iOLab Custom vs commonsku
The promo industry's go-to order platform — rented per seat, forever. Or a custom shop system you own.
commonsku
- Per-seat pricing that scales with headcount
- Annual price increases (10-20%/yr typical)
- You never own anything
iOLab Custom
Recommended- Flat pricing — unlimited users
- No price increases — you own the code
- AI automation included from day one
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | commonsku | iOLab Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Quote & Presentation Builder | ||
| Supplier/Sage & SanMar Integration | ||
| Order & Production Tracking | ||
| Proof Approvals | ||
| Client Portal | ||
| Commission Tracking | ||
| You Own the Code | ||
| Per-Seat Pricing | ||
| No Annual Price Increases | ||
| Branded to Your Shop | Limited |
Which Is Right for You?
Choose commonsku if...
Established distributors who want a turnkey industry platform and don't mind per-seat fees forever.
Choose iOLab Custom if...
Growing promo shops that want their exact workflow, their brand, and to own the system instead of renting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can custom software really replace commonsku?
For most small to mid-size distributors, yes. commonsku is a great industry platform, but you use a fraction of it and pay per seat forever. A custom system gives you the exact quote-to-fulfillment workflow your shop runs on — proofs, production tracking, commissions — built to fit, owned outright.
What about supplier integrations like SAGE, SanMar, and S&S?
We build those integrations to spec. Product search, real-time pricing, and order placement against SAGE, SanMar, S&S, and other suppliers connect directly into your system — no marketplace add-ons, just the integrations your shop actually uses.
How long does migration take?
We migrate your clients, orders, quotes, and supplier data from commonsku as part of the build — typically 3-5 weeks. Your team keeps quoting and shipping while we build and switch over, so you don't miss a beat.
What about presentations and proof approvals?
Both are built in and branded to your shop. Clients view polished presentations, approve proofs, and track production status in a portal that carries your logo — not a third-party platform's. Reorders and follow-ups can be automated with AI on top.
Ready to Replace commonsku?
Book a free consultation and we'll show you exactly what a custom replacement would look like — and cost — for your business.