Compare a custom apparel store with a crowdfunding page for a team: effort, fees, what supporters get, and when crowdfunding is the better call.
By Swag31 team · Published · Updated
Side by side
Crowdfunding fee terms vary by provider and change, so we give no percentages here. GoFundMe, for example, says on its fees page that payment processing and an optional donor tip apply; see the source below.
Crowdfunding pages compared with a Swag31 apparel store
Crowdfunding page
Custom apparel store (Swag31)
Volunteer effort
Write the story, post updates, promote
Design and launch once, then share the link
Upfront cost / inventory
None
$0 upfront; no inventory
What supporters get
Usually nothing tangible: a donation
Custom team apparel shipped to their home
Team share
Donations minus platform and processing fees, which vary by provider
Item 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)
Who pays processing
Varies; some platforms add an optional donor tip
Taken from the sale before the team's share
Best timing
Urgent, one-off needs
Season-long or event-timed drops
Pros and cons of each
Apparel store
Strengths
Supporters receive gear, which many find a clearer reason to buy than a general ask.
Prices are set by the team, so you can plan around known costs.
Athletes get personal links with credited sales.
Trade-offs
Slower to build than a page that can be live in minutes.
Buyers pay for an item, so some who would give a small donation may not buy.
Sales depend on designs and reminders.
Crowdfunding pages
Strengths
Fast to set up and well suited to emergencies, such as a medical or travel crisis.
Donors can give any amount, including small ones.
Nothing to design, print or ship.
Trade-offs
Supporters usually get nothing tangible in return.
Fees vary by platform and may include processing and tips.
Needs a compelling story and active promotion; funds raised vary widely.
When the other option is better
There is an emergency or a one-off, clearly explained need.
You want donors to be able to give any amount with no purchase.
You have no time to design or launch a store.
Sources
Accessed October 2026. Provider terms change, so check each provider's current terms before you decide.
GoFundMe, fees — where GoFundMe publishes its current fee terms