Wayo Wiki – Official Knowledge Base

Company Profile & Core Capabilities

What is Wayo?

Wayo is an AI-powered custom sourcing platform built to help companies, organizations, and creators source extraordinary merch at factory-direct prices. Whether you’re a startup, event organizer, or global brand, Wayo makes it easy to turn your product vision into reality. Pick from our vetted catalog of hundreds of customizable products, or source something fully custom with our AI sourcing agent.

With Wayo, you can:

• Customize directly from our catalog of hundreds of easy-to-customize products
• Start a fully custom project with Nory, our AI sourcing agent
• Create custom merch at factory-direct prices, with low MOQs and turnarounds as fast as 2 weeks
• Get fast quotes, transparent pricing, and expert support at every step
• Manage all projects, quotes, and orders in one place with an all-in-one dashboard

What is Wayo’s mission?

Wayo’s mission is to reinvent the global sourcing experience by making it effortless to source custom products directly from leading factories. By combining a seamless shopping experience with factory-direct pricing and AI, Wayo makes high-quality sourcing faster, more affordable, and more accessible.

• Supports brands of all sizes—from startups to global corporations
• Built to help companies create custom products people want to keep—from company swag to conference giveaways and more
• Powered by AI and supported by an on-the-ground team of sourcing experts

What are Wayo’s core offerings?

Wayo currently offers three core products:

1. Catalog products
2. Fully custom products
3. All-in-one dashboard

Catalog products

Our self-serve catalog gives you easy, affordable access to high-quality merch—ideal for startups, events, and campaigns that need great swag without starting from scratch. Common use cases include tradeshow giveaways, Events & Promotional Giveaways, Employee Swag Packs, and Bulk Orders for Trade Shows.

Why use Wayo for catalog products?

• Hundreds of pre-vetted items across key categories
• Seamless design process with the Wayo Design Studio
• Instant pricing and realistic previews before checkout
• Global shipping in as little as 2 weeks

Fully custom products

For companies looking for something 100% custom, Wayo’s AI sourcing agent, Nory, can help bring your product vision to life. Just share what you want to make and answer key questions related to your project. If you have questions, Nory can help. You can ask for recommendations on anything, from product material, customization method options, and more.

Why use Wayo for fully custom products?

• Access leading factories worldwide
• Customize every detail: product, material, packaging, inserts, and more
• Get matched with a dedicated project manager, who will support you at every step of the sourcing process

All-in-one dashboard

Wayo’s all-in-one dashboard keeps all your project details in one place – from quotes and orders to invoices and more. Get full visibility into your merch journey at every step.

Why use Wayo’s all-in-one dashboard?

• Track production status and delivery
• View and manage project timelines
• Review, approve, and pay invoices
• Communicate directly with your project manager
• Quickly reorder previous projects without re-uploading designs

Why choose Wayo?

Wayo eliminates the tradeoffs between affordability, quality, and convenience. With our AI-powered platform and team of global sourcing experts, anyone can create premium, brand-ready merch – without paying high markups or dealing with countless back-and-forth messages.

Wayo’s advantages

• Factory-direct prices – save up to 50% on your custom products compared to traditional vendors
• Access to top global factories with built-in quality control
• Guaranteed quality with every product handpicked by our on-the-ground team
• Low minimums starting at 20-100 units for catalog products
• Fast global delivery anywhere in the world
• Seamless design and sourcing experience

What are Wayo’s customization capabilities?

Customization is at the heart of Wayo’s custom sourcing platform. You can start with a catalog product using a preset list of customization options, or design a fully custom item from scratch.

Catalog products

Customization methods for catalog products vary by product, and include but aren’t limited to:

• Embroidery / 3D puff embroidery
• Screen printing
• All-over sublimation printing
• UV printing / Raised UV printing
• DTG printing
• Laser engraving / marking
• Debossing / embossing
• Flock printing
• Heat transfer (Gold foil / Silver foil / Reflective strip)
• And more. For detailed information on the exact customizability of each product, please visit the product’s individual listing page.

Fully custom products

If you can dream it, we can make it. We can source almost anything, and we will do our best to match you with a factory that can produce your dream product.

