BoosterHub

A Quick Guide to Accepting Credit Cards in a Booster Club

According to Statista, credit and debit cards remain the most popular payment options among Americans. Four out of ten Americans consider credit cards the go-to payment method. 31% prefer to use their debit cards, 12% prefer paying with a digital wallet, and just 12% prefer cash.

The bottom line is that your booster club needs to accept credit cards if you want to accommodate the preferences of today’s consumers. However, adding credit card payment processing to your booster club workflows can feel more challenging than beating your alma mater’s rival in the regional championships. Never fear — this guide from BoosterHub will help you start accepting credit cards like a big-time retailer.

The Basics

Before diving into credit card processing, it’s essential to understand the basic requirements. You’ll need a merchant account, which is a type of bank account that allows your club to accept credit and debit card payments. You’ll also need a payment gateway, which is a service that authorizes and processes the transactions online.

Choosing the Right Payment Processor

Selecting a payment processor is one of the most crucial steps. Look for providers that offer competitive rates, transparent fees, and excellent customer service. You can go about this a few different ways.

One option is to partner with a mainstream payment processor. Alternatively, you can adopt booster club software with built-in payment processing solutions. The second option will simplify your payment processing workflows and ensure all your important club data is under one roof. You can track sales, run campaigns, manage merch, and more, all from one platform.

Setting Up Your System

Now, it’s time to set up your system. First, apply for a merchant account with your chosen payment processor. You’ll have to provide some information about your club, including financial data.

Next, decide how you’ll accept payments. Options include online payments through your website, mobile payments using a card reader at events, or both. Ensure your chosen processor supports your preferred methods.

Ensure your team members are familiar with the payment system. Choose a user-friendly option to minimize the learning curve and quickly get everyone up to speed. Proper training helps prevent errors and ensures smooth operation.

After your system is up and running, make sure to tell everyone. Notify parents, staff, students, and the community that your club is now accepting credit card payments so that they can ramp up support for your events.

What’s Next?

Adding credit card processing to the mix can be a game-changer for your booster club. Think of it as getting a top-ranked transfer or bringing in a championship coach to take over a struggling sports team.

However, offering credit card processing also adds new layers of complexity to running your booster club. You’ll have to keep up with things like sales tax, online transactions, and an increased demand for merchandise and food items. Fortunately, you aren’t one to shy away from a challenge. With the right approach, this move can lead to increased participation, improved cash flow, and ultimately, more support.

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Ways to Fundraise for a Booster Club

Fundraising is perhaps one of the most important functions of your booster club. However, it can be tough to build momentum, especially if you are new to fundraising as a whole. You can also get stuck in a rut and feel like you are running the same two or three events on repeat. That’s when it’s important to mix things up to keep club members and donors engaged, ensuring a steady stream of support for your student-athletes. With that in mind, here are a few ways to raise more money for the student-athletes you support:

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Non-Profit Donation Receipt

Whenever someone donates to your club, you must ensure that you send them a clear receipt so they can take advantage of their tax deduction. These receipts are your club’s way of saying, “Thanks for being on the team,” and they’re essential for keeping records organized. Providing a timely and well-documented receipt also makes your club appear professional and organized. In turn, you’ll be able to more easily build trust with donors and encourage them to give again in the future. After all, donors need to be confident that you’re acknowledging and managing their contributions properly. On that note, here are a few tips to help you create compliant receipts:

Booster Club Best Practices

Booster Club Rules

You certainly wouldn’t sign up for a sports league without knowing the rules of the game, so why would you attempt to run a booster club without a clear set of guidelines? In a booster club, the rules take the form of bylaws, which are policies and procedures that are vital in keeping everyone on the same page, helping to avoid misunderstandings, and ensuring that each member understands their part in supporting the club’s mission. In some cases, these bylaws will spell out who can and can’t be members, as well as who is eligible to serve on the board. Some states even have standardized playbooks that you need to follow. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas, for instance, has a playbook of its own, covering specific bylaws for booster clubs that support school programs. In any case, here are some tips for ensuring everyone in your booster club plays by the rules so you can have a productive year: