4imprint vs. CustomInk vs. Stitchi: What’s the Difference? 

Ordering custom merch can be exciting, but with so many vendors out there, it can also be pretty overwhelming. The same t-shirt can cost $6 on one site and $11 on another! You really need to do your homework to find the right provider. In the last article, we have covered Vistaprint vs CustomInk vs Stitchi. In this article, we are going to talk about 4imprint vs. CustomInk vs. Stitchi, focusing on their products, minimum order quantities, pricing, and designing experience to help you make an informed decision.

4imprint vs. CustomInk vs. Stitchi: 6 Main Differences

Before you order custom merchandise from any of these three platforms, take a look at our detailed comparisons of CustomInk, Vistaprint, and Stitchi. This will help you save money and effort on your designs.

Difference 1: Pricing

4imprint is the priciest option for apparel, totes, and bags compared to CustomInk and Stitchi. CustomInk falls in the middle range. Since Stitchi is a startup, it offers the lowest prices for all apparel, hats, and bags. Plus, Stitchi includes free front-side customization with unlimited colors, which is a major perk.

For example, a pack of 25 SAME Gildan short-sleeved ultra-cotton tees with front-side customization costs $14.96 at 4imprint, $12.81 at CustomInk, and just $10.54 at Stitchi.

But don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself by placing a dummy order using these links.

4imprint: Product link: cost $14.96 

CustomInk: Product link: cost $12.81

Stitchi: Product link: cost: $10.54

Here are the screenshots of all three orders we placed on 4imprint, CustomInk, and Stitchi. 

If you’re selling custom merch, or ordering in bulk this small price difference can significantly affect your overall budget. 

Difference 2: Product Offerings

CustomInk: It specializes in t-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, and similar items. CustomInk also offers a selection of other promotional products, but apparel remains its stronghold. 

4imprint: It specializes in tradeshow materials like Table covers, lanyards, ID holders, business cards, banners, flyers, stationary, and various other marketing materials. It also has a wide collection of technology gazets like power banks, earbuds, Bluetooth, flash drives, and speakers,

Stitchi: Stitchi also specializes in apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, sportswear, kidswear, etc.,  headwear, bags, and totes. It has the highest collection of apparel with 10,000+ products. 

Difference 3: Minimum Order Quantity

CustomInk: It doesn’t have a minimum quantity requirement and you can order even one merchandise also. However, please note that if you’re ordering fewer than six pieces, your choice of colors and sizes will be limited. They have a tab for “Ordering fewer than 6”.

4imprint: Minimum order quantity varies for each product. It starts from 6 units and can go up to 50 units.  

Stitchi: It has a minimum order quantity of 24 pieces for all types of products. You can get the bulk discount as well. 

Difference 4: Ambiguity 

CustomInk maintains consistent policies for minimum order quantities, shipping, and printing costs across their entire catalog. In contrast, 4imprint's setup costs, minimum order quantities, printing color selections, and shipping costs are ambiguous and vary by product, making budgeting difficult. Stitchi is consistent with all these details except for shipping rates. Additionally, Stitchi provides upfront costs for embroidery, a rare practice in the industry.

Difference 5: Design Tools

CustomInk: It has the best self-designing tools compared to 4imprint and Stitchi. It offers a vast library of templates, shapes, smileys, and graphics while designing your merchandise. 

If you want to create some unique designs beyond logos or quotes, CustomInk’s design lab will be a useful selection. 

4imprint: It doesn’t have a drag-and-drop designing tool. You need to specify the place and color of your design at the time of checkout and send your art (logo, custom design) later on. 

Stitchi: It works on a different design practice. You need to submit the designs, logo, and images to Stitchi. A dedicated designer will contact you for customization ideas to provide professional and best-resolution prints. This service is 100% free. 

Difference 6: Shipping Cost and Delivery Time

CustomInk: It has a standard 14-day shipping and also express shipping option at an additional cost. It offers free shipping and flat rate shipping is $9.95 per US address, if delivering to multiple addresses. 

4imprint: Shipping cost varies by-products and quantity ordered. High ambiguity for shipping cost. You will know the shipping cost at the time of check out. 

Stitchi: It delivers in 10 days and also has express shipping options. The exact shipping cost of the regular orders will be calculated at the checkout. They also send merchandise to multiple addresses for $5.99 per US address, which is way cheaper than CustomInk. 

Conclusion

The choice among CustomInk, 4imprint, and Stitchi ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you want a straightforward, user-friendly design experience for custom apparel, CustomInk’s drag-and-drop tools are unmatched. For the same quality and branded products at a lower cost, choose Stitchi. The cost savings with Stitchi can significantly reduce your budget. For trade show marketing materials, electronic swag, and stationery, 4imprint is the best option.