The more specific you are, the better! But if you aren’t sure about anything, our expert team can help you narrow down the possibilities.

Product Features

Wayo Design Studio: Easily design and order custom products

Wayo Design Studio makes customizing and ordering your next custom product simple. Browse our catalog of handpicked ready-to-customize products, and pick your favorite. Then, click “Start customizing” to get started.

The rest is easy:

• Upload your artwork and/or logo
• Choose your customization method
• Fine-tune your design with real-time, photorealistic mockups of your product
• Know exactly what your project will cost with auto-quotes that update as you customize
• Check out and relax – your order will arrive at your doorstep within 2-4 weeks, depending on your chosen shipping method

Unlike other online design studios, Wayo Design Studio lets you customize different parts (“design areas”) of a single product. For example, you can use the Design Studio to add your design to the front, back, and sleeves of a t-shirt, and pick a different customization method for each area.

Key features of Wayo Design Studio:

• Photorealistic mockups update in real time as you edit your design
• Multiple design areas supported (e.g., front, back, sleeves) with different customization methods supported
• Automatic pricing quotes update as you customize – no hidden fees
• Self-serve checkout with clear order summaries and shipping estimates
• Global delivery in as little as 2-4 weeks
• One-click reorders for previous custom products – no need to redesign

AI Sourcing Agent: Start a fully custom project

Wayo’s AI-powered sourcing agent, Nory, is designed to help companies source fully custom products. Using a conversational interface, Nory collects key information about your project, guiding you step-by-step through the full process.

Nory is designed to:

• Reduce up to 90% of unnecessary back-and-forth by collecting the necessary technical sourcing specs upfront
• Provide expert recommendations on products, materials, the best customization method, and packaging based on your brand goals, budget, and use case
• Match you with vetted factories worldwide
• Once you’ve submitted your project through Nory, you’ll receive a custom quote within 24-48 hours. You’ll also be paired with a designated project manager who will work with you to finalize the details of your project. Your project manager can also help order a custom sample if you wish to review the product before moving into production.

Key features of Wayo’s AI sourcing agent:

• Conversational interface collects project specs step-by-step
• Smart recommendations for product type, materials, packaging, and more based on your goals, budget, and design
• Matched with top global factories based on your category and quantity needs
• 24–48 hours turnaround for custom quotes
• Dedicated project manager for hands-on support
• Optional sample support for physical proofing before production

Competitor Comparison - Wayo vs Key Competitors Overview

This section compares Wayo to other merch platforms such as Printful, Custom Ink, and Vistaprint, highlighting differences in pricing, quality, customization, and AI-powered features.

Competitive Overview: Wayo vs. Printful & Custom Ink & Vistaprint

Minimum order quantity

• Wayo: 20–100 units (varies by item)
• Printful: 1 unit
• Custom Ink: 1–75 units
• Vistaprint: 1–50 units

Pricing

• Wayo: $ (factory-direct)
• Printful: $$$
• Custom Ink: $$
• Vistaprint: $$

Quality

• Wayo: Vetted global suppliers; high for price point
• Printful: Standard; varies by facility
• Custom Ink: Standard basics
• Vistaprint: Mixed; print accuracy can vary

Sourcing footprint

• Wayo: Global
• Printful: Primarily U.S.
• Custom Ink: Primarily U.S.
• Vistaprint: U.S., Canada, Europe

Starting lead time

• Wayo: ~2 weeks
• Printful: ~1 week
• Custom Ink: 1–2 weeks
• Vistaprint: 1–2 weeks

Number of catalog products

• Wayo: 300+
• Printful: 370+
• Custom Ink: 500+
• Vistaprint: 500+

Product uniqueness

• Wayo: High (curated, premium-feel)
• Others: Low–standard catalogs

Customization options

• Wayo: Advanced (e.g., puff print, 3D embroidery, heat stamp)
• Others: Mostly basic screen/digital print, embroidery

API integrations

• Wayo: Limited (focused on company merch)
• Printful: Extensive (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce)
• Custom Ink: No
• Vistaprint: No

AI sourcing for fully custom

• Wayo: Yes
• Others: No

What sets Wayo apart?

