Wayo vs. Printify: Which is a better choice for branded merch?

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of opening an Etsy store or selling on Shopify, chances are you’ve come across print-on-demand (POD) platforms. Printify is one of the first POD marketplaces to pop up, and today, a go-to for creators looking to turn their ideas into physical products.

Some businesses even use the platform to create their own merch or employee gifts. It’s quick, easy, and gives teams the freedom to test designs without committing to bulk quantities. For small businesses or creators, that low-risk way to experiment with ideas is a huge draw. 

But POD platforms can fall short when a brand is ready for something more polished and cost-effective at scale. Here’s where Printify alternatives like Wayo come in – read on as we break down how the two stack up.

Wayo vs. Printify: a quick overview

Before we dive into the details, here’s a snapshot of how Wayo and Printify compare:

What is Wayo?

We built Wayo to give companies and organizations of all sizes the global sourcing power that big brands have without the complexity, markups, or guesswork. Think of it as an AI-powered platform that bridges the gap between Printify and Alibaba – we combine the convenience of on-demand merch with the product variety (and low prices) of global sourcing. 

How does Wayo work?

Ordering from Wayo is straightforward:

• Browse our curated catalog: Our team scouts emerging trends and sources premium, export-ready products directly from trusted factories. We’ve tested and vetted every item in our catalog.
• Customize your merch: Our self-serve Design Studio lets you upload your logo, choose colors and print methods, and see real-time previews with instant quotes that update as you customize.
• Request something custom: Need something that’s not in the catalog? Nory, our AI sourcing agent, can track it down or get it custom-made just for you. Just describe what you’re looking for.
• Wait for your merch to arrive: Once you’ve placed your order, Wayo handles the rest: production, quality checks, packaging, and global logistics. Your merch arrives in as little as two weeks.

Pros of Wayo

Here’s why more brands are opting for Wayo as a Printify alternative:

• Factory-direct pricing: Wayo works directly with overseas manufacturers, cutting out layers of middlemen and markups. That means orders can cost 30-50% less than what you’d pay through traditional promo vendors or POD platforms – without cutting corners on quality.
• Products that feel premium: From insulated coffee mugs to fleece quarter-zips to sleek desk accessories, Wayo’s catalog is filled with merch people actually want to keep. Plus, we offer more unique customization methods that help your custom products look and feel elevated, not like everyone else’s.
• Full-service sourcing when you need it: If you can’t find what you’re looking for, Wayo’s AI sourcing agent (and the real humans behind it) can locate or produce it. It’s the easiest way to bring fully custom merch ideas to life.

Cons of Wayo

Depending on your priorities, Wayo’s strengths can come with a few tradeoffs:

• Bulk order minimums: Unlike POD platforms, Wayo is not designed for single-item creators. Minimums typically start at 20-100, depending on the product.
• Longer lead times than POD: While two to three weeks is fast for global sourcing, it’s slightly slower than platforms like Printify.
• Smaller catalog (by design): Wayo focuses on a curated, high-quality selection instead of a sprawling inventory. That means fewer options overall, but a higher bar for what makes the cut.
• No e-commerce integrations (yet): We built Wayo for company merch and events, not online storefronts, which means we don’t have integrations with platforms like Shopify or Etsy. 

Who is Wayo best for?

Wayo is the perfect fit if:

• You’re a company, agency, or event organizer creating merch in bulk.
• You want premium, design-forward products that actually reflect your brand.
• You’re tired of overpaying for generic items through traditional promo vendors.

What is Printify?

Printify launched in 2015 as one of the first marketplaces to make POD accessible to everyone. Instead of owning factories or equipment, Printify connects sellers with a global network of third-party print providers based on location and availability. 

For creators, it’s an easy way to get designs into the world fast. But for companies that care about consistent product quality or want higher-quality merch, the experience can feel a little fragmented, since each print provider operates differently.

How Printify works

The appeal is simple: choose a product, upload a design, and Printify takes care of the rest:

• Browse and choose products: Start by selecting from Printify’s print-ready apparel, drinkware, accessories, and home goods. Each product comes from a third-party print provider, so you’ll often see multiple vendors offering similar blanks at different price points and fulfillment speeds.
• Upload your design: Use Printify’s built-in design tool to add your artwork or logo. The platform generates mockups automatically, helping you visualize how your design will appear on the final product.
• Pick your print provider: Choose from a list of partner facilities based on location, cost, and print method (or let Printify automatically assign one when you place your order).
• Print and ship: When an order comes in, Printify routes it to your selected print provider, who prints, packs, and ships it directly to your customer or gift recipient.

Pros of Printify

Here’s why Printify has become one of the most popular POD platforms for creators and small businesses:

• Extensive e-commerce integrations: Printify syncs directly with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and other platforms, automating everything from order routing to shipping updates. 
• Large product catalog: The platform offers thousands of items across categories like apparel, mugs, posters, and accessories. While many are standard blanks, the range gives sellers flexibility to test different products and price points.
• Fast turnaround times: Because Printify partners with print providers in multiple regions, most orders ship within 3-7 business days. That’s quick enough for small drops, last-minute launches, or holiday sales.

Cons of Printify

Printify’s ease of use comes with a few drawbacks, especially for brands that prioritize control or consistency:

• Inconsistent product quality: Since Printify relies on third-party print partners, materials, print quality, and color accuracy can vary between providers, even for the same design.
• Generic customization and products: Many sellers use the same blanks from the same suppliers, so it’s harder to stand out unless the design itself carries the entire brand experience. Similarly, most products use standard print methods (like DTG, sublimation, and embroidery), which work for simple designs, but not for brands wanting premium and more unique finishes.
• Higher per-unit costs: POD pricing can add up quickly for bulk orders, making it less cost-effective for companies ordering hundreds of items.

Who is Printify best for?

Printify is a great fit if:

• You’re a creator or small business owner launching a new merch line.
• You want to test multiple designs or products without upfront costs.
• You’re running an online store and need seamless Shopify or Etsy integrations.

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.