Fundraising with Custom Tumblers: Tips for Success
Every fundraiser has the same challenge: selling something people want. Custom tumblers solve that problem by combining practicality with meaningful branding. They are easy to promote, simple to distribute, and create lasting value for supporters. With Big Frig’s bulk pricing and in-house customization, your group can raise more money while keeping the process straightforward. Read more and follow the tips below to run a successful fundraiser using custom tumblers from Big Frig!
What Makes Tumblers a Profitable Fundraising Item?
Why Do Tumblers Outperform Traditional Fundraisers?
Unlike candy bars or catalog sales, tumblers are durable products that people continue using long after the fundraiser ends. Instead of being consumed or discarded, they stay in daily rotation at school, work, and home. Buyers see them as a worthwhile purchase because they get practical value with every use, which makes them more likely to support the campaign in the first place.
Every refill is more than convenience, it is also a reminder of the organization they helped. When someone takes their tumbler to the office, a sports game, or even on family trips, your logo and message travel with them. That kind of visibility extends the life of the fundraiser far beyond the initial sale, building stronger loyalty and opening the door for repeat support in future campaigns.
How Do Tumblers Increase Fundraising Margins?
Buying in bulk reduces upfront costs, allowing groups to sell at a competitive price while keeping a larger share of each sale. The combination of high perceived value and healthy profit margins makes tumblers one of the most effective items for long-term fundraising success.
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How to Promote Your Tumbler Campaign Online and In Person
Where Do Tumblers Sell Best at Local Events?
Events like tournaments, school concerts, church gatherings, and community fairs are ideal places to showcase tumblers directly. These gatherings already attract people who are invested in the cause or connected to the community, which makes them more inclined to purchase. A simple table with clear pricing and an engaging display not only makes the product approachable but also encourages impulse buys.
How Can Events Build Momentum for Sales?
In-person selling creates visibility that sparks curiosity and interest. When attendees see others buying tumblers, it creates social proof that drives more sales. Offering them at concession stands, registration tables, or raffle prize tables keeps the fundraiser visible throughout the event. Adding a quick incentive, like limited quantities or a small discount for buying multiple tumblers, can build urgency and increase participation.
How Can Online Promotion Expand Reach?
Digital tools make it easy to connect with supporters beyond your local community. Email newsletters, social media posts, and school or nonprofit websites let you promote tumblers to alumni, extended family, and donors who cannot attend in person. Combining both approaches broadens your audience and increases total sales.
Choosing the Right Tumbler Size and Message for Your Audience
Which Sizes Sell Best for Fundraisers?
The 30 oz tumbler is the most popular overall because it fits into daily routines seamlessly. Its larger capacity makes it perfect for busy parents, staff, or community members who want their drinks to last throughout the day. The extra surface area also gives schools and nonprofits more space for logos, mascots, and messages, ensuring the design is easy to notice from a distance. For premium-level sales, the 30 oz size often feels like the best value, which can encourage higher donations or repeat purchases.
For families, students, or younger supporters, the 20 oz tumbler is a lighter, more portable option. Its smaller size makes it easier for kids to carry in backpacks or for staff to use on the go. It still delivers excellent performance while being convenient for everyday use, which broadens its appeal across different age groups.
Offering both options allows your organization to reach a wider audience. Some buyers will prefer the practicality of the larger 30 oz tumbler, while others will choose the smaller size for ease of use. Having two size choices creates flexibility without overwhelming supporters, helping maximize participation and overall sales.
What Design Elements Encourage More Sales?
Simple, bold designs tend to stand out the most. A school mascot, nonprofit logo, or event tagline creates a clear and recognizable product that feels tied to your mission. Adding the year or theme turns the tumbler into a keepsake, encouraging repeat purchases from supporters year after year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Launching a Fundraiser
Why Is Timing Critical to Success?
Many groups underestimate how long it takes to organize a custom order, and this can make or break a fundraiser. Between finalizing the artwork, approving digital proofs, and giving the production team enough lead time, every step requires coordination. Planning early is not just helpful, it is essential.
Starting the process several weeks in advance ensures that tumblers arrive before key events such as tournaments, concerts, or seasonal campaigns. It also gives organizers extra breathing room to promote the fundraiser and build excitement ahead of launch. Without this buffer, groups often face delays that can cut into sales windows or leave products arriving after the event is over.
By planning ahead, you reduce stress for volunteers, avoid shipping delays, and give your organization time to maximize visibility. A well-timed rollout creates momentum, keeps supporters engaged, and helps your fundraiser hit its goals without last-minute pressure.
How Can Offering Too Many Options Limit Sales Potential?
When supporters are given too many design, size, or color options, decision-making slows down and interest can fade. Instead of encouraging sales, excess variety often creates hesitation and lowers overall participation. The most effective fundraisers keep choices simple, usually one or two strong designs that appeal to the widest audience.
A streamlined approach not only makes it easier for buyers to commit quickly, it also helps organizers by simplifying inventory management and distribution. With fewer variations to track, orders are filled faster and delivered with fewer errors, making the fundraiser smoother for everyone involved.
FAQ - Fundraising with Custom Tumblers
How much money can groups raise with tumbler fundraisers?
Earnings depend on order size and resale pricing, but many organizations generate strong profits because tumblers offer both value and durability.
Can tumblers be customized with individual names?
Yes. Personalization adds a unique touch, making each tumbler feel special to the supporter.
How do custom tumblers compare to other popular fundraiser items?
Tumblers typically generate higher profit margins than consumables like candy or popcorn because they are durable and useful every day. Supporters feel they are getting more value, which leads to stronger participation and repeat purchases.
Can a tumbler fundraiser work for both small and large groups?
Yes. Smaller groups often order a few dozen tumblers to sell at local events, while larger organizations may order hundreds or even thousands for schoolwide or regional campaigns. Bulk pricing makes the model scalable for groups of any size.
Are custom tumblers a good option for repeat or annual fundraisers?
Absolutely. Many organizations launch new designs each year featuring updated logos, themes, or event dates. This creates a collectible aspect that encourages past supporters to purchase again.
Do tumbler fundraisers appeal to a wide audience?
Yes. Unlike niche products, tumblers work across all age groups and communities. Students, parents, teachers, staff, and local supporters can all use them daily, which broadens the potential buyer base and increases sales.
Run A Successful Fundraiser With Custom Tumblers
Big Frig can help you run a successful fundraiser by customizing premium tumblers with different colors and images.