How to Win Repeat Business from Churches, Nonprofits, and Small Businesses with Custom Merch
Let’s face it: business has been unpredictable lately. I’ve talked to people this week alone who’ve lost major jobs, had to cut staff hours, or weren’t sure how they’d pay next month’s bills. If you’re feeling the pinch, you’re not alone.
So let’s talk about one way we’ve kept things steady — and how you can, too: selling custom merch to churches, nonprofits, and small businesses. These are groups that always need gear: t-shirts, hoodies, signs, banners, and more. And guess what? Most of them have no idea how easy it is to work with someone local like you.
Here’s a breakdown of what we covered:
1. Make Ordering Effortless
These groups are run by busy people — volunteers, pastors, HR reps. If it’s hard to order from you, they’ll skip it. So simplify.
We do this with:
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Free online stores for direct ordering (no collecting forms, checks, or sizes)
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Bulk ordering with perks like pre-sorted packaging or delivery
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Reorder reminders — we check in before they run out
Want to stand out? Create a simple flyer or email that walks them through how painless this can be.
2. Show the Value of Custom Merch
Most groups don’t realize how profitable or impactful branded gear can be.
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For fundraising: A shirt that costs you $10 can sell for $25. That’s $10+ in profit for the organization — per shirt!
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For branding: Businesses love professional team apparel. It boosts brand recognition and team morale.
Make a mini pricing guide to show them how much they can raise or how sharp their team can look.
3. Offer Flexibility Big Suppliers Can’t
You’re not a cookie-cutter print house — you’re nimble and personal.
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Let them add names, roles, or numbers to items
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Work within their budget by offering good/better/best pricing tiers
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Give them real choices based on what they need, not what a catalog says they should want
Consider building a “customization menu” so clients can see all their options at a glance.
4. Pitch to the Right Person
The decision-maker isn’t always obvious. Could be:
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Church secretary (not the pastor)
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HR rep (not the business owner)
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PTO president (not the principal)
Start making a contact list of local churches, nonprofits, and businesses — and figure out who really pulls the trigger.
5. Build Long-Term Relationships
One-time orders are great. Repeat orders are better. The goal is to stay top of mind, year after year.
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Use reminders to check in before annual events like 5Ks or church festivals
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Offer VIP pricing or early access to preferred customers
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Stay connected, even when leadership changes
The more you show up, the less likely they’ll go elsewhere — especially to big-box national suppliers.
Your Action Step:
Pick one church, nonprofit, or business this week and reach out. Show them how easy, valuable, and personalized you can make things — and start locking in those repeat orders.
You can watch the Makers and Movers episode HERE