Teams and booster clubs want spirit gear that shows up on time and fits right, yet many run into late shipments, sizing mix ups, and clunky store setup. These pain points are common in help pages and community threads about delayed or problem orders.
Returns add real cost in merch programs. Retailers estimated a 16.9% return rate in 2024. Apparel online runs higher with studies around 24.4% and research points to inconsistent sizing as the top driver of refunds.
This guide ranks the best print on demand spirit shops for teams and boosters. It highlights vendors with clear sizing, faster timelines, and fundraiser friendly tools, and it links to ratings and data so you can choose with confidence.
What To Look For In a Team Spirit Shop
- Fast and reliable delivery. Clear timelines and real tracking.
- Easy sizing. Size charts, fit tips, and a fair return window.
- Good product quality. Durable prints and comfortable fabrics.
- Simple store setup. Templates, quick artwork uploads, and clean navigation.
- Fundraiser friendly. Built in profit settings and payout reports.
- Fair pricing. Transparent fees and no surprise add ons.
- No or low minimums. Single item orders work for late joiners.
- Strong support. Chat or phone help that responds fast.
- Shipping that fits your needs. Home delivery and group pickup options.
Rapid Rundown of Top Print On Demand Team Spirit Shops
| Varsity Vault: Fast setup, clean stores, and simple fundraiser payouts for fan ready gear. BSN Sports Sideline Store: Always open shops, U.S. decoration, and easy repeat ordering. SquadLocker: Quick launch stores, strong brand catalog, and fast shipping options. Rokkitwear: No minimums, quick ship windows, and automatic school giveback. SpiritShop by Prep Sportswear: Find your school, customize gear, and manage in one storefront. Game One Online Stores: Turnkey stores with major athletic brands and clear timelines. OrderMyGear: Platform power for reliable team stores with playbooks and reporting. OnlineSpiritStore: Mobile friendly shops that simplify fundraising and order tracking. Spirit Gear Direct: School focused designs and streamlined print programs for quick runs. Spiritwear: Big template library, free artwork, and simple customization for teams. |
Best Print-On-Demand Spirit Shops Comparison Table
| Vendor | Store model | Typical ship window | Returns & sizing notes | Brands / catalog |
| Varsity Vault | Always-on, on-demand school stores (vendor handles setup + production) | 5–7 days | Not stated publicly | Broad customizable catalog |
| BSN Sports Sideline Store | Always-open fan stores; also time-boxed Team Shops and SPRINT quick-turn | SPRINT: ~1–2 days; Team Shops: ~3–4 weeks after close | Central help center; decorated items return limits standard | Major athletics brands (Nike, adidas, UA, etc.) |
| SquadLocker | Always-open, direct-to-home (no batching) | Typically < 2 weeks | Standard D2C returns; made-to-order considerations | Wide brand catalog for uniforms & spirit gear |
| Rokkitwear | Always-on school storefronts | ~3–5 business days | Standard D2C policies; defects replaced | Nike, Champion, The North Face, Carhartt, New Era, more |
| SpiritShop by Prep Sportswear | Find-your-school fan stores + team stores | Production + carrier time (commonly ~2–8 biz days after ship) | Made-to-order; replacements for defects/damage | Large school/team library |
| Game One Online Stores | Express/athlete/fan turnkey stores | Express setups fast; many items ship ~within 2 weeks of close | Clear help docs; tracking included | Under Armour, Nike, adidas, others |
| OrderMyGear | Platform powering dealer/brand-run stores | N/A (set by provider) | Policies depend on the provider | Platform, not a catalog |
| OnlineSpiritStore | Managed, mobile-friendly fundraiser stores | Not stated | Contact-first; timelines not posted | General spirit-wear selection |
| Spirit Gear Direct | Time-boxed “Gear Drives,” wholesale, online stores | Not explicitly posted | Custom goods; defect replacement; windowed issue reporting | School-focused designs; per-student packing |
| Spiritwear | Template-driven campaigns & eStores | Not explicitly posted | Standard custom-goods policies | Large template library; frequent free artwork/shipping offers |
1. Varsity Vault
Varsity Vault runs custom, always-open online merch stores for schools. They handle design, production, shipping, and support so teams can focus on spirit and fundraising.
Stores are free to set up, and schools earn a commission on every sale. Typical orders ship within about a week.
Varsity Vault Feature
- Free, fast setup for a custom school store (no upfront cost).
- On-demand fulfillment with merch shipping in 5–7 business days.
- Schools earn 10–20% commission on every sale.
- Broad catalog (apparel, hats, drinkware, promo items) with guidance on decoration methods (DTF, embroidery, screen print, sublimation).
- Monthly reports and payments for transparency.
Varsity Vault Who is it for
Schools and booster clubs that want a no-inventory, hands-off spirit shop with quick shipping and built-in fundraising.
Varsity Vault Pricing
- Store setup fee: $0.
- School commission: 10–20% per sale.
- Shipping timeline (for context): 5–7 business days after order.
2. BSN Sports Sideline Store
BSN SPORTS Sideline Store is an always-open online fan shop run by BSN SPORTS for schools and clubs. It centralizes licensed designs and on-demand decoration so families can order any time.
For time-sensitive drops, BSN also offers a SPRINT option that handles decoration immediately and ships straight to home. Team Shops remain available for grouped, batched orders.
BSN SPORTS Sideline Store Feature
- SPRINT orders are decorated and shipped within 1–2 days and delivered to the buyer’s door.
- Classic Team Shop model groups custom orders and typically ships about 3–4 weeks after the shop closes.
- Central help center for tracking, order updates, and account support in one place.
- General BSN return policy provides a 30-day window when authorized, with instructions through Customer Care.
BSN SPORTS Sideline Store Who is it for
Athletic departments and boosters that want an always-on fan shop alongside seasonal team stores to cover both impulse buys and campaign launches.
Coaches and admins who need fast-turn spirit gear for events or last-minute needs via SPRINT while keeping bulk, batched orders on a separate cadence.
BSN SPORTS Sideline Store Pricing
- Store setup fee: $0 for SPRINT (“Zero cost to you”).
- School giveback/royalty: 10% cash royalty example for Sideline Store in a public university contract.
3. SquadLocker
SquadLocker runs always-open team stores that print on demand and ship direct to home. There’s no batching, so families can order any time during the season.
Store creation is quick upload a logo, pick products, and the shop can go live immediately. Typical delivery for custom items is in about two weeks or less.
SquadLocker Feature
- Fundraising toggle adds a markup you choose (5%, 10%, or 15%) and pays out separately.
- Direct-to-home fulfillment each order ships to the buyer; organizers don’t handle inventory.
- Always-on stores (24/7/365) with no order minimums for single-item purchases.
- Clear returns policy: decorated items are replaced/refunded only for defects; special programs may allow no-hassle returns.
SquadLocker Who is it for
Programs that want hands-off spirit wear with year-round availability and simple home delivery, ideal for busy booster leaders.
Teams looking to add quick fundraising without running pop-up windows, using the built-in percentage markup per item.
SquadLocker Pricing
- Shipping (U.S.): Standard $9.95, Priority $15.95, Express $24.95 (transit after production).
- Fundraising options: 5%, 10%, or 15% markup set in the store dashboard.
- Minimum order: 0 items (single-item orders allowed)..
4. Rokkitwear
Rokkitwear runs official, always-on online fan shops for schools, printing each order on demand and shipping directly to supporters. Stores list hundreds of items under each school.
It’s designed for fundraising without inventory. Schools earn money from every purchase while Rokkitwear handles production and fulfillment.
Rokkitwear Feature
- No minimum order quantity so late joiners can buy single items anytime.
- 15% cash back to the school on every purchase to support programs.
- Ships in 3–5 business days in the continental U.S., with 1–2 days for processing.
- Name-brand catalog (Nike, Champion, The North Face, Carhartt, New Era).
Rokkitwear Who is it for
Athletic departments, bands, and booster clubs that want a year-round, hands-off spirit shop with built-in fundraising and direct-to-home delivery.
Rokkitwear Pricing
- Store setup: $0 (no upfront costs).
- School giveback: 15% cash back on each purchase.
- Minimum order: 0 items (single-item orders allowed).
5. SpiritShop by Prep Sportswear
SpiritShop by Prep Sportswear is a made-to-order fan shop where supporters can search for their school and customize gear in one storefront. Orders are produced on demand rather than pulled from inventory.
After you place an order, SpiritShop completes customization, then ships with tracked carriers. Shipping time is in addition to production.
SpiritShop by Prep Sportswear Feature
- No minimums you can buy one item or many; no setup fees for extra design colors.
- Clear sizing help every product page includes a size chart sourced from the garment maker.
- Defined production & transit most orders customize in 2–5 business days, then deliver 2–8 business days after shipment.
- U.S. decoration 100% of customization is performed at SpiritShop’s Detroit, Michigan facility.
- Quality guarantee defective items are replaced; they don’t offer refunds/returns for wrong size or design selections.
SpiritShop by Prep Sportswear Who is it for
Schools, clubs, and leagues that want an always-on spirit shop without managing inventory, and that prefer on-demand U.S. production with published timelines.
SpiritShop by Prep Sportswear Pricing
- Team store setup: $0 (free team store).
- Fundraising commission to store owners: 15% of sales, paid monthly.
6. Game One Online Stores
Game One offers several store types “Express Team Store, Fan Store, and Athlete Store”. So schools can outfit players and fans without managing inventory. Each option is run on Game One’s platform with setup and fulfillment handled for you.
Express Team Stores emphasize speed, Fan Stores stay open year-round, and Athlete Stores offer discounted athlete essentials from major brands. You pick the model; Game One manages the rest.
Game One Online Stores Feature
- Express Team Store speed: setup within 48 hours; items ship within ~2 weeks after the store closes.
- Fan Store availability: 24/7, 365-day ordering for supporters.
- Fundraising controls: organizer sets $0–$10 per garment at creation; payouts via check or account credit.
- Catalog structure: Express stores include in-stock inventory, one logo design included, and up to 40 apparel items.
Game One Online Stores Who is it for
Athletic departments and boosters that need clear timelines for campaign shops, always-open spirit wear for families, or athlete-only gear with brand choice without handling logistics.
Game One Online Stores Pricing
- Fundraising add-on (Team Stores): $0–$10 per garment, organizer-selectable; payout by check or account credit.
- Athlete Store discount: up to 50% off gear from Under Armour, Nike, and adidas (selection varies).
7. OrderMyGear
OrderMyGear (OMG) is a platform used by distributors, decorators, and team dealers to run online stores for groups, think pop-up fundraisers, company stores, redemption code shops, and even print-on-demand.
It provides the storefront tech, payments, and management tools so partners can sell branded merch without building their own e-commerce stack.
OrderMyGear Feature
- Store types for every program: Pop-up, Company Stores, Redemption Stores (code-based checkout), and Print-on-Demand options.
- Fundraising tools: Live Fundraising Tracker on the storefront plus dedicated fundraising reports.
- Checkout + payments: Credit cards (Stripe), gift cards, account balances, Google/Apple Pay, Klarna BNPL, purchase orders, and ACH.
- Enterprise controls: Permissions, budgets, manager approvals, SSO, coupons, inventory thresholds, and custom domains.
- Order visibility & reporting: Consumer Order Status tracker, sales dashboards, custom reports, and order push to external systems.
- Supplier catalog access: 735k+ products from 500+ suppliers with live inventory feeds.
OrderMyGear Who is it for
Businesses that sell branded merchandise to groups, promotional product distributors, apparel decorators, team dealers, and suppliers, needing modern stores with controls, reporting, and integrations.
OrderMyGear Pricing
- OMG Unlimited (Pop-up + Company Stores): $2,999 one-time license; includes guided onboarding and $500 Professional Services credit.
- Company Stores Unlimited: $2,499 one-time license.
8. OnlineSpiritStore
OnlineSpiritStore.com builds custom online shops for schools, teams, and groups. Stores are set up for free and take orders through a secure, mobile-friendly checkout.
Orders are produced together (batch run), then sorted and delivered to a single school contact for hand-out, no inventory or money collection for organizers.
OnlineSpiritStore Feature
- Free online store setup with no minimums listed on the homepage.
- Free artwork design including 1 hour of art time with every spirit store.
- Payment options include PayPal and major credit cards; checkout is mobile friendly.
- Fundraising support via low base pricing that leaves room for an organizer markup.
- Batch production & sorting with packaged orders delivered to one school contact.
- Large catalog with “thousands of styles” and help selecting the right items.
OnlineSpiritStore Who is it for
PTAs/boosters that prefer group delivery to school and want a simple, hands-off fundraiser store without collecting cash or sorting orders.
OnlineSpiritStore Pricing
- Store setup: $0.
- Minimum order: 0 (no minimums stated).
- Artwork credit: 1 hour of free design time per store.
9. Spirit Gear Direct
Spirit Gear Direct outfits schools and groups with custom spirit wear through time-boxed “Gear Drives” and wholesale orders. The company supplies designs, production, and delivery end-to-end so organizers don’t manage inventory.
Its Gear Drive model runs for a short sale window and closes with a single production run. Orders are prepared together to simplify distribution.
Spirit Gear Direct Feature
- Packed-per-student distribution so orders arrive grouped for easy hand-out at school.
- Free graphics support and an online design/flyer workflow to launch a drive quickly.
- Two paths to buy: a Gear Drive for fundraisers and Wholesale Ordering for bulk at low unit cost.
