzle, Gooten, or Podbase.