Bear Grips Pro ShopsCustom Ink Alternative for Olympic Lifting Gyms
- Custom Ink minimums (usually 6+ per design) do not fit small olympic lifting club orders
- Bear Grips Pro Shops has no minimum and an ongoing member merch shop
- Per-unit pricing on small orders runs significantly lower at Bear Grips
- A built-in storefront lets gyms sell merch to members which Custom Ink does not match
Olympic lifting gym owners comparing Custom Ink and Bear Grips Pro Shops usually find Custom Ink works for one-time bulk runs but does not fit ongoing gym merch operations. Custom Ink minimums and one-off pricing do not work for a gym that wants shirts as it hires coaches and onboards members. Here is the side-by-side and where each platform actually wins.
Where Custom Ink Wins for Olympic Lifting Gyms
- One-time large meet runs. A 100-shirt run for a regional meet hosted at your gym is well-suited to Custom Ink's bulk model.
- Large coach team kit launches. A 50-piece staff apparel run for a multi-coach gym launch.
- In-person design assistance. Their art team can clean up a sketch into a print-ready design as part of the order.
Where Bear Grips Pro Shops Wins for Olympic Lifting Gyms
- No minimum order. Custom Ink generally requires 6 or more per design. Bear Grips has no minimum. Order 1 shirt for a new coach hire at the same per-unit price.
- Lower per-unit cost on small runs. A 3-shirt coach order at Custom Ink lands above $25 per shirt after setup. The same 3 shirts on Bear Grips VIP land at $20 per shirt.
- Built-in member storefront. Bear Grips gives the gym a public shop URL where members can buy merch. Custom Ink does not offer ongoing storefront fulfillment.
- Twice-monthly profit payouts. When members buy, your margin lands in your account. Custom Ink has limited fundraising but not an ongoing merch revenue model.
- No setup fees. Custom Ink charges setup and ink-color fees on small orders. Bear Grips does not.
Side-by-Side: Custom Ink vs Bear Grips for Olympic Lifting Gyms
| Feature | Custom Ink | Bear Grips Pro Shops |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | Typically 6 per design | None |
| Setup fees | Often $50 to $100 per order | None |
| Per-unit price (3 tees) | $25 to $35 | $20 VIP, $24 Free |
| Member merch storefront | Limited fundraising option | Full storefront with payouts |
| Reorder a single shirt | Hits minimum again | One shirt at same price |
| Free shipping | Varies | Always included to end customer |
| Monthly cost | $0 (pay-per-order) | $0 Free, $59 VIP, $109 DFY |
When Olympic Lifting Gyms Use Both Platforms
Some larger gyms split orders by use case:
- Custom Ink for one-time large runs (regional meets hosted at the gym, large coach team launches).
- Bear Grips Pro Shops for ongoing member merch, coach shirts, replacement orders, meet team apparel, and limited-edition drops.
Most olympic lifting gyms settle on Bear Grips alone after 3 to 6 months because the no-minimum model covers everything an active gym actually needs.
Switch From Custom Ink
Open a free Bear Grips Pro Shop, upload your gym logo, and order with no minimum and no setup fees. Add a member storefront in the same shop.
Start FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is there a cheaper alternative to Custom Ink for olympic lifting gym shirts?
For small-to-mid orders (under 30 pieces per design), Bear Grips Pro Shops is significantly cheaper than Custom Ink because of no minimums and no setup fees. Per-unit pricing on a 3-shirt coach order lands $5 to $15 lower per piece than Custom Ink.
Why do olympic lifting gyms switch from Custom Ink to Bear Grips?
No minimum order (Custom Ink usually requires 6+), built-in member merch storefront with profit payouts, lower per-unit pricing on small runs, and no setup fees. Olympic lifting gyms scaling member apparel as they grow benefit most from the no-minimum flexibility.
Can my gym sell merch to members through Custom Ink?
Custom Ink has a limited fundraising and group-order option but not an ongoing public storefront with twice-monthly profit payouts. Bear Grips Pro Shops includes a full storefront URL where members can buy any merch, with margin paid back to you on a regular schedule.
