Printing Planet UK
Custom t-shirts are one of the most effective fundraising tools available to community groups, schools, charities and sports clubs. People actually want to wear them, which means your fundraiser keeps promoting your cause long after the sale is made. This guide walks you through every step, from setting your target to distributing your final order.
Why T-Shirts Work for Fundraising
A t-shirt is a wearable billboard. Unlike a raffle ticket or a bake-sale cake, it lasts for years. Every time a supporter wears one to the supermarket, the school run or a local event, they create free publicity for your cause. People also associate a t-shirt purchase with something tangible – they are buying an item, not just making a donation, which makes them more willing to pay a higher price.
Step 1: Set Your Target and Work Backwards
Start with a fundraising goal, then use it to calculate how many shirts you need to sell. A simple formula:
| Goal | Profit Per Shirt | Shirts to Sell |
|---|---|---|
| £500 | £9 | 56 |
| £1,000 | £9 | 112 |
| £2,000 | £9 | 223 |
Always add 10-15% to your order as buffer stock for last-minute buyers.
Step 2: Design for Mass Appeal
The most successful fundraiser designs are bold, simple and legible from five metres away. Think large text, a single strong graphic and a two or three-colour palette. Fussy illustrations with thin lines, gradients and photographic detail add cost and reduce impact. A good rule of thumb: if you can describe the design in one sentence, it will sell.
Tip: Include the year on your design. It turns a basic t-shirt into a keepsake that supporters are unlikely to throw away, increasing the perceived value.
For more design advice, see our full custom t-shirt design guide.
Step 3: Understand Your Pricing and Profit Margin
Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect when ordering from Printing Planet UK in Putney:
| Quantity | Print Cost Per Shirt | Recommended Sell Price | Profit Per Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | £12.00 | £18-£20 | £6-£8 |
| 50 | £10.00 | £18-£20 | £8-£10 |
| 100 | £8.50 | £18-£20 | £9.50-£11.50 |
| 200 | £7.50 | £18-£20 | £10.50-£12.50 |
Prices include a standard white or colour tee with a single DTF or DTG print. For a full cost breakdown by method, read our guide to custom printing costs in the UK.
Step 4: Pre-Sell Before You Order
Never order stock you are not confident you can shift. Instead, run a two-week pre-sale using a Google Form, a school letter or a social media post. Collect names, sizes and payment before placing the order. This approach:
- Protects your upfront cash
- Gives you accurate size data
- Creates momentum before the shirts even arrive
If you hit your minimum quantity in pre-sales, place the order. If you do not, refund your pre-sale pledges and either try again or reduce your target.
Step 5: Order, Receive and Distribute
Once pre-sales are locked, place your order with sizes confirmed. Printing Planet UK checks all artwork within two hours of order placement and goes into production within one working day. Standard delivery is three to five working days, or you can arrange same-day collection from our Putney studio at SW15 3BD.
Plan your distribution in advance. A collection day at a school gate, a local hall or a community event works better than posting shirts individually, which eats into your margin.
Online Fundraising Platforms
Running a t-shirt fundraiser alongside an online donation page doubles your reach. Consider:
- JustGiving – the UK standard for charity fundraising, integrates with Facebook
- GoFundMe – better for personal or community causes
- Crowdfunder – UK-focused, includes reward tiers (perfect for shirts as rewards)
Case Study: School Fundraiser, 200 Shirts
A Putney primary school PTA ordered 200 DTF-printed t-shirts for their summer fair. Cost from Printing Planet UK: £9 each including delivery. Sold at £18 each, with all 200 sold across the fair and a pre-sale on the school app. Total revenue: £3,600. Total profit: £1,800 after costs.
Charity T-Shirt Design Ideas
- The charity name large across the front, year underneath
- A simple outline illustration of a landmark, animal or symbol meaningful to the cause
- A fundraising slogan with a QR code linking to the donation page
- Team or group names printed on the back (great for sponsored walks or runs)
Ready to start your fundraiser? Contact Printing Planet UK at 020 3669 9854 or visit us in Putney for a free quote. You might also find these guides useful: