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Custom Ink Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Custom T-Shirt Store Reviews

Custom Ink Review 4 Star Rating

Custom Ink

4 Star Rating
  • Prices from $11.98 to $118.98 per shirt
  • Free shipping
  • 15-day return window
  • Options for adults and kids
  • Move text and images anywhere on the shirt
  • Buy in bulk and individual items
  • "A+" rating and accreditation with the BBB

The Custom Ink journey traces back to 1999, initiated by three former college peers who embarked on the path of entrepreneurship about a year after their graduation. In 2003, one of the founders, Marc Katz, convened a company-wide assembly to formally introduce the core values of The Golden Rule, Ownership, and Innovation, an action that led to a daily contemplation and embodiment of these principles.

Fundamental business approach

The embodiment of Custom Ink's core values is evident in the annual "Inkademy Awards" ceremony, which celebrates individuals exemplifying each core value. The company's dedication to these principles is not mere rhetoric, but rather a fundamental business approach that defines Custom Ink's ethos. This is refreshing in the business world.

Fully custom design UI

To design in Custom Ink, customers just need to start by selecting a product for customization. Then, customers are directed to the online design lab where users can add text, art, and graphics of their choice, including emojis, symbols, animals, mascots, and more. A distinctive feature is the flexibility to position symbols, text, and graphics freely on the shirt, rather than being restricted to predefined areas. Certain products even allow for personalized names and numbers on the back, commonly utilized for sports teams or company attire.

Best Custom T-Shirt Stores

Tons of options but some require a purchase minimum

In the realm of customizable products, Custom Ink stands out for its extensive range catering to bulk buyers seeking personalized items. The diversity of Custom Ink's offerings extends to unique apparel categories such as workwear, pants, corporate attire, and uniforms. Focusing on T-shirts, a comprehensive selection of 11 categories is available, encompassing options like long sleeve shirts, performance wear, soft tri-blend tees, women's shirts, raglan-style tees, kids' apparel, and even items made in the USA or tailored to Canadian preferences. It's worth noting that a minimum purchase requirement of six items exists unless you opt for designated "no minimum" products. This could potentially pose a challenge for individuals seeking to design single pieces of renowned brands like Nike, North Face, Champion, Under Armor, Adidas, or Carhartt, all of which mandate a minimum purchase.

Minimums make the prices very high

To compare Custom Ink with other companies in this review, we checked out the price ranges for men's and women's tees at this retailer.

  • Unlike many other services, Custom Ink doesn't have a dedicated "men's" section for T-shirts. Instead, they offer women's and unisex. So, when we talk about the unisex tees, those include the styles for men. On that note, there are 345 different tees in the unisex section and the prices range from $11.95 to $118.98 per shirt. It's important to note that many of the options do require minimums. For example, the $118.98 item (a brand-name Quarter Zip Performance Shirt) requires a minimum purchase of 6 items, which makes it much less affordable.
  • The women's items range from $11.98 to $68.52 per item. However, again, the minimums make this much less affordable as the minimum for the $68.52 item (an Adidas quarter zip shirt) is 25 products. While many of the products require no minimums, these are usually the cheaper "standard" items which means cool products like quarter zip jackets or button-down henley tees aren't available for single-purchase. But if you're willing to stick to the basics, you can get a single tee for just over $11, which is a great deal.

Free shipping and 15-day returns

The advantage of free shipping reduces overall costs. Should a received item fall short of expected quality, Custom Ink provides peace of mind with a money-back guarantee. A full refund can be obtained within 15 days by initiating the return process. This is a shorter return window than many of this store's competitors, but we're glad you are able to send back your tees if something goes wrong with them.

Best Custom T-Shirt Stores

Top-rated for quality and UI

Custom Ink has a fantastic reputation. The company holds a stellar "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau along with full accreditation. On top of that, customers have left 10,000+ reviews for the company, and the average star rating is a solid 4.4 out of 5 across different sites. In general, the reviews covered how pleased customers were with the auto-save feature and the design UI in general. Customers also loved the quality of the items. Many reviews were from companies who bought large numbers of shirts for work events. The only complaint that was regularly included in the reviews was that shipping took longer than expected for some. So, if you need your custom order for a particular date, it might be good to keep that in mind and order a bit earlier.

Top competitor for bulk orders

Overall, Custom Ink has a lot of great features that make this a competitive site. While many items require a minimum purchase of 6-25 products, there are a few basics out there that you can buy one shirt and check out. However, given how many of the products are only purchasable in bulk, Custom Ink is best used for customers or companies who are looking for massive orders rather than single-unit purchases. Thus, while Custom Ink's bulk ordering is a boon for certain shoppers, those seeking individual items might need to explore other top-rated T-shirt customization platforms to stay within budget.

