Custom Ink vs Zazzle
Custom Ink
ZazzleWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
Custom Ink edges it overall, winning 5 of 5 rating categories.
Choose Custom Ink if…
You’re teams, schools, reunions and companies that want it done right the first time. The best-known name for group shirts: an easy design lab, all-inclusive quotes, a free artwork review and a guaranteed delivery date. Not the cheapest, but the most reliable.
Visit siteChoose Zazzle if…
You’re one personalized shirt or a quick gift. A marketplace of ready-made designs plus a simple editor: the easiest way to get one personalized shirt. Watch for its frequent sitewide sales.
Visit siteSide by side
| Custom Ink | Zazzle | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Price | 3.4/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Print quality | 4.6/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Speed | 4.3/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of ordering | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Service | 4.8/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Type of service | Group & event orders | One-off gifts & marketplace |
| Minimum order | None on select styles; others vary | None |
| Print methods | Screen printing, Digital (DTG), Embroidery | Digital (DTG) |
| Example price | All-inclusive quote (set-up included) | Around $17+ per shirt; frequent 15-30% sales |
| Turnaround | About 2 weeks standard | Quick production; ships in days |
| Rush options | One-week rush and 3-day super rush (extra %) | Faster shipping at checkout |
| Shipping | Delivery date guaranteed in the contiguous US | Varies by speed |
| Guarantee | Delivery-date guarantee; 15-day satisfaction refund | 100% satisfaction guarantee |
| Design tool | Excellent online design lab + free artist review | Browser editor + huge design marketplace |
| Store integrations | Group order links; fundraising pages | Sell designs in the Zazzle marketplace |
| Best for | Teams, schools, reunions and companies that want it done right the first time | One personalized shirt or a quick gift |
Custom Ink: pros & cons
- Quote includes set-up: no surprise fees
- A real artist reviews every design for free
- Delivery date guaranteed or money back
- Group order links let people pick their own size
- Usually pricier than bulk-focused printers
- Rush options add a percentage of the order
- Prices aren’t shown until you design
Zazzle: pros & cons
- No minimum: order one shirt
- Thousands of designs to customize
- Sales are frequent
- Pricey per shirt at full price
- No screen printing or embroidery for tees
- Low margins if you sell there