Printful vs CustomCat: Which POD Supplier Fits Your Store?
A practical, side-by-side look at catalog depth, pricing style, integrations, turnaround, branding options, and who each platform is best for.
Quick Verdict
- Pick Printful if you want polished integrations, a very broad product range, strong mockups/branding extras, and reliable international coverage.
- Pick CustomCat if you prioritize competitive apparel pricing, quick U.S. turnaround, and solid everyday quality to maximize margins.
At a Glance
| Category | Printful | CustomCat |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Brand polish, global reach, broad catalog | Value pricing on apparel, fast U.S. production |
| Catalog size | Very wide (apparel, home, accessories, wall art, more) | Focused (apparel, drinkware, some accessories) |
| Integrations | Shopify, Etsy, Woo, Amazon, eBay, Wix, Squarespace, more | Shopify, Etsy, Woo + apps/API |
| Typical turnaround | ~2–7 business days (varies by item/region) | ~2–5 business days for many apparel SKUs (U.S.) |
| Pricing style | Higher base; premium experience & extras | Lower base on staples; strong margins |
| Branding & extras | Mockups, pack-ins, labels, warehousing, design tools | Core branding on select items; streamlined builder |
Catalog & Print Methods
Printful covers apparel, headwear, wall art, home & living, and accessories with DTG, embroidery, cut & sew, and sublimation options. This breadth lets you expand into higher-AOV categories without switching providers.
CustomCat focuses on dependable apparel and popular accessories with DTG, embroidery, and dye-sublimation. If your store is apparel-centric and price sensitive, CustomCat’s mix is attractive.
Integrations & Workflow
Printful offers a refined app experience across more storefronts (including Amazon/eBay). The product editor, shipping estimator, and mockups save time for multi-channel brands.
CustomCat integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. Bulk apparel listing and straightforward set-up make it easy to launch large catalogs quickly.
Turnaround & Shipping
Printful operates globally and works with partner facilities, which helps with regional fulfillment and shipping options when selling outside the U.S.
CustomCat is known for fast U.S. apparel production. If your audience is primarily domestic (USA) and speed is a key selling point, this can lift conversion and review sentiment.
Branding, Mockups & Quality Controls
Printful provides strong mockups, branded pack-ins/labels on many items, and extras like warehousing. This supports premium positioning and consistent brand presentation.
CustomCat emphasizes speed and value pricing with solid everyday quality. Branding options are more focused, but for many apparel stores that’s sufficient.
Pricing & Margin Example
If a staple tee’s base + shipping total is $14 and you sell at $24.95, your pre-fee margin is ~$10.95. Printful may price higher per unit but offers brand polish that supports higher retail pricing; CustomCat may offer lower base costs that help you compete on price or pocket more margin. Always compare exact SKUs, sizes, and destinations.
Who Should Choose Which?
Go with Printful if you:
- Need a broad catalog beyond apparel
- Plan to sell globally and value distributed fulfillment
- Want premium mockups and brand extras
Go with CustomCat if you:
- Optimize for apparel margins and speed
- Sell mainly to U.S. customers
- Prefer a focused, fast workflow for large SKU counts
Getting Started (Simple Plan)
- Pick 3–5 hero designs and 2 apparel cuts (e.g., unisex tee + hoodie).
- Order samples from both providers to evaluate print, fit, and packaging.
- Publish the best-performing combo first; price test premium vs value.
- Add 1–2 non-apparel items (e.g., mugs or wall art) if using Printful’s breadth.
- Track delivery times, returns, and reviews—then double down.
FAQ
Which has the bigger catalog?
Which is cheaper?
Which is faster?
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