A Custom Ink Alternative Built for Climbing Gyms

Custom Ink is the default search result when a climbing gym owner needs custom shirts, but its model is built for one-time group orders, not ongoing gym apparel programs. Custom Ink requires minimums (usually 6 to 12 pieces depending on product), charges setup fees on complex designs, and has no concept of a persistent member storefront. For a climbing gym running a real apparel program, an alternative built for ongoing, per-member ordering wins on cost, time, and revenue.

How the two platforms actually differ

Feature	Custom Ink	Bear Grips Pro Shops
Minimum order	6 to 12 pieces	One piece
Setup fee	Yes on multi-color	None
Persistent storefront	No	Yes, branded URL
Per-member checkout	Group order form only	Yes, individual orders
Shipping	Bulk to organizer	Direct to each member
Re-order workflow	Start a new order	Always live, same shop

When Custom Ink is still the right choice

Custom Ink has its place. If a climbing gym is doing a one-time group screen-print run of 50 identical tees with no follow-up demand, Custom Ink can compete on per-piece pricing at high volume. They also offer screen printing on heavier weight blanks that work for specific use cases.

What Custom Ink does not do: handle ongoing member ordering, per-climber customization, or staff re-orders without restarting the order process from scratch.

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

The math on a 25 piece comp team kit

A typical climbing comp team needs 25 tees with each climber's name on the back. Running the math:

• Custom Ink: 25 piece order at ~$22 per tee plus name setup fees of ~$2.50 per piece. Coach collects sizes and names manually, then submits one big order. Total: ~$612 plus 8 hours of coach time.
• Bear Grips Pro Shops: parents order direct from the team page in the gym shop. Per-piece price stays $19.88 VIP base. Each climber adds their own name at checkout. Coach time: zero.

The gym owner sets the retail at $35 per tee and earns $375 in margin on the same 25 piece order. Custom Ink margin to the gym: zero.

Switching from Custom Ink: what to expect

Gym owners switching from Custom Ink usually report three observations:

1. Faster turnaround: one week direct to each member versus 2-3 week bulk delivery to the gym.
2. Less administration: no clipboard sign-up sheets, no chasing payment, no missed sizes.
3. Recurring revenue: the shop stays live year round so off-season ordering still happens, which is impossible with Custom Ink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the blanks the same quality as Custom Ink?

We carry the same major brands: Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Sport-Tek, Champion, Gildan, Independent Trading Co, Cotton Heritage, Comfort Colors.

Does the print hold up like a Custom Ink screen print?

Yes. Our print process is rated for athletic apparel and survives season-long wear. For some heavyweight cotton tee use cases, screen printing has a slightly thicker hand, but the durability difference is negligible.

Can I still place a one-time bulk order if needed?

Yes. Bulk runs go through the same shop at the same per-piece price.

What if a member wants a single piece months after a team launch?

The shop stays live. They order anytime. The shirt ships in a week. This is the biggest functional difference.