The ecommerce business sector reached profits of over $4.11 trillion USD in 2022. That number changes toward the higher end of the spectrum based on the source you research. Why would such a massive growth in online sales matter to your Australian NFP organisation?
Finding the funds for all your nonprofit’s mission and goals is not an easy task. While the NDIS will help with some attributes, your organisation is likely full of passionate staff, leaders, and volunteers. Using donations is fantastic, but you also want to supplement your operational income by incorporating ecommerce into your website design.
Let’s review a bit of the basics of what ecommerce can do for your NFP’s brand and some tips to help you get started.
Can an Australian NFP Use Ecommerce?
As long as you are selling products that align with your NFP’s mission and use those funds only for the operation of your business (with full transparency), you should be okay with integrating ecommerce.
Most often, NFP websites have a built-in donation system that accepts funds online. That in itself is a form of ecommerce. However, you should always seek legal counsel to ensure you are well within your rights and national guidelines. Some good starting advice is:
- Make sure you have all licensing up to date.
- Never engage in misleading or deceptive conduct.
- Provide digital receipts and the option for paper upon request.
- Ensure all monies received fulfill the operation or goals of your organisation.
- Have a donation/product refund policy in place.
Given these parameters, you should be all set. Those rules are good for improving your reputation even if you aren’t a nonprofit organisation.
Why Integrate NFP Ecommerce?
The most significant reason to seek an ecommerce integration with your NFP’s website is to receive online donations. You always want to make the process of donors sending you money as smooth and straightforward as possible.
In addition, bringing an ecommerce wing of your brand online helps with:
- Diversifying your revenue streams so you aren’t 100% reliant on donations or NDIS funding.
- Provides unlimited revenue, meaning you can drive funding campaigns beyond restrictions.
- Boosts your brand’s visibility online and off (like branded t-shirts volunteers can wear at local events).
- Gives you a way to partner with other businesses like, for example, by adding donors to your branded gifts for donors.
You also get the chance to have a little fun while educating stakeholders in your NFP. Having digital products, physically branded items, and more can get awareness out on what it is you do and how crucial that mission is to the betterment of society.
Top Tips for Building Your NFP Ecommerce Store
#1 – Start with Tech
An ecommerce store requires specialty technology. You have to have a mobile cart with payment processors in place to accept payments and handle VAT, shipping, and more.
Always meet with a website design and development team like us at Web 105 before you bring in your ecommerce products. That will help provide the information you need to determine how to launch and streamline this new revenue stream.
#2 – Brainstorm Early
The products you sell should directly relate to or support your NFP. If you are helping lower the rate of HIV/AIDS in the population, maybe a digital product like graphics, charts, and reports in a bundle for media, schools, and healthcare providers is a good idea. Other suggestions may include:
- Custom-branded apparel (t-shirts, hats, hoodies)
- Eco-friendly reusable bags
- Branded water bottles and tumblers
- Calendars featuring artwork or photography
- Charity-themed books or journals
- Educational toys and games
- Personal care products (soaps, lotions)
- Holiday-themed decorations
- Custom-designed face masks
One of the more famous examples is the Australian Firefighters Calendar which has raised over $3.4 million in donations to Australian nonprofits.
#3 – Train Your Team
Ecommerce, regardless of who it is designed for, requires attention. You will need to train your team in what you’re offering, how your ecommerce system works, and what they should be promoting.
Take an afternoon and walk your team through the process. Maybe even create a mock order so people can understand how to answer any questions from donors, volunteers, staff, and other parties.
#4 – Promote Everywhere
Your ecommerce business venture runs the risk of harming your NFP’s mission. However, you also can suddenly fund crucial capital projects in nothing more than a weekend – with the right product.
You want to walk a fine line that is honest, transparent, and markets the heck out of your products. Be sure to inform your visitors on your website, social media, email campaigns, flyers, and more.
This marketing will have to increase during the holiday or peak seasons, so be sure to keep analytics about your ecommerce activities. This can be achieved through the payment processor and Google Analytics you have integrated into your website.
#5 – Track Everything
As a nonprofit organisation, you will have different reporting duties. You’ll still need to manage VAT reports, as well as inventory, demographics, and other essential information NDIS and government regulators may request.
Yes, this will be extra responsibility for your NFP, but having that information readily available (using digital automation tools we can help you with) ensures you remain fully compliant and transparent. That builds trust in your brand and communicates you are using the funds to help further your helpful mission.
#6 – Shipping & Customer Service
The moment you bring in physical products is when you’ll need information on your website about shipping through local providers, customer service contact information, FAQ pages, and more.
We can help outline what pages and information you should provide so everyone that visits your site has complete assurance you are on the “up and up.”
#7 – Donation & Add-ons
Another fantastic benefit of incorporating ecommerce into your nonprofit organisation is you can combine it with donations. For instance, if a donor makes a $500 gift, they receive an automatic tote with your brand on the front.
This is a popular tactic libraries and even radio stations like NPR in the United States use to garner public support. Your donors get the good feeling of contributing to your cause, and can celebrate their affiliation publicly with products you would sell anyway.
Wrapping Up
When you bring ecommerce into your NFP’s website, you need expert help. While this can be a significant boost to your available funding, it also requires special attention to UI/UX, SEO, image support, payment processors, and so much more.
Let our team at Web 105 be your first destination for growing your Australian not-for-profit online. We have worked with healthcare providers, government agencies, and not-for-profit organisations all over the country. Our team has the experience and commitment to clean website design and development you need.
Give us a call today or book a consultation online, and let’s improve your NFP’s ability to generate crucial funds for your mission.
FAQs
Can a non-profit have an online store?
Yes, most NFPs can have an ecommerce store to accept donations and sell some products. You should always speak with a legal authority first to ensure you are fully compliant with NDIS and other local regulations.
Can I sell products online without registering for business?
If you wish to be a recognised organisation, you must report any actions you take regarding the sales of products. Again, speak with your legal counsel first for insight.
How do you raise money for a nonprofit?
Most nonprofits in Australia function from private gifts and public donations. There is also NDIS funding available, as well as grants through angel investing. Adding ecommerce is simply one more tool in your toolbag to ensure you can fund your mission.