Custom Ink has been around long enough to be a household name in custom shirt printing.

It’s straightforward, US-focused, and gives teams and individuals an easy way to put logos on shirts, mugs, tote bags, and other custom products.

But while Custom Ink shines for one-off events and bulk shirt orders, it lacks the advanced tools and broader product catalog that other POD platforms provide to help you take your merch shop to the next level.

That’s why we’ve pulled together this guide to the 13 best Custom Ink alternatives in 2025. Platforms designed to fit different needs, whether you’re outfitting employees, shipping gifts to global clients, or running a branded merch store.

What Makes Custom Ink Stand Out?

Since its founding in 2000, the Virginia-based company has grown into one of the largest custom apparel printers in the U.S., with nearly two decades of experience perfecting print techniques.

The platform’s reputation comes from its printing expertise. 

Over 90% of its shirts are produced using screen printing, the gold standard for vibrant designs and dark fabrics.

For detailed graphics or photos, it offers digital printing, while embroidery, laser engraving, and debossing add premium options for polos, hats, drinkware, and other specialty products.

Custom Ink’s real draw is its simplicity and accessibility: a web-based Design Lab, transparent all-inclusive pricing, and multiple delivery options make it easy to go from idea to finished T-shirt without needing a designer or a middleman.

Together, this mix of tried-and-true printing methods and user-friendly tools shows why Custom Ink remains a go-to choice for anyone who wants professional-looking shirts without the complexity of traditional merch platforms.

And if you still need some convincing, below are some standout features that make Custom Ink a strong competitor in the POD market. 

T-Shirt Design Lab

Custom Ink’s Design Lab is the platform’s centerpiece.

An interactive editor that makes it easy to bring your ideas to life without needing professional design software.

Whether you’re creating T-shirts for a sports team or an event, or looking to create branded promotional gear for your company, the Design Lab is built to handle it all in a clean, drag-and-drop interface.

Here’s what you can do inside the Lab:

• Add Text: Type anything you want, adjust the font, size, and shape, rotate it, outline it, or change the color. Perfect for bold slogans, team names, or event dates.
• Add Art: Browse an extensive clipart gallery with hundreds of ready-made designs to mix and match.
• Upload Artwork: Already have a logo or custom design? Simply upload your file and drop it onto your product.
• Change Product Colors: Instantly see how your design looks on different shirt colors or product variations.
• Personalize with Names/Numbers: A fan-favorite feature for sports teams and group events. You can add individual names or numbers to each shirt for a custom look.
• Add Products: Want matching hoodies, tote bags, or alternate styles? You can add additional product types to your design in one session.
• Zoom In/Out: Fine-tune your design with close-up details, then zoom back out to see the full product view.
• Preview in Real Time: Toggle between the front, back, and sleeves to see exactly how your design will look once printed.
• Get Price Instantly: No guesswork; get prices for your design based on product, print colors, and quantity.
• Save & Share: Save your design for later or share it with teammates, coworkers, or friends to get feedback before ordering.

When you’re ready to move forward, you have several order options directly inside the Design Lab:

• Buy Now: Complete your purchase online (or call if you have special requests).
• Start a Group Order: Create an online order form to easily collect sizes and payments from team members or colleagues.
• Start a Fundraiser: Launch a fundraising campaign through Custom Ink’s built-in fundraising tool, making it simple to sell shirts for causes, charities, or school events.

Overall, the Design Lab is one of Custom Ink’s biggest strengths.

It combines ease of use with a surprising depth of features, giving teams, schools, nonprofits, and businesses the ability to create polished designs without hiring a designer or dealing with complicated software.

Delivery Options

When it comes to shipping, very few POD platforms offer the same level of flexibility as Custom Ink.

The platform offers four delivery options, each tailored to the speed at which customers need their products shipped. 

All deliveries are handled by third-party carriers like UPS and USPS, so reliability is generally strong, but costs and eligibility can vary depending on what you order.

