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Team apparel fundraiser vs car washes and events

Compare a custom apparel store with car washes, restaurant nights and raffles: effort, cost, what supporters get, and when an event is the better choice.

By Swag31 team · Published · Updated

Side by side

Event results depend on turnout, weather and local rules. Where a source states a share (restaurant nights) or a rule (raffles), we cite it; for car washes we give no figures.

Car washes, restaurant nights and raffles compared with a Swag31 apparel store
Car wash / restaurant night / raffleCustom apparel store (Swag31)
Volunteer effortConcentrated on the day; promotion beforehandMostly upfront setup, then reminders
Upfront cost / inventoryCar wash: supplies. Restaurant night: none. Raffle: prizes, tickets, possibly a permit$0 upfront; no inventory
What supporters getA clean car, a meal, or a chance to winCustom team apparel shipped to their home
Team shareRestaurant nights are typically 10% to 20% of qualifying sales, with common exclusions (tax, alcohol, delivery, gift cards). Car wash: donations minus suppliesItem price minus print cost, buyer-paid shipping, card processing and a 5% platform fee; plus the Season Pass ($89 by card or $99 from first sales)
Rules to checkRaffles and 50/50s vary by state; many require permits and some limit them to registered nonprofitsCheck your school or league's fundraising policy
ReachLocal, in personAnyone with the link

Pros and cons of each

Apparel store

Strengths

  • No fixed day, no weather risk.
  • Out-of-town family can take part.
  • Supporters get something lasting.

Trade-offs

  • Less social than a shared event.
  • Shipped, not instant; limited returns on made-to-order items.
  • Needs a design and a few reminders.

Car washes, restaurant nights and raffles

Strengths

  • Builds team spirit and visibility in the community.
  • Restaurant nights need almost no work from the team.
  • Car washes need little money.

Trade-offs

  • Depend on turnout, weather and volunteer availability.
  • Restaurant give-backs are a share of qualifying sales only, so read the fine print.
  • Raffles carry state-by-state legal requirements.

When the other option is better

  • You want a morale-building day and have plenty of volunteers.
  • You need a quick, low-effort win and a local restaurant offers a give-back night.
  • Your state allows raffles and the crowd at a game is a natural audience.

Sources

Accessed October 2026. Provider terms change, so check each provider's current terms before you decide.

Questions about any of this? Reach us at support@swag31.com.

Team apparel fundraiser vs car washes and events | Swag31