Most school spirit-wear fundraisers now run through online stores with no inventory to pre-buy, on-demand fulfillment, and direct-to-home shipping. Profit shares vary by platform, but many publish simple giveback settings. Parents and PTAs like online stores because they’re quick to launch and avoid cash handling and over-ordering.
Common problems people actually report: late deliveries and stock delays, confusing fees or unclear profit splits, too many SKUs that slow sales, inconsistent sizing/print quality, and mixed customer-service experiences. You can see these in real PTA updates and review threads, shipment delay notices, parents asking for vendors that ship directly, and review pages showing both wins and misses.
This guide compares leading online spirit-wear stores on setup flow, profit model, minimums, turnaround, shipping, and public ratings so your school picks a partner that’s simple to run, transparent on earnings, and reliable at delivery.
Top 10 picks (Rapid Rundown)
Here are 10 solid online spirit-wear platforms schools commonly use for fundraisers each with a quick “best for” note:
- Varsity Vault: custom, always-on school stores; on-demand + bulk options, vendor-managed production.
- Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin: local production, quick turnaround, many methods with no minimums.
- SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools): always-on stores; typical production shown on site.
- 1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools): searchable school stores; no minimums for on-demand.
- Florida Fundraiser: FL-based, done-for-you quoting/ordering/production.
- DCi Apparel (Jacksonville): in-house screen print & embroidery, local control.
- Custom One Online – Jacksonville: DTG/DTF + screen print; same-day options; no minimums.
- QwirkyGear (Duval Charter example): year-round “autopilot” stores; published 20% school earnings.
- School Spirit Store: profit selector of 5% / 10% / 15%; on-demand shops.
- ApparelNow: free online fundraiser stores; public store directory.
Comparison Table. Best Fundraising Spirit-Wear Platforms
| Platform | Profit Model (published) | Minimums | Typical Turnaround / Production | Public Ratings / Where to Check |
| Varsity Vault | Custom / quoted | Not listed | Not listed | Check brand site; request local references |
| Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin | Not publicly listed | Often no minimums for many methods | Quick/local turnaround (varies by job) | Local reviews page / aggregators |
| SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools) | Not publicly listed | Not stated | ~2–5 business days production + shipping | Third-party review sites available |
| 1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools) | Not publicly listed | No minimum orders | Varies by season/promo window | Program/FAQ pages; external reviews |
| Florida Fundraiser | Not publicly listed | Not listed | Not listed | Ask for program references |
| DCi Apparel (Jacksonville) | Not publicly listed | Not listed | In-house production timing | Local directory / site testimonials |
| Custom One Online – Jacksonville | Not publicly listed | No minimum order | Same-day options advertised | Local page + external reviews |
| QwirkyGear | School earns ~20% per sale (published) | Not stated | Not stated | Site FAQs; limited third-party |
| School Spirit Store | Select 5%, 10% or 15% profit (published) | Batch program example: 12 pieces/style | Program-dependent | Program pages outline details |
| ApparelNow | Not publicly listed | Not listed | Not listed | External reviews vary by source |
1. Varsity Vault
Varsity Vault builds online spirit-wear stores for schools and teams, handling production and shipping so organizers don’t manage inventory. Their content outlines on-demand stores that keep sales open year-round and cut the hidden costs of running physical school shops.
The team offers guidance on product mix and decoration methods, plus bulk options when you want lower unit costs for events. Recent posts and pages show “we build your store, create your merch, and ship it,” with fast-turnaround bulk programs and a price-match guarantee.
Varsity Vault Features
- On-demand online stores (no inventory on campus) and optional bulk runs for events.
- Screen print/embroidery/DTF mix guided by project goals.
- Year-round selling to alumni, parents, and fans.
- Production and shipping handled by the vendor; schools focus on promotion.
- Clear contact path to launch (form + phone).
- Bulk discounts and price-match for team orders.
Varsity Vault Best For
Schools that want an always-on fundraiser store with vendor-managed production and simple launch steps.
Varsity Vault Minimums & Ordering
On-demand stores do not require inventory on hand; bulk programs are quoted with discounts for larger runs. Store launch is initiated via the request form or call.
Varsity Vault Pricing
Commission ranges of ~10–20% per sale are described in their on-demand store guidance; bulk pricing is quoted with discounts and a price-match guarantee. Specific platform or processing fees aren’t publicly listed.
2 – Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin
Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin runs school spirit-wear fundraisers with online store options, on-demand printing, and local production so PTOs avoid inventory and long lead times. Their school pages call out “anytime, anywhere” store access and fundraiser setups for parents and students.
They highlight quick turnaround, small-quantity ordering, and free design help, with decoration methods that include screen printing and embroidery. Location pages and service menus reinforce “no minimums” for many methods and same-day possibilities on select items.
Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin Features
- Online fundraiser stores; direct ordering for families.
- Local production with quick turnaround options.
- Screen print and embroidery programs for schools/teams.
- Small-quantity friendly; many items with no minimums.
- Free design assistance and file prep.
Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin Best For
Schools want a local, quick-turn fundraiser store with flexible order sizes.
Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin Minimums & Ordering
Many print methods show no minimums; fundraiser stores can run “anytime” for families to order, or in defined windows. The local page lists contact hours and start-up paths.
Big Frog Jacksonville–Mandarin Pricing
Profit share and platform fees aren’t publicly listed; pricing is quoted per job. Local reviews (Listen360) indicate high volume and recent activity; confirm margins, card fees, and any setup charges during quoting.
3 – SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools)
SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools) runs always-on online stores so families can order spirit wear any time, with direct-to-home delivery and no on-campus inventory. Their shipping pages state manufacturing typically 2–5 business days, with transit added after production.
Individual Jacksonville school pages echo the same production window and note longer timelines in peak seasons; bulk orders of 12+ items show a slightly longer production estimate.
SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools) Features
- Always-on online stores; direct-to-home fulfillment.
- Typical production 2–5 business days before shipping.
- Bulk production guidance for 12+ items.
- Shipping FAQ clarifies carrier options and transit 2–8 business days after shipment.
- Automatic bulk price breaks displayed on product pages.
SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools) Best For
Schools want an always-open store with predictable production windows.
SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools) Minimums & Ordering
No stated minimums for on-demand orders; bulk thresholds apply to some group orders (e.g., 12+). Ordering is continuous via each school’s online store.
SpiritShop (Jacksonville Schools) Pricing
Pricing is set per item; site shows live bulk price tiers and standard shipping charged at checkout. Profit share isn’t publicly listed, confirm margin and card fees during setup.
4 – 1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools)
1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools) provides on-demand school stores with no minimum order size, letting families buy single units year-round. Terms pages and FAQs emphasize quality control and on-demand production.
They publish contact pathways and school search tools, so PTAs can find their campus and direct parents to a ready store without building pages from scratch.
1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools) Features
- No minimum orders; single-item on-demand purchases supported.
- School directory / search to locate your campus store.
- Published policies on defects/remakes and sizing guidance.
- Year-round availability; campaign windows optional.
- Direct support channels for organizers and buyers.
1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools) Best For
Schools need true on-demand ordering with zero minimums.
1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools) Minimums & Ordering
Minimums: none for standard on-demand products. Ordering flows through the public school store pages; seasonal promos can extend timelines during peak periods.
1st Place Spiritwear (Jacksonville Schools) Pricing
Pricing is per item; profit share is not publicly listed. Confirm payout terms, card fees, and any customization surcharges during setup.
5 – Florida Fundraiser
Florida Fundraiser is a Florida-based provider that manages quoting, ordering, and production for school apparel programs, positioned to remove the admin burden from PTAs. Their apparel page stresses taking the t-shirt project off your plate with done-for-you service.
Programs are built for schools needing local support and simplified logistics, with vendor-managed production and delivery options arranged per campaign.
Florida Fundraiser Features
- Vendor-managed quoting, ordering, and production.
- Custom apparel for fundraisers and events.
- Local Florida presence for school programs.
- Campaign-specific fulfillment planning.
- Stress-reduction focus for PTA/coach workload.
Florida Fundraiser Best For
Schools wanting hands-off management with a Florida-based partner.