• Two-Week Standard Delivery (Free): The default option, available for the contiguous US states. Orders are guaranteed to arrive within two weeks, making it a good fit if you’re planning ahead and want to avoid extra fees.
• One-Week Rush Delivery (+15%): Need your shirts or promo items faster? Rush delivery guarantees arrival in one week, with a 15% surcharge added to your total order cost. A practical choice for events or campaigns on a tighter timeline.
• 3-Day Super Rush Delivery (+30%): For true last-minute needs, Custom Ink offers super rush shipping. Items can be delivered in just three days, though it comes with a 30% upcharge. This option isn’t available for every product — specialty items or pieces requiring embroidery are excluded.
• Ship to Multiple Addresses ($9.95 per address): Instead of bulk shipping to one location, you can have orders sent directly to individual recipients. This is especially useful for distributed teams or gift campaigns, but it does add up quickly at $9.95 per US address. It’s only available for the 48 contiguous states and APO addresses, so international teams won’t benefit here.

Create an Online Store

One feature that sets Custom Ink apart from many other basic print providers is its ability to spin up a custom online storefront for your team, business, or school.

Instead of just placing one-off orders, you can create a branded hub where your community can shop for approved designs and merchandise.

How It Works:

• Choose Your Design: Start with your uploaded logo or a design you’ve built in the Design Lab.
• Pick Your Products: Select from Custom Ink’s catalog of apparel and promo items.
• Launch Your Store: Custom Ink sets up your storefront for free, with no need for you to manage inventory.

Why It’s Useful:

A Custom Ink Online Store makes it easier to connect with your community and keep everyone looking on-brand.

Whether you’re outfitting employees, promoting a school club, or giving fans a way to show support, the store acts as a central hub that anyone can access.

Key Benefits of Online Stores:

• Curated Selection: Offer a handpicked range of popular products without worrying about warehousing or upfront costs.
• Hands-Off Fulfillment: Custom Ink handles orders, shipments (typically arriving in 2–4 weeks), and customer service.
• Engagement Tools: Drive excitement with familiar designs, vouchers, or seasonal refreshes to keep your store feeling fresh.

The best part? Once your store is live, it runs seamlessly in the background. You decide what’s in it, and Custom Ink handles the rest.

Pricing Model

Custom Ink is free to use. There are no subscription fees, setup costs, or hidden charges when using the platform.

Instead, pricing is determined by three main factors: the type and color of the product, the number of ink colors used in your design, and the size of your order.

The larger your order, the bigger the discounts, which can make bulk purchases far more cost-effective than smaller runs.

Every quote is all-inclusive, covering artwork assistance, print setup, free two-week shipping, and guaranteed delivery dates.

However, these benefits apply only to the 48 contiguous US states. Orders going to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or other international destinations require a custom quote, which often adds duties, taxes, and extra shipping costs.

Why You Might Want To Look For a Custom Ink Alternative

Custom Ink has a loyal user base, but its focus is very narrow with most it's print-on-demand products sticking to mostly apparel, for US-based customers.

So, if you’re a business looking for broader swag capabilities or higher consistency, it may not deliver.

Here are the common dealbreakers for teams:

Limited Swag & Product Options

Custom Ink specializes in custom apparel (mostly tees) and a handful of promo items, making it suitable for simple orders.

However, if your team requires items such as curated swag boxes, branded kits, or non-merch options like gift cards or local gifts, you’ll find Custom Ink’s catalog too restrictive.

Lack of Warehousing & Automation

There’s no option to store extra swag inventory or automate repeat shipments through Custom Ink.

This makes it difficult to run ongoing swag campaigns, employee recognition programs, or to integrate with HR/CRM systems that many modern companies now expect.

Quality Concerns

While plenty of customers have good experiences, others consistently report issues like faded colors, misaligned prints, or designs that don’t match the proofs shown online.

For companies where brand consistency is non-negotiable, even small inconsistencies can become a major problem.

International Constraints

Custom Ink’s strongest shipping perks apply only to the 48 contiguous US states.

If you’re sending products to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or overseas, you’ll run into higher costs, longer shipping windows, and less reliable delivery timelines.

Cost vs. Value

Bulk discounts make large orders cost-effective, but smaller runs can get pricey fast and often triple the per-item cost of bulk.

On top of that, some customers feel the quality doesn’t always measure up to the higher price tag, creating a weaker overall value.

Overall Thoughts

If your main priority is getting custom shirts, hoodies, or promo gear printed quickly for an event or team, Custom Ink does the job well.

The platform keeps things simple with an easy design tool, reliable delivery, and strong discounts on bulk orders, especially for US-based customers.

That said, it isn’t built to handle the bigger picture of swag management. Features like warehousing, automation, international shipping support, and advanced branding tools aren’t included in the package.

For organizations that need more than a basic print shop, it’s worth exploring other platforms that go beyond apparel printing to offer complete swag and gifting solutions.

13 Alternatives to Custom Ink: POD Platforms for Scaling

1. Fourthwall

If Custom Ink is mainly for cranking out shirts in bulk, then consider Fourthwall the platform that helps you turn your merch catalog into a full-on business.

Let’s start with the printing. When it comes to print-on-demand, you can choose from direct-to-garment, sublimation, embroidery, and screen printing, which means your shirts don’t just get printed; they look and feel like something people would actually want to wear.

Our catalog is deep, too. Instead of sticking with basic apparel items and a few promotional products, we have over 360 unique items ranging from tees and hoodies to mugs, stickers, posters, jewelry, phone cases, athletic gear, and even pet items. No minimums. No hassle.

And here’s the best thing: Fourthwall doesn’t stop at printing.

The platform builds your store for you, no coding required. Package that with advanced automation and email tools, along with shoppable integrations like YouTube Merch Shelf, TikTok Shop, and Twitch Gifting, and you’ve got a merch engine that actually works while you sleep.

With global fulfillment, fast shipping, and reliable customer support, Fourthwall will keep your merch business running smoothly at any stage.

💰 Pricing

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

✅ Pros

• Wide range of printing methods (DTG, embroidery, sublimation, screen printing)
• Own your storefront and keep customer data
• Supports physical products, digital sales, memberships, and tips in one place
• Clean, customizable websites with modern design
• Their 3D mockup render provides product images for your site and channels
• Integrates natively with YouTube, TikTok Shop, and Twitch
• Global fulfillment for the US, UK, EU, and Australia

❌ Cons

• No public marketplace for organic traffic
• Not designed for corporate gifting
• Does not provide print options like lasering, debossing, or puff print

2. Printful

Printful has built its name on one thing: consistently delivering high-quality products.

With direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, and custom inside labels, it’s a platform that lets you create apparel that feels like a true white-label brand, not a bulk order from a printer.

Its mockup generator makes designing easy, and with 28+ integrations, including Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon, your products can reach buyers anywhere they already shop.

Beyond printing and global fulfillment, you get a warehouse for non-Printful products, white-label branding with custom packaging, and discounts up to 30% on products through its Growth plan. 

So, if you’re looking to graduate from ordering bulk shirts for a team event to running a full-blown apparel brand, Printful is the kind of partner you want in your corner.

💰 Pricing

• Free: $0/month – full catalog access, unlimited products, and standard branding
• Printful Growth: $24.99/month or free with $12,000/year in sales — includes 20 to 30% in discounts, custom packaging, warehousing for non-Printful products, and premium branding

✅ Pros

• Excellent shirt quality with DTG, embroidery, and inside labels
• 28+ integrations with eCommerce platforms and marketplaces
• Global fulfillment centers for fast, reliable shipping
• White-label branding with custom pack-ins and packaging
• Warehousing for third-party products, not just Printful’s

❌ Cons

• Margins are slimmer unless you’re on the Growth plan
• No marketplace to bring in organic traffic
• Focused mainly on physical products, with fewer tools for creators selling digital or fan content

3. Gooten

Gooten works differently than most POD platforms, and that’s what makes it appealing if you’re serious about scaling. 

Instead of owning the production itself, Gooten acts as the connector, routing each shirt order to the most reliable partner in its global network. 

That means your customers get faster shipping, fewer delays, and consistent quality without you needing to manage multiple vendors. 

With over 150 customizable products and strong automation tools, Gooten is designed for brands that want to treat POD like a real operation, not a hobby. 

And compared to Custom Ink, which is great for simple bulk runs, Gooten gives you the infrastructure to build a long-term merch store with healthy margins and the ability to grow.

