Booster clubs are the backbone of school athletics and extracurricular programs. Custom apparel is one of the most reliable fundraising tools a booster club has — and when done right, it can raise thousands per season while giving families something they actually want. Here's how to build a program that runs itself.
The two models: bulk order vs team store
Most booster clubs start with bulk orders — collect forms, collect money, submit one big order. It works, but it's labor intensive and you always end up with unsold smalls and not enough 2XLs. The better model for ongoing programs is a team store.
With a team store, families order directly online, pay at the time of ordering, and choose their own sizes. You collect zero money and manage zero inventory. Read our full comparison in team store vs bulk order.
What to sell
A focused product lineup sells better than a sprawling catalog. Start with:
- Spirit t-shirt in school/team colors
- Hoodie — always a top seller
- Hat or beanie
- Youth sizes alongside adult sizes
Add a performance shirt if your program is sports-focused. Long sleeve tees sell well in fall. Keep it to 4-6 items and you'll get better sell-through than a 20-item catalog that overwhelms buyers.
How to price for fundraising
Your margin is the difference between what you charge and what the items cost to produce. A hoodie that costs $28 to print can sell for $45-50 in a school store with no resistance. Read our guide on how much you can make on a fundraiser for realistic numbers.
Running a seasonal campaign
A limited-time store (2-3 weeks open) almost always outperforms an always-open store. The deadline creates urgency. Promote it through:
- School newsletter and email list
- Team parent group chats
- Social media — ask players to share with family
- Announcements at games and practices
See our guide on how to set up a spirit wear store for your school for the step-by-step setup process.
Making it annual
The best booster club programs run every year with the same structure. Once your store is set up and your artwork is approved, rerunning it next season is as simple as opening the store again and promoting it. Your logo file is saved, your product mix is established, and the process is familiar to your families.
💡 Get a parent volunteer to own the store promotion. One dedicated person sending reminders and posting in parent groups will double your sales vs. a general announcement.
Ready to set up your booster club store? Apply here or call 855-TSHIRT-5.