Bonfire
Bonfire is a print-on-demand platform that specializes in custom apparel campaigns — perfect for fundraising, nonprofits, and community groups. You design shirts, set prices, and launch campaigns, while Bonfire handles printing, fulfillment, and customer support. You can sell through campaign pages, embed a store on your website, or order shirts in bulk for events. Bonfire is ideal if you want a simple, trustworthy way to raise funds or unite your audience with branded merch. Below you’ll find how Bonfire works, its features, pros & cons, success tips, and top alternatives.
How Bonfire Works
Bonfire allows individuals, creators, and organizations to design and sell custom apparel online. Create a shirt design using the Bonfire builder, set your selling price, and launch a campaign. When orders are placed, Bonfire prints and ships directly to customers and sends you the profits. It’s especially known for fundraising and community-based campaigns, but you can also run ongoing stores or order custom merch in bulk for events and teams.
Cost: Free to start
Payout: Profit per item after base cost
Fulfillment: Printed & shipped by Bonfire
Primary Use: Fundraisers, team apparel, influencer merch, nonprofits
Integrations: Bonfire Storefront, embeddable widgets, and nonprofit tools
Key Features
Fundraising Campaigns
Launch campaigns that collect orders, print in batches, and distribute profits to your cause or team.
Bonfire Stores
Create an always-on storefront to sell apparel continuously, beyond one-time campaigns.
Bulk Ordering
Order custom shirts at discounted bulk rates for events, staff, or giveaways — no campaign needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No upfront costs or inventory
- Ideal for fundraisers and nonprofits
- High-quality apparel with verified printers
- Responsive support and user-friendly design builder
- Option for both campaign-based and evergreen selling
Cons
- Limited to apparel (no mugs, prints, or accessories)
- Smaller marketplace visibility than Redbubble or TeePublic
- Fixed base prices can reduce profit margins
- Campaign setup can feel restrictive for general retail use
Best For
Fundraisers, nonprofits, churches, schools, event organizers, and small creators who want to raise money or unite their community through custom apparel without handling logistics.
Pricing & Profit
Bonfire shows a base price per product, which includes production, fulfillment, and service fees. You set your selling price above that base to determine your profit margin. For fundraisers, you can publicly display the total raised and track progress per campaign.
Content & IP Guidelines
Bonfire enforces community standards and trademark guidelines. Avoid copyrighted artwork, brand names, or political misrepresentation. Use original designs or licensed elements to prevent takedowns and ensure campaign approval.
Practical Tips to Succeed
- Use storytelling — connect your campaign to a cause or event people care about.
- Choose premium or eco-friendly blanks to attract buyers who value quality.
- Launch during relevant seasons (e.g., charity runs, awareness months, holidays).
- Promote through email, social media, and local networks to build momentum.
- Design for readability — bold, meaningful graphics outperform small, complex designs.
Where Bonfire Fits in Your POD Stack
Bonfire fills a niche between traditional POD marketplaces and nonprofit fundraising tools. Use it when your goal is to rally community support or raise funds, rather than compete in saturated marketplaces. Pair it with Redbubble or Printify for broader catalog options.
Alternatives
FAQ
Is Bonfire free to use?
Yes. There are no upfront costs — Bonfire deducts its base price from each item sold, and you keep the profit.
Can I run continuous sales?
Yes. You can set your campaigns to auto-renew or create a Bonfire Store for always-on products.
Does Bonfire ship internationally?
Yes, though shipping rates and delivery times vary by country. Bonfire prints and ships from U.S. facilities.