💰 Pricing

• Free to Use: Pay per product + shipping.
• VIM Program: Volume discounts available at Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers.

✅ Pros

• Strong base pricing on shirts helps protect profit margins
• Dynamic routing ensures orders ship quickly and efficiently
• Automation makes fulfillment nearly hands-off
• Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom APIs

❌ Cons

• Dashboard takes time to learn; not beginner-friendly
• Limited branding options (mostly packing slips)
• Basic mockup generator compared to competitors
• Support can lag during peak seasons

4. CafePress

CafePress has long been a home for offbeat creativity, giving designers a way to turn clever ideas into real products without touching inventory.

As one of the earliest print-on-demand platforms, it combines a global online marketplace with easy-to-use design tools, so anyone can upload artwork and reach millions of buyers worldwide.

Their catalog is broad, spanning everything from mugs and stationery to wall décor, home goods, and quirky niche items like license plates and clocks.

And with licensed content partnerships, flexible markup options, and worldwide shipping, CafePress remains a popular choice for creators who want a low-barrier, passive way to earn from their designs.

💰 Pricing

• Free to Join: $0/month.
• Base price set by CafePress; sellers set markup and keep 100%.
• Earn 5% royalties on products sold through the CafePress marketplace.
• Royalties paid via PayPal ($25 minimum) or check ($100 minimum).

✅ Pros

• Marketplace with millions of active global shoppers
• Massive catalog with unique and novelty products not found elsewhere
• No upfront costs or subscriptions
• Partnerships with licensed franchises and fan portals
• Option to build a branded storefront separate from the marketplace
• Global shipping coverage across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond

❌ Cons

• Print quality is average compared to newer POD platforms
• Higher base costs reduce pricing flexibility
• Limited branding control; CafePress branding takes priority
• Few integrations with modern eCommerce platforms like Shopify or Etsy
• Customer support is slow and less reliable

5. Zazzle

Zazzle has built its reputation on personalization and specialty printing, making it a favorite for event-driven merch like weddings, birthdays, and corporate parties.

On the apparel side, it uses direct-to-garment (DTG) printing with options for classic, vivid, and dark apparel processes, so designs come out crisp whether you’re printing on light or dark shirts.

For premium products like invitations or cards, Zazzle even offers foil printing through sleeking technology, adding a high-end shimmer.

Beyond print quality, Zazzle’s marketplace of 30 million+ shoppers gives creators instant exposure without building their own site, and its drag-and-drop design editor lets both sellers and buyers customize products in real time. 

With a catalog of over 1,000 items and T-shirts as one of its best sellers, Zazzle’s real strength is giving creators flexible tools and a massive audience in one place.

💰 Pricing

• Free: $0/month – no subscription fees, earn royalties on sales (default 5%, adjustable up to 99%).

✅ Pros:

• Massive built-in marketplace with millions of buyers.
• Shirts are a top-selling category with strong demand.
• Easy personalization with a customer-facing editor.
• Great for passive income from one-off designs.
• Over 1,000 customizable product types for cross-selling.

❌ Cons

• No branding control (no custom domains, storefront design, or packaging).
• Highly competitive marketplace with limited visibility.
• Low margins (most sellers earn 10–15%).
• Seller dashboard feels outdated and clunky.

6. Gelato

Instead of locking you into a single production hub like Custom Ink, Gelato taps into its vast network of 140 print partners in over 30 countries.

Every shirt is printed as close to your customer as possible, which means quicker delivery, lower costs, and way less stress dealing with customs or international shipping.

This is a huge advantage if you want your brand to feel global from day one.

But speed isn’t the only win here. Gelato gives you the creative toolkit to make your merch look like it came straight from a retail shelf.

You get access to a built-in design studio, premium mockups, and millions of stock images and fonts to bring your ideas to life.

Pair that with branded packaging and labels, and your T-shirts don’t just arrive faster—they arrive looking professional.