Florida Fundraiser Minimums & Ordering
Minimums are not listed publicly; programs are quoted and scheduled per school timeline, with the vendor coordinating production and delivery.
Florida Fundraiser Pricing
Pricing and profit share are quoted; confirm base garment costs, decoration fees, and card processing terms during program setup.
6 – DCi Apparel (Jacksonville)
DCi Apparel is a Jacksonville screen-printing and embroidery shop that serves schools alongside businesses and nonprofits, producing apparel in-house so timelines and quality stay local. Their catalog covers tees, hoodies, hats, and bags with school-ready decoration methods.
Public listings confirm the Jacksonville location and long-running operation, with screen print, embroidery, and promo items available for campus programs and events.
DCi Apparel (Jacksonville) Features
- In-house screen printing and embroidery for school apparel.
- Local production for better control over timing and reprints.
- Garment range includes tees, hoodies, hats, bags (school-friendly mix).
- Jacksonville address and contact published for direct coordination.
- Active social presence for updates and inquiries.
DCi Apparel (Jacksonville) Best For
Schools needing local production and classic screen print/embroidery runs.
DCi Apparel (Jacksonville) Minimums & Ordering
Minimums are not listed; orders are quoted directly through the shop with timing coordinated locally.
DCi Apparel (Jacksonville) Pricing
Pricing is quoted; confirm base garment costs, stitch-count pricing for embroidery, and any setup fees during the quote call. Public directories show standard business hours for planning.
7 – Custom One Online – Jacksonville
Custom One Online – Jacksonville offers same-day custom printing with no minimum order, covering DTG/DTF and screen print so schools can run small drops or quick replacements without excess stock. They advertise free shipping and rush options at checkout.
The local page positions them for fast-turn spirit-wear needs and useful for game week shirts or booster events, while still supporting delivery and pickup choices in the Jacksonville area.
Custom One Online – Jacksonville Features
- No minimum order; single-piece on-demand possible.
- DTG/DTF for full-color art; screen print for larger runs.
- Same-day production options promoted on the local page.
- Pickup, delivery, and shipping paths available.
- “No hidden fees” and rush checkout options noted.
Custom One Online – Jacksonville Best For
Schools needing rapid-turn, low-quantity spirit-wear without minimums.
Custom One Online – Jacksonville Minimums & Ordering
Minimums: none for on-demand; order directly via the local page designer/checkout. Rush timelines depend on slot availability.
Custom One Online – Jacksonville Pricing
Pricing is item- and method-based; page notes free shipping options and rush surcharges shown at checkout. Confirm card processing fees when setting up a fundraiser storefront.
8 – QwirkyGear
QwirkyGear runs 24/7 online spirit-wear stores that it describes as “autopilot fundraising,” handling setup, production, and shipping so schools don’t manage inventory. Their pages state schools earn 20% per sale on these stores.
Jacksonville examples (e.g., Duval Charter) show permanent stores with a setup wizard and guidance to maximize sales using ready-made promo assets—useful for PTOs needing year-round fundraising.
QwirkyGear Features
- Always-on online spirit-wear stores; vendor-managed fulfillment.
- Published 20% per-sale fundraising share for schools.
- Store setup wizard and promotional templates for schools.
- No-cost-to-school positioning on multiple pages.
- Product range suited to student/family buyers with direct-to-home shipping.
QwirkyGear Best For
Schools want a hands-off, year-round store with a fixed revenue share.
QwirkyGear Minimums & Ordering
No minimums are listed for store orders; stores run 24/7/365 with ordering through each school’s page.
QwirkyGear Pricing
School earnings published at 20% per order; platform/processing fees are not itemized; publicly confirm payout cadence and any card fees during onboarding.
9 – School Spirit Store
School Spirit Store builds on-demand spirit-wear shops you can open for a short fundraiser or keep live year-round, with each family ordering directly. Their guide shows a simple, no-setup-fee path and a built-in profit selector.
The flow is form → item selection → profit pick → launch. They also publish a separate Mix & Match bulk program for screened orders when you want lower unit costs and tighter brand control.
School Spirit Store Features
- Online shop you can keep open or run in windows; direct-to-home.
- No setup fees noted for online shops.
- Choose profit level 5% / 10% / 15% at launch.
