Wayo vs. Vistaprint: Which is better for company merch?

Vistaprint has been a go-to in the branded merch world since 1999, helping countless small businesses get their names out there. It’s quick and convenient option for those looking to add their logo to pens, mugs, and other standard giveaway items.

That said, some companies have begun rethinking their approach to merch. Rather than wasting their budgets on forgettable freebies, teams are opting to invest in higher-quality materials, more customizable designs, and items that feel truly unique to their brand.

If you’re hunting for Vistaprint alternatives, one name you might’ve come across is Wayo. Here’s how the two compare.

Wayo vs. Vistaprint: A quick overview

Wayo and Vistaprint are two good options for making company merch. However, several key differences can help you decide which platform is a better fit for your needs.

What is Wayo?

Wayo is an AI-powered custom product sourcing solution built specifically for companies that care about quality, design, and cost efficiency. 

Wayo is an AI-powered custom product sourcing solution built specifically for companies that care about quality, design, and cost efficiency. 

Unlike traditional promo product sites, Wayo connects you directly to top-tier suppliers overseas, helping you skip the frustrations of sampling, sourcing, pricing, and logistics – and, more importantly, inflated price tags.

How does Wayo work?

Wayo offers a streamlined, self-serve experience:

• Browse a curated catalog: No more digging through endless pages of outdated swag. Our on-the-ground team handpicks products for quality, uniqueness, and brand appeal – think wireless travel chargers, karaoke machines, and even desktop vacuum cleaners.
• Customize with ease: Use Wayo’s self-service Design Studio to add logos, pick colors, choose advanced customization methods (like puff print or heat stamp), and see realistic previews. You’ll also get transparent, real-time pricing.
• Use AI to go beyond the catalog: Looking for something specific? Wayo’s AI agent, Nory, can track down the exact product you have in mind, while our upcoming merch line generator helps build coordinated product sets tailored to your brand.
• Place your order: When you’re happy with your design, check out in a few clicks.
• Get your merch: Orders arrive within 2-3 weeks. 

Pros of Wayo

Here’s why Wayo is a strong choice for brands exploring Vistaprint alternatives:

• Lower prices: Factory-direct pricing means prices that are typically 30-50% cheaper than traditional promo vendors without sacrificing quality.
• Fresh, unique swag: If you’re tired of standard promo pens and mugs, chances are your audience is too. Wayo’s catalog is packed with cool, useful, premium-feel items that people actually want to keep (and use).
• Advanced customization options: Want puff printing on a sweatshirt? Heat stamping on vegan leather? Wayo lets you get more creative with your branding.
• Fully custom product sourcing available: Need something that’s not in the catalog? Just describe what you're looking for, and Wayo’s AI sourcing agent will match you with the right supplier, and our global team will help you make it happen. 

Cons of Wayo

Despite Wayo’s strengths as a merch provider, it may not be the right fit for every project:

• Not ideal for small or one-off orders: With minimums starting at 20-100 units, Wayo is best for bulk merch, not single custom gifts or low-volume projects.
• Longer lead times than local vendors: While Wayo’s lead times are very fast for an overseas production service, orders will typically take at least 2 weeks to arrive.
• Smaller catalog: Wayo focuses on quality over quantity, which means a leaner, more curated catalog.

Who is Wayo best for?

Wayo is a great fit if:

• You’re sourcing merch for a company, event, agency, or organization.
• You want memorable, higher-quality products that stand out from the sea of basic tees and promo pens.
• You need bulk quantities and want better pricing than what Vistaprint and other U.S.-based merch sites offer.
• You’re interested in ordering fully custom products but don’t want to manage sourcing, production, and logistics yourself.

What is Vistaprint?

Vistaprint is one of the longest-standing names in the custom merch and print game, especially when it comes to business cards, brochures, and branded pens. That said, over the years, it’s grown far beyond print to offer a wide selection of promo products.

And while it shares some surface similarities with print-on-demand platforms like Printful, Vistaprint isn’t built for e-commerce sellers – there’s no storefront integration or automated order fulfillment.

How does Vistaprint work?

Like Wayo, Vistaprint’s process for ordering merch is relatively straightforward:

• Pick your product: Vistaprint’s catalog includes hundreds of items, from apparel to drinkware, stickers to office supplies, signs to packaging, and more. 
• Customize your design: Upload a logo or choose from pre-made templates. You can tweak placement, pick fonts, and adjust colors.
• Choose your quantity and check out: Enter your quantity and see real-time pricing updates. For some products, Vistaprint offers bulk discounts.
• Wait for your order to arrive: Unlike marketplaces or sourcing platforms, Vistaprint handles production in-house at its large-scale manufacturing facilities in Texas, Nevada, and the Netherlands. This means most orders ship within 5 to 10 business days, with rush options available if you’re working against a deadline.

Pros of Vistaprint

Vistaprint continues to be a go-to for small and medium-sized businesses thanks to its:

• Low to no minimums: Whether you need 10 branded mugs or 1 set of business cards, Vistaprint can deliver without requiring a bulk commitment.
• All-in-one business printing: Beyond merch, Vistaprint covers nearly every print need imaginable (e.g., signage, marketing materials, packaging), which makes it a one-stop shop for brand collateral.
• Design help: Not a designer? No problem. Vistaprint offers templates, a DIY editor, and even design services for hire.

Cons of Vistaprint

That said, here are a few reasons why some businesses have started exploring Vistaprint alternatives:

• Limited customization options: Vistaprint’s personalization is often restricted to basic digital and screen printing methods.
• Higher per-unit costs at scale: For small orders, Vistaprint's pricing is competitive and accessible. However, when scaling up (say, ordering over 100 units), the per-item cost doesn't decrease as significantly as it might with sourcing-focused platforms like Wayo.
• Generic business merch: Vistaprint's catalog includes hundreds of products, but many are standard offerings commonly found across various vendors.
• Inconsistent product quality: While many users have satisfactory experiences, some reviews report variability in product quality, primarily around print clarity and color accuracy. 
• Not built for e-commerce sellers: Unlike POD platforms, Vistaprint doesn’t offer integrations with Shopify, Etsy, or other online storefronts.

Who is Vistaprint best for?

Vistaprint is a solid choice if:

• You need standard, straightforward products and are okay with basic customization.
• You want to order everything from one vendor, from merch to print materials to signage.
• You’re working on a tight timeline and need something delivered quickly.
• You don’t need high-volume quantities – just a few pieces for an event or team gift.

The final verdict: Wayo vs. Vistaprint

At the end of the day, choosing between Wayo and Vistaprint boils down to what kind of merch experience you're seeking.

If you’re looking for fast and familiar, Vistaprint is a solid choice. But if you’re actively exploring Vistaprint alternatives that offer higher product quality, deeper customization, and more bang for your buck, Wayo is likely a better pick.

Ready to create memorable, brand-forward merch without the usual sourcing headaches? Explore Wayo’s full catalog.