💰 Pricing

• Free: $0/month – access to standard products, local production, and core integrations.
• Gelato+: $25/month or $249/year – up to 20% product discounts, premium mockups, millions of stock assets, and branded labels
• Gelato+ Gold: $129/month or $1,285/year – up to 25% discounts, 30% off branded packaging, and migration support
• Platinum: Custom pricing for high-volume enterprises with dedicated support

✅ Pros

• Shirts printed locally across 32 countries for faster, eco-friendly delivery
• Discounts up to 25% for bulk or high-volume shirt sales
• Strong integrations with major eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce
• Professional mockup and design tools included
• Custom labels and packaging options

❌ Cons

• No native storefront; requires an external platform like Shopify, Etsy, or similar
• Advanced branding tools are locked behind paid tiers
• Limited creator-focused features (no memberships or tipping tools)

7. Teelaunch

Teelaunch has built its reputation as a Shopify-first print-on-demand platform that puts t-shirt production front and center.

Partnered with District Photo, a company responsible for printing billions of items worldwide, Teelaunch delivers consistency in shirt quality that creators can rely on.

The platform integrates directly into your Shopify dashboard, so everything from adding new products to tracking shipments happens in one place without extra apps or complicated workflows.

Beyond shirts, the catalog offers a diverse range of items, including cutting boards, Bluetooth speakers, and home goods, providing sellers with opportunities to expand their stores while maintaining a strong foundation in apparel.

If you're looking for a platform to build a reliable, apparel-driven brand on, Teelaunch offers a straightforward path with professional results.

💰 Pricing

• Free to Use: Pay only for product-based cost and shipping.

✅ Pros

• Known for high-quality shirt printing backed by District Photo’s production scale
• Native Shopify integration makes setup and management simple
• Branded packing slips are included for a more professional customer experience
• Catalog includes both apparel staples and unique products to diversify offerings
• No monthly fees; only pay when you sell

❌ Cons

• Works only with Shopify (no Etsy, WooCommerce, or Amazon integrations)
• International shipping can be slower compared to global-first platforms
• Customer support policies are limited compared to competitors

8. Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt has been a staple in the print-on-demand space since 2002, and shirts remain its strongest category. 

The platform gives sellers flexibility with five different print methods: digital, embroidery, flex, flock, and special effects, so you can match the right technique to your design and fabric.

Creators can either set up their own Spreadshop for full control and branding or list their designs in Spreadshirt’s global marketplace, which attracts millions of buyers every year. 

Add to that a beginner-friendly design editor, 250+ product options, and fulfillment in 18 countries, and you’ve got a platform that makes selling custom shirts both professional and accessible. 

For anyone looking to expand beyond simple screen printing, Spreadshirt’s combination of print variety and global reach makes it a solid alternative.

💰 Pricing

• Free to Use:  Pay only the base product cost + printing.
• Spreadshop: Set your own prices and keep the profits.
• Marketplace: Earn a flat 20% commission per sale.

✅ Pros

• Wide range of shirt printing techniques (digital, embroidery, flex, flock, and special effects)
• Choice of running your own shop or tapping into Spreadshirt’s marketplace
• Beginner-friendly design tools with templates and drag-and-drop options
• Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, and more through SPOD
• Global fulfillment across 18 countries with volume discounts available

❌ Cons

• Only 20% commission on marketplace sales
• Mixed reviews on print color accuracy and consistency
• Limited control over profit margins compared to platforms like Printful
• Customer service is only available Monday through Friday
• Shipping times can run longer in certain regions

9. Printfection

Printfection is a swag management platform designed for companies that want branded apparel and merchandise to feel like an extension of their identity. 

What makes this platform stand out is the range of printing methods it offers. From screen printing for bold, vibrant designs, to embroidery for a polished finish on polos and hats, to debossing, laser engraving, dye sublimation, foil stamping, and more, Printfection covers the full spectrum. 

But it doesn’t stop at printing. Printfection also provides warehousing, inventory tracking, curated kitting, branded packaging, and integrations with CRM and marketing systems. 

That means teams can run swag campaigns, employee recognition programs, or customer gifting initiatives with complete visibility and control. 

For businesses looking to treat swag as both a creative asset and a marketing tool, Printfection delivers the infrastructure to make it happen.

💰 Pricing

• Starter Plan: From $99/month. Higher tiers unlock advanced kitting, multi-user access, custom packaging, and premium support. Product and shipping costs are billed separately.