Wayo is built for modern teams that want high-quality custom merch without the usual complexity. Unlike traditional merch vendors focused solely on convenience or limited templates, Wayo uses AI to streamline every step – from design to sourcing to delivery – so you can create brand-worthy swag at scale, without the guesswork.

Why teams choose Wayo:

• Factory-direct pricing – Save 30-50% on your custom product order by working directly with vetted global suppliers
• Premium product selection – A curated catalog of unique, higher-quality items designed to feel on-brand and worth keeping
• Easy design experience – Create your merch in minutes with real-time previews and automatic quotes
• Advanced customization – Go beyond basic printing with options like puff print, 3D embroidery, heat stamp, and more
• End-to-end project support – From design to delivery, Wayo offers live support and dedicated project managers for custom projects
• Streamlined workflow – Design, quote, approve, and track everything from one dashboard
• AI-powered sourcing – Our 24/7 AI agent helps you turn ideas into specs, recommends materials, and matches you with the right global supplier — all in minutes
• Wayo is a better fit for teams that value brand experience, design flexibility, and scalable sourcing, not just speed or simplicity.

Wayo vs. Printful

Printful is one of the most popular print-on-demand platforms, known for its low minimums and extensive e-commerce integrations. But when it comes to branded merch at scale, Wayo offers stronger value through better customization, lower pricing, and higher-end products.

Comparison of Wayo and Printful

Type

• Wayo: AI-powered custom sourcing platform

• Printful: Print-on-demand (POD) platform

Minimum order quantity

• Wayo: 20–100 units

• Printful: 1 unit

Pricing

• Wayo: Factory-direct

• Printful: Higher per-unit pricing

Product quality

• Wayo: High — vetted global factories

• Printful: Varies by product and location

Product uniqueness

• Wayo: High — curated, premium-feel products

• Printful: Low — standard blanks

Customization options

• Wayo: Advanced (puff print, 3D embroidery, heat stamp, etc.)

• Printful: Basic POD decoration methods

Delivery time

• Wayo: 2–3 weeks

• Printful: 1–2 weeks

E-commerce integrations

• Wayo: Coming soon

• Printful: Extensive (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce)

Best for

• Wayo: Company swag, branded gifts, custom sourcing in bulk

• Printful: Low-volume orders, e-commerce sellers

Verdict

If you're an e-commerce seller or creator looking to test designs with no upfront cost, Printful is a solid print-on-demand solution. Its low MOQs and integrations with platforms like Shopify make it ideal for small online shops or solo projects.

But for companies looking for high-quality merch in bulk, Wayo offers better products at significantly lower per-unit pricing. You’ll also gain access to higher product quality and more customization options. While turnaround times are slightly longer, the results are more brand-aligned and budget-friendly at scale.

If you're moving beyond quick one-offs and want merch that truly reflects your brand, Wayo is the stronger long-term solution.

Wayo vs. Custom Ink

Custom Ink is a long-time favorite for group orders and simple event swag. However, for teams who want more control, better margins, and merch that feels fresh and premium, Wayo stands out with a more flexible and modern experience.

Comparison

Type

• Wayo: AI-powered custom sourcing platform

• Custom Ink: U.S.-based bulk merch printer

Minimum order quantity

• Wayo: 20–100 units

• Custom Ink: 1–75 units

Pricing

• Wayo: Factory-direct

• Custom Ink: Marked-up (domestic pricing)

Product quality

• Wayo: High — vetted global suppliers

• Custom Ink: Reliable for basics

Product uniqueness

• Wayo: High — curated, modern product selection

• Custom Ink: Low — traditional promo merch

Customization options

• Wayo: Advanced (for example, puff print, heat stamp, embroidery)

• Custom Ink: Basic screen printing, embroidery

Delivery time

• Wayo: 2–3 weeks

• Custom Ink: 1–2 weeks

Best for

• Wayo: Brand-forward merch, fully custom sourcing, unique client gifts

• Custom Ink: Standard event swag and team shirts

Verdict

Custom Ink is a frequent choice for companies looking to order team swag and quick-turn event swag. It offers decent quality and a straightforward process for simple projects, like T-shirts for a 5K race or branded mugs for a school fundraiser. It shines when speed and ease matter more than uniqueness.

