Why Shopping with a Small Business for Custom Printing is the Smarter Choice

When it comes to custom printing for apparel, accessories, or promotional products, many people default to the larger, more recognizable names like Printful and Custom Ink. These big players have streamlined online processes, but they come with hidden costs: impersonal service, outsourced production, and a lack of true expertise. While these companies have their place, shopping with a small, local business like ours offers distinct advantages that larger print shops simply can’t match.

Here’s why choosing Eighth Street Designs over the big names like Printful and Custom Ink can make all the difference for your custom printing project.

1. You Can Walk In and Talk to Us

At Eighth Street Designs, you’re not just another order number. Unlike Printful and Custom Ink, which are entirely online-based and rely on outsourced production, we offer the personal touch that only a local business can provide. You can walk into our shop, meet the team, discuss your project, and see exactly how your design will come to life. Whether you need a custom t-shirt, embroidered hats, or even a personalized jacket, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

2. We Handle Production In-House

Big companies like Printful and Custom Ink may seem convenient with their easy-to-use websites, but did you know they often send your order to a third-party facility for production? That means the quality, speed, and service can vary depending on where the job is completed. At Eighth Street Designs, we handle all production in-house. From screen printing to embroidery and DTF printing, we use the latest technology and advanced techniques to ensure your order is done right, on time, and with the highest quality materials.

3. More Competitive Pricing

Larger companies like Custom Ink and Printful often have the overhead of corporate management and multiple layers of middlemen, which drives up the cost for you, the consumer. With Eighth Street Designs, we offer competitive pricing without the corporate markups. You’re getting the same high-quality products, but with a much better price and the added benefit of direct communication with the people doing the work. Plus, since we can do everything in-house, there are no extra fees or delays involved in outsourcing.

4. One-on-One Approach that Big Companies Can’t Compete With

When you work with us, you get a personalized experience tailored to your exact needs. Whether you need a custom logo design, embroidery for uniforms, or unique promotional products, we’re here to guide you through the entire process. With Printful or Custom Ink, you’ll be relying on automated systems that can’t adjust to the nuances of your project. At Eighth Street Designs, we take the time to make sure your project is done to perfection, providing insights and suggestions along the way to ensure your design stands out.

5. Support a Local Small Business

When you choose Eighth Street Designs, you’re supporting a local business that is dedicated to providing the best service and products for your custom printing needs. Big companies like Custom Ink and Printful may be convenient, but your money is often going to a corporation, not to the people who are directly involved in your community. Supporting a small business means you’re helping to grow and strengthen the local economy, and in return, you get that personal, dedicated attention that’s hard to find elsewhere.

6. Faster Turnaround Times

Because we keep everything in-house, we can provide faster turnaround times compared to the large companies, which have to wait for orders to be outsourced and processed. Need custom printing in a hurry? We’re here to make it happen. Whether it’s screen printing, embroidery, or DTF printing, we prioritize efficiency while ensuring top-quality results. For those last-minute events or tight deadlines, we’re the go-to team for quick and reliable service.

7. We Specialize in Custom, Detailed Work

At Eighth Street Designs, we excel at custom, detailed artwork that big companies can’t always handle. We’ve worked with local firehouses, schools, and small businesses for over 20 years, creating custom Maltese cross designs, firehouse mascot logos, embroidered names, and even embroidered flags on sleeves. Whether it’s a complex logo, full-color truck prints, or highly detailed stitching, we bring your designs to life with precision.

Conclusion

While Printful and Custom Ink are popular choices for custom printing, they lack the personal touch, expertise, and in-house production that a small business like ours offers. At Eighth Street Designs, we’ve built our reputation on delivering quality custom printing with the latest technology, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a product; you’re getting a partnership and a custom experience that big companies simply can’t provide.

Ready to get started with your custom printing project? Contact us today and experience the difference of working with a local business that’s committed to your success.