Greek life chapters comparing apparel platforms typically end up looking at Custom Ink and Bear Grips Pro Shops side by side. Both can print chapter shirts. The platforms work differently, and the right fit depends on whether the chapter wants a bulk order model (Custom Ink) or a per-member shop model (Bear Grips). This guide compares minimums, pricing, turnaround, design tools, and chapter workflow.
This is the structural difference.
Custom Ink. Operates on a bulk-order model. The chapter member places one order for many shirts, the order ships as one box, and the chapter distributes. Minimums are not always required but pricing tiers favor 12+ pieces. Below 12 pieces, per-shirt cost climbs significantly.
Bear Grips Pro Shops. No minimum. The chapter opens a shop, and each member orders her own size and her own quantity. Shirts ship directly to the buyer. The chapter does not collect orders, front money, or distribute. Below 12 pieces or above 100, per-shirt cost is identical.
When each works. Custom Ink fits a chapter that wants one big chapter-wide order for a single event (like a chapter-wide t-shirt for formal weekend). Bear Grips fits a chapter that wants an always-on apparel shop where members can buy any time of year.
Comparing a cotton crew tee with greek letters printed on the front:
| Order Size | Custom Ink (approx) | Bear Grips (VIP base) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 shirt | $22-26 | $19.88 | Bear Grips wins on small orders |
| 12 shirts | $18-22 each | $19.88 each | Custom Ink lower at moderate bulk |
| 50 shirts | $14-18 each | $19.88 each | Custom Ink lower at full bulk |
Custom Ink's bulk pricing tiers go below Bear Grips' flat VIP base at moderate-to-large order sizes. Bear Grips' flat pricing wins at small orders, repeat individual orders, and per-member purchase patterns where the chapter does not need to hit a bulk threshold.
The chapter sets the retail price on Bear Grips, so the comparison is not just base price but also chapter margin. At a $30 chapter retail on Bear Grips, the chapter keeps $10.12 per shirt as revenue.
Custom Ink. Standard production takes 2-3 weeks after order approval. Rush options available at higher cost. Each chapter order is produced as one batch.
Bear Grips. About one week per individual order. Each order is printed and shipped as soon as it comes in. No batch coordination delay.
When each works. Custom Ink's batch model works if all members place orders together and the chapter accepts the 2-3 week wait. Bear Grips' per-order model works if members order on their own schedule and want their shirts in about a week.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.Custom Ink chapter workflow. The merch chair or a chapter officer collects sizes from each member, places one large order, fronts the chapter's money, receives the box of shirts, sorts by size, and distributes. Chapter labor and chapter cash flow are both required upfront.
Bear Grips chapter workflow. The chapter sets up the shop once. The merch chair shares the shop link. Each member orders her own shirt at her own time. Shirts ship direct to the member's address. The chapter sees revenue land in the dashboard. No collection, no distribution, no front-funding.
For a chapter that wants always-on apparel without recurring merch chair labor, the Bear Grips model is structurally less work. For a one-time bulk order (like an all-chapter formal weekend tee), Custom Ink's batch model can work fine.
Custom Ink. In-platform design tool with greek-specific letter templates. The chapter can build a design without external design software. Strong template library for common greek shirt formats.
Bear Grips. Upload your existing chapter design as a PNG or vector file. No in-platform design builder. The DFY VIP plan ($109/mo) provides design services for chapters that need design help.
When each works. Custom Ink fits a chapter that does not have an existing design and wants in-platform tools to build one. Bear Grips fits a chapter that already has chapter artwork from prior years (most chapters do) or wants to use the DFY VIP plan for design support.
Bear Grips is the better structural fit when the chapter wants:
For a one-time chapter-wide bulk order with no ongoing apparel program, Custom Ink's batch model can be lower-cost on the per-shirt basis. Bear Grips' value compounds over a full year of chapter activity.
Free shop, no minimum, member-direct shipping. The structural alternative to bulk orders.
Start FreeOn small orders (1-10 shirts), Bear Grips is typically cheaper because Custom Ink's bulk pricing tiers do not kick in until 12+ pieces. On large bulk orders (50+ shirts), Custom Ink's bulk pricing can go below Bear Grips' flat VIP base. The right platform depends on order size and ordering pattern.
Yes. That is the platform's core model. The chapter sets up a shop, adds designs, and members order any time of year. The shop stays live without the chapter placing recurring bulk orders.
If the chapter has existing artwork, upload it as PNG or vector. If the chapter does not have artwork, the DFY VIP plan ($109/mo) provides design services and full shop setup. Most chapters have chapter letters and crest art from prior events.
Yes. There is no order window. Members order whenever they want, and each order ships in about a week. The chapter does not coordinate timing across the chapter.
Bear Grips Pro Shops