- Library of fan-favorite brands/styles; 6–10 SKUs recommended to start.
- Optional bulk “Mix & Match” screen-print program.
School Spirit Store Best For
Schools want a fast, no-setup-fee online shop with a simple, published profit picker.
School Spirit Store Minimums & Ordering
On-demand shops don’t list an order minimum. The Mix & Match program requires 12 pieces per style (same logo/placement), with screen setup $55 per color/location.
School Spirit Store Pricing
Online shops: profit 5% / 10% / 15% added to base pricing (fees not itemized on site). Bulk program: per-style minimums and screen setup apply; request a quote for full costs.
10 – ApparelNow
ApparelNow offers free online fundraiser stores for schools, teams, and clubs, providing custom spirit wear with direct fulfillment so PTAs avoid stocking inventory. Their store hub highlights simple setup and broad school coverage.
Organizers can browse public stores by level (elementary through college) and route families to a ready storefront; the company lists standard support pages for shipping and returns.
ApparelNow Features
- Free online fundraiser stores; direct-to-home fulfillment.
- Public directory of existing school stores.
- Custom apparel with on-demand production.
- Centralized support (shipping/returns/order tracking).
- Works for schools, teams, clubs, and nonprofits.
ApparelNow Best For
Schools that want a $0 store setup with broad catalog coverage and simple routing.
ApparelNow Minimums & Ordering
Minimums aren’t listed on the store pages; ordering runs continuously via each public school store with direct checkout and fulfillment.
ApparelNow Pricing
Store creation is advertised as free; profit share and payment-processing specifics aren’t published, confirm margins, base costs, and any card fees during setup.
What to Ask Before You Sign Up
- Ask for the real net profit math: sell price minus base garment, print setup, platform/store fee, payment processing (e.g., Stripe ~2.9% + $0.30), any shipping subsidy, and taxes you absorb.
- Confirm profit share or margin control up front (e.g., fixed 20% share, tiered 5%/10%/15%, or you set the price and keep the spread).
- Get the production SLA in writing (normal and peak season), and whether on-demand vs. bulk windows change timelines (e.g., 2–5 business days before shipping; bulk may differ).
- Verify minimums/MOQs by method (no-min DTG/DTF vs. screen print minimums like 12 per style), so your pricing logic matches the print path.
- Spell out shipping model and costs (direct-to-home vs. bulk-to-school) and who pays; some vendors post per-order S&H ladders that affect conversions.
- Lock down returns/remakes policy (defects vs. sizing), and who eats the cost; check real policy pages for limits on exchanges.
- Ask about payout cadence and reports (how often you’re paid, fees deducted, export formats); make sure you can audit orders vs. deposits.
- Clarify art ownership and digitizing fees (who owns approved art/logos; any one-time embroidery setup billed per logo).
FAQs
How long do orders take?
Most on-demand spirit-wear shops quote production first, then shipping. A common baseline is 2–5 business days to make the item, with transit time added; peak seasons run longer. Ask for both windows and any bulk exceptions in writing.
What profit share should we expect?
Models vary: some platforms publish fixed shares like 20% per order, others let you pick tiers (5% / 10% / 15%) or set your own margin by pricing. Choose the one that fits your buyers’ price sensitivity and your goal.
Are there order minimums?
On-demand often has no minimum; screen printing commonly needs a batch minimum (e.g., 12 per style) for price breaks. If your store mixes methods, make sure each SKU shows the right rule.
Who handles payment fees?
Card processing usually takes a cut (commonly ~2.9% + $0.30 per order in the U.S.). Confirm whether fees come out before your payout or are built into list prices so your net is clear.
Can we ship to homes and the school?
Many vendors support both: direct-to-home (higher S&H, less sorting) and bulk-to-school (lower S&H, more sorting). Some even publish shipping ladders by item count—check them before launch.
What about returns and sizing issues?
Defects are typically remade; wrong size/color often isn’t returnable for custom prints. Read the policy carefully and add clear size charts to reduce remake risk.
How do we get paid and track it?
Ask for the payout schedule (weekly/monthly), whether fees are deducted before payout, and a downloadable report mapping orders to deposits. Run a test order to verify the numbers match.