✅ Pros

• Full inventory management and warehousing included
• Branded packaging for polished unboxing experiences
• Multiple campaign types (bulk, on-demand, drop ship, or redemption link)
• CRM and marketing automation integrations for hands-free swag distribution
• Detailed analytics to measure engagement and ROI
• Internal storefronts with budget controls and approval workflows

❌ Cons

• Monthly fees can be expensive for small teams or startups
• Not built for creators, influencers, or DTC merch stores
• Limited product catalog compared to trend-focused POD platforms
• No digital product support or memberships
• Fewer customization tools if you prefer DIY design flexibility

10. Redbubble

If your creativity leans more toward fandoms, memes, or bold original artwork, Redbubble is where those ideas can actually find buyers.

Since launching in 2006, it has grown into one of the largest artist-first POD marketplaces, connecting over 700,000 independent designers with millions of global shoppers.

The platform makes things simple: upload a design, apply it to 70+ products (from shirts and stickers to wall art and home décor), and Redbubble handles the printing, fulfillment, and customer service.

Its strength lies in the built-in traffic and community. It’s especially popular for fan-inspired apparel and pop culture designs, which makes it a great space to test ideas or earn passive income without worrying about logistics.

For artists and designers who want exposure more than full brand control, Redbubble offers reach at scale.

💰 Pricing

• Free to Join: $0/month – Redbubble sets a base price for each product; creators add their markup and keep the difference.
• Standard Tier: 50% platform fee.
• Premium Tier: 20% platform fee.
• Excess Markup Fees applies if royalties exceed 20%

✅ Pros

• Huge built-in marketplace with millions of global shoppers
• Completely hands-off: Redbubble manages printing, shipping, and support
• No upfront costs or subscriptions 
• Strong fandom culture that fuels shirt and merch sales
• Supportive artist community for collaboration and visibility

❌ Cons

• High platform fees cut into profits (up to 50%)
• Print quality can vary between third-party printers
• Branding is Redbubble-first, not creator-focused
• Marketplace is crowded, making it tough to stand out
• Limited tools for upselling, customer retention, or building your own brand

11. Spring (Teespring)

Some platforms are built for bulk orders; Spring was built for creators who want their merch to live right where their audience already hangs out.

Originally known as Teespring, the platform has evolved into one of the most social-first print-on-demand tools out there, with direct integrations for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and even Twitch.

Setting up is simple: upload a design, set your price, and Spring takes care of printing, fulfillment, and payments.

Beyond apparel, the catalog includes 180+ print-on-demand items; plus digital products like eBooks and templates, making it easy for creators to experiment with both physical and digital merch drops. 

💰 Pricing

• Free to Use:  $0/month – Pay only the base cost of each product, set your own retail price, and keep 100% of the profit margin you choose.

✅ Pros

• Direct integrations with YouTube Merch Shelf, TikTok Shop, Instagram Checkout, Twitch, and more
• Supports both physical products and digital downloads
• Wide catalog with 50+ customizable products, including unique items like plush dolls and keychains
• Automated printing, fulfillment, and shipping
• Built-in analytics, retargeting ads, and email marketing tools

❌ Cons

• Higher base prices can cut into margins compared to other POD platforms
• Storefront customization is fairly limited
• Shirt quality and consistency can vary across orders
• Customer support isn’t always quick or 24/7
• No native integrations with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce

12. TeePublic

When it comes to turning bold graphics and quirky art into wearable merch, TeePublic has made itself one of the most recognizable marketplaces in POD. 

The platform keeps things simple: upload your artwork, choose from over 75 products, including T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, and wall art, and TeePublic handles the printing, shipping, and customer service. 

Its specialty is direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which delivers sharp, durable designs, and it also supports licensed fan art programs with major franchises like Star Trek and Stranger Things. 

With millions of active shoppers and built-in off-site marketing, artists don’t need to worry about driving traffic themselves—making it a straightforward, passive way to monetize designs. 