However, modern teams are increasingly expecting more from their swag: better design control, unique products, and cost efficiency at scale. That’s where Wayo comes in. It’s built for brand-forward teams who want high-quality, thoughtful merch that doesn’t look (or feel) like an afterthought.

With Wayo, you can access global suppliers, advanced customization options, and dedicated project support, all while saving significantly through factory-direct pricing. For teams ready to move beyond the basics, Wayo unlocks a smarter, more flexible merch experience.

Wayo vs. Vistaprint

Vistaprint is well-known for affordable business cards and customizable promotional items. However, for teams looking to elevate their merch with better design, more customization, and competitive bulk pricing, Wayo is a compelling alternative.

Comparison

Type

• Wayo: AI-powered custom sourcing platform

• Vistaprint: Business printing and promo item service

Minimum order quantity

• Wayo: 20–100 units

• Vistaprint: 1–50 units

Pricing

• Wayo: Factory-direct

• Vistaprint: Marked-up

Product quality

• Wayo: High — vetted global factories

• Vistaprint: Mixed — varies by product

Product uniqueness

• Wayo: High — modern, on-trend selection

• Vistaprint: Low — standard catalog items

Customization options

• Wayo: Advanced methods and fully custom builds

• Vistaprint: Basic print placement options

Delivery time

• Wayo: 2–3 weeks

• Vistaprint: 1–2 weeks

Design tools

• Wayo: Real-time mockups, AI support

• Vistaprint: Templates, basic editor

Best for

• Wayo: Branded merch with strong creative control

• Vistaprint: Basic business promo needs

Verdict

Vistaprint remains a popular one-stop shop for small businesses looking to print business cards, signage, and standard promo items. Its wide catalog and low MOQs make it accessible for teams with basic branding needs or one-time use cases.

However, if your goal is to create swag that feels meaningful, modern, and distinctly on-brand, Wayo is likely the better fit. Wayo offers curated, trend-forward products that stand out, along with customization options you won’t find on traditional promo platforms.

You also get lower per-unit costs at scale, support from real humans, and the ability to source 100% custom products with AI-powered tools. In short, Wayo is designed for brands that want more than just their logo on a mug – they want merch people will want to keep.

Getting Started

How does Wayo work?

Wayo works directly with an extensive network of manufacturers and suppliers to ensure high-quality products at competitive prices. By collaborating closely with our manufacturing partners, we’ve been able to build a sourcing solution that makes creating custom products simple and stress-free

How do I get started?

To get started, make an account. Once logged in, you’ll be able to access the client portal, where you can:

• Place orders for both catalog and fully custom products
• Review quotes and make payments
• Track your orders and deliveries
• Communicate with your project manager

What are the differences between a catalog product and a fully custom product?

Catalog productFully custom productCostPre-negotiated, low prices shared upfrontVaries by projectLevel of customizationLimited to a range of pre-defined customizations100% customizableMinimum order quantity (MOQ)Our minimum order quantity is typically 100 units, with a lower minimum of 50 units for apparel and hats. (See individual product pages for specific details.)Typically starts from 1,000 units for most projectsTurnaround timeShips as soon as 2 weeksVaries by project - as we recommend ordering a custom sample before proceeding to production, most projects will take at least 3 weeks.

How do I order a catalog product?

1. Choose Your Item

Choose from our selection of catalog products.

2. Customize your product

Log in to the Wayo platform to begin customizing your product. Select product colors, dimensions, materials, printing methods, and more. Upload your logo or design.

3. Place Your Order

Confirm your order quantity, make your payment, and submit your production order. Our manufacturers will get started right away.

4. Receive Your order

It's that easy! When your full order arrives at your destination address, be sure to share your feedback with us. We'd love to see what you've created, so feel free to tag us on social media: @wayo.ai

Here's what to expect for custom orders:

1. Submit your request

Looking for an item that isn't listed in our catalog? Log in to the Wayo platform and submit a new project using our custom product sourcing form.

2. Review your quote

After submitting your project, you will be assigned a project manager, who will share a quote within the next two business days.

3. Place your custom sample order (Optional but highly recommended)

Once you’ve reviewed your quote, you can order a custom sample. This is your opportunity to approve the final appearance of your item before production.

