Wayo vs. Custom Ink: Which one makes more sense for modern merch?

If you’ve ever needed to order a batch of pens for a job fair or team tees for that company 5K, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Custom Ink. For over two decades, it’s been a go-to for bulk merch, especially for those looking for something simple, fast, and familiar.

But for companies looking to level up their merch, Custom Ink can start to feel a little boxed in. While it gets the job done, customization is relatively limited and the product range leans traditional. Unsurprisingly, brand-forward companies have begun exploring Custom Ink alternatives like Wayo. 

Built for modern teams, Wayo takes the “custom” part of custom merch seriously. Whether you're rethinking your swag strategy or looking for products that stand out from the standard pile of drawstring bags, here’s how Wayo and Custom Ink compare.

Wayo vs. Custom Ink: a quick overview

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick breakdown of how Wayo and Custom Ink compare:

What is Wayo?

Wayo is an AI-powered merch sourcing platform designed for companies that want their swag to stand out without overspending. It combines the flexibility and product variety of overseas sourcing with the kind of self-serve tools and clean interface you'd expect from a modern U.S. platform.

In other words, you can enjoy the creativity and cost-savings of overseas sourcing with none of the usual hassle of juggling vendors, chasing quotes, and managing production.

How does Wayo work?

Wayo takes the chaos out of custom merch by streamlining the process end-to-end:

• Browse a curated catalog: Skip the sea of generic options. Wayo’s catalog features premium-feel, on-trend items selected for quality and usefulness.
• Design with ease: Use Wayo’s Design Studio to upload your design, preview designs in real time, and get instant quotes that update as you customize.
• Check out and relax: Once your order’s in, Wayo handles the rest – from factory coordination to delivery at your door, usually within two to three weeks.

Pros of Wayo

• Factory-direct pricing: Save 30-50% on bulk orders by skipping the middlemen that most U.S. platforms rely on.
• More customization: Go beyond basic screen printing with options like puff print, embroidery, and heat stamp.
• Unique product selection: Choose from a curated range of thoughtful, on-brand merch that people actually want to keep, like multi-cable power banks or even a custom pickleball set.
• Custom product sourcing: Need something custom? Just describe what you're looking for, and Wayo’s AI sourcing agent will help bring your vision to life.

Cons of Wayo

• Not built for one-offs: Minimums typically start at 20-100 units, so it’s not ideal for individual items or super small batches.
• Slightly longer timelines: Most orders arrive in ~2 weeks, which is fast for overseas production, but not as immediate as domestic rush jobs.
• Still growing: The catalog is curated, not massive, which is great if you want less clutter, but limiting if you're looking for something hyper-specific. 

Who is Wayo best for?

Wayo is a solid option if:

• You’re looking for Custom Ink alternatives that offer creative, high-quality merch with better pricing.
• You’re ordering in bulk for a team, client drop, or branded campaign.
• You need something custom and don’t want to manage sourcing yourself.

What is Custom Ink?

Custom Ink has been a staple in the merch world since 2000, especially for schools and organizations that need a fast, reliable way to get their logos on bulk items. Their catalog leans classic – think tees, polos, mugs, and pens – and their platform is built for straightforward, U.S.-based production with fast delivery and decent volume pricing. 

That said, like Vistaprint, Custom Ink is best known for simplicity and consistency, not necessarily innovation or deep customization.

How does Custom Ink work?

Ordering from Custom Ink is fairly plug-and-play:

• Choose a product: Their catalog includes hundreds of standard promotional items, from apparel to drinkware to office staples.
• Customize your design: Upload your logo or use their design tools to tweak fonts, colors, and placement.
• Check out and wait for delivery: Most products are printed in Custom Ink’s U.S. facilities and ship out in about a week or two.

Pros of Custom Ink

• Fast turnaround: With U.S.-based printing, many items ship within a week, which is great for last-minute needs.
• Simple ordering process: No need to manage quotes or production timelines here – just pick, design, and order.
• Group ordering tools: Makes it easier to collect orders and sizes from multiple team members.

Cons of Custom Ink

• Limited customization: Most products only support basic printing methods and standard placements.
• Moderate minimums: While some apparel allows smaller orders, most items (such as drinkware) require 12 to 72 units, putting its minimums on par with Wayo’s.
• Generic product catalog: There’s little variety or trend-forward swag.

Who is Custom Ink best for?

Custom Ink is a solid choice if:

• You need something fast and familiar, like event tees or branded mugs.
• Your order is small, and you don’t want to deal with production details.
• You’re okay sticking with the basics.
• You’re managing group orders and want a platform that handles the logistics.

The final verdict: Wayo vs. Custom Ink

So, which should you choose – Wayo vs. Custom Ink? At the end of the day, Custom Ink still delivers. It’s familiar, fast, and built for straightforward merch needs, especially if you're only ordering a handful of items or working on a tight timeline.

But if you're looking for Custom Ink alternatives that offer better pricing, bolder products, and deeper customization, Wayo is built to deliver. It’s a smarter way to create merch that feels intentional rather than just another giveaway.

Ready to try something new? Explore Wayo’s curated catalog or tell us what you’re dreaming up, and we’ll help you bring it to life.