Where is the Best Place to Buy Custom T-shirts Online?

The fashion landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with personal expression and individuality taking center stage. Among the myriad forms of self-expression, custom T-shirts have emerged as a canvas for showcasing creativity, passions, and affiliations. From witty slogans that spark laughter to designs that resonate deeply with personal interests, custom T-shirts have become more than just clothing; they are a means of sharing one's identity with the world.

In a digital era characterized by limitless possibilities, the popularity of personalized T-shirts has surged. According to market trends, online retailers specializing in custom apparel have witnessed substantial growth, offering a wide array of options to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The convenience of digital platforms not only allows for effortless browsing and selection but also enables users to bring their unique designs to life.

The Best Custom T-Shirt Stores Compare Custom T-Shirt Stores Compare Custom T-Shirt Store Reviews What are the best Custom T-Shirt Stores Best Custom T-Shirt Store Reviews

Custom T-Shirt Store FAQ

As they say at Disney World, "If you can dream it, you can do it" ! Whether you want matchy-matchy shirts for your next family reunion, a funny over-the-hill quote and image for someone's 50th birthday, or literally any other theme and idea, you should have no problem finding a t-shirt printing company that can get it done.
Most custom t-shirt retailers have options for one-off orders, with no minimum required. However, you'll usually get a discount when you order more, and some shirt designs might have a minimum order amount. Just shop it around until you find the store that can meet your needs.
No! You can find retailers offering shirts starting at just $9. You can add extras like a name on the front or a jersey number on the back that might come with additional fees. Shipping costs vary by retailer as well: a few stores offer free shipping on all orders, while others have a minimum purchase amount to qualify for no-cost delivery.
Most of the time, yes. You should be able to spot that option quickly as you choose the t-shirt style that interests you.
Of course: isn't that usually the point of a custom t-shirt? From team logos to silly candid photos, you can add whatever you like. The only limitation is if you're trying to use an image that's copyrighted (e.g. your favorite anime character or an album cover): some print shops will reject your t-shirt design if you're using a legally-protected image.
It takes time to produce a custom t-shirt. If you go with the free shipping option, the average turnaround time is 7-10 days from order to delivery. If you're willing to pay to expedite your order, you could get your shirt(s) in just a few days.
Some print shops offer embroidery as an add-on service. Expect the price of each shirt to go up, and for your order's production time to be significantly longer than a simple screen print job.
That depends on the store you select. Most have a satisfaction guarantee within the first 10-30 days of receiving your order, but some retailers will only give you a reprint or a store credit instead of a refund.
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Continued from above...

With a few clicks, one can choose fabric, colors, graphics, and text to craft a T-shirt that is truly one-of-a-kind. Furthermore, the ability to personalize T-shirts for special events, promotional campaigns, or group activities has made online customization services a go-to choice for those seeking a tangible representation of their vision.

With sites out there that cater to artists trying to make it big with original designs or amateur creatives just looking to make something more personal, there are unlimited possibilities for making prints. Whether you want something steamed onto the fabric, printed in ink, or embroidered onto your new tee, there's a style out there for everyone and marketplaces for every creative purpose. In a world where self-expression knows no bounds, the best online retailers for custom T-shirts understand the power of wearing your uniqueness on your sleeve - literally.

Since there are so many places to create custom t-shirts, it can be a little overwhelming to try and pick just one. To get you started on crafting the best wearable art out there, we've put together a list of things you can consider to help you decide where to start shopping:

  • Cost. There are lots of ways to buy custom tees. Knowing whether you want one custom shirt or a bulk order of tees can completely change your costs. So, knowing how much you want to spend on one (or 12) is a great way to start narrowing down your options.
  • Styles. Not all t-shirts are the same. Maybe you're looking for a casual vacay tee or perhaps you'd prefer a custom golf shirt for your buddies at the office. Either way, you'll want to make sure that your chosen retailer has the styles that you need. From hoodies to sleeveless tees, there's plenty to choose from, but some companies have more options than others.
  • Design interface. Some of you might be pro artists and designers, but others might just want to create a fun gift for a family member or friend. Finding a site with a user-friendly design editor could make or break your custom t-shirt experience. Keep an eye out for the services that don't have a huge learning curve to get your dream tee put together.

To make sure your next custom tee is a huge success, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best custom t-shirt companies on the market today. This way you can focus on the fun creative side without the stress of sifting through tons of online print shops. Hopefully, this helps you get one step closer to wearing your dream design!

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