Hilltop Merch Lab vs. Wholesale Accounts

While Hilltop Packs offers traditional wholesale accounts for businesses looking to purchase gear in bulk up front, Hilltop Merch Lab operates differently, offering a more flexible and cost-effective "print on demand" solution for artists, non-profits, and influencers who want to sell custom backpacking gear without the need for upfront costs or minimum order requirements. In fact, it costs nothing to run a mini Hilltop merch store. 

Wholesale Accounts:

  • Upfront Costs: With a wholesale account, businesses must purchase products in bulk before resale, often requiring significant upfront investments to meet minimum order quantities.

  • Resale Focused: Wholesale purchases are made with the intent to resell at a markup, and the business owner must manage inventory, pricing, and distribution.

  • Bulk Purchase Requirements: Wholesale accounts can be a great option for established businesses that are ready to carry stock, but they come with the risk of unsold inventory and the need to store products.

Hilltop Merch Lab:

  • No Upfront Cost: Unlike wholesale accounts, Hilltop Merch Lab is a print-on-demand service that doesn’t require any minimum purchases or inventory commitments. Zero cost to you. You receive a percentage of the products sold and Hilltop Packs manages the printing, manufacturing and shipping of the items. We even take care of the customer support if needed, eliminating the financial risk of carrying unsold stock.

  • Zero Inventory Hassle: As a print-on-demand platform, there’s no need to manage inventory or deal with storage. Hilltop Packs takes care of all production, fulfillment, and shipping directly to your customers.

  • Flexibility to Scale: Whether you're just getting started or want to grow your offering over time, Hilltop Merch Lab allows you to scale your store without worrying about bulk purchasing. You can update and add new designs as often as you like, making it ideal for groups and creators who want to test different products or designs without the pressure of large initial investments.

Key Differences:

  • Risk-Free and Cost-Efficient: Hilltop Merch Lab offers a flexible, low-risk opportunity to create and sell custom gear with no upfront financial commitment, unlike wholesale accounts that require larger bulk orders.

  • No Minimums: There are no minimum order quantities with Hilltop Merch Lab. You can start your own store with no inventory purchase requirements, making it perfect for individuals, non-profits, and small businesses looking for a low-cost entry point.

  • Designed for Customization: While wholesale accounts are focused on purchasing standard products for resale, Hilltop Merch Lab is all about customization, allowing you to sell personalized gear with your artwork, logos, and designs.

Hilltop Merch Lab offers a streamlined, risk-free solution for selling custom backpacking gear, making it easier for you to create a unique store, expand your brand, and share your products with your audience—without the complexities and financial risks of traditional wholesale purchasing.