From Idea to Impact: How Our Pre-Sale Model Works
Not every organization wants to guess how many hoodies to order.
Not every community group can afford to front thousands of dollars in inventory.
And not every great idea should come with financial risk attached.
That’s why we built our Pre-Sale Model, a collaborative way to create meaningful clothing that builds community, raises funds, and avoids overproduction.
So, What Is a Pre-Sale?
At its simplest, a pre-sale means we only produce what people actually order.
But at Local Laundry, it’s more than a sales method, it’s a partnership.
We work with organizations, charities, cultural institutions, and community-led groups to create a custom piece of clothing around a shared story or mission. That piece is offered for a limited time through a pre-sale on our website. Once the pre-sale ends, we produce exactly what was sold, then ship it directly to customers.
No guessing.
No leftover inventory.
No upfront production costs.
How It Works (In Real Life)
1. We start with a design
Sometimes you come with an illustrator or designer. Sometimes we help connect the dots. Either way, we collaborate closely to make sure the artwork feels right, something people genuinely want to wear.
We mock it up on a Local Laundry product (t-shirt, hoodie, crewneck, hat, and more) so everyone can visualize the final piece before it launches.
2. We launch the pre-sale together
The product goes live on our website for a set period of time. During that window, both organizations share the story, inviting the community to support the project.
This is where the magic happens. People aren’t just buying clothing; they’re buying into a cause, a message, or a shared moment.
3. We produce and fulfill everything
Once the pre-sale closes, we produce exactly what was ordered. We handle manufacturing, fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, start to finish.
You don’t have to manage inventory, packing, or emails. We’ve got it covered.
Why Organizations Choose This Model
The pre-sale model works because it removes risk while amplifying impact.
-
No upfront costs
-
No unsold inventory
-
No operational burden
-
No pressure to “sell merch” on your own
Instead, you get a clear, collaborative way to raise funds, tell your story, and offer your community something tangible to rally around.
A Real Example: Calgary Public Library
One of our favourite examples is our collaboration with the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
Working with a local illustrator, we created a limited-edition t-shirt for the Library’s Fifth Book campaign. The design celebrated literacy, community, and public spaces that bring people together.
Through the pre-sale, $20 from every shirt sold was donated to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, and together we raised over $8,000, producing only what was ordered and delivering everything directly to customers.
More Than Merch
We believe clothing can be a tool for connection.
The pre-sale model lets organizations share their values, supporters show up in a visible way, and communities rally around something positive, without waste or unnecessary risk.
If you’re part of an organization with a strong community, a clear mission, and a story worth sharing, a pre-sale might be the right fit.
And if you’re curious about what that could look like for your group, we’d love to explore it with you.
Interested in a project like this? Inquire at locallaundry-custom.ca