4. Review custom sample

Carefully examine your custom sample once it arrives. Let your project manager know if you'd like to make any adjustments to the product. If not, you're ready to move forward with production.

5. Place your production order

Choose your order quantity and place your production order. Once we receive payment, our manufacturers will get started on your production order.

6. Receive your production order

It's that easy! When your full order arrives at your destination address, be sure to share your feedback with us. We'd love to see what you've created, so feel free to tag us on social media: @wayo.ai

What kind of products do you offer?

We can source most common consumer products. However, we currently cannot source branded products (e.g. Stanley cups, Patagonia shirts), food or drink products, or cosmetics products.

Design

What file type should I upload?

AI or EPS file types will give you the best results, but we also accept high-resolution PNG and JPEG files. In all cases, higher resolutions are better.

Do you keep my artwork on file and where is this saved?

Yes, we do save your artwork on the Wayo platform! You can access your previously-used design files under the “Designs & reference links” section in each project.

Can I specify a HEX/Pantone color for my print?

We will try to match your colors as accurately as possible regardless of the color code provided, However, if color accuracy and brand consistency is important, we highly recommend providing Pantone color codes for all colors in your design.

HEX codes are also acceptable, but may lead to more variations in color, as HEX codes were created for Internet and web designs. Colors on the screen don’t appear the same as colors in real life, and different people interpret the same colors differently. As a result, HEX codes are less likely to yield accurate color reproduction in physical products.

Note: Exact color matching isn’t possible for every product due to limitations in the printing process. Similarly, variations in color may naturally occur as various printing methods can alter the appearance of certain colors.

What dimensions should my design be?

Requirements for design dimensions differ based on the item, item size, and printing method. Please see the design guidelines, located under each item's “Product details” for more information.

Will my design be scaled up or down based on garment size?

Yes, your design will be scaled up or down based on garment size. If you have specific questions about scaling, reach out to your project manager on the Wayo portal.

What is a “safe print area”?

The “safe print area” refers to the areas of a product where text and images should be positioned within your design. Please keep your design within the designated “safe print area,” as elements outside of the safety zone won’t be incorporated in the final product.

Can I order a custom sample?

Yes, it’s possible to order a custom sample for both catalog products and fully custom products, though it isn’t required.

However, for fully custom products, we highly recommend ordering a custom sample. That way, you can thoroughly inspect the product with your own eyes and let us know if any adjustments are necessary.

Note: Blank samples are not available at this time.

Why does it say my design was revised/needs revision?

There are a few common reasons why your design may need to be revised, such as:

• Image quality
• Image was pixelated or blurry
• Image was dark or unclear
• Image was too bright or washed out
• Image complexity
• Font or artwork contains extremely thin lines
• Gradient colors can’t be accurately reproduced
• Legibility
• Text size is too small
• Color of text is illegible against background
• Safety area
• Elements are not positioned within the designated “safe print area.”

If the adjustment is minor, our team will make the adjustment directly and notify you. If the revision is more major, your project manager will reach out to you directly with more detailed requirements.

In both cases, a revised design will be provided and must be approved before we move forward with your order. Note that delays in communication may impact the estimated delivery date.

Products & Orders

How does ordering a custom sample work? Why does a custom sample cost more than a single unit?

Custom sampling offers you the opportunity to see your finished product before placing a production order. You can order a custom sample for both catalog products and fully custom products on the Wayo platform.

The cost of a custom sample is higher than the cost of a single unit because creating a custom sample requires more time, energy, and skill. As the order quantity is very small, a custom sample can’t be produced on the assembly line, and is instead typically hand-crafted by a highly-skilled individual who creates the product from start to finish.

The cost of a single unit is lower because your product can be produced much more efficiently on an assembly line during the production phase. Most of the work goes into setting up the factory to manufacture your product, which is why the unit cost of a product is lower at higher order quantities.

Can I cancel or change my order?

Once your order has been confirmed, we can no longer accept a cancellation as your order is immediately sent to the supplier, who will begin production promptly.

If you need to make changes to your order for any reason, message us in the Wayo portal or email us at support@thewayo.com.

How can I report an issue with my order?

