Bonfire vs T-Shirt Elephant: The Canadian Fundraising Alternative
Bonfire is a US merch-fundraising platform. For Canadian groups, here is the honest comparison - and a local sell-to-raise option.
Bonfire is a US platform for selling custom apparel and running merch fundraisers, where supporters buy and items are then printed and shipped. T-Shirt Elephant offers Canadian fundraising stores with the same sell-to-raise model - but printed and shipped within Canada, with a real local partner behind you.
The Canadian angle
Because Bonfire fulfills from the US, Canadian supporters can face US shipping and customs duties. T-Shirt Elephant's Canadian fundraising stores let your supporters order in Canadian dollars and ship within Canada - no cross-border surprises.
Bonfire vs T-Shirt Elephant at a glance
| Feature | T-Shirt Elephant | Bonfire |
|---|---|---|
| Based in | Canada — North York, ON | United States |
| Minimum order | None — 1 to 10,000+ | None (campaign / print-on-demand) |
| Shipping to Canada | Within Canada, free over $250 | Fulfilled from the US - possible duties & transit to Canada |
| Customs / duties | None (Canadian) | Possible for Canadian supporters |
| Print methods | Screen print, DTF, DTG, embroidery | DTG (print-on-demand) |
| Free design help | Yes, with every order | Self-serve campaign builder |
| Best for | Canadian fundraising stores + apparel with local support | US creators & nonprofits running sell-to-raise campaigns |
Company profiles
T-Shirt Elephant — Canada's custom apparel shop since 2012, trusted by 100,000+ customers. No minimums, in-house screen printing, DTF, DTG and embroidery, free design help, and a North York (Toronto) showroom. Everything is printed in Canada and ships within Canada.
Bonfire — a US platform for selling custom apparel and running merch fundraisers. Supporters buy during a campaign, then items are printed on demand and shipped - all fulfilled from the United States.
Why Canadians choose T-Shirt Elephant
- Canadian fundraising stores: supporters order in CAD and ship within Canada - no US duties.
- A real Canadian print shop with free design help behind your campaign.
- Bulk and screen-printing options for bigger orders, plus local pickup at the showroom.
- One Canadian partner for teams, schools, clubs and nonprofits.
- No cross-border shipping or customs for your supporters.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bonfire ship to Canada?
Yes, but orders are fulfilled from the US, so Canadian supporters can face US shipping and customs duties. T-Shirt Elephant fundraising stores print and ship within Canada.
Can I run a fundraiser with T-Shirt Elephant?
Yes - T-Shirt Elephant offers Canadian fundraising stores with a sell-to-raise model, printed and shipped in Canada, with design help included.
What is the best Canadian alternative to Bonfire?
T-Shirt Elephant - Canadian fundraising stores plus a real print shop, free design help, bulk options and local support.
Will my supporters pay duties on Bonfire orders?
They may, since Bonfire ships from the US. With a Canadian fundraising store, supporters order in CAD and ship within Canada - no duties.
Bonfire vs T-Shirt Elephant for nonprofits?
Both offer sell-to-raise merch. T-Shirt Elephant keeps everything in Canada with a local partner, which is simpler and cheaper for Canadian supporters.
