Wayo vs. 4imprint: What’s the better fit for your merch strategy?

4imprint is practically synonymous with branded merch – since 1987, they've built a solid reputation on speed, reliability, and a massive catalog of familiar favorites.

But if your go-to merch is starting to feel a little generic, you’re not alone. More and more brands are exploring 4imprint alternatives in search of products that feel more intentional, on-brand, and worth keeping. After all, no one gets excited about another stress ball with a logo on it. 

Here’s where Wayo comes in. Built around unique products, flexible customization, and direct overseas sourcing, the platform promises a refreshing spin on traditional branded merch.

So, how do these two very different merch platforms stack up? Let’s break it down.

Wayo vs. 4imprint: quick comparison

What is Wayo?

Wayo is an AI sourcing platform built for brands that are ready to ditch generic merch in favor of something more memorable. 

Instead of scrolling endlessly through pages of predictable products, Wayo offers a curated catalog of on-trend, unique items sourced directly from trusted global factories. In other words, it’s a shortcut to finding and customizing standout swag without the headache of traditional overseas sourcing.

How does Wayo work?

Forget the complexity you might associate with custom merch. Wayo simplifies every step:

• Curated catalog: Every item in Wayo’s collection is thoughtfully selected based on current trends and genuine brand appeal. Think sleek portable chargers, modern drinkware, or stylish travel gear – products your audience will actually get excited about.
• Customization made easy: Wayo’s self-serve Design Studio is intuitive and powerful, letting you effortlessly create merch that's unmistakably yours. Whether you’re adding puff embroidery to cozy sweatshirts or laser engraving sleek tech gadgets, you’ll get real-time previews and transparent pricing without the guesswork.
• AI-powered sourcing magic: Looking for something extra-special that’s not in the catalog? Just describe your vision, and Nory, Wayo’s AI sourcing agent, will track it down. Plus, our upcoming merch line generator will soon help you build perfectly coordinated product sets.
• Seamless from start to finish: Once your design is set, just place your order online and sit back until your merch arrives in just a few weeks.

Pros of Wayo

Here’s what makes Wayo a great 4Imprint alternative: 

• Significantly lower prices: Because Wayo sources directly from trusted global factories, you typically save 30-50% compared to traditional promo providers, without cutting corners on quality.
• Standout, on-trend items: Stop wasting your money on throwaway freebies. Wayo’s collection is full of merch that feels premium, looks on-trend, and, most importantly, gets used.
• Enhanced customization options: Go beyond basic prints and embroidery with options like puff print, hot foil stamping, and sublimation printing.
• Fully custom possibilities: If you have a specific product idea, Nory and Wayo’s experienced sourcing team can make your vision a reality, without you having to deal with the hassle of handling logistics.

Cons of Wayo

• Bulk-focused: If you’re just looking for a handful of items or single custom gifts, Wayo might not be your best bet, as minimum orders typically start at 20-100 units.
• Longer lead times: While quick for global sourcing standards, expect to wait around two weeks or more for delivery.
• Smaller, curated catalog: Wayo emphasizes quality and uniqueness over sheer quantity, so you won’t find thousands of items.

Who is Wayo best for?

Wayo is the perfect 4imprint alternative if:

• You're a business, event, or agency looking for standout products in bulk.
• Your brand deserves merch that truly matches its unique personality.
• You want significant savings on custom, high-quality merch without compromising on style or quality.

What is 4imprint?

If there’s one thing 4imprint is known for, it’s scale. With thousands of products in its catalog, a huge North American operation, and a famously generous sample policy, 4imprint has carved out a dominant spot in the promo world, especially with buyers who are ordering in volume, on repeat, with no interest in bells, whistles, or deep customization.

What really sets 4imprint apart is the operational machine behind it. Their customer service is fast, friendly, and highly responsive, and the company is built around making repeat ordering and rebranding as easy as possible.

How does 4imprint work?

The process is designed to move quickly and painlessly, especially for people who already have a sense of what they want:

• Browse an enormous catalog: From water bottles to blankets to beach balls, 4imprint carries just about every promo staple imaginable. Many items have a “24-hour rush” option, and some are exclusive to their platform.
• Customize with ease: Upload a logo, tweak the placement using their design tools, and get a free proof before anything goes to print. Not sure how it’ll look? You can request a free sample on most products before you commit.
• Place your order and go: Flexible MOQs make it easy to order 25 notebooks or 2,500 mugs, and many items ship within 5-10 business days – sometimes faster.
• Reorder without rework: One of 4imprint’s strongest features is how easy it is to reorder, especially if your company has set merch standards or uses the same items for onboarding, events, or trade shows.

Pros of 4imprint

• Extremely large catalog: Thousands of SKUs across every promo category, from ultra-budget to brand-name.
• Speedy fulfillment: Tons of products ship within days, with expedited options that actually work.
• Free samples & proofs: You can feel and test before buying, which is rare in the merch world.

Cons of 4imprint

• Not designed for uniqueness: Most items are easy to find elsewhere, and branding options tend to be limited to basic print and embroidery.
• Catalog overwhelm: With such a large product catalog and a somewhat dated interface, it can be a lot to sift through.
• Traditional promo feel: Products can feel generic and commonplace rather than truly distinctive or aligned with premium branding.

Who is 4imprint best for?

4imprint is a great fit if:

• You’ve got a recurring need for tried-and-true promo items (and you want them fast).
• You’re buying merch for a large team, an ongoing program, or multiple departments.
• You don’t need to reinvent the wheel and just want to put your logo on a product. 

Final verdict: Wayo vs. 4imprint

4imprint has earned its place as a staple in the merch world, especially if you need to move fast, stick to the classics, and keep reorders simple. For many teams, it’s been the default for years.

But if you're starting to feel like your merch could work a little harder – or look a little cooler – it might be time for something new. Wayo is one of the best 4imprint alternatives that’s a different way of thinking about branded products altogether: more curated, more customizable, and way more aligned with how modern brands want to show up.

Explore Wayo and start creating merch that actually feels like your brand.