Custom T-Shirts: Finding Vendors For Nonprofit Organizations

how to get a custom t shirt vendor for nonprofit

Custom t-shirts are a great way for nonprofits to raise money, promote their brand, and show appreciation for donors, employees, and volunteers. When choosing a custom t-shirt vendor, it is important to consider the vendor's ability to meet your specific needs, such as minimum order requirements, turnaround time, and pricing. Online vendors like Bonfire and Print Your Cause offer custom t-shirt campaigns with no minimum order requirements or upfront costs, while local vendors may provide more control over quality and allow for clearance shirts to be sourced wholesale.

Characteristics Values
Production Method Local businesses that provide screen printing services, print-on-demand services, or do it yourself with purchased equipment
Design Reflect brand goals, use vector files, test print intricate designs, use Adobe Photoshop and Canva, commission artists through websites like Creative Market, Fiverr and Upwork
Sales Channels Third-party sellers like Etsy, Zazzle, Redbubble, Amazon, or social media
Website Shopify, Wix, Weebly
Marketing Post on subreddits and Facebook groups, reach out to micro-influencers
Vendors UGP, Print Your Cause, Charitees, Bonfire

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Local vs. online vendors

When it comes to choosing a vendor for custom T-shirts for your nonprofit, there are two main options: local vendors or online vendors. Both have their own advantages and considerations, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

Local vendors offer the advantage of proximity, which can be beneficial if you want to have a hands-on approach to designing and producing the T-shirts. By working with a local vendor, you can easily communicate your design ideas and collaborate on the final product. You may also be able to support a local business in your community, which can be a plus for your nonprofit's image. However, local vendors may have limited capacity and longer production times, especially if they are in high demand. Additionally, their prices might be higher compared to online vendors due to overhead costs.

On the other hand, online vendors offer convenience and often provide more competitive pricing. They usually have larger operations, which can result in faster production times and the ability to handle larger orders. Many online vendors also offer custom design tools and templates, making it easier for you to create your desired T-shirt design. Some even provide fundraising features, allowing you to sell the T-shirts to raise funds for your nonprofit. However, the main drawback of online vendors is the lack of face-to-face interaction, which may make it more challenging to ensure quality and make design changes.

When deciding between local and online vendors, consider factors such as cost, production time, design capabilities, and the level of customization you require. Local vendors are ideal if you want more personalized service and are willing to pay potentially higher prices. On the other hand, online vendors excel in convenience, speed, and affordability, making them a good choice for nonprofits looking for a more streamlined process.

Ultimately, the decision between local and online vendors depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Comparing quotes and services offered by both types of vendors can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your nonprofit's goals and ensures you receive high-quality custom T-shirts for your organization.

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Tax implications

Non-profits can sell custom t-shirts to raise funds for their programs and services. However, there are several tax implications to consider.

Firstly, whether or not a non-profit needs to collect and remit sales tax on merchandise sales depends on the state in which the organisation is located. Some states, such as Texas, exempt non-profits from collecting sales tax if items are sold exclusively for fundraising purposes. In contrast, other states, like California, generally require non-profits to collect sales tax even if the proceeds are used for charitable purposes. It is important for non-profits to consult with tax professionals or attorneys to determine their specific obligations, as failure to comply can result in penalties and fines.

Secondly, to maintain its tax-exempt status, any surplus generated from selling custom t-shirts must be linked to the non-profit's mission. If financial gain occurs from unrelated activities, that profit must be taxed as business income. For example, renting out building space to another organisation would typically generate taxable income.

Thirdly, when determining the price of custom t-shirts, non-profits should consider their desired profit margin. While there are no set rules, strategically pricing merchandise can help ensure a good return on investment. A general rule of thumb is to aim for a 10% net profit margin, with 5% deemed low and 20% considered high. Non-profits should account for the cost of goods, design labour, shipping, marketing, and other expenses when calculating their desired profit margin.