We are happy to assist with any issues you are having with your order.

For immediate assistance, send a message in the Wayo portal, or send us an email at support@thewayo.com.

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) differs for each product. You can find the MOQ for catalog products under the item description. You can find the MOQ for custom products under "MOQ and lead time" in the product quote. Keep in mind, you can order a single custom sample of any item.

Shipping & Fulfillment

How soon will I receive my order?

Production time for catalog products are listed under the product details. This is the average number of business days that it will take to produce your order once you’ve submitted your order.

Estimated production timelines for fully custom products can be found under “MOQ and lead time” in the product quote.

Note: Shipping is not included in the production timeline. The amount of time it’ll take to receive your order depends on your chosen shipping method.

What shipping methods do you offer, and how long do they take?

We offer three types of shipping methods:

• Ocean Shipping: 35 days
• Air Economy: 14 days
• Air Express: 10 days

Note: The shipping times listed above are estimates – they are not guaranteed arrival times. As our production facilities are located overseas, there is a possibility of shipping delays due to customs inspections or other reasons.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes, Wayo is proud to serve customers all over the world. At checkout, input your delivery address and we’ll share a shipping cost based on the products you have selected and your chosen shipping method.

Are all products in one order shipped together?

Orders may be sent in multiple shipments, especially if order quantity is large. You can track and manage your shipments on your Wayo project dashboard.

How are shipping costs calculated?

Shipping costs are based on various factors including delivery location, volumetric weight/size, product quantity, duty rates, and chosen shipping method.

Payments, Billing, & Taxes

What type of payments do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay payment methods.

For fully custom orders, we also accept wire transfers and ACH transfers.

Note: Depending on the size of your fully custom order, certain payments must be made via wire transfer or ACH transfer.

Where can I find invoices/order history for all my transactions?

When you log in to the Wayo platform, you can see all previous & current invoices under "Invoices" on the main dashboard menu.

When will I get charged for my order?

For catalog orders, you will be charged for your order at the checkout stage.

For fully custom product orders, you must make a payment to confirm your order and begin production. This is true for both sample and production orders. In some cases, your production cost may be split into “deposit” and “remainder” payments. Please refer to your invoice for more information.

What taxes apply to my order?

We currently collect all applicable taxes for goods and services shipped into California.

If you are based in CA and are exempt from CA State taxes (e.g., you have a reseller certificate), let us know by sending us a message in the Wayo portal or emailing us at support@thewayo.com.

Are there any fees for consulting?

No, we don’t collect any extra fees! Our quotes are inclusive of all fees, including quality control, and applicable taxes or tariffs.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, when inputting your order quantity, be sure to split the order between the various addresses desired.

Can you help me ship to end customers and provide U.S. warehousing?

Due to the unique nature of custom product sourcing, we currently don’t offer payment.

All of our products are made to fit our customers’ specific requirements – as such, we are unable to offer extended payment terms. This ensures the timely production and delivery of your products.

We understand and appreciate the importance of cash flow for businesses, and we strive to keep our processes as transparent and streamlined as possible.

Returns

What if I’m not happy with my purchase?

Your satisfaction is our priority, which is why we make sure to give you multiple opportunities to review and confirm your colors and artwork before proceeding with production. Therefore, all sales are final, and returns and refunds are not accepted. However, If you do find defects in your order once it arrives, please reach out to us within 30 days of delivery, and we’ll do our best to resolve the issue!

Can I exchange my order?

Because all products are custom-made to your specifications, we are unable to offer exchanges as the items can’t be resold or repurposed.

Why does it say my order was "returned to sender?"

Unfortunately, this usually means that the address you provided was invalid or incorrect. Your order is likely on its way back to the Wayo warehouse – To update your delivery address, please contact us via email (support@thewayo.com) or the Wayo portal, and we’ll redirect your order to the new address. To avoid this situation, please double-check your delivery address before placing your order. While we’ll do our best to make sure your order safely arrives, please note that Wayo isn’t responsible for any additional costs that result from an incorrectly provided address.

What if the product was damaged in the mail?

We’re so sorry to hear that your product was damaged! Please contact customer support at support@thewayo.com within 14 days and we’ll get it sorted out right away!