Fundraising sales have long been a favorite for schools, nonprofits, and community groups. Whether it’s cookie dough, custom t-shirts, or holiday wreaths, selling products is a proven way to raise money while bringing people together. It’s fun and engaging, giving supporters something tangible to enjoy — all while supporting a great cause.
If you’re looking to expand your reach and increase sales, peer-to-peer fundraising is the perfect next step. With this approach, each group member gets their own online storefront, making it easy to share with friends, family, and their broader community — helping your fundraiser grow faster and raise more.
In this peer-to-peer fundraising sales guide, we’ll explore:
Let’s get started!
Why Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Sales Work
Selling products is one of the most effective ways to raise money while bringing people together. From school bake sales to large-scale t-shirt drives, fundraising sales generate funds and create a sense of community and engagement.
What makes this approach so powerful?
People love to give—especially when they get something in return.
A cozy hoodie, a gourmet snack, or a handcrafted candle makes supporting a cause even more rewarding.
Popular products lead to easy impulse buys.
No one needs another bag of caramel popcorn, but when a coworker’s child sells it for a fundraiser? Hard to resist. The same goes for branded merch, custom tumblers, and scented candles — people buy them because they’re fun, functional, and make great gifts.
Your community amplifies your reach.
Instead of relying on a small team to handle all the selling, peer-to-peer fundraising sales get more people involved. Participants share their storefronts with friends, family, and colleagues (whether in person or online), expanding your reach and increasing donations.
With its ability to engage more people and boost sales, peer-to-peer fundraising is the perfect way to maximize the success of any fundraising sale.
Unfamiliar with peer-to-peer fundraising?
Check out Cheddar Up’s ultimate guide to peer-to-peer fundraising success!
The Best Products for Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Sales
The most successful fundraising products fall into three categories: everyday essentials, impulse-friendly buys, and seasonal bestsellers.
Everyday Essentials (Easy, No-Brainer Buys)
Selling practical, everyday items makes fundraising simple and effective. People already spend money on these products, so choosing them for a fundraiser feels like a win-win.
-
Coffee & Tea
Perfect for morning routines and gifts.
-
Candles
A household staple, especially during the holidays.
-
Laundry Detergent & Cleaning Supplies
A surprisingly popular option — everyone needs them!
-
Personalized Stationery & Planners
A go-to for teachers, students, and professionals.
-
Reusable Water Bottles & Tumblers
Sustainable, practical, and always in demand.
Pro Tip:
Offer high-quality or unique versions of everyday items to make them feel special. A locally roasted coffee blend or a luxury-scented candle can drive even more sales.
Branded Merchandise (Raise Money & Awareness at the Same Time)
Branded items don’t just raise funds — they spread awareness for your cause long after the fundraiser ends. Supporters become walking advertisements every time they wear or use them.
Top-Selling Branded Merchandise:
-
T-Shirts & Hoodies
Comfortable, stylish, and great for school fundraisers.
-
Tote Bags
Practical, eco-friendly, and perfect for everyday use.
-
Hats & Beanies
A must-have for sports teams, clubs, and community groups.
Pro Tip:
Create limited-edition designs to create urgency. A “Spring 2025 Fundraiser” hoodie or a tote featuring a custom slogan adds exclusivity and encourages people to buy before they’re gone.
Impulse Buys (Fun, Small, and Hard to Resist!)
Impulse-friendly items are the backbone of high-volume fundraising sales. These products don’t require much thought — people see them, want them, and buy them on the spot.
Best Impulse-Friendly Fundraising Products
-
Gourmet Popcorn
Flavored varieties (caramel, cheddar, spicy) are bestsellers.
-
Chocolate & Candy
Classic crowd-pleasers with high profit margins.
-
Cookie Dough & Baked Goods
Because who doesn’t love fresh cookies?
-
Scratch-Off Cards & Raffle Tickets
Instant fun with the chance to win prizes.
-
Bracelets & Small Accessories
Affordable, easy-to-sell items.
Pro Tip:
Create bundles to increase order value. Instead of selling a single chocolate bar, offer a variety pack or a “movie night” set with popcorn and candy.
Seasonal Bestsellers (Limited-Time, Must-Have Products)
Seasonal items create urgency, making people more likely to buy before they miss out. Whether holiday gifts or spring flowers, these fundraisers tap into built-in demand at just the right time.
Top Seasonal Fundraising Ideas:
-
Holiday Gift Wrap & Ornaments
Perfect for year-end fundraising sales.
-
Spring Flowers & Bulbs
Ideal for schools, churches, and garden clubs. Check out this example collection to get inspired!
-
Pumpkins & Seasonal Decor
A fall favorite that attracts big buyers.
-
Valentine’s Day Chocolates & Gifts
Sweet treats that sell fast in February.
-
Summer BBQ & Picnic Packs
Grilling sauces, spice rubs, and picnic essentials.
Pro Tip:
Start selling early! Holiday gifts should launch in October-November, while spring plants should be promoted well before the planting season.
How to Run Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Sales (And Maximize Your Results)
Now that you’ve chosen the best products, it’s time to ensure your fundraising sales run smoothly. A little strategy goes a long way in boosting participation and sales.
1. Set Clear Fundraising Goals
Define a specific fundraising target so participants know what they’re working toward. Whether $5,000 for new equipment or $10,000 for a community project, having a clear goal creates motivation and accountability.
2. Make It Competitive (And Fun!)
Turn fundraising into a friendly competition to keep participants engaged. Gamifying your campaign with incentives and challenges can drive excitement and higher sales.
Fundraising Incentive Ideas:
Top Seller Prize
Reward the highest seller with a gift card, exclusive merchandise, or a unique experience.
Team Challenge
Offer a prize for the top-performing team, such as a pizza party or VIP access to an event.
Early-Bird Bonus
Give a special reward to the first five sellers who hit a specific sales milestone.
3. Promote Your Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Sale (everywhere!)
A great product won’t sell itself — you need a strong promotion strategy. Get the word out using multiple channels to maximize visibility.
Social Media Blitz
Encourage supporters to share their fundraising pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Email Campaigns
Send regular updates and reminders to keep the momentum high.
Community Partnerships
Ask local businesses to help spread the word through in-store flyers, website mentions, or social media shoutouts.
Pro Tip:
Make it personal. People are more likely to buy when they feel connected to the cause. Encourage participants to share why the fundraiser matters to them in their posts and messages.
4. Make Checkout Easy & Transparent
Hidden fees can frustrate buyers and cut into your earnings. Some platforms automatically tack on extra charges, like a 15% “tip” at checkout that doesn’t go to your cause. Cheddar Up offers clear, upfront pricing so supporters know exactly where their money goes.
A well-executed peer-to-peer fundraising sale raises more money and builds more substantial community support. You can increase participation, simplify management, and keep more earnings with the right approach.
Before you go
Cheddar Up makes peer-to-peer fundraising sales simple, seamless, and stress-free — so you can engage supporters, sell more products, and keep more of what you raise. Start your fundraising sale with Cheddar Up today!
