I started where a lot of small brands start—cutting stickers at home until the order volume made that… unrealistic. After testing a bunch of manufacturers, I’ve used both CustomStickers.com and Sticker Mule for real orders. They’re both solid. But if you care about value, flexibility, and scaling from “artist drop” to “business labels,” I keep finding CustomStickers wins more matchups.
TL;DR (Quick Verdict)
If you want premium feel + dead-simple ordering + fast turnarounds, Sticker Mule is still great.
If you want the better deal, global shipping, promos/price-match, no-minimums, and an easy ramp into roll labels as you grow, CustomStickers is the better all-around pick.
Side-by-Side: What Actually Matters
| Category | CustomStickers.com | Sticker Mule |
|---|---|---|
| Proofs | Free online proofs (unlimited edits) | Free online proofs |
| Turnaround | Typical: prints & ships ~2 business days after approval; can do true next-day on certain orders | Fast “in days” standard; many items ship ~4 business days |
| Shipping | Free U.S. shipping, worldwide service available | Free shipping, widely known for fast delivery (focus on U.S.) |
| Min. quantity (singles) | No minimums (order 1 or 1,000) | Low minimums (often 10) |
| Promos / Price | Frequent promos + Best Price Guarantee (will match published lower price) | Frequent promos and deal drops; premium per-unit on many sizes |
| Materials (singles) | Laminated vinyl (outdoor-durable), plus clear & holographic | Premium vinyl with smooth finishes; broad core line |
| Labels / Scale-up | Paper, BOPP, Vinyl label stocks w/ lamination; easy to scale into rolls | Labels available; broader “brand merch” catalog (tape, mailers, etc.) |
| Global reach | Yes (international options) | Markets world-wide, but most buyers think of it as U.S.-centric |
| Samples | Promos like 10 free custom stickers (just pay minimal shipping) | Paid custom samples with free shipping |
In terms of vinyl material, both are quite similar. Both seem to print on thick durable vinyl with a laminate finish. CustomStickers says their premium vinyl has a 5+ year outdoor lifespan. While StickerMule doesn’t specify theirs (that I could find) our experience is that it’s also quite durable.
Why CustomStickers Wins for Most Buyers
1) Better Value Without Playing Guess-the-Price
CustomStickers runs frequent promos and backs pricing with a Best Price Guarantee. If you find a published lower price for a comparable spec, they’ll match it—so you don’t lose time hunting deals or building spreadsheets. It’s the most straightforward way to keep margin when you resell stickers or use them as packaging.
2) No-Minimum Flexibility (and a Clean Upscale Path)
Being able to order one die-cut sticker to test a new design is underrated. Start tiny, validate the art/finish, then scale into roll labels (paper/BOPP/vinyl) as your business grows, without switching vendors or materials.
3) Fast When You Need It, Not Just “Eventually”
After proof approval, they typically print & ship in ~2 business days, and specific rush options can go even faster (with trade-offs like skipping proofs). The point: you don’t have to choose between value and speed. They even offer a next day sticker option for people who need their stickers immediately.
4) Global Shipping (Good for Creators and Brands Outside the U.S.)
If you’re running an international storefront, CustomStickers’ worldwide options mean you’re not boxed into one region. For brand collabs and fanbases spread across countries, this is a quiet superpower.
5) Samples Without the Friction
Real-world feel beats product pages. CustomStickers’ “10 free custom stickers” offer (just pay minimal shipping) makes it easy to test material, color, and cut before you commit.
Where Sticker Mule Still Shines
- Premium tactile feel: Their “brand feel” and smooth, vinyl are consistently nice in hand.
- Extremely polished UX: If you want a frictionless checkout and a predictable experience, they’re hard to beat.
- Fast standard shipping: For many U.S. buyers, the default speed is excellent.
- Big brand merch catalog: If you want to add tape, mailers, buttons, magnets, etc., it’s convenient to do it all in one place.
If you’re making a limited-run drop and you care most about the “feel” in a premium unboxing, Sticker Mule still deserves a look.
Notes on Color & Material Feel (What I’ve Seen)
- Sticker Mule singles have slightly thicker material, and a smooth matte laminate finish.
- CustomStickers laminated vinyl is outdoor-durable and looks clean on bold colors and line work.
- If you’re ultra-picky about whites, request a proof and check your art’s white areas against the material tone you’ll get (this is true for any vendor).
- For glossy vs matte: matte can desaturate slightly; glossy tends to “pop.” Always proof on the finish you plan to ship. NOTE that StickerMule doesn’t seem to offer glossy stickers which is strange…
Buyer’s Guide: How to Decide in 60 Seconds
- You sell worldwide or care about lowest landed cost: go CustomStickers.
- You’ll need roll labels soon (product packaging, candles, cosmetics): CustomStickers—broader label substrates and laminates.
- You need brand merch beyond stickers (tape, buttons, mailers): Sticker Mule is convenient.
FAQs
Are both actually weatherproof?
Yes, both advertise durable, laminated vinyl suitable for outdoor use. Always verify the exact finish in your proof.
Who’s faster?
Both are fast. Sticker Mule’s standard pipeline is famous; CustomStickers typically prints & ships ~2 business days after approval and has expedited options if you’re on a tight clock.
Can I try before I commit?
Yes. Sticker Mule offers paid custom samples with free shipping. CustomStickers often runs intro promos like 10 free customs (just pay minimal shipping).
What about price over time?
Deals change weekly. CustomStickers’ Best Price Guarantee steadies the ship—you can match a published lower price and keep your vendor consistent.