Printify vs CustomCat: Which POD Platform Fits Your Strategy?
A practical comparison of catalog breadth, pricing, speed, integrations, branding, and best-fit scenarios for apparel-led stores and multi-category brands.
Quick Verdict
- Choose Printify if you want maximum flexibility: hundreds of products, multiple print providers to compare by cost/location/quality, and global coverage.
- Choose CustomCat if you’re apparel-centric and margin-focused, want fast U.S. turnaround, and prefer a streamlined, consistent production flow.
At a Glance
| Category | Printify | CustomCat |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Variety, cost optimization, global scaling | Value pricing on core apparel, quick U.S. fulfillment |
| Catalog | 800+ products via multiple providers | Focused: tees, hoodies, jerseys, mugs, accessories |
| Print methods | DTG, embroidery, sublimation, AOP (varies by vendor) | DTG, embroidery, dye-sublimation on core SKUs |
| Integrations | Shopify, Etsy, Woo, Wix, Squarespace, eBay, TikTok Shop | Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy + apps/API |
| Turnaround | 2–7 business days (depends on vendor/region) | ~2–5 business days for many apparel SKUs (U.S.) |
| Pricing style | Vendor marketplace; Premium plan discounts | Competitive base pricing on staples; simple structure |
Overview
Printify connects you to a large network of print providers worldwide. You can compare costs, methods, and locations, then pick the best vendor for each SKU. This is excellent for margin testing, regional routing, and niche product coverage.
CustomCat focuses on fast, reliable apparel production at competitive prices. If your catalog is tee/hoodie/mug-heavy and your audience is mostly U.S.-based, the operational simplicity and speed are compelling.
Catalog & Print Methods
Printify effectively offers one of the widest POD catalogs because it aggregates many vendors. You’ll find DTG tees, embroidery caps, AOP leggings, wall art, drinkware, and more—great for cross-selling beyond apparel.
CustomCat leans into everyday apparel with DTG and embroidery standards that fit mainstream niches. It’s a strong “workhorse” option for stores built around staple garments.
Integrations & Workflow
Printify integrates with most major storefronts, including eBay and TikTok Shop. You’ll manage vendor selection, shipping profiles, and occasionally switch providers as you optimize quality and cost.
CustomCat plugs into Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy with straightforward product creation and bulk listing flows. Fewer moving parts mean less vendor micromanagement.
Turnaround, Shipping & Reliability
Printify turnaround times vary by the provider you choose. The upside is that you can place products with vendors closest to your target regions to reduce shipping time and costs.
CustomCat is recognized for quick U.S. apparel fulfillment, which can improve review scores and conversion if your customer base is domestic.
Pricing & Margins
Printify offers a free plan and a Premium tier that reduces base prices across vendors—ideal if you have consistent monthly sales. Vendor competition often yields lower costs on staple items.
CustomCat typically provides aggressive base pricing on core apparel, making it easy to hit target margins without managing multiple vendors. Always sample your hero SKUs to validate quality before scaling ad spend.
Who Should Choose Which?
Pick Printify if you:
- Want the widest product selection and vendor choice
- Sell to multiple regions and need flexible routing
- Optimize margins by comparing costs across providers
Pick CustomCat if you:
- Focus on apparel and want strong everyday pricing
- Sell mainly in the U.S. and value quick turnaround
- Prefer a simple, consistent production workflow
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