How to Sell More T-Shirts: Marketing Strategies to Boost Your Fundraiser

Use these creative marketing techniques to maximize sales and get the whole school community involved.

T-shirt fundraisers are a fun, profitable, and easy way for schools and PTAs to raise money. Whether it’s for school spirit wear, field day shirts, graduation shirts, or club merch, custom t-shirts bring students, parents, and teachers together while generating much-needed funds.

But the biggest challenge? Getting enough sales to reach your fundraising goal.

This guide will walk you through the most effective marketing strategies to promote your fundraiser, increase participation, and sell more t-shirts with ease.

Why Schools & PTAs Love T-Shirt Fundraisers

T-shirt fundraisers are a proven method for raising money because they offer:

High Demand – Students, parents, and teachers love spirit wear and custom shirts.
Easy Organization – Schools can sell at events, online, or through order forms.
Parent & Teacher Support – More opportunities for bulk orders and repeat purchases.
Boosted School Pride – Custom shirts help unify students and staff while raising funds.

Whether it’s for a sports team, club, or school-wide event, t-shirt fundraisers are a low-cost, high-return way to fundraise.

1. How to Create a T-Shirt Design That Sells

A great design can make or break your fundraiser. If students and parents don’t love the shirt, sales will suffer.

What Makes a Best-Selling T-Shirt?

Simple & Bold – Avoid cluttered designs; clean graphics work best.
School Colors & Mascot – Reinforce school spirit with recognizable branding.
Trendy & Wearable – Choose modern fonts and styles students actually want to wear.

Personalization Options – Allow customization with names or graduation years.

How to Involve Students in the Design Process

Hold a School-Wide Design Contest – Let students submit t-shirt designs.
Vote on the Final Design – Encourage engagement by letting the school vote on the winner.
Feature Student Art – Showcase creativity by using a student-designed logo or slogan.

The more involved students feel in the process, the more excited they’ll be to buy and promote the fundraiser.

2. Best Ways to Promote Your T-Shirt Fundraiser

The success of your fundraiser depends on how well you spread the word. Here are the most effective promotion methods:

School-Wide Promotion

Morning Announcements – Remind students about the fundraiser daily.
Flyers & Posters – Display them in high-traffic areas like hallways and cafeterias.
Classroom Shoutouts – Have teachers promote the fundraiser to their students.

Social Media & Digital Marketing

Create a Facebook Event – Encourage parents to RSVP and share the event.
Post on Instagram & TikTok – Use videos, countdown timers, and behind-the-scenes content.
Send Email Blasts – Keep parents and staff updated on order deadlines and discounts.

Use Urgency to Drive Sales

Limited-Time Pre-Orders – Offer early-bird pricing for a short window.
Exclusive Designs – Make some t-shirts available only during the fundraiser.
Countdown Reminders – Post daily reminders leading up to the deadline.

3. Selling Strategies to Increase Participation

Boosting student and parent participation is key to selling more t-shirts. Here’s how to encourage involvement:

Peer-to-Peer Selling

Encourage Students to Sell – Give each student a goal (e.g., sell five shirts).
PTA & Booster Club Support – Have parent volunteers promote the fundraiser.
Workplace Sales – Ask parents to sell at their jobs or community groups.

Bundle Deals & Upsells

Offer “Family Packs” – Buy three, get one free for families purchasing multiple shirts.
Pair with Other Fundraisers – Sell t-shirts alongside a school bake sale or raffle.
Add-on Items – Offer matching hoodies, water bottles, or hats.

Gamify the Fundraiser

Top Seller Prizes – Reward the student or class that sells the most shirts.
Classroom Challenges – The class with the most sales wins a pizza party.
Principal Challenge – If the school hits a fundraising goal, the principal does something fun (dyes their hair, wears a costume, etc.).

The more engaging and rewarding the fundraiser, the more people will participate.

4. Managing Orders and Distribution Smoothly

Handling t-shirt orders can be stressful if not planned properly. Here’s how to keep it organized and efficient.

Print-on-Demand vs. Bulk Orders

There are two ways to fulfill t-shirt orders:

Method	Pros	Cons
Print-on-Demand	No upfront costs, no inventory, easy order fulfillment	Lower profit margins, shipping times vary
Bulk Orders	Higher profit per shirt, lower per-unit cost	Requires upfront payment, risk of unsold inventory

If your school expects high participation, bulk ordering can maximize profits. Otherwise, print-on-demand services eliminate risk and simplify logistics.

How to Track Orders & Payments

Google Forms for Pre-Orders – Collect sizes and payments before placing a bulk order.
Online Store Setup – Use Shopify, WooCommerce, or a fundraising platform.
Easy Payment Options – Accept cash, Venmo, or PayPal to make transactions seamless.

Distribution & Delivery Tips

Set Up Pick-Up Stations – Distribute t-shirts at a school event or designated location.
Sort by Classroom or Grade – Helps streamline handouts.
Offer Shipping for Remote Buyers – Let supporters outside the school order online.

A smooth order and delivery process ensures happy buyers and repeat customers.

Start Your T-Shirt Fundraiser Today

A t-shirt fundraiser is one of the most effective and engaging ways to raise money for schools. With smart marketing, fun selling strategies, and a seamless order process, you can sell more shirts and hit your fundraising goal fast.

Ready to launch your t-shirt fundraiser?

Visit Fundraising.com today to explore custom t-shirt fundraising options and expert support.

Additional Resources:

Effective Fundraising Ideas for Sports Teams to Boost Your Budget | Fundraising.com

Effective PTA Fundraiser Ideas to Boost School Funds | Fundraising.com