- Custom-goods policy with a defects guarantee; issues must be reported within 14 days.
Spirit Gear Direct Who is it for
PTAs, boosters, and activity leaders who want a short, organized sale with no leftover inventory and simple school-site distribution.
Spirit Gear Direct Pricing
- Store setup: $0 for a free custom online store with a Gear Drive.
- Typical item price range: $7–$69 across programs featuring Spirit Gear Direct.
- Return window for defects/errors: 14 days from receipt (replacements provided).
10. Spiritwear
Spiritwear.com builds custom school spirit wear and runs online fundraiser eStores. You choose designs, they handle decoration and order processing end-to-end.
Its eStore model lets schools set sale prices and collect profit without managing cash or paper forms. Orders can be grouped yet shipped individually.
Spiritwear Feature
- You set the price, keep the difference profit is the amount above Spiritwear’s eStore item cost.
- Group orders, shipped individually to buyers to reduce sorting work.
- No cash or checks fully online checkout for hassle-free collection.
- Two delivery options: ship to a coordinator address or ship direct-to-customer homes.
- Artwork proofing workflow (electronic proof page) before the store goes live.
- Eligibility guideline: eStores are designed for schools with 500+ students.
Spiritwear Who is it for
Schools and booster groups that want a fundraising eStore with online payments, optional home delivery, and minimal admin work, especially larger campuses meeting the 500+ roster guideline.
Spiritwear Pricing
- eStore setup fee: $400 (published “Online Store Information” form).
- Store processing service fee: 10% of total online store sales (minimum $100).
- Free custom artwork: $0 for school groups.
Setup Checklist to Launch Your Team Store
- Pick goals and timeline: Fundraising target, launch and close dates, delivery method (home or group pickup)
- Confirm brand assets: Approved logos, colors, mascot rules, restricted artwork
- Build product list: 12–24 items, mix adult and youth sizes, include a budget tee, hoodie, and hat
- Add sizing help: Size charts on every item, fit notes, clear return or exchange policy link
- Configure pricing: Set margins per item, add fundraiser percentage, verify tax handling
- Choose fulfillment model: On-demand (always open) or pop-up (batch production)
- Set shipping options: Standard and expedited, group pickup window, order cutoff time
- Enable payments: Cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay, purchase orders if allowed
- Write store copy: Headline, how it works, delivery dates, contact info, policy links
- QA before launch: Test add to cart, promo codes, mobile checkout, confirmation emails
- Prepare promo kit: Flyer, QR code, launch email, social posts, coach announcements
- Plan customer support: Assign a contact, set response time, track issues
- Launch and monitor: Review orders daily, swap low-stock items, send mid-campaign reminders
- Close and fulfill: Confirm production report, delivery lists, per-student packing if needed
- Post-mortem: Record sales, returns, top sellers, improvements for the next launch
FAQs
What are typical return rules for custom items?
Made-to-order gear is usually replaced or refunded only for defects, not for wrong size. SpiritShop’s help center outlines production first, then shipping, with policies focused on defects.
How do we help buyers pick the right size?
Use vendor size charts and fit notes on each item. Returns research and vendor FAQs stress that transit speed does not shorten production, so sizing clarity up front reduces reorders and delays.
How do we launch a store fast without overloading volunteers?
Use a ready template, 12–24 core items, approved logos, and a clear delivery window. Keep the copy short, add one help link, and go live in stages (staff, then families).
What info should every product page include to cut returns?
Size chart, fit note, fabric type, and care. Add a simple exchange rule and an ETA near the Add to Cart button so buyers decide confidently.
How can we keep delivery expectations realistic during busy seasons?
Post production time and a ship window on the banner and cart. Set order cutoffs two weeks before events and avoid peak holiday weeks.
What payment options reduce checkout drop-off on mobile?
Offer cards plus Apple Pay and Google Pay. Keep forms short, allow guest checkout, and show taxes and shipping before the final click.
How do we set a fair fundraiser margin without scaring buyers?
Start with a modest tier (e.g., 10–15%) on staples and use short promos for lift. sanity-check a family basket price (tee hoodie cap) before launch.
Does Varsity Vault support premium brands and quick ships?
Yes, it offers premium brand assortments with on-demand production and typical shipping in about 5–7 business days, plus simple school commissions.
What’s the easiest way to handle group pickup without chaos?
Choose per-order bagging with names on labels. Schedule a pickup window, post the location in the order email, and alphabetize boxes at the table.
How do we track issues and keep support clean after launch?
Use one contact email, a 24-hour reply goal, and a simple form that collects order number, item, and photo. Escalate defects straight to the vendor for reprints.