Lastly, individuals who purchase custom t-shirts from non-profits may be able to claim a charitable tax deduction. If the amount paid exceeds the fair market value of the t-shirt, individuals can deduct the amount above the fair market value. The fair market value of a new t-shirt is typically determined by the average price of similar products in the market.

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Inventory management

Choose an Inventory Management System:

Firstly, decide on an inventory management system that suits your needs. You can opt for a simple spreadsheet, especially if you're just starting and have a small inventory. However, as your organisation grows, consider investing in dedicated inventory management software designed for nonprofits. These software solutions can streamline the process, making it easier to track and manage your T-shirt inventory.

Track T-shirt Inventory:

Keep a close eye on your T-shirt inventory levels. Know how many T-shirts you have in stock, what sizes and colours are available, and when you need to reorder. This will help you avoid running out of stock unexpectedly and ensure you have enough T-shirts to meet demand.

Implement a Checkout System:

Create a simple process for checking out T-shirts to team members, volunteers, or customers. Keep track of who has checked out a T-shirt, when they checked it out, and when they are expected to return it. This will help you keep tabs on your inventory and ensure T-shirts are returned on time.

Consider Barcode Scanners:

Instead of manually logging checkout details, consider using barcode scanners or mobile apps that can speed up the process. This technology can help you instantly pull up details such as the location, purchase price, and vendor of each T-shirt, making inventory management more efficient.

Location Tracking:

If your nonprofit operates in multiple locations, track the T-shirt inventory across all sites. This is especially important if you have satellite offices or distribute T-shirts to volunteers in different areas. Knowing where your T-shirts are at all times will help you manage your inventory effectively.

Perform Regular Audits:

Conduct regular audits of your T-shirt inventory. This will help you identify any discrepancies, such as expired T-shirts, theft, or damage. Audits can also help you ensure that your records are accurate and up-to-date, giving you a clear picture of your inventory levels.

Adopt an Inventory Control Policy:

Implement an inventory control policy that outlines standard practices for managing T-shirt inventory. This policy should include guidelines on checking out T-shirts, storing them, and any relevant security measures. A consistent approach will help your team manage inventory more effectively and reduce the risk of errors.

Build Relationships with Suppliers:

Foster strong relationships with your T-shirt suppliers. Communicate your nonprofit's needs and work together to secure deals or preferential pricing. Building solid partnerships can improve your inventory management process and ensure a steady supply of T-shirts.

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Design and printing

Designing and printing custom t-shirts for your nonprofit is a great way to build your brand, create exposure for your cause, and fundraise. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Define Your Design Goals:

Before creating your t-shirt design, consider what message you want to convey and how it reflects your nonprofit's goals and values. Do you want to include your logo, a specific slogan, or a particular colour scheme? Keep in mind that your design should be eye-catching, memorable, and clearly communicate your message.

Choose Your Design Method:

You can either create the design yourself or commission an artist. If you decide to design it yourself, you can use tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva, which offer free tutorials. Alternatively, you can hire freelance artists through websites like Creative Market, Fiverr, or Upwork. Building a good relationship with an artist may lead to a long-term profit-sharing partnership.

Prepare Your Design Files:

Ensure your designs are saved in the correct format, usually vector files such as .eps, to facilitate the printing process. If your designs are intricate, consider test printing to ensure clarity.

Visualise Your Design on T-shirts:

Use a service like Placeit to visualise how your designs will look on t-shirts. Alternatively, you can use stock photo packages with blank shirt models or Photoshop to place your designs on people. If your budget allows, you can hire a local photographer and models to create dynamic action shots featuring your t-shirts.

Find a Printing Service:

Research local printing businesses or online vendors that cater to nonprofits. Get quotes, compare prices, and consider the minimum order requirements, turnaround time, and reordering processes. Some vendors, like UGP, offer free design help and have easy-to-use online design labs where you can get started with customisable templates.

Consider Printing Options:

Screen printing is a popular method for t-shirt printing, and you can either invest in your own equipment or outsource it to a local business or online vendor. Print-on-demand services like Printful and Printify are reliable options for smaller orders and offer fast turnaround times, but they usually result in smaller profit margins due to individual printing costs.

Order Samples:

Before placing a bulk order, consider ordering samples to ensure the t-shirts meet your expectations in terms of quality, sizing, and design clarity.

Plan Your Inventory:

When deciding on the number of t-shirts to order, consider your expected demand and the potential for slow-moving inventory. Ordering in smaller batches may help manage overproduction risks. According to a Reddit user who works in a nonprofit, M and L sizes tend to be the best sellers, followed by XL and S.

Storage and Fulfilment:

If you're managing the storage and fulfilment yourself, ensure you have adequate space to store the t-shirts and a system for tracking orders and shipping them to customers. Alternatively, some vendors, like Print Your Cause, offer storage, printing, and shipping services, allowing you to focus solely on selling.

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Marketing and promotion

Social Media and Online Presence

Utilize social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to promote your custom t-shirts. Create engaging content featuring your designs and include calls to action to encourage purchases. Build an online community and leverage influencers or micro-influencers to expand your reach and boost engagement.

Email Marketing

Send direct emails to your supporters, providing updates on the campaign and highlighting the impact of their contributions. Include visually appealing images of your t-shirt designs and share stories or testimonials to create an emotional connection with your audience.

Website Promotion

Ensure your nonprofit's website features the custom t-shirts prominently. Optimize the website for search engines and mobile devices to increase visibility and accessibility. Consider embedding your online store directly on your website for seamless purchasing.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaborate with local businesses, influencers, or eco-friendly spaces (depending on your cause) to display and promote your t-shirts. Reach out to companies or individuals who share similar values and goals to expand your network and gain access to new audiences.

Events and Fundraisers

Host events or fundraisers where participants wear your custom t-shirts. This could include walkathons, special events, or community gatherings. Encourage attendees to share their experiences and photos wearing the t-shirts on their social media platforms, creating a sense of community and further expanding your reach.

Storytelling and Emotional Appeal

Craft a compelling narrative around your t-shirt designs that conveys your nonprofit's message and mission. Create designs that resonate with your target audience and consider including powerful slogans or calls to action.

Additional Merchandise

Offer a range of merchandise beyond t-shirts, such as hoodies, tote bags, journals, or other promotional products. This provides variety and appeals to a wider range of supporters, increasing revenue and brand visibility.

Remember, effective marketing and promotion are crucial for the success of your custom t-shirt campaign. By utilizing these strategies, you can increase awareness, engage your supporters, and ultimately drive more donations to support your nonprofit's mission.

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Frequently asked questions

There are several companies that offer custom t-shirt printing services for nonprofits, such as UGP, Print Your Cause, Charitees, and Bonfire. These companies can help you create custom t-shirts and other merchandise to promote your nonprofit's brand and mission.

Custom t-shirts can be a great way to raise money for your nonprofit. They can also be used as a gift for donors or to show appreciation to employees, volunteers, and collaborators. Additionally, custom merchandise can help to build your brand and create more exposure for your cause.

When choosing a custom t-shirt vendor, consider the following: pricing, minimum order quantities, production methods (screen printing, embroidery, etc.), turnaround time, and the ability to handle order management, printing, storage, and fulfillment. It is also important to ensure that the vendor can provide competitive pricing and on-time delivery.

You can either create your own designs or commission an artist to create designs for you. If you are creating your own designs, you will need to ensure they are saved in the correct digital file format (usually vector files, such as .eps) that can be used by the printing service. You can also use online tools like Placeit to create mockups of your designs on blank t-shirt products.

It is important to check federal, state, and municipal tax laws to understand the legal ramifications of selling t-shirts as a nonprofit. In some cases, you may have to pay unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on your profits from t-shirt sales if it is not directly related to your nonprofit's mission.

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