Like Serendipity we also don't mark our spirit wear up very much so that most can afford it. We have always used local businesses because we feel it's important to support them, especially when they support us back with great prices and/or donations.
Tips on choosing a vendor:
Don't just go by price--check quality. You may find a t-shirt for $3 each, but they may be thin and poorly made. Ask for samples so you can choose a quality of fabric. We went real cheap one year and the shirts shrunk and were so thin you could see through them. This year we're offering a 100% cotton option in one of the styles and it looks so nice.
Ask about turnaround time. How soon after you put in an order will it be filled? Maybe even ask for references to check on whether they meet their schedule consistently.
Ask about "other" fees. Shipping(if you don't go local), set-up fees, etc. all need to be calculated into the cost of your item so you can set a price that will make you money.
Are you going to buy ahead and then sell the items or just take orders? We bought our
t-shirts ahead, but we take orders for sweatshirts because they cost so much more.
We do a Spiritwear sale at the beginning of each new school year. We still do a fall catalog and coupon books. We only mark up the Spiritwear a little bit so it is not equivilent to a big fundraiser for us. We want everyone to be able to buy a T-shirt or other item so that they have a school shirt so we keep it affordable. We have found it is best to go with a local printer in order to keep prices down. You can ask other local groups about the printers they use and even call around using the phone book to find the best prices.
I am trying to get my elementary school (1,000 students) to try something new for a fundraiser. I would like to sell "spirit wear" for a fundraiser (t-shirts, shorts, hats, sweatshirts...) but am open to any suggestions. We have done Sally Foster and the Entertainment Book in the past but am looking for something new.
Any stories good or bad? If not a good idea, any good ones to share? Companines you have had success with?