💰 Pricing

• Free to Use: $0/month – Commission-based earnings, depending on account type:
• Artisan – Top-tier rates for established artists
• Apprentice – Default starting rate for new creators
• Curator – Affiliate-style earnings for promoting products

✅ Pros

• High-quality DTG printing for detailed, lasting designs
• Licensed fan art partnerships with major franchises
• Automatic off-site marketing across Google, Instagram, and Facebook
• Artists keep 100% ownership of their work
• Strong emphasis on sustainability and WRAP-certified suppliers

❌ Cons

• No control over pricing; royalties are fixed
• Affiliates can sometimes earn more than the artists themselves
• Marketplace competition makes it hard to stand out
• Limited to marketplace selling (no external storefront flexibility)
• No support for neon or fluorescent inks

13. Amazon Merch On Demand

Amazon Merch On Demand gives creators a direct line into one of the largest shopping platforms in the world.

All you have to do is upload your design, choose your product, and Amazon handles everything from printing, fulfillment, and customer support.

Every shirt and hoodie you list becomes Prime-eligible, which means customers get two-day shipping backed by Amazon’s reputation.

The trade-off is tighter margins and fewer customization options, but the sheer scale of Amazon’s marketplace makes it hard to ignore. 

💰 Pricing

• Free to Join: (Application required) – Royalties paid per sale, based on product price minus Amazon’s costs. 
• Average earnings: $4–$5 per shirt at a $19.99 retail price.

✅ Pros

• Products are Prime-eligible with fast, two-day shipping
• Huge built-in audience with millions of daily Amazon shoppers
• Trusted Amazon brand boosts customer confidence
• No upfront fees or inventory management required
• Simple upload-and-sell process for beginners

❌ Cons

• Application-only platform; approval is not guaranteed
• Slimmer profit margins compared to other POD services
• Limited product selection focused on core apparel
• Very little control over branding or packaging
• Competitive marketplace with thousands of similar shirt designs

Wrapping Up

In the end, choosing the right print-on-demand partner isn’t just about comparing product catalogs or shipping speeds; it’s about being honest with yourself about what you actually want to build.

Start with the basics: do you want a platform that hands you control over your storefront and customer relationships, or one that keeps that data locked away?

Think about your merch, too. Are pro-grade printing methods and a wide variety of products important to your designs, or are you fine sticking to a handful of staples?

And beyond printing, are you simply looking for a place to crank out merch, or do you want tools that help you launch memberships, sell digital products, and turn your audience into a real community?

The truth is, the best platform is the one that not only fits your current needs but also aligns with your future goals.

Don’t Just Print, Build Something Bigger with Fourthwall

Custom Ink is fine if you’re ordering a batch of tees, but today's creators need more than that.

Fourthwall gives you pro-level printing with DTG, embroidery, sublimation, and screen printing, plus a catalog of 360+ products that goes way beyond T-shirts.

You also get a no-code storefront that feels like your own site, not a cookie-cutter template, along with global fulfillment so your fans can order from anywhere and actually get their gear fast.

But the real win is everything stacked on top: memberships, fan tipping, digital downloads, and native integrations with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. It’s merch, community, and business-building all in one place.

If you’re ready to move beyond basic printing and build a merch business that lasts, join the thousands of creators who are growing their brands with Fourthwall today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main drawbacks of using Custom Ink for print-on-demand?

Custom Ink is great for quick shirt runs and simple events, but it has a narrow focus.

The platform lacks warehousing, automation, and advanced branding tools, which makes it tough to run ongoing merch or swag programs.

International shipping also comes with added costs and longer delivery times, limiting its value for global teams.

Which Custom Ink alternatives offer more products and printing methods?

Platforms like Fourthwall, Printful, and Gelato stand out with bigger catalogs and more professional-grade printing options.

Instead of being limited to shirts and a few promo items, you can sell everything from mugs and stickers to tech gear, posters, and pet products.

These platforms also offer multiple printing methods like DTG, sublimation, embroidery, and screen printing, giving creators more flexibility and control.

Why is Fourthwall considered one of the best Custom Ink alternatives?

Fourthwall goes beyond just printing by giving creators full ownership of their storefront, audience, and brand.

It supports 360+ customizable products, pro-level printing methods, and global fulfillment, plus creator-first features like memberships, fan tipping, digital downloads, and direct integrations with YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch.

This makes it one of the few POD platforms designed to help creators build long-term businesses and not just one-off merch drops.